Nasal Congestion In Babies – Causes & Its Solution

As a new parent, nothing sounds more blissful than those adorable smiles and bathing sessions. They are not so neatly matched by the times when your little sunshine is sick and feeling restless. Yes, nasal congestion in babies is highly prevalent. 

Those snoring breaths may leave you worrisome if he has a stuffy nose. It may also cause an accumulation of fluids in his nose and lungs, thus making it harder for him to sleep. It could become worse with seasonal changes or viral infections, and pollution could be another reason for weakening his defenses. 

What is Nasal Congestion?

Nasal congestion means the situation when the nasal and adjacent tissues become swollen with excess fluid, causing a stuffy feeling. It may or may not result in a nasal discharge or runny nose but it can be a real annoyance for babies. It may also disturb their sleep cycles and affect their biological clock negatively. 

Nasal congestion is not a concern; it can be a common cold or infection complication. If your baby is still feeling happy, and eating and sleeping usually, you should not be worried. However, it may soon become a cause of worry when the baby’s fragile defense system fails to drive excess mucus out.

Some common nasal congestion symptoms include:

• Noisy breathing
• Snoring when asleep
• Coughing
• Sniffling

Causes of Nasal Congestion

Infants and toddlers experience multiple conditions in the early years of life. Nasal congestion in newborns isn’t uncommon either. It becomes challenging because the baby’s fragile immune system puts them at risk of other bacterial or viral infections. 

The possible reasons for their frequent susceptibility to such infections are as follows:

• Residual effect: Firstly, your baby spent nine months of his life in amniotic fluid. After delivery, some of them may remain in his sinus, which can congest his lungs.

• Weaker respiratory system: Normally, babies have a weaker respiratory system. Their lungs are not fully developed, so breathing becomes difficult for them. It is thus normal for babies to produce sounds while breathing regularly. 

• No practice: Babies, whether infants or toddlers are not yet trained to clear their sinuses. They need practice. Blowing or sniffing your nose when needed comes much later with children. 

• Medical condition: This congestion may also result from a medical condition called deviated septum or crooked septum since birth. This may make it harder for them to breathe easily. 

• Low immunity: Babies have an underdeveloped immune system which puts them at a higher risk of viral and bacterial infections. Their sensitivity to air irritants like dust, pet dander, and smoke can worsen it. 

In a nutshell, viral and bacterial infections are the common reasons for nasal congestion and sore throat. But these issues may also be triggered by any condition that inflames the nasal tissues.

How to clear Nasal Congestion in Babies?

1. Hydration is the key

Add fluids to your child’s daily regimen to clear nasal congestion naturally. Hydration is crucial, especially if your baby feels congested. It is a natural way to loosen thick mucus or other substances clogging your baby’s lungs or sinuses. 

Note

Childcare experts advise that extra fluids help flush out toxins from the body. So, if you are dealing with newborn nasal congestion, breastfeed as often as possible. 

2. Remove or wipe off irritants from your baby’s room

Newborns are extremely sensitive to irritants like pollen, dirt, dandelions, etc. So if you want to safeguard your child from congestion, the best way is to remove the nasty irritants from the baby’s room or sleeping area. You can also shop for an air filter for your home. In addition, if using room fresheners, go for products with no chemical irritants.

Maintaining cleanliness can defeat congestion at night or during the day. Regularly clean or sweep their room, close the windows when it is windy or rainy, or during the springtime when flowers are blooming. 

3. Use a humidifier

Exposure to dry air can inflame the lining of the nose and manifest as excess mucus in babies and adults. One excellent way to ease congestion is using humidifiers in your home. Humidifiers help add moisture to the dry indoor air, relieving you and your baby from several medical conditions. 

4. Give your baby a warm bath

When you bathe your baby, you create a connection with them. Splashing water, soapy bubbles, and happy giggles help form a strong bond with your kid. They love warm baths, especially if they are experiencing signs of congestion. 

There is an old piece of parenting advice, ‘If your baby is cranky or fussy, you should give them a bath or take them outside.’ So, in this case, giving your baby a nice warm bath can help soothe their congestion. To make it more enjoyable, you should use Mamaearth baby bath products. Among them, our tear-free bathing soap bar gently cleanses their skin and hair and helps stimulate their senses. 

Our Welcome Baby Essential Kit has safe and gentle baby care products, including:

• Plant-Based Laundry Detergent 
• Moisturizing Baby Soap Bar 
• Dusting Powder for Babies 
• Easy Tummy Roll-On 
• Deeply Nourishing Body Wash 
• Moisturizing Daily Lotion for Babies 
• Natural Anti-Mosquito Body Roll-On 

Make bathing time fun and therapeutic for your baby with Mamaearth Deeply Nourishing Body Wash. It helps maintain their skin’s natural pH levels while leaving it hydrated. Then gently massage them with our Moisturizing Daily Lotion. (You should apply it on their back, stomach, legs, arms, and feet. It will also help soothe signs of congestion).

5. Pat your baby’s back

Being a mother, you always know when your baby is in discomfort. Gentle pats on their back not only strengthen your relationship but also helps loosen any excess mucus or fluid in the sinus. It will help your congested baby breathe without any trouble.

6.  A gentle nasal massage is effective

A gentle massage on the areas around the nasal passages can help loosen thick mucus clogging the little one’s sinus. Use only two fingers to gently rub the area around their eyebrows, nose bridge, cheekbones, and the bottom of the head. This nasal massage will help move the mucus and give the baby soothing relief. 

7. Steam works wonders

Steam also helps nasal congestion in newborns, loosening dry congestion. One of the simplest ways is to steam the bathroom by turning on a hot shower. Sit with your baby inside or breastfeed there for 15 minutes. Call the steaming session off if it becomes too hot inside or the baby seems uncomfortable. 

8. Make your baby sit in an upright position

Gravity helps draw some phlegm from the sinus when the baby sits upright. While making them sit in this position, it’s best to hold your baby in your arms. You may also use any supporting device such as a baby or carrier wrap. 

9. Use chemical-free baby skin care products

Babies have more sensitive skin than adults. So, it will be best to be careful of your skin care products to avoid irritation. Artificial fragrances, chemicals, and toxins may irritate their nose and cause congestion in the sinuses. 

Our baby care range is specifically formulated with safe and gentle ingredients for the bay’s sensitive skin. We are Asia’s first MadeSafe Certified brand to craft baby care products with the Goodness of Nature. 

10. Keep a towel under the baby’s mattress

A folded towel underneath their mattresses will help the baby hold his head higher. This added height allows mucus to drain through the baby’s nose while sleeping. It also helps maintain a proper flow of blood and oxygen to the head.

11. Nasal saline drops

Nothing helps a congested baby like saline drops. Just one or two drops of saline drops per nostril do wonders. You can also use a nasal syringe for thick mucus to flush out. The best time to put saline drops is just before a feeding. First, however, be sure to ask your doctor about the recommendations on the best brand.

Congestion At night

Babies who experience regular congestion at night wake up more often in sleep. It is because when lying down on the bed, the horizontal position makes it harder for them to breathe properly. There is no difference in how to treat congestion during the daytime or at night. 

But there are some things to remember-

1. Hold your baby upright to your chest to release the mucus due to gravity. It will also help the baby sleep faster. 
2. Fluids help relieve nasal congestion and sore or parched throat. Serve your baby some water throughout the day apart from feeding them. 
3. Do not use a pillow to elevate the baby’s height. Doing so may increase the risk of suffocation. 
4. Steam inhalation right before bedtime will soothe the throat and loosen thick mucus.

Introducing Mamaearth Breath Easy Vapor Roll-On 

At Mamaearth, we are driven by the Goodness of Nature and so is our safe and gentle baby care range. We know you will always give your baby the best, and this is why we offer our MadeSafe Certified and hypoallergenic products for the purpose. The baby’s skin is delicate and needs care until it matures well. So, we use safe and natural ingredients that are not allergic or harmful to their delicate skin. 

Mamaearth’s Breathe Easy Vapour Roll-On for Babies is a dermatologically tested formula that helps babies doze off better when congestion disrupts their peaceful sleep. It has nourishing ingredients such as wintergreen, lavender, basil, and eucalyptus oil that does wonders in relieving chest and congestion. 

It also works well on signs of sore throat and stuffy nose and is free of harmful chemicals like camphor, petroleum jelly, and artificial fragrances. 

List of Ingredients:-

Wintergreen Oil: This powerful ingredient soothes inflammation in the tissues and muscles. The calming properties of this ingredient help babies to relax and sleep peacefully. 

Lavender Oil: As a stress reliever, lavender oil helps alleviate throat inflammation. It helps the baby relax and have a peaceful sleep. 

Peppermint Oil: Its antimicrobial properties help treat sore throat and reduce lung congestion. It is among the most popular oils used for this purpose.

Eucalyptus Oil: This essential oil treats common conditions, including congestion, cold, and inflammation. The vapors from the oil immediately offer relief to the congested baby.

Summing Up!

Nasal congestion in babies is not necessarily something you should be worried about. Many environmental factors can cause a baby’s chest to become clogged. So, in most cases, as mentioned above, these ways can help decongest a baby’s chest. But if the congestion has led to the onset of other signs such as fever or cough, you should consult your pediatrician.

Growing up is a process that builds immunity within your baby. While it can make parenting difficult, taking the natural route to cure congestion benefits your child. If you are new to parenting, know that falling sick is part of your baby’s growth. Patience, consistency, and a healthy environment for their growth are key. 

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