This is a viral infection which often follows on from a cold and usually occurs in the spring and autumn. Your baby will fight for breath and have spasms of coughing which sound like a sea lion barking. You will need to see your doctor who will prescribe antibiotics if he thinks the croup is caused by a bacterial infection. Steroids may be prescribed and your baby may need admitting to hospital if she is having severe breathing difficulties.
The important thing is to calm your baby by cuddling her on your lap. Do not try and lie her down as this makes breathing difficult. See your doctor or go straight to A7E if she is struggling to breathe. If the situation is less urgent some babies may improve from sitting in a steam filled bathroom while others benefit from being taken into the fresh air but only if the weather is warm and dry.
