A stuffy nose in a baby can be irritating for the infant and the parents. It can lead to trouble sleeping and eating. Nasal stuffiness is the result of congestion from a cold, allergy or other ailment impacting the sinuses. Congestion develops when the nasal lining becomes inflamed and closes the nasal passages. Treating baby congestion does not require the use of medications. The America Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), discourages the use of such medicines for any child younger than age 6.
Saline Nasal Spray
An over-the-counter saline spray can be used to moisturize the nasal passages and help relieve the discomfort of congestion. Specially created bottles are made to fit a baby's nostrils. This remedy can also help thin the mucus that may be draining from the sinuses. A bulb syringe can be used in conjunction with the spray to remove stubborn mucus, as baby is too young to blow her nose. The University of Michigan Medical Center (UMICH) suggests mixing warm water and table salt as an even more effective saline nasal solution. These homemade drops can be mixed at a ratio of 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 oz. of water. It can then be dropped into the nose with an eyedropper or dripped using a cotton ball soaked in the solution.
Humidity
Dry, warm air, such as that experienced from heating a home during the winter, can contribute to nasal stuffiness. A cool mist humidifier in an infant's room can add moisture to the air. LIke saline nasal spray, the humidifier can reduce nasal dryness and stuffiness. Another similar option is to run a hot shower and close the bathroom door while the baby is in the room. This steam can increase the humidity in the air just like a humidifier.
Assisting Mucus Drainage
Keeping a baby's head elevated can help the mucus drain out of a baby's nose and reduce the stuffiness. This may not be helpful for baby's who are restless, states BabyCenter.com. A baby could sleep on the opposite end of the bed and end up sleeping at a decline instead. Other ways to assist the drainage include providing baby plenty of fluids, such as clear broths, to thin the mucus. As the nasal fluids drain out the stuffiness can be relieved. Reducing exposure to the congestion trigger, if it is an allergen or other irritating particle, can also reduce the inflammation of the nasal passages. A warm bath with a few drops of menthol or eucalyptus oil can help open baby's airways.
