The Food and Drug Administration has recommended that cold medicines not be used for children under the age of two. Since offering cold medicine shouldn't be an option unless directed by your child's pediatrician, home remedies are safest when dealing with your baby's stuffy nose. A stuffy nose is often so severe that it interferes with your baby's ability to eat and breathe, so clearing the congestion should be your prime operative to help ease your baby and improve comfort.
Bulb Syringe
A bulb syringe, when used safely, is one of your greatest allies in the war against a stuffy nose. Bulb syringes are used by clinics and hospitals to clear babies' nasal passages, but are available at drug stores and baby supply stores. To use a bulb syringe, place a few drops of premixed saline solution -- also found at drug stores -- in each of your baby's nostrils. Depress the end of the bulb syringe and insert the tip up to the safety ridge on the neck of the syringe, then release the bulb. The syringe acts as a vacuum to loosen and remove mucus so your baby breathes easier. Repeat the process as necessary, especially before feedings and bedtime.
Steam and Moisture
Exposing your baby to a moist and humid environment helps to loosen and thin mucus to make it easier to breathe. Turn your shower to hot and let it run for several minutes, filling the bathroom with steam. Bring your baby into the bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the steam to do its work. Installing a cool mist humidifier in your baby's room has a similar effect for long-term relief, such as during naps and sleep time. Avoid heated humidifiers, as they could pose a possible scalding risk for mobile babies. When using a humidifier, change the water daily. Clean the tank and filter every three days with antibacterial cleaning solution and warm water to stop mold growth. Rinse the tank well to avoid cleaning chemicals being dispersed into the air.
Elevated Sleeping
When you place your baby in her bed for the night, the horizontal position makes it difficult for mucus to drain effectively out of the nose or down the throat, resulting in excessive congestion. Elevating your baby's mattress helps to relieve the pooling of mucus in her passages. Start by rolling a towel and placing it under the head of your baby's mattress, raising the top four to five inches. Position your baby in bed and check that the elevation isn't so high that your baby slides down during the night. If the angle is too high, use a folded blanket or pillow instead.
Proper Hydration
When your baby is congested, she's more likely to breathe through her mouth, which leads to dry mouth, sore throat and even symptoms of dehydration. Keeping her well hydrated thins the consistency of the mucus in her nasal passages so it's easier to breathe. Milk, juice, breast milk, formula and water all help to keep her hydrated. If you baby is under the age of 12 months, formula or breast milk is best for hydration as it won't disrupt her eating patterns and caloric needs. Older babies can drink whole milk, juice or pediatric electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated.
References
- What to Expect: Relief for a Stuffy Nose
- Babycenter.com; How to Use a Bulb Syringe; May 2011
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Children": Stuffy Nose How to Break Up Nasal Gridlock
- FDA; OTC Cough and Cold Products: Not For Infants and Children Under 2 Years of Age; January 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Common Cold: Humidifiers; Sept. 25, 2010
