Nose congestion is an annoying phenomenon to experience, something that can drive the little ones to the edge of tears because they cannot resolve the problem themselves. Cleaning your little one’s nose is critical as it not only helps them with better breathing and to have peaceful nights, the clearing of mucus can prevent nasal complications such as sinusitis and the buildup of pathogens.

What Are the Causes of a Blocked Nose:

According to the medically-reviewed article on WebMD titled “How to Clean Your Baby’s Nose”, a blocked nose doesn’t only point to a certain condition but an illness – or possibly both. And for babies, this case is unique since they have smaller nasal pasages and need more time to mature. As a result, “babies are more prone to congestion”.

Common causes include:

• Common cold/flu
• Being exposed to dry air
• Allergies
• Coming into contact with pollutants

What Can Be Done To Clean the Nose?

Using a Humidifier

The article “How to Clean Your Baby’s Nose” noted that using a humidifier “promotes moisture”. With winter season on the way, babies are likely to have stuffier noses since “the cold causes the nasal cavities to expand”, which “promotes mucus secretion and can lead to congestion.”

A humidifier helps with creating an atmosphere with moisture which combats the buildup of mucus.

It is also a great bet if your baby doesn’t like other more invasive methods like syringes and aspirators.

Humidifier Atop the Table

Try Out a Saline Nasal Spray

Saline sprays are a good (if not the safest) alternative when it comes to nose washing for babies under the age of four. Saline nasal sprays, as cited by WebMD, assist in building a moisturised environment in the baby’s nasal passages which “dissolve and soften thick or crusty mucus.”

Nasal Aspirators Also Do the Trick

Nasal aspirators are more of a preference issue when placed next to bulb syringes, as they feel less invasive to the little ones, who meet syringes with marked resistance. Nasal aspirators also aid in cleaning out mucus, promoting better breathing and better sleep and less irritation.

Nasal Aspirator  |  SUPPLIED

What Are Some Benefits of Nasal Cleaning?

• Nose-cleaning soothes irritation and stuffiness of the nose
• Thick mucus can build up and make it hard to drain. Nasal cleansing reduces the buildup.
• Cleaning the nose prevents complications from congestion like coughs and sinusitis.
• Nose washing promotes better breathing.
• Cleaning the nose humidifies it, preventing nosebleeds.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/baby/how-to-clean-your-babys-nose

https://en.nakornthon.com/article/detail/saline-nasal-washes-for-children

https://www.omron-healthcare.fr/sante-et-style-de-vie/cleaning-noses-improves-respiratory-symptoms