Lena Torres
It is common for babies to sound congested, especially in the first few weeks after birth. This is because their nasal passages are very small, and even a small amount of mucus or swelling can cause congestion. Babies are also “obligate nose breathers”, meaning they breathe through their noses, except when crying. Newborns cannot blow their noses and are not good at breathing through their mouths, so even a little mucus can sound dramatic. Congestion can be caused by inflammation and swelling inside the nasal passages, or by mucus buildup, leading to noisy breathing, sniffling, or trouble feeding. If your baby is congested, there are several remedies you can try, such as using a cool mist humidifier or saline drops to help loosen and thin the mucus. If congestion is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor.
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What You'll Learn
It's normal for newborns to sound congested
Another reason for the congestion could be the lingering presence of amniotic fluid. During pregnancy, babies are surrounded by this fluid, and some of it can remain in their nasal passages after birth. This fluid takes time to clear naturally, leading to a congested sound, even without visible mucus.
Additionally, meconium, the newborn's first stool, can sometimes find its way into the nasal passages during birth, causing a blockage that might not present with typical mucus. Newborns also cannot blow their noses, and they are not great at breathing through their mouths. Therefore, even a little mucus can sound dramatic.
If you are concerned about your baby's congestion, there are a few things you can do to help. Creating a humidified environment with a cool mist humidifier can be beneficial, as moist air helps soothe irritated nasal passages and thin any existing secretions. Using saline drops or spray can also help to loosen and thin the mucus. If your baby isn't sneezing on their own to clear their nose, you can use a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to clear away the excess mucus.
However, it's important to note that doing too much, such as frequent use of a nasal aspirator, can irritate the nose further. If your baby seems generally content and is eating, sleeping, and dirtying diapers regularly, you may not need to do anything but wait for the congestion to pass.
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Saline drops and suctioning can help
A baby's nose is tiny, so even a small amount of mucus can cause congestion. Newborns cannot blow their noses, and they are not great at breathing through their mouths either. Saline drops can help reduce nasal congestion and mucus in babies. The saltwater in the drops draws moisture out of tissues, reducing swelling and increasing moisture in dry nasal passages. It also helps soften and dissolve crusty mucus plugs so that they can be removed.
Saline drops can be used to treat nasal congestion caused by colds, the flu, or allergies. They are mostly composed of a saline solution, which causes the blood vessels in the nose to contract and dilutes and breaks down mucus, making it easier to remove. They can be purchased online and in many drugstores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers.
Saline drops are drug-free and can be used as often as necessary to keep a baby's nose clear and moisturized. They can be used alone or with other solutions for added relief, such as a cool-mist humidifier in the room. It is best to use the drops before the baby eats or sleeps, and to clean the nostrils with a warm washcloth or cotton swab before administering the drops.
Suctioning can also help to clear congestion. As babies cannot blow their noses, and they cannot breathe through their mouths until they are 6-12 months old, parents need to use a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to clear away excess mucus. This involves placing the dropper just past the opening of the baby's nose and gently squeezing the bulb to administer the required dosage. It is important to clean the syringe with soap and water after each use to prevent bacteria from building up.
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Humidifiers can prevent nasal irritation
It is normal for babies to sound congested, especially in the first few weeks after birth. This is because their noses are tiny, so even a small amount of mucus can cause congestion. Babies are also ""obligate nose breathers", meaning they mostly breathe through their nose, except when they are crying.
A cool-mist humidifier can help to prevent nasal irritation and congestion in babies. Humidifiers work by increasing the humidity (moisture) in the air, which helps to eliminate dry air that can irritate and inflame the airways in the nose and throat. This can lead to a stuffy nose and mucus build-up, which is more of an issue for babies as they are not able to blow their noses or breathe through their mouths effectively. By adding moisture to the air, humidifiers can therefore prevent nasal irritation and relieve congestion.
To use a humidifier to prevent nasal irritation in babies, it is important to follow a few key steps. Firstly, only fill the humidifier with distilled water, as tap water may contain minerals that can be irritating if inhaled. Ensure that you clean the humidifier regularly, following the manufacturer's instructions, to prevent the growth of bacteria and moulds. Place the humidifier several feet away from the baby's bed and do not run it for long periods. Aim to maintain a humidity level of between 30-50% in the room, as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In addition to using a humidifier, there are other ways to help relieve congestion in babies. These include holding the baby upright when they are awake, giving them a warm bath, using saline drops or nasal saline spray, and gently massaging their nasal bridge, forehead, temples and cheekbones. If congestion persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or vomiting, consult a doctor for advice.
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Congestion can be caused by inflammation
Congestion in babies is common and can be caused by several factors, including inflammation. Babies are "obligate nose breathers", meaning they primarily breathe through their noses, except when crying. As a result, even a small amount of congestion can cause them to sound snorty or congested.
Inflammation of the nasal passages can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, such as the common cold, influenza, sinusitis, or allergies. Viruses can irritate the nasal passages, leading to swelling and increased mucus production, resulting in congestion. In addition, dry air, especially during winter when heating systems are in use, can dry out the nasal passages and lead to inflammation and congestion.
Another potential cause of congestion is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, reaching the back of the throat and irritating the nasal passages, leading to inflammation and congestion. Teething can also cause congestion due to increased blood flow to the gums and inflammation in the nasal passages.
In some cases, congestion may be accompanied by fever, especially if caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Fever is a response to infection and inflammation and may indicate a more severe underlying condition requiring medical attention. It is important to monitor your baby for any additional symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
To help alleviate congestion, there are several remedies you can try. Using saline drops or sprays can help loosen and thin the mucus, making it easier to clear. Additionally, a cool-mist humidifier can add moisture to the air, preventing dry air from irritating the nasal passages. It is important to note that you should not give your baby any medications without consulting a healthcare provider first.
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Consult a doctor if breathing is laboured
It is normal for babies to sound congested, especially in the first few weeks of life. This is because their nasal passages are tiny, and they are ""obligate nose breathers", meaning they mostly breathe through their nose. However, if your baby is struggling to breathe, this could be a sign of respiratory distress, and you should seek immediate medical attention.
Signs of respiratory distress in babies include:
- Dehydration: No urine in more than 8 hours, dark urine, a very dry mouth, and no tears.
- Trouble breathing: If your baby is struggling to breathe, even after clearing out their nose.
- Weak immune system: If your baby has sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, has had an organ transplant, or is taking oral steroids.
- Fever: If your baby is less than 12 weeks old and has a fever, do not give them any fever medicine before they have been seen by a doctor.
- Yellow scabs around the nasal openings: Use an antibiotic ointment.
- Blue skin around the lips if your baby has white skin, or gray or white skin around the lips if your baby has brown or black skin.
If your baby is congested and shows any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- Your baby is younger than three months old.
- Your baby has fewer wet diapers than normal.
- Your baby has a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) for more than three days.
- Your baby shows signs of ear or sinus pain.
- There is yellow eye discharge.
- Your baby's cough lasts more than one week.
- Your baby has green snot for more than two weeks.
If your baby is congested, you can try the following home remedies to help clear their nose:
- Warm baths: A warm bath can help clear congestion.
- Saline drops: A few saline drops in each nostril can help to loosen and thin the mucus.
- Nasal bulb syringes or nasal aspirators: If your baby isn’t sneezing on their own to clear their nose, you can use a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to clear away the excess mucus.
- Cool mist humidifier: A humidifier can prevent dry air from irritating your baby’s nasal passages and help loosen mucus.
- Facial massage: Gently massage the nasal bridge, forehead, temples, and cheekbones.
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Frequently asked questions
Nasal congestion in newborns is common. It occurs due to inflammation and swelling inside the nasal passages, sometimes accompanied by mucus. Even a small amount of mucus can sound dramatic as babies are "obligate nose breathers".
Causes of congestion in babies include the common cold, dry air, air pollutants, and objects stuck in the nasal passages. In newborns, lingering amniotic fluid in the nasal passages after birth can also cause congestion.
You can try using a few saline drops in each nostril to help loosen and thin the mucus, or use a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to clear the excess mucus. A cool-mist humidifier can also help prevent dry air from irritating your baby's nasal passages.
If the congestion is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, or poor feeding, consult a doctor. If your baby is under 2 months old and has a wet cough, reach out to your baby's healthcare provider.
