Stuffy nose is always unwanted and undesired for child or an adult. Infants have a tough time in trying to deal with blocked stuffy nose as they are too small to tell how hard they are finding it to eat, sleep and breathe. The baby feels very uncomfortable and irritated all the time. A couple of things can be done to ease your baby from stuffy nose. Refer the following article to know the home remedies for stuffy nose.

Stuffy nose in infant can be due to allergic reactions or cold or flu. Baby may be struggling with the stuffy nose at night due to cold and cough. Medicine should not be given to baby right away as it can be harmful. Even a small dosage of children’s cold medication should not be given without pediatrician’s advice. Instead of resolving the health problem, medications can complicate it. A viral infection or an allergy is the cause of stuffy nose in majority of cases. Allergic reaction to certain foods or milk and cold air is also the cause of stuffy nose. A child under two years old would experience stuffy nose at least eight times in a year due to constant contact and exposure to different allergens like pollen, animal fur, and dust, according to experts. It needs to be attended promptly although it seems to be a small problem. To make the child comfortable, some symptomatic treatment has to be given.

Remedies for Stuffy Nose in Baby:

Steam:

One of the best stuffy nose remedies for baby is steam breathing or vapor bath. Exposure to steam can help to loosen the phlegm, which is formed in the baby nose. This makes the baby to breathe easily by clearing the nasal passage. For vapor bath, take the baby under a hot shower or prepare some steam by boiling water in a vessel and hold it carefully near baby’s nose.

Use Q- tips:

If there are stubborn bits that got stuck inside, then use a Q-tip to wipe away the remaining obstruction. Do this as long as the bits are close to the entrance of the nose. Do not let the Q-tips stay inside the nose for a long time as it can cause damage and might hurt your baby.

Let infant sleep in an inclined position:

Sleeping in an inclined position helps to promote nasal drainage. This makes it easier for your baby to breathe through his/her nose. Putting something under one end of his crib this can be done. Don’t place anything directly under the baby to prop up. Anything added to your baby’s crib increases risk of SIDS.

Suction Device:

Removal of mucus from the nose is one more method to get rid of stuffy nose. Suction devices can be used and it is easily available at all pharmacy stores. A one piece rubber bulb type suction device is preferred for all babies. Before putting the tube into the baby’s nose, you have to squeez it once. By inserting the tube, gently suck the mucus from one side of the nose and repeat the same for the other side. Baby may cry and move a lot while using this stuffy nose remedy so you will need someone to help you. It is suggested to use the suction device after a steam bath or after the use of saline water.

Keep it cool:

To an infant’s nasal passages, dry air is very aggravating. During the winter months don’t keep your home too hot. To keep your baby warm without drying out his/her nasal passages, seventy degrees Fahrenheit is the perfect temperature.

Saline Water:

Saline water is the popular stuffy nose remedy. A ready made saline water kit can be bought or you can also prepare it at home. To make homemade saline water, make a mixture of one cup warm water and half teaspoon of table salt. Put one drop of saline mixture in each nostril with the help of a dropper. Then gently massage the baby’s nose from both the sides. Repeat this process but only use one drop at a time to prevent choking.

Use a humidifier:

A humidifier is a simple way to help your baby breathe easier by moistening his nasal passages and loosening mucus. Always keep your humidifier clean and change the filter on a regular basis. Further problems can be lead and congestion can worsen, if you fail to maintain humidifier.

Almond oil:

Always have a bottle of almond oil for your little ones at home. Just put two drops of oil in his/her nostril. Almond oil is known to be warm enough for colds, coughs and even a congested chest. So rub on for instant relief.

Other remedies:

Lots of fluids should be given to the baby to replenish lost fluids in the body due to nose dripping or crying out of discomfort. Fluids will also help your baby flush out excess mucus naturally.

As your child has a stuffy nose, he must be using mouth to breathe. That can have a dehydrating effect on the child. Make sure your child drinks lots of water, juice or other kind of liquid that will prevent dehydration.

Many children will panic when they are not able to breathe properly through their nose because of stuffy nose. During times like these, re-assurance is very important for a baby. A tender touch is more than enough to get the child to cool down.

Always cover your baby with warm blankets, when it is having stuffy nose.

Precautions:

Don’t use adult nasal drops in children. Overuse of nasal drops can cause rebound congestion. Therefore, it should be used only when advised.

Antibiotics should be given strictly under medical advice. Keep the child warm. Switch air conditioners off.