Newborn Congestion: What's Normal And What's Not?

It is perfectly normal for newborns to sound congested, and it is usually not a cause for concern. Newborns' nasal passages are small, and even a little swelling or mucus can cause congestion. This can be due to leftover fluid in their nose from the womb, or simply from lying on their back. In some cases, congestion may be caused by environmental factors such as dry air, tobacco smoke, or other irritants. While it is not usually something to worry about, if your baby is having difficulty breathing or feeding, it is important to seek medical advice.

Newborns may have congestion due to leftover fluid in their nose from the womb

It is perfectly normal for newborns to sound congested, and it usually isn't anything to worry about. Newborns may have congestion due to leftover fluid in their nose from the womb. In the first few days of life, newborns may sound congested as they try to get rid of this leftover fluid in their nasal passages. They may breathe through their mouth, which can make it harder for them to feed. Usually, this type of nasal congestion goes away on its own within a few days to a week.

If you are concerned about your baby's congestion, there are a few things you can do to help relieve their stuffy nose:

• Use saline nose drops or a saline spray to help loosen and thin out the mucus.
• Use a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to clear out the mucus from your baby's nose. Be sure to clean the syringe with hot water and soap before and after each use.
• Run a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer near your baby's crib to help moisten and loosen the mucus.
• Gently massage their nasal bridge, forehead, temples, and cheekbones to help drain the nasal passages.

If your baby is having trouble breathing, is not feeding well, or is showing other signs of illness such as a fever, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Saline drops and nasal aspirators can help clear mucus

It is perfectly normal for a newborn to sound congested. This is often because their nasal passages are small, and it doesn't take much for them to become blocked with mucus.

If your baby is congested, you can use a nasal aspirator (a simple device for removing mucus) to help them breathe and feed more easily. But before reaching for a nasal aspirator, it's a good idea to use saline nasal drops or spray in your baby's nose. The saline solution will help to loosen the mucus, making it easier to remove.

Saline drops are safe to use in babies with nasal congestion. They do not contain any medicine, and it is easy to control the dosage. They help to clear mucus and draw moisture from swollen nasal tissues, allowing your baby to breathe more comfortably.

You can buy sterile saline nose drops and a clean bulb syringe online or at most drugstores and pharmacies. Here is a step-by-step guide to using them:

• Hold your baby in your lap, resting the back of their head on your arm. They should be in an upright or slightly reclined position.
• Put two or three saline drops in one nostril.
• Wait a few seconds to allow the saline to go into the nose.
• Point the bulb syringe away from your baby and squeeze the bulb end to expel the air.
• Keep the bulb squeezed and place the small tip in the same nostril.
• Gently release the bulb to create suction that removes the mucus and extra saline from your baby's nose.
• Squeeze the bulb syringe into a sink or a cup to get rid of its contents.
• Wait a few minutes to give your baby time to calm down if they are upset by the process.
• Repeat the process in the other nostril.

It is best to limit suctioning to no more than two to four times per day. Anything more than this can irritate the nasal passages and cause swelling.

If your baby is congested, you can also try the following:

• Run a cool-mist humidifier in the baby's room.
• Take the baby into a steamy bathroom.
• Massage your baby's nose.
• Use a warm washcloth or cotton swab to clean the nostrils.
• Avoid putting anything in your baby's nose, like tissues or a cotton swab.
• Avoid over-the-counter cold or flu medications, as these are not safe or effective for babies.
• Avoid vapor rubs, as these can be dangerous for children under two.
• Do not prop your baby's head up on pillows or towels, or incline their mattress, as this can make it harder for them to breathe.
• Avoid smoking near your baby.
• Use fragrance-free shampoos and lotions, and chemical-free cleaning products.

Congestion could be caused by irritants like smoke, dust, or perfume

It is normal for newborns to sound congested, and it is usually not a cause for concern. Newborns' nasal passages are still very small, and even a bit of clear mucus or minor dryness can cause congestion.

Babies' bodies produce extra mucus in the nose and airways to trap and remove these irritants. Exposure to such irritants can also trigger excess mucus production and congestion.

To help relieve congestion caused by irritants, caregivers can try the following:

• Provide warm baths, which can help clear congestion and offer a distraction.
• Use saline drops to help loosen and thin the mucus.
• Use a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer to add moisture to the air and help moisten and loosen the mucus.
• Remove potential allergens or pollutants from the home by vacuuming frequently, not burning candles or smoking, and keeping pet dander to a minimum.
• Gently massage the baby's nasal bridge, forehead, temples, and cheekbones to help drain the nasal passages.

Congestion may be a symptom of the common cold or a more serious virus

Congestion in newborns is usually not a cause for concern and can be treated at home. However, congestion may sometimes be a symptom of a common cold or a more serious virus.

The common cold is one of the most frequent childhood illnesses, with babies experiencing up to 8 to 10 colds per year in their first two years. Colds in newborns are not usually dangerous, but they can escalate into more severe conditions like pneumonia or croup. Symptoms of a cold in a newborn include a stuffed or runny nose, coughing (especially at night), and difficulty feeding due to nasal congestion.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes bronchiolitis and respiratory symptoms in children and adults. It can be very serious, especially in children under six months old. RSV typically causes bronchiolitis, an inflammatory respiratory condition that affects the smallest air passages in the lungs.

Influenza (flu) is another virus that can cause congestion in newborns. Children under five years old, particularly those under two, are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications such as pneumonia. In severe cases, the flu can affect the brain, heart, and other organs.

COVID-19 is another virus that can cause congestion and be severe in babies due to their developing immune systems. According to the CDC, babies under six months of age are hospitalized due to COVID-19 at similar rates as adults aged 65 to 74.

If your newborn has congestion, it is important to monitor them for any additional symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.

Consult a doctor if congestion is accompanied by fever, lethargy, or difficulty breathing

Congestion is common in newborns and is usually not a cause for concern. Newborns' lungs are immature, and their airways are tiny, so they sometimes need help clearing congestion. Their nostrils and airways are extra small, and it doesn't take much for these pathways to become affected by minor dryness or a bit of clear mucus. This is often a normal part of their growth and development.

However, if your baby's congestion is accompanied by certain other symptoms, it may indicate a more serious problem that requires immediate medical attention. Consult a doctor if congestion is accompanied by:

• Fever: A high temperature can be a sign of an infection, and if your baby is also congested, it may indicate that they are having trouble breathing due to a build-up of mucus.
• Lethargy: If your baby is lethargic and congested, it could be a sign that they are not getting enough oxygen due to blocked airways. This may be a sign of a more serious condition such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or influenza (flu).
• Difficulty breathing: Congestion can make it harder for your baby to breathe, and if they are also experiencing other symptoms such as a blue tint to the skin, grunting or moaning at the end of each breath, flared nostrils, or pulled-in muscles around the neck, collarbones, or ribs, it could be a sign of severe breathing difficulties.

If your baby is congested and displaying any of these additional symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you are concerned about your baby's health.

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