How To Unstuff A Baby’s Nose
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Having a stuffy nose is extremely uncomfortable. You want to clear your nose as soon as possible because it can make it difficult to breathe. Each one of us has experienced a stuffy nose at least once in our lives, and we know how hard it can be to go about our day with it. Now imagine the same for a baby — it’s got to be twice as uncomfortable for them because they have no clue what’s happening or how to clear out their nose. As parents, you might be wondering how to help your baby when they have a stuffy nose, and we are here to give you some tricks and tips. Scroll below to find out:
How Can You Tell That Your Baby Has A Stuffy Nose?
It’s pretty common for your baby to get a cold which may lead to congestion. While it’s no reason to worry too much, it can be uneasy for your baby. It may also cause a stuffy nose and rapid or noisy breathing (1). Since babies are susceptible to external factors, even breathing tiny traces of pollutants, dust, smoke, or other irritants may lead to a stuffy nose.
To protect them from these irritants, extra mucus is produced in the nose and airways to trap and remove the irritants. Another possible reason for a stuffy nose or mucus congestion could be exposure to weather conditions like dry air. In rare cases, it could also be because of a deviated septum. Therefore, consult a doctor if your child experiences frequent congestions and a stuffy nose (2).
What Can You Do To Unstuff Your Baby’s Nose?
No parent wants their baby to be uncomfortable and stuffy noses are nothing but that. Your baby may find it hard to breathe with a stuffy nose and may even be cranky and irritable. So if you’re wondering how to unstuff their nose, here’s a list of things you can consider (3):
1. Saline Drops
Use a small syringe and add a few drops of saline into their nostrils. You can prepare saline drops at home and don’t need to visit the hospital. All you need to do is add some non-iodized salt and baking soda in warm water and mix well until it becomes a well-dissolved solution. You can use a small syringe, neti pot, or a nose dropper to put the saline drops into your baby’s nose.
2. Warm Bath
A nice warm bath can help your baby and give them some relief from a stuffy nose. The steam from the hot water helps loosen the mucus and lets it flow out during baths. You can also wrap their heads in a warm towel.
3. Blowing Into Your Baby’s Mouth
A method that moms in the olden days swear by — blowing into your baby’s mouth pushes the mucus out of their nose. The technique can be quite nasty because you will probably be smeared with snot all over your face (Ew, right?). But then again, when you’re used to handling poop every day, a little mucus doesn’t seem so bad.
4. Massage Your Baby
It’s a well-known fact that massages are good for your baby. You can gently massage their nasal bridge, cheekbones, forehead, and temples to give them some relief. Also, provide some steam or cool mist from a humidifier or a warm shower.
5. Clean Your Surroundings
Since babies have a delicate and small nasal passage, they can experience congestion pretty quickly. Therefore, the areas surrounding your baby have to be clean and dust-free. Ensure you wipe out all the dust and possible allergy-inducing substances from your home. Plants, flowers, or even agarbatti smoke may trigger a nasal blockage. So steer clear from them.
No parent wants their baby to be in any discomfort, but a common cold is unavoidable no matter what you do. Therefore, follow the steps we’ve suggested and try to relieve your baby from a stuffy nose. Always consult a medical professional before you go ahead with these techniques; they’ll be able to guide you better. How do you unstuff your baby’s nose? Share some of your methods with us in the comments below!
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