How to Get Rid of Baby Congestion

Nasal congestion is a difficulty in breathing through the nose that accompanies many different problems, from dry air to coughs and other illnesses. Because it is often experienced along with the mucous that comes with an infection, many people believe the mucous to be the cause of the congestion, but this isn't true --- inflamed blood vessels cause it. Babies have small nasal passages that leave them quite vulnerable to congestion. Depending on the cause, there are several possible treatments.

Things You'll Need

• Saline solution
• Vaporizer
• Spray bulb

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Instructions

• 1

  Give your baby a few saline nasal drops. A solution of 0.9 percent salt in water dripped or sprayed into the baby's nostrils will help alleviate congestion. You can buy spray bulbs and drip dispensers at most pharmacies. Because this contains no medication, it is generally safe, although it will only relieve congestion related to irritants such as dust.

• 2

  Use a nasal aspirator. This is an air bulb that helps the baby blow its nose. Although this won't deal with the inflamed blood vessels that cause the congestion, it will clear the mucus from a baby's nose for a short time. This will allow your baby to breathe better and might make her more comfortable when feeding.

• 3

  Check for foreign objects. Sometimes something small might be caught in the baby's nose, causing congestion and mucous. Inspect carefully, but don't poke around with Q-tips or tweezers; if you find something, a doctor should remove it.

• 4

  Visit a doctor, and get medication for persistent infections or allergies. Most medications are not suitable for babies, but if your baby is sick and not recovering, or shows symptoms of allergies, a doctor should be able to write you a prescription. Do not give over-the-counter medications to a baby.

• 5

  Elevate your baby's head because lying down will make congestion worse. Propping up a baby in a sitting position or elevating the head section of his bed will help him breathe more easily.

• 6

  Use a vaporizer. Dry air is a common cause of nasal discomfort in babies. Vaporizers boil water and bring up the humidity in the baby's room, potentially ameliorating the problem if it isn't related to an infection. This is not actually congestion, but the discomfort from dry air often causes very similar effects in a baby.