Newborns often have congestion soon after birth because of excess amniotic fluid in their noses. As a result, you may notice them sneezing more frequently as they work to clear the congestion. 6 Fortunately, this congestion should clear on its own within a few days to a week.
If your baby has a cold with no complications, it should resolve within 10 to 14 days. Most colds are simply a nuisance. But it's important to take your baby's signs and symptoms seriously. If symptoms don't improve or if they worsen, it's time to talk to your doctor.
Takeaway. While you'll want to keep an eye out to ensure that nothing else is in the wings, usually a congested nose in your baby is simply part of their growth process. As they get a bit bigger it's likely to simply resolve itself.
One of the safest and most effective ways to help clear a baby's congestion is with a saline (salt water) spray or nose drops. These products are available without a prescription. If you use drops, place two drops in each nostril to loosen the mucus inside.
Concerning Baby Congestion Symptoms
Your baby has a temperature of 100 degrees for more than three days. Your baby is experiencing ear or sinus pain. There is yellow eye discharge. There is a cough that lasts for more than one week.
Nasal allergies are the most common cause of stuffy noses. For children with nasal allergies, harmless substances like pollen and pet dander kick off an inflammatory immune response that makes the body behave like it has a constant, mild cold.
Fill up the humidifier with plain water—no Vicks or other substances—and run it in baby's room while she's sleeping. “Put this close to the crib; it really makes a difference,” Posner says. Steam room. “Steam up the bathroom and sit baby on your lap or breastfeed in there for 20 minutes,” Altmann says.
Keep Theirs Heads Upright
The best default position for your baby to be in when they have a cold is upright. This helps for congestion to clear and for breathing to become easier. And, most importantly, it helps them get that vital rest they need so much.
Gentle taps on your baby's back can help ease chest congestion. Lay them down across your knees and gently pat their back with your cupped hand. Or do it while they sit on your lap with their body leading forward about 30 degrees. It loosens mucus in the chest and makes it easier for them to cough it up.
Like adults, babies can breathe through their mouths if they're stuffed up, but a congested baby is a miserable baby. Even once babies sleep through the night, an annoying cold can have them waking up constantly. To help relieve congestion, use a small spritz of an over-the-counter saline spray to lubricate the nose.
Too much mucus in a baby's nose or throat can sometimes lead to gagging or mild choking. In most cases, your baby will spit up or vomit the extra mucus out.
Gently wipe off the mucus around the baby's nose with tissues to prevent irritation. Limit suctioning to no more than 4 times each day to avoid irritating the nose.
Be sure to elevate their crib mattress by placing rolled Woolino blankets at the head end of the crib to assist gravity in draining mucus more efficiently. During the day, place your congested baby in an upright position whenever possible. Now would be the time to nap in a sling, upright on Mama's chest.
Children and infants have narrower nasal passageways than adults, making them more susceptible to nighttime congestion caused by inflammation or excess mucus. Very young children and especially infants, who mostly breathe through their nose, cannot blow their noses as adults can.
A stuffy nose can make it difficult for your child to breathe. This can make your child fussy, especially when he/she tries to eat or sleep. Suctioning is necessary when an illness causes the body to make too much mucus.
"Suctioning a dry nose or too forceful of suction can irritate or injure the delicate skin inside the nose. Suctioning too much can also sometimes cause further swelling and irritation and make it seem like baby is more congested. Try not to suction more than a few times a day.
The best times to suction are before feeding and before bed. This will help your baby breathe easier when they eat and when they sleep. Make sure you don't suction too much and damage their nose. You can use saline drops to help loosen the mucus in your baby's nose before you suction.
Newborns/Infants: 2 to 6 drops in each nostril as often as needed or as directed by a doctor. Children & adults: 2 to 6 sprays/drops into each nostril as often as needed or as directed by a doctor.
Vacuum at least two times a week, using a HEPA filter.
A stuffy nose can make it hard for your baby to breathe. This can make your baby fussy, especially when he/she tries to eat or sleep. Suctioning makes it easier for your baby to breathe and eat. If needed, it is best to suction your baby's nose before a feeding or bedtime.