Treating Nasal Congestion in Babies and Young Kids

Common colds can lead to a stuffy nose which makes sleeping and feeding of infants and young kids difficult. There are cases when mothers bring their babies to the emergency room due to inconsolable crying only to find out that their babies have nasal congestion that's why they're irritable. So it is important to remember to clear the nose prior to feeding and sleep so that babies can be more comfortable. You can use saline nasal drops or spray followed by suctioning with a rubber suction bulb before feeding and sleeping. The saline drops are available in drugstores. For those on a budget, you can use Salinase nasal drops or Muconase nasal spay. Although more expensive, I prefer Sterimar nasal spray which sprays much better because of its packaging. You can also make your own saline nasal drops at home by just dissolving 1/4 tsp of salt in 8 oz of water.

How to use saline nasal drops or spray:
1. Lay the baby/child on your lap and tilt his head back slightly.
2. Put 2-3 drops or spray of saline solution in one nostril.
3. Wait for 1 minute to allow the solution to moisten the mucus.
4. Ask the child to blow his nose. If he's still young, you can use the rubber suction bulb. While squeezing the bulb of the rubber suction bulb, insert the tip into the nostril. Then slowly release the pressure on the bulb to draw out the mucus.
5. Do the procedure on the other nostril. Repeat this several times until the nasal stuffiness disappears.
6. You can do this four times a day or as needed for nasal congestion/stuffiness.

For homemade saline nasal drops, always remember the following:
1. Keep saline solution in a clean bottle.
2. Make sure a fresh solution is prepared everyday.
3. Use a clean dropper to administer the liquid.
4. Clean the rubber suction bulb with soap and water after every use.
Squirt out any fluid left in the bulb so that it can dry properly.