Babies and stuffy noses are not a happy combination. Babies rely on their noses to breathe during feedings and become miserable when they cannot eat or take in air easily. Saline nasal spray, available over-the-counter in pharmacies and supermarkets, moistens hardened nasal secretions, making them easier to expel. Use saline nasal spray as a drop rather than a mist to make your baby more comfortable.
Step 1
Roll up a soft child-sized bath towel and place it on a padded surface, such as a changing table or a carpeted floor. Lay your baby on his back with his shoulders pressed against the rolled-up towel; his head should be below the level of his chest.
Step 2
Fill a clean bulb syringe or eye dropper with saline nasal spray. Take care not to overfill the syringe; only four to six drops are required. If using a store-bought bottle of spray, turn the bottle upside down completely to enable its "drip" feature.
Step 3
Hold the syringe in one hand and use the same arm to gently hold your child down flat. Use the other hand to tilt her face upward. Enlist the help of a second adult if needed.
Step 4
Insert two to three drops of nasal spray into your baby's nose. Keep his face tilted upward for at least 30 seconds to let the saline penetrate the nasal tissues. Have a cloth or paper tissues on hand in case your baby sneezes out mucus.
Step 5
Turn your baby over so that he is on his stomach. This position allows thinned-out secretions to drain out of the nose more easily. Use a bulb syringe to suction out mucus if you are not able to wipe it away with a cloth.
Tips and Warnings
- Buy a saline nasal spray that does not contain decongestant medications, or make your own. Combine 1/4 tsp. table salt with 1 cup of warm water. Babies should not use decongestant medications without your pediatrician's direction.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Saline nasal spray
- Bulb syringe
- Tissues
- Measuring spoons
- Salt
