How To Clear A Babys Stuffy Nose #3 Love Taps
Hold your baby on your lap, bent slightly forward. Cup your hand and give a tap on the back.
You can also lay the baby on your knees, face down, and do the same. This will help loosen mucus in the chest.
You can also gently massage the chest and back there is nothing like a parents loving touch to soothe and calm your baby.
How To Put Nose Drops Into The Childs Nose
Caution: Remember to use saline drops and suction the nose before feeding. If done after feeding, suctioning may cause vomiting .
If you have any questions, be sure to ask your childs health care provider.
How Does The Diagnosis Happen
A paediatrician will check your babys temperature and observe her breathing pattern. For more clarity on her health condition, an X-ray may be suggested.
Home remedies for cold, cough and nasal block are practised in every Indian household. However, we must understand that all cases of nasal congestion cannot be cured through home remedies. Care and precaution should be taken in case of babies. If the symptoms do not subside, an immediate visit to a paediatrician is a must.
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Why Does My Baby Have A Runny Nose
Most runny noses are caused by viral upper respiratory infections or colds, as most people refer to them, say Navsaria.
Influenza and other specific respiratory viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus , may also cause a runny nose, he says.
Less common causes of baby runny nose are:
- Sinus infections.
- Irritation from a foreign body in the nose.
- Irritation from something in the air. Oil or scent diffusers can cause irritation in some people, including babies, says Navsaria.
Keep in mind that not all runny noses are the result of an infection or irritation.
Cold weather can cause a temporary runny nose in anyone, says Dr. Amna Husain, a pediatrician at Pure Direct Pediatrics in Marlboro, New Jersey. During winter, when the air is dryer, more mucus is created to keep the nasal passages moist.
Use Saline Drops Or Spray
One of easiest ways to clear a babys or toddlers nose is to use a saline nasal spray. Nasal spray works by thinning out the mucus, allowing the nose to clear out and ease congestion.
If you cant run to the store for saline drops or spray, try mixing one cup of warm, filtered water and a ½ teaspoon of salt. Make sure your mixture is completely cooled before using.
Try tilting your babys head back and spraying or squeezing a couple of drops inside the nose. Then, follow with some tummy time or by tilting your baby on its side, allowing the mucus to drain. Keep a soft tissue handy to wipe his/her nose.
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Ways To Help Your Congested Baby Breathe
One of the most common ailments that newborns face is congestion. If you have a congested baby on your hands, youre probably concerned and looking for ways to help your little one breathe better. Youre in luck! This post from the baby experts at Mustela will tell you just that.
Well start by explaining symptoms to watch for as well as what might be causing your babys congestion. Then well show you 13 easy ways to help your congested baby breathe easy.
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When To Call The Doctor
If you have any concerns about your babys congestion or if he or she has any other signs of illness, such as a fever or cough, contact your pediatrician.
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell when a newborn is sick, Dr. Danan says. A simple cold can become something more serious such as croup or pneumonia. If your baby is struggling to breathe or seems to be breathing rapidly, contact your pediatrician right away.
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When Should You Visit The Paediatrician
If home remedies arent working for your baby, she may need a medical check-up.
Consider visiting a paediatrician if:
- The cold doesnt clear up within three weeks.
- Your baby takes quick breaths.
- She is running a high temperature.
- She coughs up blood.
- Your babys condition seems to be getting worse.
- Your little one has a persistent sore throat.
- You see her wheezing and her skin turning pale or blue.
Keep Upright To Help Unblock Babys Nose
Youll often find a newborns blocked nose is worse when they sleep. Thats because when your baby lies down, the mucus isnt able to escape from their nostrils. So use gravity to your advantage to help the snot flow!
Some parents put a towel under the top end of their babys mattress to slightly raise the head at night. You might also find your baby naps more easily securely propped up in a car seat or sitting up on your lap during the daytime.
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Keeping Your Baby Safe
When using the bulb syringe or the nasal aspirator, there are a few precautions you should take. The process should always be very gentle and you should be calm.
Always start the process with freshly washed hands, just like you do with most things when dealing with babies. This will keep you from giving your baby any germs. Also, dont forget to wash your hands after clearing babys secretions to prevent spread to yourself and others.
When you buy a syringe or aspirator, make sure its specifically designed for babies. If the tip is too large, it could damage your little ones nostrils. Also, make sure to carefully follow any directions that come with your device.
Unblock Babys Nose With Saline Drops
Saline nose drops are a common treatment for a babys stuffy nose. They can help relieve a blocked nose by loosening dried snot in the nostrils. Your health visitor, GP or pharmacist will be able to give you more information about how to use them. Some parents use a few drops of breast milk on the nostrils as an alternative to saline drops.
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The Causes Of Baby Congestion
Having a newborn that isnt feeling well can be pretty disheartening. When a baby has a stuffed nose, they sometimes dont even want to eat. This can be very worrisome, particularly for a new mom.
There are many reasons why your babys nose could be clogged, however. Not all of them relate to being sick. Here are five of the more common reasons a baby has difficulty breathing through the nose:
What Causes A Stuffy Nose In Babies And Toddlers
It’s amazing that little noses can produce so much gunk but it’s also totally normal. Stuffed-up noses are caused by inflammation of the sensitive membranes that line the nasal cavity, and theyre usually nothing to worry about.
Congestion in newborn babies is common, even when there’s nothing wrong the mucus in her system means her immune system is developing.
Other causes of congestion in babies and toddlers are upper respiratory viruses like the common cold, the flu, allergies, cold weather and accidental exposure to environmental irritants like tobacco smoke. Your child’s nasal congestion and runny nose may come with other symptoms, including sneezing, a cough and itchy skin around the nose or face.
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How To Help A Congested Baby
Some doctors advise against treating your newborn’s stuffy nose, especially if your baby is feeding well and filling up diapers normally. The argument: Why irritate little nasal passages with salt water or blunt plastic objects unless it’s absolutely necessary?
Others may recommend some simple solutions to clear nasal congestion like using a humidifier, saline drops, and a bulb syringe. If you decide to try these home remedies, here’s what you need to know about helping clear your baby’s congested nose.
How To Tell If Your Baby Is Congested
Your baby cant tell you that shes congested, of course, but you may notice her making more noise when she breathes, or having more trouble taking liquids. Sometimes you can see that she has a stuffy nose, and may even have mucus dripping from her nose as well, which is another sign of congestion. When your baby is experiencing congestion, its likely that she has developed an upper or lower respiratory tract infection. Here are additional symptoms of respiratory infections to look out for:
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Nasal discharge that may be clear at first but then thickens and turns yellow or green
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Difficulty nursing or taking a bottle
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Wet or productive cough
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Difficulty sleeping
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Slightly elevated temperature .
Newborns and babies younger than 3 or 4 months have a tough time with congestion as it can cause discomfort in many ways. A baby isnt able to blow his nose, so the mucus in the nasal passage has no way of coming out without help from an adult. Not only that: a young infant isnt able to breathe well through his mouth, so any congestion can interrupt sleep, causing him to wake up. It can also make feeding more difficult, as the baby must stop sucking in order to take a breath now and then.
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Give Your Baby Extra Tlc
When your baby has a sniffle, cold, or stuffy nose, making them comfortable and doing what you can to relieve their congestion is the name of the game. And showering them with some extra hugs and kisses is part of that. Never underestimate the power of a little extra TLC! Dont wait to stock up on fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products, like Babo Botanicalss Sensitive Baby Shampoo & Wash. Then help ease baby congestion by following the tips and tricks weve listed above.Your little one will be back to their babbling, smiling self in no time!
How Long Does Runny Nose Last In Babies
An infant runny nose caused by the common cold should last a little over a week.
Cold viruses tend to last about 10 days total, says Navsaria. Runny noses will often last less than that 10-day period, but probably by only a day or two.
If a cold lingers for two weeks or more, Navsaria recommends having baby evaluated by their pediatrician to rule out other, more serious viruses, such as RSV or sinusitis.
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Keep Your Baby Hydrated To Avoid Nasal Congestion And Dryness
One of the main causes of nasal congestion in babies is dry air. Therefore, it is necessary to keep them well hydrated. Even if your babys nose is stuffy, hydration can help clear that stuffy nose. You can also put a hot and wet cloth over his eyes from time to time, covering his nose to increase his hydration.
If your baby is less than 6 months old, all you need is to breastfeed. Breast milk provides the baby with the necessary hydration. Dont stop feeding your baby. If your baby cant suck milk because she has a stuffy nose, she can use any of the ways described above to clear her nose.
If your baby is older than 6 months and take foods other than breast milk, you can give him water and soups, broths, etc. to keep it hydrated.
What The Experts Say
So we decided to go to GP Dr Philippa Kaye , who told MFM this:
Although it looks quite revolting this is actually a good way of cleaning snot out of your nasal passages, allowing them to breathe through their noses
Please dont use tap water, rather use saline which can be bought from a chemist.
You need to hold their mouth open, and the saline should come out of the other nostril. Though some may go into their mouth, it doesnt matter if some is swallowed.
The key thing is to be gentle. If they are wriggling, you risk damaging the lining of the nose with the syringe itself and if they are crying or distressed it could lead to choking.
So if they let you it is worth a try, but be gentle.
There you have it! it might well be worth giving this a go if you can get your toddler to stay still, but make sure you use the right liquid and beware that it might be tricky if you have a wriggler.
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Tips And Tricks For Cleaning A Baby Or Toddlers Nose
Nasal congestionno matter your ageisnt comfortable. It can make breathing difficult, your head feel foggy and even your throat scratchy. As adults, we can reach for a tissue and over-the-counter meds for help, but for babies and toddlers, their snot is another story. Often, they are at the mercy of their parents.
Babies are built to breathe out of their noses. They arent very good at breathing out of their mouth yet, said Jonathan Skirko, MD, a craniofacial plastic surgeon and ear, nose and throat specialist at Banner University Medical Center Tucson. When their nose is stuffy, it can interfere with feeding and sleeping. And when its associated with rare conditions, it can even be dangerous.
While the thought of pulling boogers out of anyone elses nose makes many people gag, when it comes to their own little ones, parents roll up their sleeves and do what they have to do. It can be scary, especially if youre cleaning your babys nose for the first time, but dont worry.
Dr. Skirko shared the following tips and tricks for cleaning your little ones nose.