When you have a blocked nose or congestion, even just breathing can be hard. Now, imagine how challenging that can be for a baby. Clearing out a baby’s nose as a new parent is somewhat like a rite of passage to parenthood. It’s often a scary ordeal for most people. However, don’t fret. It’ll only get easier. Here are a few ways you can treat your baby’s congested nose.
Use saline spray/drops
Arguably one of the easiest ways of clearing a toddler’s or baby’s nose is by using saline sprays. Saline nasal sprays or drops work by thinning out the baby’s mucus, easing congestion, and clearing out the nose. If you don’t have access to saline spray or drop, you can make one yourself at home. It’s easier than you think.
Steam Sessions
Steam is a great way to loosen up dry congestion and clear up a baby’s blocked nose. One of the easiest ways to do this is by turning on the hot shower in your bathroom, letting the steam build-up, and then sitting with the baby in the steam for around 20 minutes or so, Use eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils for better results.
The Benefits Of Steaming And How To Do It At Home
Using a humidifier
Fill a humidifier and then place it in your baby’s room. Avoid using Vicks medication, though. The moisture alone is enough to help your baby or toddler breathe easily while they sleep. In fact, you can use a humidifier even when your baby doesn’t have a congested nose. The moisture from the humidifier can help with dry, irritated skin.
6 Ways To Make A Natural Humidifier At Home
Natural chest rubs
Chest rubs are a great way to help unblock your baby’s nose. You can make your own natural chest rubs by using essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, chamomile, and lavender, and then mix them with a thick lotion of your choice. These rubs usually work well right before you put your baby to sleep.
Nasal aspirator
Nasal aspirators are another great way to unblock your baby’s congested nose. In fact, they work even better when you combine them with some of the other nose clearing techniques highlighted in this article. You can find these products in your local pharmacy.
Wipe or suck it away
If you’re not sure about all the other techniques highlighted above, you can go old school and either just suck or wipe it away. You can place your mouth on the baby’s nose and suck the mucus out manually. If you don’t think you can do that just yet because it’s your first time, you can use wet cotton swabs and wipe away your baby’s sticky mucus. There are also devices now to do it.
Sleeping positions
If you think your baby is not breathing properly because of the blocked nose, place a rolled towel underneath the mattress to raise it, gently raising your baby’s head in the process. If you want to provide your baby with a bit of relief during the day, drain the mucus by giving them a bit of tummy time.
When your baby finds it hard to feed, has noisy breathing, is snorting, or is just incredibly irritable, this might because of a congested nose. This can be very scary for first-time parents, especially as far as eating and sleeping are concerned. Hopefully, this article has helped is all you need to help you put your baby at ease.
Check out 5 Home Remedies For Dealing With Sinusitis and 8 Tips For Soothing A Teething Baby
