Newborn Congestion: How Long Does It Last?

Newborns often experience congestion due to the presence of leftover fluid in their nose from the womb, or as a result of dry air, air pollutants, or irritants such as dust, cigarette smoke, or perfumes. In most cases, a stuffy nose in newborns is not a major concern and usually clears up on its own within a few days to a week. However, if the congestion is severe or persists for an extended period, it may be a cause for concern.

Home remedies to relieve a stuffy nose

A newborn's stuffy nose usually goes away on its own within a few days to a week. In the meantime, there are several home remedies you can try to relieve their congestion:

Saline (Saltwater) Drops

You can buy these at any pharmacy. Place a rolled towel or a small blanket beneath your baby's shoulders, or gently press on the tip of their nose to make it easier for the drops to go in. Put two or three drops into each nostril, wait 30 to 60 seconds, then turn your baby onto their stomach to help their nose drain. You can also use a bulb syringe to remove the mucus. Clean the syringe with soap and water after each use.

Breast Milk

Some people believe that putting a few drops of breast milk in a baby's nose works just as well as saline drops to soften mucus. Put a few drops into each nostril while feeding, then sit them up after eating so the mucus can slide out. Do not use this technique if it interferes with your baby's feeding.

Humidifier or Cool-Mist Vaporizer

Place a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer near your baby's crib. The moisture in the air will help loosen the mucus inside their nose. Clean and refill the machine daily to prevent mould growth.

Warm Bath or Shower

A warm bath or shower can help clear your baby's nasal congestion. The warm water and steam can be soothing and help clear their nose.

Suctioning

If you have trouble removing the mucus with a bulb syringe, try using an infant nasal aspirator or a nasal suction bulb. Before the first use, rinse the aspirator with hot water and dry it thoroughly. Place a clean filter in the filter chamber and reconnect the aspirator. Lay your baby on their back with their head tilted to the side, then carefully place one to two saline drops into the nostril. Inhale through the mouthpiece to gently draw out the mucus, which will be collected in the filter. Repeat on the other side.

Other Tips

• Avoid smoking near your baby, use unscented candles, and vacuum frequently to reduce pet dander and other irritants.
• Encourage your baby to drink more fluids, such as water, to help thin the mucus.
• If your baby is old enough, teach them to blow their nose.
• Keep your baby in an upright position for longer after they eat to reduce spitting up.
• Turn off the ceiling fan in their room, as this can dry out their nose.

When to seek medical attention

While newborn congestion is common and usually not a concern, there are certain situations in which you should seek medical attention.

Firstly, if your newborn's stuffy nose lasts longer than two weeks, you should contact your paediatrician. Additionally, if you notice any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention:

• Signs of dehydration
• Severe or persistent cough
• Thick, nasal discharge for several days
• Trouble breathing
• Red eyes or yellow or green discharge from the eyes
• Grunting or moaning at the end of each breath
• Ribs pulling in on each breath
• Breathing too hard or fast to feed
• A blue tint to the skin, especially around the lips and nails

If your newborn is taking more than 60 breaths per minute, or if they appear to be struggling to catch their breath, take them to an emergency room immediately.

If your baby is under three months old and is not wetting enough diapers (a sign of dehydration and undereating), or if they start vomiting or running a fever, seek urgent medical care.

How to clear mucus from a stuffy nose

A newborn's stuffy nose usually goes away on its own within a few days. However, if your baby has a stuffy nose, there are several things you can do to help clear the mucus and keep them comfortable:

Use Saline Drops

You can buy saline (saltwater) drops at any pharmacy. Lay your baby on their back and place a rolled towel or small blanket beneath their shoulders. Gently press on the tip of the nose to make it easier for the drops to go in. Put two or three drops into each nostril and wait 30 to 60 seconds. Then, turn your baby onto their stomach to help their nose drain. Catch the mucus outside the nostril with a tissue or swab, or let your baby cough or sneeze it out.

Use a Humidifier or Vaporizer

A humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer can add moisture to the air, helping to moisten and loosen the mucus inside your baby's nose. Place it near your baby's crib while they sleep. Clean out and refill the vaporizer every day to prevent mold growth.

Try a Warm Bath

A warm bath can be soothing for your baby and the warm water can help clear nasal congestion.

Breast Milk

Some people find that putting a small amount of breast milk in their baby's nose works just as well as saline drops to soften mucus. Put a little milk in your baby's nose while feeding, and when you sit them up after eating, the mucus will likely slide out.

Remove Hardened Mucus

If mucus has hardened into a crusty or sticky mess around your baby's nose, wet a cotton swab with warm water and gently wipe the area to clean it safely.

Nasal Aspirator or Suction Bulb

If you have trouble removing the mucus with the methods above, you can try using an infant nasal aspirator or nasal suction bulb. Before the first use, rinse the aspirator with hot water and dry it thoroughly. Place a clean filter in the filter chamber and reconnect the aspirator. Lay your baby on their back with their head tilted to the right. Place one to two saline drops into the nostril and repeat on the other side. Place the soft tip of the aspirator at the entrance of the baby's nostril and inhale through the mouthpiece to gently draw out the mucus, which will be collected in the filter. Repeat for the other nostril.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If your baby's stuffy nose lasts longer than two weeks, or if they are having difficulty breathing, feeding, or showing signs of extreme fussiness or pain, contact your healthcare provider.

What causes a stuffy nose in newborns

Newborns can often sound like they have a stuffy nose due to leftover fluid in their nose from the womb. This usually goes away within a few days, but in some cases, it can last up to a week.

In older babies, a stuffy nose occurs when the tissues inside the nose swell or produce mucus, often due to a viral upper respiratory infection (cold). It can also be caused by irritants such as dust, cigarette smoke, or perfumes.

Newborns

Leftover fluid in the nose from the womb: Newborns may sound congested due to fluid remaining in their nasal passages after birth. This typically clears up within a few days but can last up to a week. During this time, they may breathe through their mouth, making feeding more challenging.

Older Babies

• Viral upper respiratory infections (colds): In older babies, a stuffy nose is often caused by viruses leading to the common cold.
• Irritants: Exposure to irritants such as dust, cigarette smoke, or strong odors can also cause nasal congestion in older babies.
• Allergies: In some cases, congestion may be due to allergies, which would require a doctor's visit and possibly an allergy test.
• Objects in the nasal passages: Occasionally, a stuffy nose can be caused by a piece of food or another object lodged in the child's nose. This requires a visit to the emergency room or a pediatrician.

How long does a stuffy nose usually last

A stuffy nose is a common condition in newborns and older babies. It is usually caused by leftover fluid in the nose from the womb, which goes away on its own within a few days. However, in older babies, a stuffy nose occurs when the tissues inside the nose swell, often due to a viral upper respiratory infection (cold).

In most cases, a stuffy nose is not a major concern and will clear up within a few days. Here are some tips to help your baby's stuffy nose:

• Use saline or salt water nasal drops to moisten and loosen the mucus.
• Lay your baby on their back, place a rolled towel or a small blanket beneath their shoulders, or gently press the tip of their nose to facilitate the use of nasal drops.
• Turn your baby onto their stomach to help drain the mucus after using the drops.
• Use a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer near your baby's crib to add moisture to the air and help loosen the mucus.
• Try a warm bath, which can help clear congestion and provide a soothing distraction.
• Keep your baby well-hydrated with regular feedings and monitor their wet diapers.
• Gently massage their nasal bridge, forehead, temples, and cheekbones.
• Remove potential allergens or irritants, such as cigarette smoke, dust, or strong odors, from their environment.

While a stuffy nose is typically not a cause for alarm, it is important to monitor your baby's overall well-being. If your baby is having difficulty breathing or feeding, or if the stuffy nose persists for more than two weeks, consult a healthcare professional.

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