Head Congestion in Babies

Any illness for a baby is a stressful time for parents, but head congestion can make infants particularly uncomfortable and upset. Whether caused by a virus or a bacterial infection, there are things parents can do to make their child feel better.

Causes

• Head congestion can affect babies of any age.

  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), common causes of head congestion include allergies, the common cold and bacterial sinusitis.

Cold vs. Sinusitis

• Both a cold and sinusitis can cause a fever.

  Symptoms for the common cold and sinusitis are similar, but your baby may have sinusitis if his symptoms last more than 10 days with no improvement.

Home Remedies

• Using a humidifier can help congested babies sleep better.

  The AAP recommends using saline nose drops followed by a bulb syringe to help relieve a baby's stuffy nose. The academy also advises parents to run a cool-mist humidifier in their child's room.

Cold Medicine

• Do not give babies over-the-counter cough medicine.

  Children under the age of 2 should not be given over-the-counter cough and cold medicine, according to the AAP. Giving children under 2 this type of medication can be life-threatening.

Antibiotics

• Your pediatrician will determine if prescription medication is necessary.

  Your pediatrician will give your baby antibiotics only if she believes the head congestion is caused by a bacterial infection. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections.