Stuffy nose: 3 ways to treat nasal congestion without medicine

What causes newborn congestion (stuffy nose)?

Congestion — also called a stuffy nose — happens when the blood vessels in the inner lining of your nose become inflamed or swollen. In newborns, any inflammation can make them much more uncomfortable when congested due to those tiny noses and nostrils. 

Respiratory infections like the common cold, the flu (influenza), and RSV can cause congestion.

How can I tell if my newborn is congested?

If your newborn is congested, you may notice signs like:

• Noisy breathing
• Snoring
• Thick mucus in their nose
• Trouble feeding
• A runny nose

Are there medications that treat newborn congestion?

Treating nasal congestion in newborns and young infants requires caution. Over-the-counter congestion and cold medicines are not recommended for small babies. In fact, OTC cough and cold medicines are not recommended for any children under 6 years old because they may not be effective and can increase the risk of negative side effects.  

Ways to manage newborn congestion (stuffy nose) without medications

There are several ways to relieve your baby’s nasal congestion without using oral OTC medicines. 

• Saline and suction: Using infant nasal saline drops or sprays along with gentle suction can help you remove mucus from your baby’s nose and nasal passages. While the saline drops and sprays help loosen mucus, gentle suction helps get it out. 
• Cool mist humidifier: Cool mist humidifiers keep the air around your baby moist, which keeps their nasal passages from drying out. Clean your humidifier often to avoid mold growth. 
• Steam inside a bathroom: If you don't have a humidifier, this is a good alternative. Trap steam inside a bathroom by turning on a shower and closing the door. Take your baby inside so they can breathe in the moist air. (Be sure to keep your baby away from hot water.) 

Is it safe to give honey to my newborn?

Honey will not help nasal congestion, and honey is not safe for newborns or infants under 12 months old. However, for children over 12 months old,  it can be useful for chest congestion, which sometimes involves a mucus-producing cough. 

Preventing newborn congestion

A stuffy nose is often a symptom of a respiratory infection like a cold, so your baby will become congested at some point. Helping your baby avoid getting sick can help prevent nasal congestion, but babies can get sick often no matter what you do since their immune systems are still developing.

If your baby plays or sleeps in a room with a ceiling fan, turning it off can help keep their nostrils and nasal passages from drying out. Using a cool mist humidifier to keep the air moist, even if your baby doesn't have a stuffy nose, can also help prevent congestion.

If you have specific questions about your baby and nasal congestion, talk to your local pediatrician or text a Summer Health pediatrician anytime.