If the congestion interferes with a baby's ability to feed or sleep, or if their baby is older than 3 months and has a fever, they should talk with their baby's pediatrician. A healthcare provider will be able to diagnose the issue and provide additional care if symptoms do not improve.
Call Your Doctor If:
Any fever if under 12 weeks old. Nasal discharge lasts more than 14 days. Cough lasts more than 3 weeks. You think your child needs to be seen.
Congestion that lasts longer than 2 weeks#
If your child's congestion lasts longer than about two weeks, their discomfort and sounds of congestion may be symptoms of something a bit more serious and require extra medical intervention.
This is so common there is actually a medical term for it, "nasal congestion of the newborn." Babies have tiny little nasal passages and can sound very congested in the first few weeks of life. They are also "obligate nose breathers," which means they only know how to breathe out of their mouths when they are crying.
For a congested nose, you can help your baby by using saline drops or a saline spray in each nostril, followed by clearing out any mucus using a bulb syringe. For a congested chest and nose, you can help by using a cool-mist humidifier in your baby's room.
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.
Usually, newborn stuffy nose goes away on its own within a few days. In babies, nasal congestion or stuffy nose happens when the tissues inside the nose swell. Use salt water nasal drops or an infant nasal aspirator or suction bulb to help clear mucus from your baby's nose.
Allergic Rhinitis
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.
Newborns can also experience congestion without being sick. Many babies just sound congested until they get a little older and a little bigger. Babies with reflux or who spit up often can also experience a lot of nasal congestion.
Your baby's doctor may recommend saline nasal drops to moisten nasal passages and loosen thick nasal mucus. Look for these OTC drops in your local pharmacy. Apply saline nasal drops, wait for a short period, and then use a suction bulb to draw mucus out of each nostril.
Stuffy noses
Babies can only breathe through their noses (not their mouths). So, when your baby's nose is stuffed up with mucus, it's much harder for them to breathe. When this happens, use saline nose drops or spray (available without a prescription) to loosen the mucus.
What causes nighttime nasal congestion in children? Children and infants have narrower nasal passageways than adults, making them more susceptible to nighttime congestion caused by inflammation or excess mucus.
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.
A parent should never apply Vicks VapoRub to children under 2 years old. For those interested in using a similar product without camphor, Vicks BabyRub is available. Parents and caregivers should use caution and read all instructions before applying Vicks to their children.
A phlegmy cough can sometimes be due to post-nasal drip or drainage when children have runny noses. In younger infants, a phlegmy cough could be due to bronchiolitis, a lower tract respiratory infection brought on by viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
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.
Nasal congestion typically clears after a few days, but congestion that lasts for a week or more may be a sign of an infection. Left untreated, nasal congestion may cause sinusitis, nasal polyps or middle ear infections.
If you have a stuffy nose that lasts more than a couple of weeks, it's best to see a doctor. You should also visit a doctor if you have recurring bouts of sinusitis. The ongoing inflammation caused by unaddressed allergies can lead to persistent nasal congestion.
Use saline drops or spray
Nasal spray works by thinning out the mucus, allowing the nose to clear out and ease congestion. If you can't run to the store for saline drops or spray, try mixing one cup of warm, filtered water and a ½ teaspoon of salt. Make sure your mixture is completely cooled before using.
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.