How to Relieve Congestion in a Baby

During cold and flu season it is sometimes impossible to remain illness-free. When babies get sick, it can be especially frustrating because the congestion usually associated with illness can interrupt sleep and make feeding from a bottle or breast difficult. Following a few steps can help relieve congestion in your infant.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• cool mist humidifier
• saline spray
• bulb syringe
• vapor rub
• car seat

How to Relieve Congestion in a Baby

1. Run a cool mist humidifier in your baby's room. Do not use one that creates steam, as these units can be dangerous.
2. Occasionally clean out your baby's nose. To do this, spray or drip a saline solution into his nose. After waiting a minute or so, aspirate the mucus from his nose using a bulb syringe. It may be necessary to plug one nostril with your finger while using the bulb syringe in the other nostril to gain a better suction.
3. Putting vapor rub made especially for babies on her chest can help relieve congestion.
4. Elevate the infant's head by having her sleep in a car seat, or elevating one end of the crib mattress.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you and all members of your family wash their hands after playing with the baby to avoid passing germs from person to person.
• Make sure your infant is not running a fever, which can be dangerous. Watch for signs of the illness worsening, or not improving within a matter of days. Call your physician if you need to.
• If your infant sleeps in a car seat, make sure they are either strapped in securely or the straps are completely out of the way to avoid her getting tangled. Sleeping in a car seat is generally a good idea if your infant cannot roll over yet.