Nasal congestion is one of the most common symptoms a newborn suffers, so we’re sharing this article with you to help you clear your baby’s stuffy nose.
We want to emphasize that nasal congestion is only a symptom. The cause – viral infections or allergies in most cases – must be identified and treated by a pediatrician.
Therefore, the following remedies only provide relief from the symptoms while the cause is being resolved.
Is it necessary to clear your baby´s stuffy nose?
Nasal congestion is not a symptom that you should be overly concerned about. However, it can be frustrating and upsetting for both the baby and you, moms and dads.
Besides, breathing through the mouth for a long time can lead to a sore throat or infection in some cases, so the advice of experts is to try to remedy this as much as possible.
How can you do it? Here are some options to help you relieve the congested nose of your child, but in any case, remember that our advice is you should always consult your pediatrician before decongesting your baby’s nose with any of these options.
4 remedies to treat your baby’s stuffy nose
Saline solution
It is an effective solution to get your baby to shed their mucous, leaving a clear path in their nostrils. Pay special attention to your pediatrician’s instructions if you choose this method, as some of these solutions contain products that are not suitable for babies.
Steam
Steam is one of the most effective solutions to nasal congestion. Opening the hot water and closing the bathroom doors and windows, forming a kind of sauna, will help your baby breathe better.
Humidifier
Another way to use steam to decongest your baby is to use an electric humidifier. These devices turn water into steam, humidifying the air in the process.
Lots of liquid
Try to keep your baby hydrated at all the time. If you do this, their mucous membrane will be more fluid and they will expel it easily.
Also, pediatricians and pulmonologists like Dr. Julian Alvarado talk about the importance of keeping your baby away from fans, air conditioners or heaters, as well as sitting your baby down instead of lying down for as long as possible.
Another issue that health care professionals are concerned about is that Vicks VapoRub, a product widely used to treat nasal congestion, is not safe for children under the age of two.