Infants and toddlers easily catch cold because they are still building their immunity against common viruses. Nasal congestion or blocked nose troubles a child due to swelling of the blood vessels and tissues in the nasal cavity that leads to accumulation of mucus which blocks the flow of air. This makes it hard for baby to breathe easily and sleep. Indoor heating system, dry air, irritants like dust, smoke and pollen etc. are some of the primary causes of blocked or runny nose in a child. Turning to cold medicines can be harmful for babies and toddlers. Fortunately there are some home remedies to open a child’s blocked nose. But if baby feels trouble in breathing or is unable to sleep please take your baby to the pediatrician to rule out any respiratory infection.
Home Remedies To Unclog Child’s Blocked Nose
Try these home remedies to help to clear baby’s congested nose.
1. Use Nasal Saline For Flushing Out Baby’s Stuffy Nose
Dry air is one of major reason for baby’s blocked nose. Cold and cough medication are not recommended for kids under 4 years of age. So to moisten baby’s blocked nose use saline drops. Saline drops are safe for babies. You can make your own saline solution using filtered water. Mix ¼ tsp. salt in 1 cup of warm water. Lay the baby down on his/her back and using sterilized dropper put 1-2 drop in baby’s nostril. After 30-40 seconds, turn the baby on his stomach to help baby drain out the mucus. You can also purchase saline water from drug store. You can use saline water 2 to 3 times a day but not more than that. Stay away from using saline water for 4-5 days. Over use of saline drops can further dry out baby’s nose.
2. Use A Bulb Syringe For Cleaning Your Child’s Blocked Nose
To expel mucus from the nostril you can use bulb syringe. It is a simple suction device. First of all squeeze out the air from the syringe to create vacuum. If child’s nose is dry with mucus stuffed, first use saline to moisten the nose. Now insert the rubber tip into the nostril and slowly release to draw out mucus. After removing the syringe, squeeze the bulb forcefully to expel and clean out the bulb into a tissue. Clean the syringe and repeat the same process in the other nostril. Do these 2-3 times a day. This process should be carried out very gently, otherwise nasal tissue of your baby can get inflames and even can cause bleeding. Clean the bulb syringe thoroughly with warm water every time you use it.
3. Steam Inhalation
Stem inhalation is one of the most effective methods for combating nasal congestion. Even doctors and pediatrician also recommend it. The warm moist air enters into the lungs via nose and throat, it heals the inflamed sinus. It is equally effective for kids as well as elders. For kids you must use steamer or inhaler that is available at drug stores. Pour water on the bowl attached to the steamer and switch it on near to the bed in baby’s room. It will help to unblock baby’s stuffy nose. In case steam inhalation is not possible, you can run hot water shower in bathroom, build up steam allow your baby to inhale the soothing vapors.
4. Warm Compress
If the baby too small, you can use warm compress to clear the blocked nose of your baby. This will help to loosen and drain the mucus. But do not use too warm or too hot compress on baby’s skin, as baby’s skin is too delicate. Soak a hand towel in warm water. Wring out excess water and place over baby’s nose, forehead, and cheeks for few seconds every time.
5. Keep Your Baby Hydrated
Dry air is one of major cause of blocked nose. Keeping your baby well hydrated will help to unclog the blocked nose. Encourage your baby to drink enough water and fluids. When your baby is younger than 6 months, breastfeed your baby for hydration. If your baby’s is unable to suck milk due to blocked nose, feed the baby breast milk with the help of spoon or bottle. Do not stop feeding; because breast milk is the only source of hydration for your baby. If your baby is older enough, allow your baby to sip warm chicken soup, broth which helps to decongest child’s blocked nose.
6. Use Humidifier Or Cool Mist Vaporizer
Keep humidifier in baby’s room to moisten dry air. But make sure to clean the humidifier every day to avoid buildup of bacteria and mold.
7. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has amazing decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties. You can add few drop in steam inhalation water; put few drop on baby pillow or bed sheet or massage 1-2 drops of this oil in baby’s chest, forehead and back to bring relied from blocked nose.
These simple home remedies are quite helpful in helping the baby get relief from blocked nose and cold symptoms but if your baby do not get relief within three days and he/she has fever or rashes please seek medical attention.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.