Are you struggling with a baby stuffy nose? We’ve got some simple tips for how to unblock baby’s nose naturally.
It’s so hard for mamas to watch their little ones suffer, especially when they’re congested.
A stuffy nose can cause a baby to struggle with eating, nursing, sleeping, and playing. It’s heartbreaking to watch.
It’s natural for parents to want to provide their baby relief with any method possible. Problem is, it’s not as easy as popping a decongestant like it is for adults.
There are many methods for how to unblock baby’s nose naturally. These techniques are so gentle, most of them are acceptable treatments for a baby stuffy nose starting with the newborn stage.
Of course it’s essential to note, you should consult with your pediatrician before attempting any congestion relief or if you have any further questions/concerns with your child’s illness.
It’s also important to remember that a congested nose isn’t a problem in and of itself. In fact, increased mucus production is part of the body’s response to get rid of the virus. However, congestion relief may be indicated if the stuffiness is affecting your baby’s ability to eat or breathe.
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In This Guide:
1 | Nose Frida
Let’s just go ahead and get the grossest method out of the way – the Nose Frida Snot Sucker.
Yes, it’s that thing you’ve heard about that literally sucks the snot out of baby’s nose.
Don’t worry, there is a filter to keep that snot from getting anywhere near your mouth. Make sure to stock up on extra filters!
This thing WORKS. You’ll be amazed at everything you suck out of those tiny noses.
One of the biggest benefits of the NoseFrida over the bulb syringe is the ease of cleaning since it comes apart to wash.
Related Crucial Items for Your Baby Medicine Box
2 | Warm Shower
Take a warm shower while holding baby and let the steam help loosen the congestion.
Alternatively you can sit and play in the bathroom while letting the shower run hot and allow steam to fill the bathroom for relief.
After it’s nice and steamy, I like to gentle massage and pat baby’s back to encourage that baby stuffy nose to clear.
3 | Vick’s Rub
Many moms report success by rubbing a small amount of Vick’s Rub on the bottom of baby’s feet before placing on socks and putting them to bed for the night. Vicks BabyRubis approved for baby’s 3 months and older.
4 | Elevate Head
Take advantage of gravity to encourage the congestion to move out of baby’s nasal cavity and drain down their throat.
Use a crib wedge to slightly elevate one side of the crib mattress so they sleep at a slight angle.
Note that this method works best for young, stable sleepers. Not ones that turn and flip around all night.
5 | Saline Spray
For me this was one of the methods of how to unblock baby’s nose naturally that I didn’t believe until I saw it.
For those stubborn noses, spray some saline mist up there to help loosen the mucus a little. It really does a great job of thinning it out so you can more easily suck it out with the Nose Frida Snot Sucker.
And make sure to have some soft boogie wipes available to catch everything that comes out!
6 | Zarbees
Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Cough Syrup + Mucus is approved for use in baby’s 2 months and older.
The ingredients that help fight that baby stuffy nose are organic agave syrup and English ivy leaf extract.
I’ll be honest, I haven’t tried it personally but I have talked to many moms who swear by this product.
7 | Sinus Massage
Applying pressure to specific facial points can provide relief to your baby and help break up congestion due to mucus.
I like to lay baby on their back (I usually do it while on the changing table) and start by gently circling their eyes. Then I apply a little more pressure on either side of the nose, space between the eyebrows, beneath the eyebrows pushing up, and on temples. Finally I start at baby’s eyebrows and then run my fingers in a downward motion towards their nose.
This video demonstrates a great tutorial of the technique I’m referring to.
8 | Check the Air Quality
Baby’s are very sensitive to things in the air – from smoking to dust and even to scented candles.
It’s always a good idea to start by removing anything that could be irritating their nose. You always want to make sure you’re vacuuming and dusting regularly.
Another good idea is to buy an air purifier with a high quality filter.
9 | Hydrate
Since it’s more difficult for baby to eat and drink while congested, it’s easy for them to get dehydrated.
Problem is, when they are dehydrated it tends to cause their mucus to become thick and difficult to remove.
Try to push extra fluids, whether it’s breast milk, formula, water, or even juice (depending on the age of the child).
10 | Use that Humidifier
Dry air can make sinus congestion so much worse! Both help relieve and prevent a baby stuffy nose by running a humidifier at night while your little one is sleeping.
As your baby gets older, be sure to check out these tips for teaching toddlers to blow their own nose!
Did I miss any other tips for how to unblock baby’s nose naturally? Let me know in the comments below!
