Doctor Tips On How To Safely Clear A Newborn's Congested Nose

While it can be extremely stressful for parents to watch their newborn baby struggling to breathe, with the right tips and tricks, parents will be able to relieve the baby of congestion and clear their nasal passage. Here are some doctor-recommended things to follow.

Caring for a newborn can be a tricky thing for first-time parents, who are completely invested in ensuring the baby's overall well-being. From figuring out their sleeping schedule to boosting their immunity and protecting them, parents are ready to do it all. One classic problem that many newborn babies experience is that of nose congestion. Sometimes, they struggle to breathe due to a stuffy nose. While newborn congestion can be worrying for parents, with the right care, they are able to help the baby breathe comfortably. Read on to know what a doctor has to say.

According to Dr Sanju Sidaraddi, consultant, pediatrician and neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, newborns are delicate and need extra care, especially when they fall sick. "They are more likely to take ill and catch colds or infections. This is because their immune system is not fully developed yet. One of the most common issues that newborns face is that of nasal congestion. It becomes extremely difficult for the baby to breathe or even sleep properly when their tiny nose gets blocked," the doctor says, adding that unlike adults, newborns can struggle when it comes to breathing through their mouths. This makes nasal congestion an uncomfortable and overwhelming experience for them.

"As parents, it is natural to feel worried and helpless to see your baby struggling to breathe. It, however, is imperative to stay calm and avoid experimenting with some random home remedies or over-the-counter pills without consulting with a doctor," Dr Sidaraddi warns.

Tips To Safely Clear A Newborn's Congested Nose

Here are a few safe and gentle ways to clear your baby's congested nose and give them relief, as recommended by the expert.

1. Steam therapy: One effective way to loosen the mucus is by giving the baby steam therapy. According to the doctor, a parent can sit with the baby in a steamy bathroom between 10 and 15 minutes. The warm steam is supposed to open up the nasal passages, making it easier for the mucus to come out naturally. But, the baby must never be exposed directly to the hot steam.
2. Use saline drops: Your newborn's blocked nose problem can be solved with the help of saline nasal drops. These drops help loosen up the thick mucus that is stuck inside the baby's tiny nasal passage. You can put a few drops of saline solution in each of the nostrils and wait for a few minutes before clearing the nose. This is usually considered safe and harmless. Consider consulting a doctor before trying the saline drops.
3. Use a cool-mist humidifier: Parents can consider placing a cool-mist humidifier in the baby's room to add moisture to the air and prevent their nasal passages from drying out. It can clear the mucus buildup to provide relief to the baby. But, it is important to clean the humidifier from time-to-time to prevent bacterial growth.
4. Nose massage: Parents can gently massage the baby's nose using their fingertips to clear the nasal congestion, the expert suggests, adding that massaging the baby's nose and forehead areas can provide much-needed relief from the congestion, while also improving blood circulation.