The first time a baby gets sick can be most alarming to new parents. If your baby is very uncomfortable or has a fever, consult with the child's pediatrician. This is especially important if the baby is under three months old or has any other health problems. If the mucus is the result of a regular cold or allergies, there are a few ways to ease the baby's discomfort and get rid of excess mucus.
Ways to Remove Mucus
Step 1
Use a bulb syringe to suck mucus from the baby's nose. These are often given to new parents in the hospital when the baby is discharged after birth, but they can also be purchased at drugstores and in the baby section of most department stores. To use, squeeze and hold the syringe and gently insert the end into baby's nostril, then release. This will pull the mucus into the syringe, and it can then be removed from the baby's nose and repeated on the other side. This can be repeated as often as necessary.
Step 2
Spray saline nasal spray into your child's nostrils to thin out the mucus and improve a stuffy nose, advises Family Doctor. Make sure the spray is saline only, and non-medicated for young children.
Step 3
Use a cool-mist humidifier overnight while the child sleeps, as this can help ease children's congestion and excess mucus. Another option is to give the child a bath or shower in a steamy bathroom, which can also help congestion, states KidsHealth.
Tips and Warnings
- When a child is congested and sick, make sure she gets plenty of fluids and as much rest as possible in order to get better faster.
- Never give cold or cough medicine to a baby under two unless his doctor specifically tells you to.
Things You'll Need
- Bulb syringe
- Cool-mist humidifier
- Saline spray
