Can my baby catch strep throat?

No: It is very unusual for children less than 2 years to catch strep throat-- not impossible, but unlikely.

Yes: Although there is a common misconception that babies don't get strep, they can and frequently do, especially if there are school age children in the home, or if the child attends daycare. If you think your child has a sore throat, they need to be seen. If they have a positive strep test, they require antibiotics to prevent rheumatic fever. Strep cannot be diagnosed without a strep test or culture.