How to Clear a Baby’s Stuffy Nose
Stuffy Nose in Baby: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
When your baby's nose sounds stuffy and they seem uncomfortable, you naturally want to help them breathe easier. The good news is there are several safe, gentle ways to clear your little one's congestion at home, and most stuffy noses in babies clear up on their own within a week or two.
What's going on?
Baby noses get stuffy for lots of reasons. Sometimes it's just because their tiny nasal passages are naturally narrow and even a small amount of mucus can make breathing sound difficult. Cold viruses are another common culprit, especially in the fall and winter months.
Babies are also "obligate nose breathers" until they're about 4 to 6 months old, which means they prefer to breathe through their nose rather than their mouth. This makes any congestion feel more noticeable to both you and your baby.
The stuffiness might seem worse at night when your baby is lying flat, or first thing in the morning when mucus has had time to settle.
What you might notice
- Noisy breathing or snoring sounds
- Difficulty feeding or taking breaks during feeds
- Fussiness, especially when lying down
- Clear or slightly yellow mucus from the nose
- Sneezing more than usual
- Trouble settling for sleep
What helps at home
Saline nose drops are your best friend for baby congestion. You can buy these at any Ontario pharmacy, or make your own with half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of boiled, cooled water. Put 2 to 3 drops in each nostril, wait a minute, then gently suction with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator.
A cool mist humidifier in your baby's room can help keep nasal passages moist. If you don't have one, running a hot shower and sitting in the steamy bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes can provide similar relief.
Elevating your baby's head slightly during sleep might help, but never use pillows for babies under 12 months. Instead, try placing a rolled towel under the mattress at the head end of the crib.
Keep your baby well hydrated. If you're breastfeeding, nurse frequently. Formula fed babies might need smaller, more frequent feeds if congestion makes feeding difficult.
When to worry
Head to the emergency room if your baby has trouble breathing, their lips or face look blue, they're working hard to breathe with their chest muscles, or they seem very unwell and won't feed at all.
Contact your doctor or text Arlo if the congestion lasts more than two weeks, your baby develops a fever, the mucus becomes thick and green, or they seem increasingly uncomfortable despite your home care efforts.
The takeaway
Most baby stuffy noses are temporary and manageable at home with gentle care. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to reach out for guidance when you need it.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References - [Caring for your baby's cold](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/thecommoncold)
- [Nasal congestion in infants](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=776&language=english)
- [When to worry about your baby's breathing](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/breathing_problems)