Baby Runny Nose: How to Clear a Blocked Nose Safely

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Sniffles, snuffles and a break in feeding every two gulps – a cold in a baby sounds dramatic. And there’s a reason: in the first months, babies breathe mostly through their nose and can’t blow it themselves. A little mucus and there’s already a traffic jam.

A common cold clears up on its own. Your job is to help keep that little nose clear so your baby can feed and sleep. And that’s easier than it looks.

The short answer: Put sterile saline drops in each nostril, wait a minute or two, then suction gently at the entrance of the nostril, ideally before feeds and sleep. Don’t use medicated drops unless prescribed, and keep your baby on their back on a flat surface for sleep. See a doctor if your baby is under 3 months and has a cold.

Saline – your best friend

Saline is sterile salt water with the same saltiness as the body’s own fluids. It isn’t a medicine – it just thins the mucus so it comes out more easily. Go for ready-made sterile saline rather than homemade, and ask your paediatrician how and how often to use it.

How to clear the nose, step by step

• Wash your hands and lay your baby on their back.
• Put saline drops into each nostril and wait a minute or two for it to soften the mucus.
• Suction gently. If you’re using a rubber bulb, squeeze it before placing the tip just at the entrance of the nostril, then release slowly. Mouth-operated aspirators work on the same principle – choose whichever is easiest for you.
• Clean the device with warm soapy water, rinse and leave it to dry.

It’s best to clear the nose before feeds and before sleep – that’s when a clear nose matters most.

What not to do

• Don’t push cotton buds deep into the nose. Only clean what you can see from the outside.
• Don’t use medicated decongestant drops or sprays unless your doctor has prescribed them. Many aren’t meant for babies.
• Don’t put pillows or wedges under the mattress to “raise” your baby’s head. For sleep, your baby goes on their back on a flat surface – even with a cold.
• Don’t give honey to babies under 12 months, however popular that advice is.

What else helps?

• shorter, more frequent feeds if your baby is getting out of breath;
• fresh air and a smoke-free room;
• lots of cuddles – held upright in your arms, breathing is often easier.

When to see a doctor

• your baby is under 3 months old and has a cold – little babies can get ill quickly;
• they have a temperature of 38°C or more (in a baby under 3 months – straight away);
• the blocked nose gets in the way of feeding and there are fewer wet nappies;
• the cold isn’t getting better, is getting worse, or your baby is pulling at their ear and crying.

Call 112 if your baby is breathing very fast, grunting with every breath, wheezing, the skin between their ribs is sucking in, or their lips are turning blue.

For the dads

The nasal aspirator is a great opportunity to become Chief Engineer of Airway Clearance. Washing and maintaining the device are also part of the job description.

📖 Read next: Teething: Signs and What Really Helps · Nappy Rash: Causes and Gentle Care

In short

Saline, gentle suction before feeds and sleep, and plenty of patience. That’s the whole science of little noses. The cold will pass, the sniffles will quieten down, and you’ll have one more skill – plus calm confidence for the next cold season. 💛

Sources: Cincinnati Children’s – How Do You Suction the Nose with a Bulb Syringe?; NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – Cough and cold in babies under 1; Whānau Āwhina Plunket – Colds.