Can a Child With Croup Go to Daycare?

Croup is characterized by a loud, barking cough that is very distinctive -- it sounds a lot like quacking or barking. It is typically a viral infection that infects the windpipe, causing the harsh sounding cough, but it can also be caused by allergies or reflux. The decision to send your child to daycare after the diagnosis should depend on the circumstances.

  1. Is Croup Contagious?

    • Bringing your child to the pediatrician is the first step to finding out whether or not your child has a contagious form of croup. If it is viral, your child can spread the virus through drink sharing, coughing and sneezing on others. If the condition is deemed to be spasmotic croup, it is is due to an allergy or reflux and cannot be spread from person to person.

    Daycare Rules

    • Every daycare handles sick children differently. Daycares may have extensive rules on how long your child has to recover before returning to their facility. Some only allow sick children to attend if they've been fever-free for a certain amount of time, while others may be more lax. Call your daycare provider to inquire about the rules regarding sick children.

    The Decision to Send your Child to Daycare with Croup

    • If your daycare will allow for your child to attend daycare, you should weigh the pros and the cons of keeping your child at home versus sending her to daycare. Just because your child has a harsh cough doesn't mean that she should be excluded from daycare. Oftentimes, children with croup can go on with daily activities just fine. But if your child is feeling really ill, it may be in the child's best interest to stay home and rest so she can recover faster. You should base your decision on your child's behavior -- after all, you know your child best.

    Precautions

    • Keep in mind that viral croup can be spread. Have all members of the family wash their hands frequently and avoid contact with the infected child -- especially contact with the saliva. Remind the child to cover her mouth when coughing or sneezing.

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