Smart Tips To Help With Your Baby’s Stuffy Nose

A stuffy nose can be incredibly annoying, and for infants this condition can be quite distressing. The natural way for an infant to breathe is through the nose, so a stuffed up nose can really cause problems. Infants need to be able to perform their simple functions of daily living (breathing, sleeping and eating) with ease. Having to struggle continuously for simple survival can be quite traumatic. On top of that, when your baby is distressed you and your entire household will be as well. Luckily, there are quite a few ways to help your baby get over a stuffy nose or avoid getting stuffed up in the first place. In this article, we will share some top tips for helping your baby breathe easy.

Keep Baby Vertical!

There is a reason why women throughout the ages have carried babies in vertical carriers on their backs or in front. A vertical position helps keep baby's nose clear because it allows mucus to drain. This makes it easier for baby to breathe. Be sure to choose a baby carrier that will help your baby maintain an upright position. Additionally, a carrier that allows your baby to maintain close contact with your body while keeping your hands free will comfort your baby and let you get your own tasks done. If your baby is suffering from a stuffy nose, he or she will recover more quickly with ample soothing and comforting.

Maintains Proper Humidity!

Babies can have a lot of trouble breathing if the air is too dry. If you use a humidifier in your baby's room to keep the air at about thirty-to-fifty percent humidity level, it will alleviate this problem. Moist air is beneficial for keeping mucous membranes moist and breaking up mucus that might otherwise dry and cause your baby's nose to be stuffy. If you do not have a humidifier, you can simply run a hot shower in your bathroom for a few minutes and take your baby into the bathroom to breathe. Just sitting in the steamy air for a few minutes will help a lot. Be sure to put a humidifier on your shopping list and get one as soon as possible.

Use An Aspirator Judiciously!

If your baby has a lot of wet mucous in the nose, you can clear it with a nasal aspirator such as an old-fashioned bulb syringe, which can be purchased at any drug store or the "parent-powered" BabyComfyNose model picture here. Just be sure to choose an aspirator that doesn't go all the way into the baby's nasal cavity and use it very gently. Don't use a nasal aspirator too often because it can actually make the stuffiness worse and cause irritation and swelling of the nasal passages if overused.

Soften Mucous With Saline Solution

If your baby has a crusty nose because of dried mucous, you can make good use of saline drops to soften the mucous and help clear your baby's nose. Saline drops are inexpensive to buy and even less expensive to make. Just mix a level teaspoon of pickling salts into a cup of filtered, boiled water. Allow the solution to cool to room temperature before using. Administer just a few drops to the opening of the nostrils using a dropper. Be sure baby is upright and cannot aspirate the drops. You can wipe away excess saline solution and mucous with a soft cloth dampened in saline solution.

Consult Your Pediatrician Before Administering Medications!

Opt for natural solutions as often as possible. Be aware that over the counter medications are never intended for infants. You must consult your physician before administering any kind of medication; however, you may be able to help your baby overcome a stuffy nose with simple, natural breast feeding. Breast milk contains antigens and has antibacterial properties, so breastfeeding can actually have an immediate positive effect on a stuffy nose. Ongoing breastfeeding will help your baby stay healthy and strong.

Control Household Allergens

To keep your baby and your entire household allergy free, be sure to control allergens in the house. Minimize dust and dander with frequent damp cloth dusting. Don't use a feather-type duster that just causes dust to fly around in the air. Equip your air conditioners and vacuum with HEPA filters to minimize allergens and contaminants in the air.

By minimizing household allergens and maintaining an optimal level of humidity in your home, you can provide a healthy environment. By keeping your baby in a vertical position as much as possible and making good use of healthy, natural solutions you can help your baby cope with or completely avoid having a stuffy nose. Follow the tips presented here for a healthy, happy baby.

Copyright:SB:4/5/13