Colds and flu's can lead to a cough, if there is a lot of mucus running down the back of the child’s throat. A cough tends to be a symptom of another illness and can vary in its severity depending on its cause. If your child has a temperature as well as a cough, it could be a sign of a infection. You should visit your GP they will be able to tell if it's a bacterial infection and might prescribe antibiotics to clear it up.
Things you can do to help
Trying to give a feed or a drink just before a nap this can help to soothe the throat. Help clear a chesty cough by laying your baby across your lap and patting their back gently.
Keep your child warm but not too hot and keep their room at a comfortable temperature. This should help stop a cough moving down the chest which could lead to an infection.
Use a inhalant or vapouriser in the room such as Olbas oil or use the oil it self if your child is old enough (3 months), always check the labels before you buy or use products. Most of these products are unsuitable for very small babies.
Take you child into the bathroom sit on the toilet and run the shower so the room fills with steam your child breathes in the steam and it should help to clear the passages ( its the child equivalent of putting your head over a bowl of steam). Warning: It is worth bearing in mind that a cough or wheezing can be a sign of something more serious, such as croup, asthma, or bronchitis. If the cough lasts for more than three days or your child seems breathless, particularly irritable or has a fever, or if you are concerned in any way you should contact your GP.
