‘Healthy children cough about 13 times a day’ is a basic phrase in pediatrics used to explain to parents that their child’s symptoms (such as cough) are normal and can also occur in normal healthy children. This is true to coughing but also valid for other complaints. Mother: “And ever since he’s just been coughing, Doctor”. Pediatrician: “Mom, also healthy children cough about 13 times a day”.