Winter comes with so much excitement and fun! However, it also poses many risks for newborns, so we parents must care for our babies and always protect them.
Introduction
During the colder months, there is so much joy and excitement and everyone gets ready to enjoy winter. But it is the same time when babies go through many cold symptoms like cough, cold, and worse of all... nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is common in newborn babies, particularly 6 months of age during the winter, but it is not easy for their parents to take care of them as small babies are sensitive and cry easily. Parents need to make sure their baby feels comfortable and protected by using the best baby nasal congestion remedies.
In this blog, we’ll explore all the essential information about nasal congestion in newborn babies to protect them from any potential risk!
What is nasal congestion?
Nasal congestion is a normal occurrence during the winter in babies under 6 months of age. Also called stuffy nose, it happens when the tissue lining of the nasal gets swollen or inflamed when excess mucus is produced. The baby's small nose does not get enough space for air passage, and hence the nose gets blocked, leading to many problems.
Many reasons can cause nasal congestion in babies, such as:
- Winter air and irritants
- Allergies
- Infections
- Viruses
- Certain health conditions
Symptoms for nasal congestion.
Usually, nasal congestion occurs with seasonal conditions like fever, cough, cold, and headache. It is hard to spot nasal congestion in babies since they are small but you may find a few symptoms like
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritated
- Noisy breathing
- Trouble feeding
Effective baby nasal congestion remedies.
There are many remedies for newborn nasal congestion relief; let's get to know them!
- Maintain an indoor environment: To keep your baby safe, avoid exposure to dry winter air for yourself and your baby. It is ideal to use an air humidifier and heater at home to maintain humidity, warmth, and moisture, one of the most effective baby nasal congestion remedies.
- Use saline drops: Using saline drops is also an effective remedy for nasal congestion in babies. Saline drops are helpful and suitable for babies; they help loosen the mucus stuck in the nasal passage and clean it without harsh medication. However, it is advised to use proper consultation and take prescriptions before using purchased products.
- Use a bulb syringe for gentle nasal suctioning: A bulb syringe is a small rubber object that can remove mucus from a baby’s nose or mouth with a gentle suction. It may sound complicated but using a bulb syringe is easy. Here are the steps for using a bulb syringe:
-
- Squeeze the air out of the bulb by pressing it with your hand.
- Carefully insert the tip of the bulb into the baby’s nostril.
- Release the bulb to let the air back into it.
- Now squeeze the mucus on a tissue and repeat for the other nostril.
- Give your baby a warm bath: During winter, most people avoid bathing their babies since they think that their baby will catch a cold. Being concerned about your baby is not wrong but they must know that during the winter, hygiene is important. Giving a warm bath on a sunny day will help them be clean and risk-free from potential infections and it will also help improve their breathing circulation from the chest.
- Keep the baby away from air pollutants: Use air purifiers at home and natural aromas to keep the air healthy and fresh for your baby. Winter air is dry and full of irritants that can harm your little one and cause many problems, like nasal congestion. So, keep your windows closed and avoid outdoor exposure unless necessary.
- Consult with your doctor if the symptoms persist: Even though there are many remedies and treatments available, you should consult your doctor if it does not get better and get proper consultation and treatment for your child.
Effective home remedy to relieve nasal congestion.
As an Indian, we have been following our rooted spices and ingredients in traditional remedies for years and they are natural and work for everyone. Nasal congestion can occur in anyone and while most solutions are for newborns, there are also effective remedies to relieve nasal congestion in children aged one year or older. One of those very remedies is written below:
Ingredients
- 1 TBSP Honey
- ¼ TBSP Turmeric
- Pinch of black pepper powder
- 1 TBSP Ginger paste
- 1 TBSP Lemon juice
- Pinch of Cinnamon powder
Mix all the ingredients in the adequate ratios as written above and mix well. You can heat it on low flame to give it extra warmth and give ½ TBSP of this mixture 2-3 times a day to your baby to relieve their nasal congestion. It has many benefits to cure cold symptoms, keep baby healthy, and make your baby winter strong naturally!
It is evident to follow the instructions and ratios carefully. You should consult a doctor properly before taking any consumption advice and make sure your baby does not have any potential allergies or issues regarding the ingredients.
Conclusion
Nasal congestion in newborns up to 6 months of age can be hard to deal with. But parents need to take care of and protect their babies during these harsh chilly months. Symptoms like a stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, and interrupted sleep can cause them to be irritated, but parents, there are many remedies for newborn nasal congestion relief, like using a purifier, humidifier, etc. In the home, use a bulb syringe for nasal cleaning and give a warm bath to your baby. Remember, if symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to consult your pediatrician. With the right care and attention, your little one can breathe easier and get back to feeling their best, even during the winter months.
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FAQs:
Q1. What is nasal congestion in babies?
Ans: It is a condition where the nasal passage gets swollen or inflamed when excess mucus is produced.
Q2. What causes nasal congestion in babies?
Ans: Winter air, allergies, infections, viruses, and irritants cause nasal congestion in babies.
Q3. How can I clear my baby’s nose?
Ans: You can use a bulb syringe to clean mucus from your baby’s nose.
Q4. When to consult a doctor?
Ans: You should consult a doctor if the symptoms persist for a long time.
Q5. What are the symptoms of nasal congestion in babies?
Ans: Stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, and interrupted sleep are some of the symptoms of nasal congestion in babies.
