Nasal and chest congestion is very common for babies. Your baby can’t clear the stuffy nose. So they need help from others.
Why Your Baby’s Nose and Chest Are Congested?
There are many potential causes for your baby’s congestion, including common respiratory infections like colds. A baby’s chest congestion causes can range from mild colds to more serious conditions like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Your baby may experience both nasal and chest congestion at various points during their first year.
Common Causes of Nasal Congestion in Babies
Babies may experience nasal congestion when the tissues inside the nose become inflamed and swollen, often due to excess mucus buildup. This nasal blockage can make it harder for your baby to breathe through their nose, leading to discomfort, especially during feeding or sleep.
- One of the most common causes of nasal congestion in babies is an upper respiratory infection, like the common cold.
- Cold symptoms in babies may include a stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and sometimes a low-grade fever.
- The blood vessels, become swollen with excess mucus, which often results in a “plugged” or blocked feeling.
Some common nasal congestion signs include:
- A stuffy nose in babies is often accompanied by noisy or labored breathing.
- Difficulty feeding, as babies rely on their noses to breathe while eating.
- Frequent waking during sleep due to trouble breathing through the nose.
- Visible mucus or nasal discharge, may start clear and become thicker or discolored over time.
Symptoms of Chest Congestion
Chest congestion occurs when your baby’s lungs and airways are filled with mucus, which can make breathing difficult. Signs of chest congestion in your baby might include:
- A wet cough or rattling noise, when your baby breathes, indicates mucus buildup in the chest.
- Wheezing or fast, labored breathing that sounds strained.
- Discomfort or difficulty feeding due to shortness of breath.
- Signs of fatigue or lethargy from the extra effort needed to breathe.
Immediate Relief for Your Baby’s Nasal Congestion
If your little one has a stuffy nose, it can be uncomfortable, particularly when it interferes with feeding or sleep. Providing quick relief for your baby’s nasal congestion is essential to help them breathe easier.
Quick Fixes for Stuffy Nose
Do this every few hours, and ideally 15 to 20 minutes before feeding or bedtime:
- Use saline (salt water) drops or spray. Two drops or sprays per nostril are enough. Avoid nose drops or sprays that have any additional medication.
- Use a bulb syringe to clear out any mucus.
- Clear your baby’s nose immediately after using the saline drops or spray.
- To use a bulb syringe, squeeze the bulb part first before gently inserting the syringe. Then slowly release the bulb to suction out the mucus.