Baby Cold Remedies For Home That Every Parent Should Know
The first time you notice that your baby is experiencing a stuffy nose, it can be quite scary as a new parent. Aside from the obvious necessity of being able to breathe, a clear airway is imperative for basic function to the brain, including the ability to continue fundamental activities like eating well and sleeping properly to ensure growth and development. If your precious bundle is suffering from a stuffy nose, there are expert-approved, at-home remedies to ease their discomfort and help to combat their congestion.
As adults we have learned to cope with the occasional stuffy nose… Of course, there is the inconvenience of it all, seemingly tolerable to go about our day to day routines, but oftentimes if the symptoms become overwhelming or even last a bit longer than anticipated, even the most well-adjusted of grown-ups can become increasingly irritable- now just imagine the effect a stuffy nose can have on a baby.
Although mild congestion may not be worrisome, usually due to dry-air, allergies, or viral infections like a ‘common cold’, it is still a big challenge to relieve or resolve when it comes time to clear a baby’s congestion- especially newborn congestion. Treating a stuffy nose in newborns and toddlers is difficult because they are unable to clear any mucus themselves so they rely on mommy or daddy to assist with the task.
Keep reading to learn how to help a baby with a stuffy nose, from home remedies to saline nasal spray and the best baby nasal aspirator designed for quick, safe and effective nasal suction so your baby can breathe easy with the ability to play, grow, eat and sleep through the night.
Baby Stuffy Nose Medicine
When it comes to over the counter typer solutions offering symptom relief, decongestant medicine can not be given to babies until they are approximately 4 years of age and clearly by their primary physician. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), the reason for this is because their bodies are so fragile if ingested they may be potentially exposed to life-threatening side effects, or perhaps a less severe allergen which may occur causing harm.
Many professional pediatric doctors recommend some type of saline solution. (It is prescribed as the only safe and efficient nasal spray for babies, infants and toddlers.) Along with a nasal aspirator, you can suction out the mucus and clear their nasal passages yourself.
TIPS TO CLEAR BABY’S CONGESTION
When using a saline solution, try to adhere to the following steps:
- Try to gently lay the baby flat down on their back.
- If possible, slightly tilt their head back (ever so gentle). Do NOT use force.
- Then, spray two to three drops of saline spray into each nostril.
You may notice that this may cause your baby to sneeze. That is to be expected and not to worry if your baby sneezes some of it out. Rest assured the saline solution still made its way through the nasal passage. Any surplus spray which may drip out of your baby’s nose, just gently wipe away with a soft tissue, making sure not to irritate the tender skin.
After the saline spray has been squirted up the baby’s nostril, you will want to use a nasal aspirator like the Arianna Baby-Vac (easy to use and clean), also known as a bulb syringe by baby experts. It is important to research and select the right one. It is best to choose the one that is specially made for their tiny nostrils with comfort and efficiency in mind. Look for a nasal aspirator with a rounded, acorn-shaped tip so you can gently insert the tip into your baby’s nostril and squeeze the bulb to pump a tiny burst of air out. One thing it is very important to be conscious of is not to stick it too far up the baby’s nostril. Once the pressure has been released, take out the aspirator and push the mucus out of the bulb onto a tissue. Repeat these steps in each side of the nostrils or as needed while cleaning the nasal aspirator in between sessions for the very best baby stuffy nose remedy.
At-Home Remedies for Baby’s Congestion
Looking for alternative natural remedies? Here are three options which might help to clear the congestion and treat a stuffy nose in a newborn and toddlers.
- Steam up the bathroom and sit in the room with your baby to help loosen the mucus in their baby nostrils. (Do not go in a hot shower with your baby.)
- Run a cool air humidifier. Especially during the winter months where dry-air can stuff up your baby’s nose because the heat is constantly on inside. It is a form of prevention and relief. It is particularly useful at night while they are trying to sleep, but also very important to keep the air humidifier clean to prevent fungus from growing which can cause more damage and harm.
- Hydration and rest is always best and encouraged. Naturally we all need more sleep when we are all sick for recovery. Babies may need extra, so do not neglect the importance of a soothing bedtime routine, and additional formula to prevent dehydration and keep their system strong. Another way to decrease congestion during this process of feedings is to position your baby upright.
Time for a Physician?
Most of the time, baby congestion is nothing to worry about and can be treated with the best nasal aspirator. However, do not hold off a visit to your family doctor if your little one is experiencing difficulty breathing, wheezing noises, trouble feeding, or a fever. If the baby’s congestion doesn’t clear up within four or five days, an appointment with the physician is key. In these cases, your doctor will be able to inform you about additional measures or prescriptions on how to clear your baby's stuffy nose.