It is totally normal for your baby to come down with a runny nose or cold, just like adults do. Although it can be hard to watch as a parent when your little one sniffles and snorts no thanks to a stuffy nose, believe it or not, it can be a good thing as it is the body's way to get rid of germs. But when your baby has too much mucus, it can be difficult for them to eat or breathe. Here are some tips and tricks that can help make your baby comfortable again.
1. Run a humidifier
Dry air is no help when your baby has a stuffy nose. Raise the air humidity in your baby's nursery or your home by using a humidifier. This can help to loosen your baby's congestion and give extra benefits of relieving dry skin, too!
Crane 2 in 1 Humidifier with Aroma Diffuser
2. Give a warm bath
Just like a humidifier, giving your bub a warm bath can also help with congestion. But remember, your baby's bathwater should never be too hot and kept under 37 degrees Celcius. It might be just what your baby needs to be happy and distracted for a little while!
Get a bath thermometer to help measure your baby's bathwater!
Shnuggle Pebbly Bath Thermometer
3. Use saline drops and a bulb syringe
Another way to help clear your baby's mucus is by using saline drops in the nose. The saline drops you should use for your baby are only saltwater. Stay away from medicated saline drops. Better yet, consult with your doctor if you are unsure about what is safe to use.
Since your baby can't blow their nose yet, you will need to help them for a bit! So to remove mucus, put a few drops of saline in your baby's nose and then use a bulb suction syringe to suck mucus out. Squeeze the mucus in the bulb syringe into a tissue before repeating the same steps on your baby's other nostril. Remember to clean your bulb syringe once done!
Pigeon Nose Cleaner Suction Syringe
4. Remove the sticky stuff
Sometimes mucus hardens into a crusty or sticky mess around your baby's nose area. To clean it safely, use a wet cotton swab to gently wipe the area.
5. Give a face massage
Everyone loves a soothing massage, right? Your baby probably does too! When your baby has a stuffy nose, a face massage can help to loosen mucus and clear the sinus. It may also help make your baby relax! With slight pressure, use your fingertips to massage not only their nose but also their eyebrows, temple, and cheekbones.
