From the Guidelines

Newborn cough management is primarily focused on identifying and treating the underlying cause, with a cautious approach to medication use.

The evidence provided focuses on chronic cough in children, but the principles of identifying and treating the underlying cause can be applied to newborns as well 1.
Newborns are a unique population, and their cough may be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as respiratory distress or infection 1.
A thorough clinical review is essential to identify any underlying conditions that may be causing the cough 1.

Etiology-based management is recommended, where the treatment is targeted at the underlying cause of the cough 1.
Antibiotics may be considered if a bacterial infection is suspected, but their use should be guided by local antibiotic sensitivities and limited to a defined duration 1.
Cough suppressants and other over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines should be avoided in newborns due to the risk of significant morbidity and mortality 1.
Environmental influences, such as exposure to tobacco smoke or other toxic substances, should be addressed as part of the management plan 1.

The evidence provided is primarily focused on children aged 14 years and older, but the principles of cough management can be applied to newborns with caution 1.
Premature infants and neonates are excluded from the recommendations provided, and their management may require a different approach 1.

From the Research

The management of cough in newborns is crucial to prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.

The most common cause of cough in children, including newborns, is viral infection, but other causes such as sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux, and pertussis should also be considered 2, 3, 4.
Chronic cough in infants and children is best managed by first following an individualized diagnostic protocol designed to determine the etiology of the cough, followed by specific therapy to treat the underlying disorder 2.
Endoscopy is a useful tool in establishing a precise diagnosis in infants under 18 months of age, particularly in cases where the primary physician's initial efforts at diagnosis and treatment are not effective 2.
The treatment of cough should be based on the etiology, and around 80% of cases can be diagnosed using an optimal approach, with treatment being effective in 90% of them 3.
There is no scientific evidence to justify the use of over-the-counter cough remedies, such as anti-tussives, mucolytics, and/or antihistamines, in children, as they could have potentially serious side effects 3, 5.
A "wait, watch, review" approach is recommended for the management of acute cough in children, with clinicians educating parents on expected illness duration, the risks of using over-the-counter medications, and discussing safe, supportive care measures to alleviate the child's discomfort 5.
Pertussis is a potentially lethal disease in neonates, and strategies for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are crucial to prevent complications and ensure proper treatment 4.