A lot of times when looking up something on the internet, you will find an ample amount of suggestions for your issue. It can be hard to figure out what the best answer is. And when it comes to a congested baby, not having a clear answer is frustrating. Everyone has their own idea of what is best, and you end up with too many answers.
When babies have a stuffy nose, we just want to help so they feel better. A stuffy nose can make them uncomfortable, have trouble sleeping, and make them extra fussy.
Here are some of the things you can do to help your baby with a stuffy nose.
Helping Your Baby Sleep with a Stuffy Nose
Of course, by doing this research I got many answers to problems, but the best way to break through this ice is to find an expert.
Babies with stuffy noses should sleep in an upright position, and the reason is gravity. However, when going down to bed at night they should be lying on a flat mattress. This doesn’t mean that during the day when they sleep, you can’t utilize a baby carrier to keep them upright.
If your baby is old enough, sometimes they will sleep on their side with the head held up high. These open up their nostrils more making breathing with a stuffy nose easier.
Congestion is usually worse at nighttime, so using a humidifier and some saline to help break up the mucus will help your baby immensely. Make sure to use a snot bulb after the saline to help get the mucus out.
Pro tip: If you want to help your baby with a stuffy nose breathe better at night, try slicing red onion and putting it near their bed. The aroma of the onion can help resolve the mucus in their nose and help them breathe better. This is a great home remedy that you can try.
When to See a Doctor
A stuffy nose is not usually cause for concern, however, this is not always the case and you should be aware of studies and research for some signs that could indicate a larger issue when present with congestion.
- Dehydration
- Baby is under 3 months of age
- Trouble breathing
- Flaring nostrils (This indicates that they are having issues breathing.)
- Persistent cough for more than a week
- Wheezing
- Fever lasting 3 days of 100 degrees
- A fever of 104 degrees should be checked right away
- If your baby is under 12 weeks old, a fever of any kind is cause for concern
- Pale or bluish lips
- Green snot for more than 2 weeks
- Yellow eye discharge
- Has problems breathing
- Refuses fluids
- Retraction (This is when the baby’s ribs suck in during each breath.)
- No wet diapers
- Is vomiting
- An earache occurs
- Moaning or grunting after every breath
How You Can Help Your Baby with a Stuffy Nose
WebMD helps with some solutions to help your baby’s stuffy nose. Some things to do are;
- Use a humidifier.
- Saline spray or nose drops.
- Suction bulb.
- Don’t do this more than two or three times a day as it could cause your baby’s nose to dry out and even bleed.
- The best time to suction is before eating and before bed.
- Keep them hydrated.
- This helps thin out the mucus so the body can get rid of it easier.
- Steam
- Taking your child to the bathroom and having some hot water running makes steam and this helps with a stuffy nose as well.
Congestion is common for babies and usually goes away after a few days.
Things to Consider
The AAP does not suggest using Vicks for any child under the age of 2. There are nonmedicated ointments that can help soothe a baby that is older than 2 months of age. One of these is called Zarbee’s Soothing Chest Rub.
If your child is under 2 years old they should not be given anything that contains a decongestant or antihistamine. Studies show that life-threatening side effects could occur including convulsions, rapid heart rates, and death.
Final Thoughts
When our babies are sick even the most experienced parent can get nervous. Safety should always be the first thing to consider for your baby. By utilizing these helpful tips you can get your baby the care they need for their stuffy nose whether it is from home or if needed, from a doctor.
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