Nasal Congestion & Colds In Babies

A young baby’s natural instinct is to breathe through their nose – even when it is blocked. It is therefore important to keep your baby’s nose clear as a blocked nose can disrupt sleeping and feeding.

How can a cold and nasal congestion affect my newborn baby?

Colds are uncomfortable, but are not a serious health risk. However, they need to be treated properly for the following reasons:

• A cold can lead to more serious bacterial infections like flu, ear infections or even pneumonia in newborns or babies.
• A baby will insist on breathing through the nose, even when it is blocked. A clear nose is essential for feeding as the baby either has the nipple or tear in his/her mouth. A blocked nose can therefore make feeding time difficult, as the baby may become irritable and the mother frustrated and concerned, which in turn may affect the flow of breast milk.

How can I treat my newborn’s colds and nasal congestion effectively?

There is no cure for the common cold. In addition, your baby’s immune system will need time to get stronger. However, you can help by making your baby feel more comfortable and by preventing the infection from getting worse. Plenty of rest and drinking liquids are crucial, and your baby will need to be able to breathe properly to do either of these things. Stuffy noses may also linger for a few weeks even when the cold is over.

In order to breathe, babies must get rid of the mucus clogging their nasal passages. But because babies can’t blow their nose, they rely on you to provide the appropriate help. Using saline nose drops can help to clear stuffy noses, helping your baby breathe easier, naturally.

What causes colds and congestion in infants?

• A baby’s immune system is still developing, making it more vulnerable to the common cold. In fact, babies are likely to get between 4 and 10 colds in the first year.
• Babies explore a lot, so they are more likely to pick up a cold virus by touching or mouthing contaminated toys or other items.
• In the winter or autumn months, indoor heating may dry the nasal passages, making it easier for a cold virus to occur.
• Close proximity to other infected adults or children can cause result in a cold.
• Sinusitis can cause nasal congestion
• Allergies can cause a runny or blocked nose

The signs of a cold are:

• Congested and runny nose
• Clear nasal discharge that may become thicker and even turn green
• After a few days, the discharge becomes clear and runny again
• You may notice a low grade fever in the first few days of a cold
• Your baby may sneeze, cough, develop a hoarse voice or have red eyes

The signs of an allergy are:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Repeated sneezing attacks
• Possible itchy skin
• Clear mucus
• No fever

When to call a doctor?

• If your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 37.5C or higher
• If your baby’s cold symptoms last for longer than 1 week
• If your baby’s cough worsens and turns into wheezing or gasping
• If your baby pulls or tugs at his/her ears frequently.
• If you have questions are concerned about your baby in any way.

Below are some suggestions from BellyBelly Forum Members as to what they find useful when their baby has a cold.

“At the first sign of a cold I always get out the vapouriser, it’s brilliant and leaves a nice fresh smell in the house. I also use saline nasal spray for when he’s really blocked up.”

“A nice steamy shower along with a squirt of Lemsip spray in the air, really helps to clear the nose. Saline nasal drops for other times.”

“Before Matilda turned 12 months old we used the vapouriser & saline spray as well. I also would increase her fluid intake by offering more bottles or drinks and yummy home made ice blocks.” *note from BellyBelly – try freezing breastmilk into little iceblocks for when they are teething or have colds to help with fluids.