Baby Nasal Hygiene Tips
Most babies get a little bit cranky when they can’t breathe properly. They have tiny nasal passages which can get blocked fairly easily. When babies have stuffy nose, they may refuse feeding and have difficulty sleeping. This can be very worrisome, particularly for a new mom.
Mucus builds up in the nose sometimes for all sorts of reasons such as cold, allergy, change of weather etc. Older children and adults can just simply blow it out into a tissue paper. However, babies can’t blow, and they need some assistance to help clear their nasal passages. Below are methods for clearing the babies’ nasal passage, which will enable them to breath well, reduce chances of infection and allow a restful sleep.
1) Nasal Spray
A saline nasal spray or drops are a great way to clean your baby’s nose. They work by thinning out the mucus, which will usually help clear the congestion temporarily. Nasal drops are typically recommended by pediatricians, as they give you a little more control over the amount administered and the force with which they go into the nose. In order to use the drops, you’ll need to lay your baby down on their back. With a hand or pillow under the neck, tilt their head back. You want it to be at a slight angle. Next, you should put one or two drops of the saline into each nostril. Then wait a few minutes before turning your baby onto their stomach. The mucus should start flowing at this point. If not, it is also helpful to use the nasal bulb syringe or nasal aspirator.
You can use a soft tissue or cloth to wipe away any excess mucus or saline that runs out of the nose. Your baby is probably not going to like the process, but will usually be much happier when it’s easier to breathe again
2) Bulb Syringe
Chances are you’ve seen one of these bulb syringes before. They often come in a baby grooming kit, or you may have been given one in the hospital. The rubber bulb syringe is made specifically for clearing your baby’s nose. Lay your baby on their back on a flat surface facing upward. Make your little one as comfortable and relaxed.
Squeeze all the air out of the bulb. It should be pretty flat in your hand, and then gently place the tip into your baby’s nose. Take care that you don’t insert it too deeply, but enough to make a seal around it to allow some suction to be created. You may then release the squeeze on the bulb. This will suck the mucus out of the baby’s nose and into the bulb. Have a cloth nearby so you can squeeze out the contents of the bulb before using it on the other nostril. You need to clean the bulb out after each use to prevent the spread of any germs. It is important to take care of the syringe properly, allowing it to drain and dry out between uses.
3) Nasal Aspirator
A battery-operated or automated nasal aspirator is more efficient, less invasive, and easier to use in comparison to a bulb syringe. You can check out such automated nasal aspirator available online in this specialty store here.
How to use a nasal aspirator to clean baby’s nose:
- Lay the baby on his back.
- Use 2-3 drops of nasal saline solution and check if it clears the congestion.
- If it is insufficient to clear the nasal passage, consider using the automated aspirator.
- Test the suction by placing the aspirator at your fingertips. Adjust the suction power levels as required.
- Be calm and use the music or lighting function to distract the baby first, while trying to place the tip of the aspirator’s nozzle in the baby’s nostril.
- Place the tip of aspirator’s nozzle gently in the baby’s nostril to suck out the mucus
- Use twice or thrice a day. Over-usage can damage or irritate the nose lining.
- Wash and sanitize your hands and equipment before and after usage.
There really is no way to avoid nose cleaning. Your baby will have clogged nostrils at some point, and you will have to clear them out. Eliminating possible environmental factors may help. Also, you can prevent the spread of infections like the cold virus by having people wash their hands before holding your baby. Avoid contact with people who are ill or not feeling well.
In situation where you could not get things clear out, and your baby is obviously in distress, seeking medical attention is the best option.
Better breathing to all !
Leo Peh