Newborn Congestion: When To Be Concerned As A Parent

Newborns can often sound congested due to their tiny nasal passages, and this is usually normal. Newborns can only breathe through their noses, so congestion can make it harder for them to breathe. Congestion can be caused by various factors, such as dry air, viral infections, or exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke. While occasional congestion is typically not a cause for concern, there are home remedies that can help, such as using saline drops or a cool-mist humidifier. However, if the congestion persists for an extended period or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor.

Home remedies for congestion

It is normal for a newborn to sound congested because their nasal passages are still very small. Congestion is the body's way of fighting foreign invaders, such as viruses or air pollutants. It is usually not a cause for concern and often resolves without treatment. However, if you are concerned about your baby's congestion, it is best to consult a doctor.

• Warm baths: A warm bath can help clear congestion and also provide a calming and distracting experience for the baby.
• Saline drops: A few saline drops in each nostril can help loosen and thin the mucus, making it easier for the baby to breathe.
• Nasal bulb syringes or aspirators: If the baby doesn't sneeze out the mucus on their own, you can use a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to gently remove the excess mucus.
• Cool-mist humidifier: Using a humidifier in the baby's room can add moisture to the air and prevent dry air from irritating their nasal passages. Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mould growth.
• Facial massage: Gently massage the nasal bridge, forehead, temples, and cheekbones. This may help drain the nasal passages and provide comfort.
• Clean air: Ensure the baby is breathing clean air by reducing exposure to dust, allergens, and pollutants. Keep the living space clean and well-ventilated. Avoid smoking near the baby and minimise the use of strong fragrances or air fresheners.
• Steam: Running a hot shower can create a steamy environment, which may help loosen mucus. Alternatively, sitting in a steamy bathroom with the baby can provide similar benefits.
• Breast milk: Some people suggest putting a few drops of breast milk directly into the baby's nose while feeding. This is believed to soften the mucus, allowing it to slide out when the baby is sat up after feeding.

It is important to note that you should not use vapor rubs or cold medications on newborns. Always consult your doctor if you have any concerns or if the congestion persists or worsens.

When to seek medical help

Congestion is common in newborns and usually clears up on its own or with home remedies. However, there are certain instances where you should seek immediate medical attention.

Call your doctor or take your baby to the emergency room if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• A breathing rate of more than 60 breaths per minute that interferes with feeding or sleep.
• Rapid or hard breathing that makes feeding difficult.
• Flaring nostrils, indicating that the baby is struggling to breathe.
• Retractions, where the baby's ribs suck in with each breath.
• Grunting or moaning after each breath.
• A blue tint to the skin, especially around the lips or nails.

Additionally, contact your doctor if your baby:

• Does not produce wet diapers, indicating dehydration and under-eating.
• Starts vomiting.
• Has a fever, especially if they are under 3 months old.

If you are ever worried about your baby's congestion, do not hesitate to call their pediatrician. It is always better to be safe and seek medical advice.

Why newborns sound congested

Newborns often sound congested because their nasal passages are small, and it doesn't take much for them to become affected by minor dryness or a bit of clear mucus. This is usually a normal part of their growth and development.

In the first few days of life, newborns may sound congested due to leftover fluid in their nose from the womb. They may sneeze as they try to get rid of this fluid in their nasal passages. This type of congestion typically goes away on its own within a few days to a week.

In older babies, nasal congestion happens when the tissues inside the nose swell, usually due to a viral upper respiratory infection (such as a cold) or irritants like dust, cigarette smoke, or perfumes.

Other factors that can increase the chances of congestion in newborns include:

• Being born prematurely, as their air passages are even smaller than those of a typical newborn.
• Exposure to air irritants such as tobacco smoke, cooking smoke, heavy perfumes, room aromatherapy diffusers, or fumes from household cleaning products, paint, or varnish.
• Dry air, which can be caused by using a heating system or living in a dry climate.
• Weather changes, such as transitioning from summer heat to lower temperatures and drier air.

While congestion in newborns is usually not a cause for concern, caregivers can help relieve congestion using home remedies such as warm baths, saline drops, and humidifiers. If the congestion is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor.

Clearing mucus with a bulb syringe

It is normal for a newborn to sound congested from time to time. Their nasal passages are still very small, and it doesn't take much for them to become affected by dryness or a bit of mucus.

If your newborn is congested, you can use a bulb syringe to clear their mucus. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Thin the mucus with saline solution: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces (or 1 cup) of warm water. Stir until the salt is dissolved. You can also use purchased saline nose drops.
• Lay your baby on their back: Have them look towards the ceiling, and swaddle them in a blanket with their arms at their sides to keep them still.
• Apply saline drops: Using a nose dropper, apply 3-4 drops of the saline solution to one nostril. If your baby sneezes, that's a good sign! This may be enough to clear their congestion.
• Wait: Hold your baby in this position for about a minute to give the saline time to thin the mucus.
• Prepare the bulb syringe: Squeeze the air out of the bulb and keep it squeezed.
• Insert the bulb syringe: Gently place the tip of the squeezed bulb into one nostril.
• Release the bulb: Let go of the bulb to let the air back in. This will create suction and pull the mucus out of your baby's nose and into the bulb.
• Remove the syringe: Squeeze the bulb forcefully to expel the mucus onto a tissue.
• Repeat for the other nostril: If your baby is still congested after 5-10 minutes, you can repeat the process.

Some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Don't suction your baby's nose more than 4 times a day, as this can irritate the lining.
• Don't use saline drops for more than 4 days in a row, as they can dry out the inside of the nose over time.
• Clean the bulb syringe with warm, soapy water after each use. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it by suspending it tip-side down in a glass.
• Gently wipe off any remaining mucus around your baby's nose with a tissue to prevent skin irritation.

If your baby's congestion is severe or lasts for a long time, consult your healthcare provider for advice.

Allergies and congestion

Allergies are common in babies and young children. They may develop reactions to a variety of allergens, including foods, drugs, insects, animal dander, dust mites, and mould. Allergies can cause congestion, and congestion is common in newborns. It is often treated at home or resolves without treatment.

If your newborn has a stuffy nose, it is likely nothing to worry about. Newborn noses are small with tiny nasal passages, and they may sneeze often as their body's natural way of clearing the nose of irritants. Newborns may also have some amniotic fluid in their noses that can result in stuffiness for the first few days after birth.

Allergens that can cause congestion in newborns include:

• Airborne substances, such as dust, pet dander, hairspray, perfume, and cigarette smoke.
• Dry air, colds, viruses, and allergies.

To prevent congestion in newborns, keep them away from common nasal irritants, such as paint or gasoline fumes, perfumes, and scented body lotions. It is also important to keep babies away from sick people, especially during the winter months when more people are ill.

If your newborn is congested, there are several home remedies you can try:

• Use a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer in their room to add moisture to the air and help them breathe more easily.
• Try over-the-counter saline nasal drops to help loosen the mucus in their nose.
• After using saline drops, use a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to suck out the mucus and clear their nose. Be careful not to be too aggressive with these devices as they can irritate and damage your baby's nostrils.
• Gently massage their nasal bridge, forehead, temples, and cheekbones to help drain the nasal passages.
• Keep your home free of potential allergens or pollutants by vacuuming regularly, avoiding smoking near your baby, using unscented candles, and replacing your home air filter as needed.

If your newborn's congestion is making it difficult for them to breathe comfortably, or if they are struggling to feed or drink from a bottle, seek medical attention.

Frequently asked questions