Newborn infants breathe through the nose, explains MedlinePlus. This can make nasal congestion even more disruptive in a baby's daily activities, like eating and breathing. Over-the-counter medicines aren't safe for use in an infant without the advice of a health care provider. In most cases, a baby's congestion will be treated with a variety of home treatment techniques. Treating the stuffiness isn't likely to cure the underlying cause, but it can improve the child's comfort and make eating easier. Caregivers should consult a health care provider before attempting home treatment.
Step 1
Prop the head of the infant's bed using a pillow under the mattress. Don't put the pillow in the baby's bed, as this is a suffocation hazard. By putting the pillow under the mattress, the baby's head will be elevated to allow mucus to drain out of the nose instead of pool in the sinuses. Keep the baby upright as much as possible when the sinuses are congested. Even a slight incline, such as in a swing or baby bouncing seat, is better than placing the baby flat on her back.
Step 2
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 cup of lukewarm water. Put the solution in a dropper bottle and use it to apply saline drops to the infant's nostrils. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends making these drops fresh every day. These drops can also be purchased over-the-counter in a specialty infant bottle. Misting the solution isn't necessary in an infant. Instead, the dropper tip can be placed just under or slightly inside one nostril, and one or two drops can be squeezed in.
Step 3
Repeat this on the other nostril and wait about one minute before inserting a bulb syringe just slightly inside the infant's nostril after squeezing the bulb tightly. Release the bulb once it is placed in the nostril to suction out mucus. Squeeze the contents of the bulb onto a tissue or rinse it in a sink of hot water by sucking in water and squeezing it out repeatedly. The saline drops and suctioning should be done right before feeding at the breast or bottle. This is also a useful routine to carry out before bed.
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends putting the infant on his side after inserting the drops to allow the mucus to run out. A tissue can also be used to catch the mucus, but it should not be inserted into the nose.
Step 4
Create a moist environment for the infant as often as possible. This can be done by running a humidifier in her bedroom or in her play area for most, if not all, of her day. Holding the infant inside the bathroom while a shower runs and the door is closed can improve moisture inside the baby's nasal passages. Consult a health care provider about using a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil in the shower or the humidifier for added congestion relief.
Tips and Warnings
- Allow the infant to drink formula or water often. Fluids can keep the mucus drainage thin and keep the baby hydrated.
- Avoid using over-the-counter medicines, including chest rubs, without the approval of a health care provider. Many of these products aren't formulated for infants.
Things You'll Need
- Pillows
- Saline drops for infants
- Rubber bulb syringe
- Humidifier
- Eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil
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