If your child's stuffy nose is fairly mild, it's usually fine to treat it at home. But if you suspect your child's congestion is caused by an infection, if you notice green or yellow nasal discharge, a persistent fever, a cough or an earache, it's a good idea to call your child's pediatrician, notes Medline Plus, an online health information resource maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
Salt Water
"Parents" magazine recommends treating stuffy noses with a salt water solution. Fill a nasal spray bottle with a mixture of 1/4-tsp. salt and 1/2-cup warm water, then gently squeeze 2 drops into each nostril. The salt water will loosen up mucus, making it easier for your child to breathe, and restore the protective moisture to your child's nasal cavities. Have your child blow his nose or use a bulb syringe to suction out his nose immediately after using the salt-water solution.
Humidifier
If your child's stuffy nose is worse at night, a humidifier might help, notes Kathi Kemper, in her book "The Holistic Pediatrician," on BabyCenter.com. Kemper recommends adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil, menthol oil or pine oil to your humidifier to relieve your child's congestion. If you don't have a humidifier, spritzing these oils in a steamy bathroom or adding them to your baby's bath can have a similar effect.
Other Measures
Medline Plus recommends a few other ways to relieve congestion: Encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids since dehydration makes it harder for mucus to drain. Prop your child's head on pillows, especially at night, to allow mucus to drain. If your child doesn't use a pillow, prop up the head of the mattress with books or boards so that it's slightly raised.
