It is normal for babies to have a stuffy nose. The congestion inside their airways is due to accumulated excess fluid or mucus, which forms tissues inside their noses. Babies were surrounded by fluid in the womb for months, and their natural reaction as they come in contact with the outside environment is to sneeze. This reaction is to get rid of the excess fluid inside their nasal passages. Nasal congestion will cause babies to snort or breathe heavily. These conditions usually alarm parents, especially mothers. A baby nasal aspirator can easily resolve mild congestion. Babies have immature lungs that need a little assistance to expel the extra fluid from their airways, and these gadgets will safely do the job.
It is usual for the baby’s nasal congestion to go away naturally within a few days to a week. However, unattended mucus can dry up, causing blood vessels inside their dry nose to bleed. If your baby’s nose suddenly bleeds without any injury, do not panic. It might be due to a dry nose. You can moisten your baby’s nose by running a humidifier or a cool-mist vaporizer near your baby’s crib.
Soothing ways to care for your baby’s nasal airways:
1. Bath
A warm bath will help clear your baby’s nasal congestion. Running a warm shower while you and your babysit in the bathroom will allow your baby to breathe in the warm mist. The mist will help moisten your baby’s nasal airways.
2. Massage
Softly massage your baby’s face, especially the part of the nose and around it, to dislodge any dried-up mucus. Your touch will also help soothe the baby’s discomfort.
3. Cotton swab
Gently cleaning your baby’s nose with a wet cotton swab will help remove the dried-up mucus blocking his nostrils.
4. Air humidifier
The vapour and mist from an air humidifier or cool-mist vaporizers will keep your baby’s nose adequately moistened and loosen any dried-up mucus. Ensure that you properly and regularly clean the equipment to avoid causing any respiratory conditions.
5. Nasal saline drops
Ask your doctor for the best nasal saline drops for your baby. Using a nose dropper, put one or two drops into your baby’s nose. Wait for a minute to give the saline solution time to moisten and loosen the mucus, and then turn your baby on their tummy to help drain their nose. Catch the mucus with a tissue, wet wipes or soft towel. The baby might also cough or sneeze the saline solution and mucus out. You may also help your baby by wiping the outside of his nose to draw the fluid out.
6. Baby nasal aspirator
The most convenient to remove your baby’s mucus is by using a nasal aspirator. Infants breathe through their noses and not through their mouths. Even in cases when their noses are congested, they will try their hardest to breathe through their nose. It will result in heavy breathing, snorting, and a lot of discomfort. To help your baby clear his/her nasal passageway, use saline drops and with a nasal aspirator, draw the mucus out. It is important to do this before feeding your baby to avoid possible vomiting. Clearing his/her nose will help the baby breathe easily during feeding and sleep deeply after.
Do not give your babies decongestant medicine. Try the methods mentioned and observe his/her breathing improve. Ensure that you keep your home free from smoke and dust. Consult your doctor if your baby’s condition does not improve after two days.
