Vanessa Lin
It is normal for newborns to be congested because their nasal passages are small. Congestion in newborns can be caused by various factors, such as allergens, dust, cigarette smoke, viruses, and exposure to dry air. While occasional congestion is common and typically clears up on its own, parents should be vigilant about monitoring their newborn's congestion and seek medical attention if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occurrence | Congestion is common in newborns because their nasal passages are small. |
| Cause | Congestion can be caused by allergens, dust, cigarette smoke, viruses, and exposure to dry air. |
| Treatment | Congestion usually doesn't need treatment, but home remedies such as saline nose drops, bulb syringes, and humidifiers can help. |
| Symptoms | Symptoms of congestion include sniffles, sneezing, snoring, a runny nose, and mild difficulty when feeding. |
| When to worry | If the congestion is severe, persists for a long time, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice. |
What You'll Learn
Home remedies for newborn congestion
Congestion is common in newborns, and it can be worrying for parents. Newborns can only breathe through their noses, so congestion can make it much harder for them to breathe and feed. While mild congestion is usually not a major concern, it's important to monitor your baby's overall health and well-being. If your baby is congested and exhibiting any worrying symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, reduced appetite, increased sleepiness, or a fever, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Warm Baths: A warm, calming bath can help clear congestion and provide a soothing distraction for your baby.
- Saline Drops: Putting a few saline (saltwater) drops in each nostril can help loosen and thin the mucus. This can be done before feeding to make mealtimes easier. It is recommended for babies under 6 months old, as older babies may find it uncomfortable.
- Nasal Bulb Syringes or Nasal Aspirators: If your baby doesn't sneeze out the mucus on their own, you can use a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to gently clear away the excess mucus. Ensure you clean the syringe thoroughly with hot water and soap after each use.
- Cool Mist Humidifier: Using a humidifier in your baby's room can add moisture to the air and prevent dry air from irritating their nasal passages. Clean the machine regularly to prevent mould growth.
- Facial Massage: Gently massage your baby's nasal bridge, forehead, temples, and cheekbones. This may help drain the nasal passages and provide comfort.
- Clean Air: Maintain clean air and surfaces by reducing exposure to potential allergens, dust, and pollutants. Open windows, vacuum frequently, and avoid smoking or using strong fragrances near your baby.
- Breast Milk: Some people believe that putting a few drops of breast milk in your baby's nose can help soften mucus. Do this while feeding, and when you sit your baby up, the mucus may slide out more easily.
It's important to note that you should not use vapor rubs or cold medications on newborns. Increased mucus production is the body's natural way of clearing out viruses, and it's crucial to let this process occur unless it severely impacts your baby's ability to eat or breathe. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if congestion persists.
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When to call a doctor
Congestion is common in newborns and is usually not a cause for concern. However, there are certain situations where you should call a doctor.
If your baby is younger than three months old and their congestion is making it difficult for them to breathe comfortably, nurse, or drink from a bottle, contact your healthcare provider right away. Colds in babies this young can potentially lead to more serious problems like croup, bronchiolitis, or pneumonia.
For children older than three months, call a doctor if their nasal congestion lasts longer than 10 to 14 days. You should also contact your healthcare provider if your baby:
- Has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C) or 102°F
- Is lethargic or cranky
- Is not drinking enough to stay hydrated
- Appears to have ear pain
- Has a cough that won't go away after a week
- Has yellow eye discharge
- Has green snot for more than two weeks
- Has a temperature of 100 degrees for more than three days
- Is experiencing ear or sinus pain
- Is not having as many wet diapers as usual
If your baby is struggling to breathe, go to the emergency room or call 911. Signs of severe breathing trouble include:
- Grunting or moaning at the end of each breath
- Ribs pulling in on each breath
- Breathing too hard or fast to be able to feed
- Blue tint to the skin, especially around the lips and nails
- Nostrils that get larger with each breath
- Skin around the ribs sucking in with each breath
- Lips or nails turning blue
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Signs of congestion
Congestion in newborns is common and not usually a cause for concern. However, it's important to be vigilant as congestion can sometimes indicate a more serious health issue.
- Sniffles and snuffles
- A blocked or runny nose
- Trouble feeding
- Discoloured nasal mucus
- Snoring or noisy breathing while asleep
- A cough that lasts for more than a week
- Green snot for more than two weeks
- Yellow eye discharge
- A decrease in wet diapers, indicating dehydration
- Fever
- Listlessness
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Grunting or moaning at the end of each breath
- Ribs pulling in with each breath
- Skin with a blue tint, especially around the lips and nails
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Causes of congestion
Congestion occurs when extra fluids (mucus) accumulate in the nose and airways, making it harder for babies to breathe as they can only breathe through their noses. This is the body's defence mechanism against foreign invaders such as viruses or air pollutants. Congestion is more likely among newborns exposed to:
- Irritants like cigarette smoke, dust, or perfume
- Viruses (e.g. common cold)
- Allergies
- Dry air or low humidity
- Weather changes
- Air pollutants
Newborns with immature lungs and tiny airways may need extra help to clear congestion.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While mild congestion is common and not much of a concern, if your baby is taking more than 60 breaths per minute or struggling to catch their breath, seek emergency medical attention.
Additionally, if your baby exhibits any of the following symptoms, call your doctor:
- Trouble breathing
- Decreased appetite
- Increased sleepiness or decreased energy
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Dehydration (indicated by fewer wet diapers)
- Ear or sinus pain
- Yellow eye discharge
- Persistent cough
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How to relieve congestion
It is normal for newborns to be congested. Their nasal passages are extra small, so it doesn't take much for them to become blocked. Newborns also have weak immune systems, so congestion can quickly develop into something more serious. If your newborn is congested, it is important to monitor them closely and take steps to relieve their congestion. Here are some ways to do that:
Use Saline Drops or Spray
Saline (saltwater) drops or spray can help to loosen and thin mucus, making it easier for your baby to breathe and eat. You can buy these at a store and use them as often as needed, especially before mealtimes. For babies under six months, you can use a bulb syringe to remove the mucus after applying the drops. However, older babies may find this uncomfortable, so it's okay to skip this step and let the mucus work its way out on its own. Remember to clean the syringe with soap and water after each use.
Remove Hardened Mucus
Mucus can sometimes harden and crust around your baby's nose. To clean it safely, wet a cotton swab with warm water and gently wipe the area.
Use a Cool-Mist Vaporizer or Humidifier
A cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in your baby's room can add moisture to the air, helping to clear their stuffy nose. Be sure to clean the machine regularly to prevent mold growth. Alternatively, you and your baby can sit in a steamy bathroom to achieve a similar effect.
Gently Tap Your Baby's Back
Lay your baby down across your knees and gently pat their back with your cupped hand. This can help loosen chest congestion and make it easier for them to cough it up.
Keep the Air Clean
Irritants such as tobacco smoke, heavy perfumes, room diffusers, and household cleaning products can irritate your baby's nasal passages. Clear away dust, allergens, and pollutants, and open windows to improve air circulation.
Warm Bath
A warm bath can help clear congestion and is also calming for your baby.
Facial Massage
Gently massage your baby's nasal bridge, forehead, temples, and cheekbones with your thumb. This may help drain their nasal passages.
Know When to Wait It Out
If your baby's congestion is not bothering them and they are active, eating, and drinking normally, you may not need to do anything. Simply monitor them and ensure they stay hydrated.
It is important to call your child's healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Decreased appetite or difficulty feeding
- Increased sleepiness or decreased energy
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Yellow eye discharge
- Persistent cough
- Green snot for more than two weeks
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Frequently asked questions
Congestion is common in newborns because their nasal passages are small. It can be caused by allergens, dust, cigarette smoke, viruses, or exposure to dry air.
The signs of congestion in newborns include snoring, a stuffy or runny nose, and coughing.
There are several home remedies that can help relieve congestion in newborns, such as:
- Using saline nose drops or spray to loosen the mucus
- Using a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to clear out the nose
- Providing a warm bath to help clear congestion
- Using a cool-mist humidifier to prevent dry air from irritating the nasal passages
- Gently massaging the nasal bridge, forehead, temples, and cheekbones to help drain the nasal passages
If your newborn's congestion is interfering with their eating, sleeping, or breathing, or if they have a fever, cough, or loss of appetite, you should call your pediatrician.
To prevent congestion in newborns, it is important to avoid exposing them to irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollutants, and dry air. Keeping their environment clean and free of dust, allergens, and other pollutants can also help reduce congestion.
