When To Visit The Doctor
Most of the time, baby congestion is nothing to worry about. But you should visit the doctor if your little one has difficulty breathing, wheezing noises, trouble feeding, or a fever. Also make an appointment if congestion doesn’t clear within four or five days. In this case, your doctor might be able to inform you about how to clear a baby’s stuffy nose.
How To Identify Baby Nasal Congestion
Before using any remedies for decongestion, its important to know that congestion is the problem youre dealing with. Another issue might be a nostril that has been blocked by a foreign object. Of course, sometimes a blocked nose is unmistakable, but its worth checking to see if there might be something up there! If there is, you should take your baby to A& E or a minor injuries unit to have it safely removed.
When your baby has a blocked nose, you might also notice mucus around their nostrils. They might have a low fever or other symptoms, or just be generally fussy or unhappy. Fortunately, there are some great remedies you can try when your baby has a stuffy nose.
Remove Irritants From Your Babys Environment
As we mentioned earlier, your baby is extremely sensitive to air irritants like pollen, dirt, dust, and pet dander. An effective way to help your congested baby is to remove the obvious irritants from your babys environment.
Dust and sweep your home regularly. Leave windows closed when its windy and in the springtime when plants are blooming. If your little one seems extra sensitive, consider purchasing an air filter for your home.
Additionally, if youre looking for a way to freshen up your home, choose products that are non-irritating. These can safely be used to freshen up and perfume your babys nursery and linens.
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What To Do For A Congested Baby
Fortunately, many home remedies are quite effective at making your little one more comfortable. Here are a few easy treatments to try. Best part? You probably have many of these already at home.
Breast milk. It doesnt get more naturalor easierthan this. A drop or two in the nose can help loosen congestion, Altmann says. Let baby sniff it up, then give him tummy time when he lifts his head, itll drain out. You can also drain by holding your congested baby upright.
Nasal saline. As with breast milk, add a drop or two in each nostril. You can buy nasal saline or make it at home: Mix a quarter teaspoon of table salt and 8 ounces of bottled water, Altmann says.
Cool mist humidifier. Fill up the humidifier with plain waterno Vicks or other substancesand run it in babys room while shes sleeping. Put this close to the crib it really makes a difference, Posner says.
Steam room. Steam up the bathroom and sit baby on your lap or breastfeed in there for 20 minutes, Altmann says. The humidity loosens any dry congestion in the nose to help it drain.
Warm juice. For babies 6 months and up, try feeding baby a little warm, unsweetened apple juice or water . Just as with OTC products, theyll soften any mucus that ends up in the back of babys throat.
Spit Up And Gas: Whats Normal
Spit-up and vomiting
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It is normal for babies to spit up at times. A little bit of spit-up every time your baby eats is okay. Dont be concerned even if your baby vomits a larger amount every once in awhile.
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If your baby is vomiting a lot each time she eats, it could be a sign that he or she is getting too much milk or formula in one feeding. Try feeding your baby smaller amounts more frequently.
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If your baby is vomiting in a forceful stream with every feeding or between feedings, call and make an appointment with your pediatrician right away.
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It is normal for your baby to have a lot of gas. Usually, she will not be too uncomfortable.
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Rubbing your babys tummy gently or putting a warm towel on her tummy can also help.
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You can help prevent gas by burping your baby after each feeding.
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Breastfeeding moms should also pay attention to see if there are any foods that you are eating that seem to upset your baby’s stomach every time you eat them.
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You do not need to treat gas, but if you want to try something, it is safe for you to use gas drops called simethicone .
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How To Treat Congestion In Babies
If your newborn is particularly congested and appears distressed, there are some things you can do. “Helping remove the mucus from your babys nose should make them more comfortable,” says Dr. Stempel.
If you decide to try one or more home remedies, here’s what you need to know about helping clear your baby’s congested nose.
Why My Baby Is Always Congested: To Sum It Up
Congestion is a common problem in babies, but it can be worrisome for parents. By understanding the causes and symptoms of baby congestion, and knowing how to treat it, you can help your baby feel better fast.
It can be a good idea to always keep on hand some essentials such as bulb syringe, saline drops, or also called nose drops and air humidifier.
If you have any other questions about baby congestion or runny nose please consult your pediatrician.
I hope this article helped you figure out why your baby is always congested! Thanks for reading!
As always, if you have any questions, dont hesitate to ask. , , or .
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What Do I Do If My Baby Has Cold Symptoms Or A Fever
Testing your baby is similar to testing yourself. Babies can often get PCR tests in the same places where you will be tested, or you can use a rapid antigen test on them.
If you are using a RAT its important to check its for the correct age group, as not all RATs can be used on children. It will say on the packet whether it is suitable. Otherwise ask your pharmacist for the correct test for your childs age.
Its also important to follow the specific instructions for the test you have purchased, as not all will be the same.
Give Your Baby A Gentle Nasal Massage
A gentle nasal massage can help loosen and remove any substances clogging your little ones sinuses. Simply use two fingers to gently rub the area around the top of your babys nose.
This can also include the region just under your little ones eyebrows. Monitor your baby closely to make sure theyre not experiencing any discomfort.
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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.
Dont Rule Out Sickness
Remember that a stuffy nose is a symptom of something else, not a condition itself. It usually means they have a cold or flu.
If you think they could possibly be sick, dont hesitate to take them to the doctor.
When should you be concerned?
- Your child seems like they have a fever.
- Their breathing seems labored for long periods of time.
- Theyre unable to sleep.
- They have persistent difficulty with feeding.
If your child seems to experiencing any of these problems, you should take them to the doctor or ER immediately.
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How To Prevent Baby Congestion
While some congestion is inevitable, especially in newborns, there are things you can do to help prevent bothersome congestion, especially from colds. The first step is knowing what congestion culprits to avoid. For instance, keep your baby away from the following common nasal irritants:
- Aerosol sprays
- Perfumes or scented body lotions
- Pet hair
For babies under 3 months old, it’s important to keep them away from anyone who is sick. Avoiding crowds can help, too. This practice is especially important in the winter months when more people are sick with colds and other viruses. Keep in mind that a virus that only causes a mild illness in an adult can result in a serious situation for an infant.
How To Help A Congested Baby
Some doctors advise against treating your newborns 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 its 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, heres what you need to know about helping clear your babys congested nose.
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Types Of Baby Congestion
Baby congested but no mucus in the nose. Some babies might sound congested, but theres no mucus in their nose, which is also super common. The Texas Childrens Hospital explained nasal congestion in newborns is so common they call it nasal congestion of the newborn. Not only do babies have tiny nostrils, but theyre also obligate nose breathers, which means they can only breathe through their mouth when theyre crying, making even the most infinitesimal blockage sound awful.
Baby congestion in the chest. This one is trickier. If your newborn sounds congested, is coughing or wheezing, here are a few things to try to help soothe their symptoms. Babies under four years old cant take cough and cold medicines, so youll need to go the natural route here.
Let Your Baby Sit Upright
When your baby is sitting upright, the forces of gravity will help draw out some of the mucus thats clogging their sinuses. As such, letting your little one sit upright will help clear up their congestion. Its best to hold your baby in your arms or put them in a supportive device, like a carrier wrap or sling.
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When To Call The Doctor About Baby Congestion
Is baby eating well? Is there no sign of fever or cough? If he seems like his ol happy self, except for the blocked-up nose, then just let your little one be and simply keep a close eye on him. Its usually safe to watch at home for a few days, Fisher says. Call the doctor if the baby congestion persists, or if your child starts to heat up with fever, develop a cough or lose his appetite. Get immediate help if you see the following conditions:
- Breathing using stomach muscles
- High-pitched wheezing
- Pale or blue skin
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
When Should I Seek Medical Advice
Talk to your doctor if your baby has any of the following:
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difficulty breathing
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persistent fever
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feeding difficulties impacting hydration or causing less than 50% of normal number of nappies.
It is important to note any fever in a newborn up to three months of age requires a medical review, regardless of whether the baby has COVID.
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Keep Your New Baby Safe And Sound
As your baby grows and begins to explore the world, you want to do everything possible to help keep her safe. Here are our top tips for infant safety:
Safe sleeping
Back to sleep: When you lay your baby down to sleep, always place her on her back. This position helps reduce the risk of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Babies should sleep near you in a safe crib or bassinet, but not in the same bed. Its safe to bring your baby into bed to nurse or cuddle, but return your baby to her own crib or bassinet when youre ready to go back to sleep. If you have questions about bed sharing, talk to your pediatrician or practitioner.
Safe crib: Do not use loose, soft bedding or soft toys in your babys crib. Its okay to use a thin blanket for swaddling. Sleep sacks can help keep your baby warm. Make sure your babys crib is safe: do not use a crib with drop sides, the slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the mattress should be firm and fit snugly into the crib. Check to see that your crib is Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association certified. More on new crib standards.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site includes safety tips, a buying guide, and videos on correct installation.
Visit Seatcheck.org to find a child seat safety-inspection station near you and get help installing and using child-safety seats. You can also call 1-866-SEAT-CHECK to find an inspection station or to make an appointment to have your seat inspected.
How Do You Treat Congestion In Babies
Here are some great tips from your favorite pediatric ENT in Amherst:
BathsThe steam from the bathtub can help loosen the mucus in your childs nose so it can drain away naturally. If your child is reluctant to take a bath, you can also hold him/her in the bathroom while letting the shower run.
Air QualityYou might also consider placing a humidifier in the babys bedroom at night. If your child is very sensitive, you could even invest in an air filter to clear the air of any potential irritants.
Saline SpraysYou can pick up a simple, over-the-counter saline spray to help with decongestion. Squeeze a couple of drops of salt water into each nostril and then suck up the liquid with a suction bulb.
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How To Relieve Nasal Congestion
The moment you notice your baby is a little congested, you probably begin wondering what you can do to help. Depending on the severity of the congestion, you have varied options.
Can I Protect My Baby If I Have Covid
If you test positive, and have a newborn or infant at home, there are some protective steps you can take. These include hand-washing before providing care, and wearing a mask when breastfeeding or in close contact. Current evidence suggests COVID-19 cannot be spread through breastmilk.
Read more:Should I get a COVID vaccine while I’m pregnant or breastfeeding? Is it safe for me and my baby?
Its still really important to continue breastfeeding and there is no need to separate mother and baby.
Transmission from older siblings and other close contacts may also be reduced by vaccination. Vaccination of parents and caregivers will also reduce their chance of severe disease, thereby minimising the risks and interruptions for mother and baby.
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Your Babys Congested Nose And Chest: Why It Happens
Nasal congestion is common in babies younger than 6 months, as they naturally build up mucus without a way to clear it â your newborn canât simply blow their nose like older children and adults can. So, although common colds and other infections can make baby congestion worse, a stuffy nose can also happen without your little one being ill.
Chest congestion or congestion that affects your babyâs nose and throat is typically caused by respiratory tract infections , such as a cold. With hundreds of different cold viruses â none of which your little one has been exposed to yet â itâs not surprising that babies tend to have about eight colds each year. As they grow older and build immunity, colds will be less frequent.
In most cases, baby congestion caused by respiratory tract infections can be treated at home with simple remedies that help alleviate symptoms and gradually move the virus out of the body. Although most colds go away in about five to seven days for children, it could take up to two weeks for newborns and younger babies.
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Crying from discomfort .