A stuffy nose can make it difficult for your baby to breathe or sleep. He may also have trouble eating because the stuffiness can interfere with his ability to suck in milk or formula. To make sure that your baby can eat and peacefully sleep, you can help loosen and remove the mucus from his nose at home.
Saline
Saline solution can help loosen the mucus inside your baby's nose. According to Babycenter website, you can find saline drops or spray at a pharmacy or make your own by dissolving ¼ tsp. of salt in 8 oz. of warm water. To administer the saline, lay your baby in your lap face-up with her head between your knees. Allow her head to tilt back slightly, and put 1 to 2 drops in each of her nostrils with an eyedropper. If you are using a saline spray, apply one to two squirts. Keep your baby's head still for 10 seconds to allow the saline to be effective. Do not use saline in her nose for more than four days in a row, as it can dry out her nose.
Syringe
Although your baby may not enjoy the process, you can use a rubber bulb syringe to extract mucus from his nose. Use a saline solution first to loosen up the mucus, then lay your baby in your lap with his head tilted back slightly. Squeeze the bulb, and then insert the rubber tip into one of your baby's nostrils. Release the bulb slowly to extract the mucus and then remove it from your baby's nose. Squeeze the bulb to extract the mucus into a tissue and repeat the process in his other nostril. You can also use a battery-operated nasal aspirator that quickly removes mucus from your baby's nose. Do this process only two to three times a day to avoid irritating his nose lining, and clean the syringe with warm soapy water between uses.
Moist Air
Adding moisture to the air can help loosen mucus and relieve your baby's congestion. Try turning on the hot water in your shower and closing the door so that the room fills with steam. Sit with your baby in there for a few minutes before she goes to bed. You can also put a vaporizer or humidifier in her room, which puts mist or steam into the air while she sleeps.
Other Remedies
MedlinePlus website states that you can help relieve your baby's congestion by raising the head of his crib. Place some sturdy books or boards under the legs at the head of his bed. For babies older than 6 months of age, you can try giving weak chamomile tea, and La Leche League International recommends breastfeeding him in an upright position to help his nasal passages drain while he eats.
Warnings
MedlinePlus states that nasal prays and cold medications are not recommended for babies to use. Call your baby's doctor if she has a fever, her stuffy nose is not improving or if you are otherwise concerned about her health. Her doctor may want to rule out serious sickness and can recommend other remedies.
