Nasal congestion in babies is something that overwhelms them a lot, because they can't breathe, this together with the fact that they feel bad, sore and strangely tired, and us adults. Seeing a baby suffer is not pleasant for anyone, so today we are going to give several tips to decongest a baby's nose.
When the nose gets clogged, the child's health is at some risk, which is why we have to have a nasal vacuum on hand to decongest his nose as soon as possible. In addition, we must have all the senses on alert because those snot could be the result of a cold, allergy or flu that is showing its face.
What is nasal congestion in a baby?
When we see our baby with a stuffy nose, we tend to panic, especially if we're first-time mothers or caring for a baby, like our nephew or niece. The most common causes of nasal congestion are allergies or other illnesses such as colds or the flu. In any case, we should observe the child and consult a doctor if there are allergy symptoms, shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, fever, nosebleeds, etc.
The nasal congestion suffered by our baby is due to inflammation of the nasal tissues and the accumulation of liquid or dry secretions that get stuck in the nose, thus blocking the air inlet and outlet. This is a very stressful situation for everyone, both for the baby and for the parents.
It is very important to decongest the nose every time we see that it is not breathing well to facilitate oxygenation of the brain and that our child does not suffer from this stress and anxiety. Fortunately, there are several methods that we are going to explain below and among all of them, we are going to say which one we have tried and which we recommend.
Effective methods to decongest the nose
There are several effective methods to decongest the nose in a baby, and one of them is also used by adults, such as saline solution, but since it is a baby, we are going to give other faster and more practical options such as the nasal aspirator.
Physiological serum
The basic physiological serum that is suitable for adults and us, since it has a delicate composition and specially formulated to reduce inflammation and unattack the nasal passages of the whole family. In addition, this serum is also often used to clean the ears, but in the case of babies, it is better to ask a pediatrician.
The mode of use is very simple, but if we are new and we are scared, we encourage you to take 5 deep breaths before starting the process:
- We take a brand new syringe (without needle).
- We introduce it into the saline bottle and fill in about 8 ml.
- Now have someone place the baby in their arms facing the floor (similar to the photo above) or lying on their side.
- Under the baby's head we place a towel, basin, climb, sink or something.
- We introduce the syringe into one nostril and squeeze about 3 ml.
- The physiological serum will come out through the other nostril, thus freeing the baby from the irritating nasal congestion. It is recommended to repeat the process for the other pit so that the job is finished and quickly cut that stress situation for everyone.
It is an unpleasant process, like all of them since it is such a small being that is suffering a lot of stress, but this is one of the best methods to decongest the nose.
Nasal spray adapted to your age
It's not our favorite option, but it's very effective. Nasal spray for children is usually saline-based , but it's not a completely natural solution, as it contains some additional ingredients. The good thing is that it has an ergonomic applicator that fits the child's nose.
The way in which this solution must be applied is the same in which we have applied the saline in the previous section. If we opt for this option, it is best to look for a brand that offers a product that is as natural as possible.
Steam shower
This option is very common, especially when a child is sick with a fever and needs their temperature brought down as quickly as possible. A steam bath opens the airways and decongests the nasal passages . This method is somewhat slower than the other methods mentioned in the text, but it's good to know in case you ever find yourself in this situation and don't have saline solution, nasal spray, or a nasal aspirator on hand. It can also be a good option while the other parent runs to a pharmacy to buy one of the other options mentioned in the text.
We can take advantage of bath time to boost the steam and decongest the child's nose. Let's not use soapy water, or put our finger in his nose, or a wet handkerchief or anything. The same steam will do its job.
nasal aspirator
It is a very effective method, but it is somewhat unpleasant. If we are sensitive to certain substances, situations, colors, smells, etc. This method had better be done by someone else. It is similar to the physiological saline technique, only instead of expelling with the force of a syringe, we inhale with the force of our lungs.
The nasal aspirator consists of an extremely delicate and flexible plastic tube with a silicone nozzle that is inserted into the child's nose. At the other end of the tube, you suction with all your strength to extract the secretions (don't worry, parents, it won't go into your mouth). Furthermore, this method effectively removes both dry and wet secretions of any size or thickness, even those lodged in the throat, relieving the child of suffocation caused by a blocked nose.
There is also the pear-shaped type that does not use our lungs, but with the hand, as if it were a manual air pump or a stress ball. Both are safe, 100% effective and developed and adapted to the smallest members of the family.