How to unblock a baby’s nose naturally

Nasal congestion in babies can be challenging to treat. Medicated products are usually not recommended in young infants due to safety concerns and the cause of congestion is often unclear. That makes it difficult to know what to do, so what do you need to know?

What’s causing my baby’s stuffy nose?

The reason behind nasal congestion is that the nasal and surrounding areas becoming inflamed and swollen with fluid and mucus buildup. This causes the nasal passageways to become narrower, which can make it more difficult to breathe through the nose and harder for your baby to sleep and feed well. This might happen if your baby has a cold or allergies, amongst other causes.

Treatments for a baby’s blocked nose

Nasal saline products contain naturally sourced seawater and work by loosening mucus and gently cleansing nasal passages.

hydraSense^® Baby Nasal Care products contain a sterile saline solution that is free of medications and preservatives and are designed specifically for use in the delicate nostrils of young babies.

Nasal Aspirator vs Nasal Spray

hydraSense^® Easydose^® vials are individual ready-to-use vials with saline solution that can be used either alone or with an aspirator device to help relieve nasal congestion and cold symptoms.

hydraSense^® Baby Nasal Care Ultra-Gentle Mist is a nasal spray device intended for use in the nose that can be used to reduce and relieve nasal congestion and cold symptoms.

hydraSense^® Baby Nasal Care Nasal Aspirator involves the use of a device to suction mucus out of your baby’s nose after liquefying it with single-use Easydose^® vials.

When to consult a physician

It may be necessary to seek advice from a healthcare provider in these situations:

• Congestion symptoms persist for over 5 days or are worsening
• Your baby’s nasal discharge is yellow or green
• Your baby has a fever or is tugging at their ears
• Your baby is having difficulty feeding and can’t keep down food or liquids

References

Rabago, D., & Zgierska, A. (2009). Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions. American family physician, 80(10), 1117–1119.

Naclerio, R. M., Bachert, C., & Baraniuk, J. N. (2010). Pathophysiology of nasal congestion. International journal of general medicine, 3, 47–57.

Papsin, B., & McTavish, A. (2003). Saline nasal irrigation: Its role as an adjunct treatment. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 49, 168–173.

Kanjanawasee, D., Seresirikachorn, K., Chitsuthipakorn, W., & Snidvongs, K. (2018). Hypertonic Saline Versus Isotonic Saline Nasal Irrigation: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. American journal of rhinology & allergy, 32(4), 269–279.