How to Treat Congestion in Newborns

Congestion in a newborn can be as difficult for parents as it is for the baby. It's hard to see your little one struggling to breathe. However, there are some simple steps you can take to help clear your newborn's tiny nose.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Saline nose spray
• Bulb syringe
• Humidifier (optional)

1. Turn on the shower with the water as hot as possible. This causes the bathroom to steam up.

2. Close the bathroom door and sit inside with your newborn while the bathroom fills with steam. Cuddle your baby to make her feel safe and comfortable and to keep her from crying. Crying can cause more congestion.

3. Sit in the bathroom with the newborn for about 10 minutes. The steam should clear up the congestion. If your newborn isn't breathing easier after 10 minutes, stay in the bathroom a bit longer. The steam won't do you or the baby any harm.

4. Squirt a few drops of saline nose spray in each of your newborn's nostrils after you leave the steamy bathroom. Leave the drops in for approximately 10 minutes before using a bulb syringe.

5. Suction out the excess saline nasal spray with a bulb syringe. Compress the bulb to squeeze out air, gently place it in the newborn's nostril and then release the bulb, suctioning out the nasal spray and any extra mucus in your newborn's nose. Repeat in the other nostril.

6. Buy a humidifier if your newborn continues to be congested. They can be costly, but humidifiers work wonders on congestion.

Tips & Warnings

• If your newborn is mostly congested at night, elevate the crib by placing blankets underneath the legs.

• Never elevate your baby's head with a pillow or blanket. This can cause suffocation.