When we had our son, I looked forward to all the things my baby would do and learn. Taking his first steps, his first words, going to school, just to mention a few. But then came cold and flu season and he caught a cold. It was quite stressful. His nose was blocked, which affected his feeding and sleep. It’s normal for kids to have colds as their immune systems are still developing, but I was still distraught. I wanted to find ways to help clear his stuffy nose and ease his discomfort.
What causes nasal congestion in babies?
Several factors can lead to nasal congestion. The nasal passages of newborns are so small that a little bit of mucus and irritation can cause a blockage. Allergies can also result in nasal congestion, but the biggest culprit is a cold or the flu. Viruses cause a majority of nasal congestion cases in infants. A stuffy nose can mean one very cranky baby, especially with newborns since they are primarily nose breathers. Your baby must have a clear nasal cavity so they can breathe well, feed without fussing, sleep peacefully and be comfortable. Clearing the nasal passage can also reduce the number of infections your baby gets.
Unlike grownups or older children, infants cannot use decongestants to relieve their stuffy nose. They dry up mucous and cause more blockage in the nasal cavity. If your baby is experiencing an allergic reaction, using antihistamines can cause drowsiness and thicker mucus, which can also block the nose. I know cleaning a baby’s nose to remove dried mucus or to clear stuffiness can be challenging, but I found these tips helpful and I’m sure you will too.
Use Saline drops or a spray
Using a saline solution to ease nasal congestion is the safest option for infants and toddlers. The saline solution loosens the mucus in your baby’s nose and can cause him to sneeze, which moves the mucus to the front of his nose where you can get to it. Saline drops or sprays are available from the local drug stores, and they are easy to use too.
If you are using saline drops, begin by laying your baby down and tilting his head back carefully. Squeeze about two to three drops of the solution into each nostril. Hold your baby’s head back for a minute and let it flow back into the nose. For the nasal spray, hold your infant upright and spray the mist into each nostril; then lay him down with his head lower than the body to let the solution flow back into the nose. After about a minute, turn him onto his stomach and let the nose drain. Wipe the mucus gently around the nose.
You can also make your own saline solution. Dissolve a pinch of salt in about half a cup of warm distilled or filtered water. Once the salt is completely dissolved, use the solution as described above. Discard after three days from the date of preparation. Do not use the saline solution too often as it can dry out the nasal passage.
Use a Bulb Syringe
A bulb syringe is made of rubber and uses air to draw out snot. To use a bulb syringe, start by squirting some saline solution into your baby’s nose and let it sit for about three minutes. Tilt his head back to help the solution get down his nasal cavity. Put the baby in a sitting position and squeeze out the air from the syringe keeping it pinched. Place the tip inside the nose but not too deep and release the bulb pressure to suck the mucus out. Take the syringe out and remove the mucus on a tissue. Make sure to clean the syringe after every use to prevent germ transfer.
Use a Nasal Aspirator
A nasal aspirator is a small suction device that removes snot from a baby’s nose. They are used together with a saline solution which thins the mucus making it easier to remove. For babies under six months use a milder solution, and for older kids, you can use a hypertonic solution. You can purchase the solution or make some at home, as shown above.
Nasal aspirators consist of a nozzle, a piece of soft tubing and a mouthpiece connected to a tube. They are used much like bulb syringes except the suction comes from the mouthpiece. Many parents find them less invasive and a lot more efficient than bulb syringes. To use a nasal aspirator, start by adding a saline solution to the baby’s nose and see if it clears the congestion. If not, place the nozzle into the nostril and the mouthpiece in your mouth. Gently suck out the mucus from the baby’s nose into the nozzle. Repeat the process for the other nostril. The device contains a filter to keep you from inhaling any germs or mucus.
Use Steam or a Cool Air Humidifier
Run a hot shower for a few minutes and steam up the bathroom. Ensure the windows and the door are closed and sit with your baby in there for a bit. The steam will help loosen the crusted mucus from the nose.
Dry air, from the heater or AC, can dry out your little one’s nose causing it to produce more mucus in response. Using a humidifier while he is asleep can bring relief and even prevent a stuffy nose. The extra moisture in the air will soften the mucus and soothe the nasal passage.
Raise the mattress in his crib
Its easier to breathe through a stuffy nose when our head is slightly elevated. Placing a pillow under a baby’s head is not recommended because it puts the baby at risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Instead, place a towel or a pillow under the mattress to elevate it slightly. Gravity will offer relief from the stuffy nose while he sleeps.
Clean off the crusted mucus
If your baby has a runny nose or dried mucus around their nose, use a damp cloth or cotton ball to clean the area. Moisten any crusted mucus before trying to remove it to reduce discomfort. While cleaning, wipe away from the nose, not towards it. You can also apply a protectant, such as petroleum jelly, Aquaphor, lip balm or any product made to help a baby with chapped skin.
Try Nasopharyngeal (NP) Suctioning
Nasopharyngeal suctioning is done by a nurse or a doctor when; a bulb syringe or an aspirator can’t remove the mucus; your baby is breathing abnormally; he needs more oxygen and if he cannot eat and breathe simultaneously. It is like other suctioning procedures and uses a saline solution to loosen the mucus. A small tube connected to a suctioning device is gently placed into the baby’s nose until it touches the back of the neck. This induces coughing making the mucus come up to the back of the throat. Suction is then applied to remove the mucus, and the tube is taken out. This procedure is repeated as needed to clear the baby’s nose.
NP can cause some discomfort to your baby while it is being done, so soothe him to keep him calm. Frequent NP suctioning can also cause swelling inside the nose and a bit of nose bleeding. If this occurs, a smaller tube should be used. Also, it should not be performed after eating as vomiting may occur.
Here are some tips to keep in mind while using a bulb syringe or a nasal aspirator.
- Be very gentle; aggressive suctioning can inflame the cavity and cause bleeding worsening the congestion.
- Do not suction the baby’s nose more than two times a day to prevent damage and irritation.
- Ensure your hands are clean before beginning the process. If you cannot wash them use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- For saline solution, use only two to three drops per nostril. Even if he sneezes some out, it will still make its way into the nostril.
- Don’t use saline drops continuously. They can dry out your little one’s nose and worsen the congestion.
- If your munchkin fusses too much as you are trying to decongest his nose, stop and try again later.
- Purchase a nasal aspirator designed for use on baby’s small nostrils.
- When using the aspirator, once you are done, remove the nozzle in a downward direction.
- Make sure to clean all the parts thoroughly with warm soapy water. Rinse them well and ensure that they dry completely.
These products have comprehensive instructions, so follow them. Before using it on your baby, try it out first. Test the pressure of the suction by placing the syringe or aspirator on your fingertip. This will help you gauge how much pressure to use on your baby safely.
A stuffy nose can be trying for baby and mommy, but by using any of these methods, you can ease your baby’s congestion quickly. Sometimes you simply have to wait out a stuffy nose. If your little champ is active baby and feeding well, there is no cause for alarm. If the congestion doesn’t go away or gets worse, see a doctor immediately.