Little noses

• Little ones learn to blow their noses between 2 and 4 years. They can be taught to blow their noses earlier which will help them manage their illness. You need to encourage your baby to sneeze by showing them how to do it in a fun way! Meanwhile you can try to encourage a sneeze by tickling the end of your baby’s nose, or blowing on it.
   
• The essential baby care tool in your household is a baby nasal aspirator. This allows you to physically remove the congestion from your baby’s blocked nose, allowing them to breathe immediately and helping to prevent other complications. This is especially helpful before meals and at bedtime. The most common style of aspirator is the bulb syringe. A far more effective device is the award winning Baby nose-clear Infant Nasal Aspirator which allows you to use controlled continuous and gentle suction. It is easy to use and has a reusable filter.
   
• When mucus is particularly dry you can soften it with saline drops before suction. Saline drops or spray can be prescribed or bought at your pharmacy. Saline can also be made at home by dissolving 1/2 a teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water. This can then be suctioned out with a nasal aspirator.
   
• To protect your baby's little nose and reduce irritation, wipe with a warm damp cloth and use a little petroleum jelly on the outside of your baby's nostrils, be careful not to block the nostril. Saline gel is also very helpful for sore noses.
   
• An Inhaler Dummy allows you to place a medically approved decongestant near to your baby's nose. This is particularly useful for when you are out and about and cannot control the atmosphere in the room.
   

Preparing your baby’s room

• Make sure your baby's room is at a comfortable temperature, warm but not too hot.
   
• It is helpful to add moisture to the air to ease breathing:
   
• The simplest way is to place a damp towel or hanky over a radiator or place a bowl of warm water in the room.
• You can then add a few drops of Baby nose-clear Room Vapour to help ease breathing. There are a number of other brands that can be used in a similar way but check the directions to ensure at what age they are safe to use from as eucalyptus and menthol oils should not be used until 3-months. Baby nose-clear Room Vapour is suitable from birth.
• Use a vaporizer or humidifier to moisten the air to loosen congestion and make the throat feel better. A vaporizer works by heating water until it turns into hot steam and a humidifier creates a cool mist. Aim the mist away from your baby's crib to keep the bedding from becoming damp. Ensure you keep your device clean to prevent the build up of germs.
   
• Raise the head of the mattress, as sleeping at an incline helps the mucus run out of the nose rather than down the back of the throat. Simply place a couple of towels under the mattress at the head of the bed or some books under the feet, around about 3 inches. Never put a pillow in the crib. Alternatively some mothers have had success with letting their baby sleep in a car seat whilst the symptoms are at their most severe.
   
• Whenever in doubt, always consult a healthcare professional

Helping Hands

• This is a very stressful time for your little one and there is no substitute for comforting cuddles and lots of rest.
   
• Baby massage is particularly helpful when your baby is congested as it stimulates their immune system and relieves aches and pains. Specific massage movements on the back, chest and sinuses can help relieve congestion. The Baby nose-clear Massage Oil has been specially developed for little ones from 3 months. It has a fresh, clean scent that helps to clear your baby's congestion, improving breathing and feeding to allow restful sleep.
   
• Oily chest rubs are also available over the counter. Check the instructions for the age from which they can be used as they usually contain menthol and eucalyptus oil.
   

Other tips

• Ensure plenty of fluids as as these can help loosen congestion and prevent dehydration, especially when diarrhoea is present. Encourage frequent feedings for younger babies and offer older babies water or juice between regular feedings. A feed just before a nap can soothe the throat, which could be getting sore if the cold develops into a cough.
   
• Keep them out of smoky atmospheres, which are likely to irritate their nose and throat.
   
• For a quick dose of helpful vapour that will help to loosen congestion, take your baby into the bathroom and turn on the hot water or shower, close the door, and sit in the steamy room for about 15 minutes. After you’re done, suction your baby's nose. Ensure your baby is dry and in dry clothes before returning to the crib. This is particularly helpful at bedtime.
   
• If it's not too cold, take baby outside for a brisk walk. Fresh air may temporarily clear their head and a change of scene might provide a welcome distraction.
   
• Your doctor might suggest medicine for an older baby, in this case we suggest you use a medicine dummy, it makes it so much easier to make sure your baby gets the right dose.