How to Relieve Nasal Congestion in Infants

Nasal congestion in infants can make your little one uncomfortable and interfere with sleep and feedings. Congestion in babies most often occurs when your baby has a cold. Nasal congestion can often be reduced without the use of medication. There are several ways to treat nasal congestion in infants.

Babies may develop nasal congestion when they have excess mucus due to a cold or as a response to an irritant, such as cigarette smoke. Although it is always advisable to check with your child’s doctor, many nasal decongestions are not intended for infants. There are several ways to relieve nasal congestion in an infant without the use of medication.

• Try saline nose drops. Infant drops are available over the counter. Place two drops in each nostril to help thin the mucus. This may help it drain from the nose easier.


• Use an infant bulb suction. These can easily be found at grocery stores and pharmacies. Squeeze the bulb in order to release the air. Place the tip slightly into the baby’s nostril. Release the bulb, which will suck the mucus out of the nostril. Repeat in the other nostril. Avoid suctioning too frequently. This can cause irritation to the inside of the nose.


• Place pillows under your baby’s mattress to elevate the baby’s head. This may increase nasal drainage and help your baby breath easier.


• Set up a cool mist humidifier to moisten the air in your baby’s room. This can make it easier for the mucus to drain out of the nose. Don’t place the humidifier directly toward the baby. This can cause your baby to get chilled.


• Encourage your baby to take fluids. Whether you are bottle feeding or breastfeeding continue to do so. Drinking plenty of fluids can prevent dehydration when your baby is sick. It may also help keep the mucus from becoming too thick.


• Turn the shower on in the bathroom and allow it to get steamy. Sit with your baby in the bathroom for a few minutes.


• Watch for signs of your baby is getting worse. Although nasal congestion is usually not serious, if other symptoms develop, such as an ear infection, high fever or trouble breathing, seek medical attention immediately.