The cause of congestion in babies is usually the common cold. According to the Mayo Clinic, most babies have eight to 10 colds in the first two years of life. This is because of their immature immune system. Congestion may occur in conjunction with nasal discharge, sneezing, irritability, coughing, poor appetite or trouble sleeping. If there are no complications in your baby's sickness, the cold will resolve itself in seven to 10 days. However, there are ways to reduce his congestion in the meantime.
Step 1
Tilt your baby's head back slightly, and insert the tip of a saline nose drop bottle into her nose. These over-the-counter drops help to loosen nasal mucus. MedlinePlus recommends putting 2 to 3 drops into each nostril.
Step 2
Squeeze the bulb of a rubber syringe, and insert the tip about ¼ inch into your baby's nose. Release the bulb and allow it to suction the mucus from his nose, then remove it and repeat on the other side of his nose.
Step 3
Tap your baby's back gently while she is leaned forward on your lap. According to Healthy Children, a website from the American Academy of Pediatrics, this can help to loosen mucus.
Step 4
Sit with your baby in the bathroom while you have the hot water running and the door closed. Breathing in the warm, moist air can loosen his congestion.
Step 5
Put a humidifier or vaporizer in your baby's room. These machines help to add moisture to the air, which can relieve congestion.
Tips and Warnings
- Be sure to clean the rubber syringe with soap and water after using it. You can also use a battery-operated aspirator that uses disposable tips. Change the water in a humidifier or vaporizer daily in order to prevent the growth of mold. Offer plenty of fluids to your baby in order to keep her from becoming dehydrated while she is sick. To help her eat easier, try using the syringe to get rid of mucus about 15 minutes before it's time for her to eat.
- The Mayo Clinic recommends taking your baby to the doctor at the first sign of a cold. He may be at risk for pneumonia or croup, especially if he is younger than 3 months old. Do not give your baby cough or cold medicine. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, these medicines can be life threatening for a baby.
Things You'll Need
- Saline drops
- Rubber bulb syringe
- Humidifier or vaporizer
