Baby Stuffy Nose Remedy

Baby stuffy nose is a nightmare for most moms. The babies are not able to eat or breathe properly because of a stuffy nose and thus, are always crying. If you are a new mom and find your baby in a similar situation, it can be quite heartbreaking for you. Let's discuss the various treatments for baby stuffy nose which will bring relief to your child, but before that let's see what causes stuffy nose in babies.

Causes of Stuffy Nose in Babies

Cold: Stuffy nose in babies could be due to common cold, if it is accompanied by symptoms such as runny nose, cough, sneezing, chest congestion and mild fever.

Flu: Stuffy nose could be caused due to a flu infection, if the baby is displaying severe cold symptoms such as a cough and runny nose, accompanied by a high temperature, i.e. more than 102 degrees F, loss of appetite, vomiting and stomach disorders such as diarrhea.

Nasal Allergy: If the baby is displaying symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, chest congestion, coughing and red, teary eyes, the stuffy nose could be due to some allergy.

Foreign Object: Stuffy nose in babies could also be due to some foreign object, which they have accidentally inhaled through the nostril. The symptoms produced by a foreign object in the nose would be a runny, stuffy nose only on one side and a smelly discharge from the nose.

Stuffy Nose Treatment for Babies

The treatment for baby stuffy nose will depend upon what has caused it in the first place and also, the age of your baby. If the baby has a stuffy nose due to cold and he is more than three months old, you may use a decongestant. However, if he is less than three months old, rely on home treatments to cure the baby of cold and avoid medication as far as possible. Home remedies for baby's stuffy nose relief include, feeding him with extra fluids, keeping the baby's room air moist by placing a vaporizer, so that the mucus does not become dry and stick to the baby's nasal passages, giving the baby warm baths, making him wear warm clothes and feeding him breast milk to boost his immunity. If your baby has a blocked stuffy nose due to the presence of mucus, you may use a nasal aspirator to clear the baby's stuffy nose. You may also use saline solution nose drops to clear the baby stuffy nose.

Doctors generally prescribe antibiotics for treating baby stuffy nose caused by a flu or viral infection. Home treatments for treating the cold and flu are the same. In addition to the above-mentioned home treatments, make the baby rest and sleep for as much time as you can so that he is able to regain his health faster. Providing the baby with steam is a very effective baby's stuffy nose remedy. For providing your baby with steam, simply turn on the hot water in the bathroom and close the windows and the doors. The steam will get formed within minutes. Sit with your baby in the bathroom for about 15 minutes. Repeat this process thrice a day, and you will see that the baby's nose will clear up within few days.

Nasal allergy can be treated by giving the infant antihistamine medications, but only after consulting with a doctor. The baby's room environment should also be cleared of the substances that have triggered the allergy in him for providing allergy relief. Baby's stuffy nose caused as a result of a foreign body lodged in the nose, can be treated by removing the foreign object from his nose, either by using tweezers or by using any instrument which has a hook at the tip. If the foreign object is lodged deep inside the baby's nose, do not try to remove it yourself at home, instead take the child to a pediatrician.

Besides these baby stuffy nose remedies, remember to feed the baby regularly. It is often seen that the babies are not able to eat properly when they have a stuffy nose. In order to feed the baby with adequate amount of food and to keep the baby well-nourished, increase the number of times you feed the baby. With these precautions, home remedies and proper baby care, the baby will certainly have a clear nose. However, if the mucus of the baby becomes green and thickens, if the baby has difficulty in breathing or if his body temperature rises beyond 102 degrees F, it is recommended that you consult a pediatrician without any delay.