How To Clear A Baby's Blocked Nose

Believe it or not, a runny nosecan be a good thing. It's the body's way of getting rid of germs. But when your baby has too much mucus, it can give him a stuffy head. It can also make it hard to eat or breathe.

But don’t worry, a few home remedies can make your little one more comfortable again. Helping you both get a good night’s sleep!

Put a few drops into each nostril, and then use a bulb syringe to remove some mucus. It's safe to repeat this as often as you need. And if you do it right before your baby feeds/eats it will make mealtime easier.

It works best if your baby is under 6 months. Older babies may get fussy when you use the bulb. If that happens, it's OK to skip that part. The saline drops thin the mucus, so you can let it work itself out of their nose on its own.

Here's how to use the bulb the right way:

Sometimes mucus hardens into a crusty or sticky mess around the outside of your baby's nose. To clean it safely, wet a cotton swab with warm water and gently wipe the area. They won’t like it very much but it will make them a lot more comfortable.

Place a cool-mist vaporiser or humidifier in your baby's room to add moisture to the air. It helps clear his stuffy nose. Make sure to clean the machine regularly so mould doesn't grow inside it.

You can get the same soothing effect and relief if you and your baby sit in a steamy bathroom.

Gently tapping 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 to cough up.

Not every stuffy, runny nose needs treatment. If it's not bothering your baby, you don't have to do anything. As long as your little one is active and eats and drinks normally, it's fine to wait and watch.