makes it very difficult for babies to breathe normally and feed easily. A blocked or runny nose is an inevitable part of childhood and generally caused by colds allergies, whatever the cause of nasal congestion, the excess mucus can also cause a number of secondary complications.
Babies are ‘obligate nasal breathers’, they breathe through their nose and find it very distressing when this is blocked. This is because they find it difficult to breathe during a feed; it is particularly difficult when a breastfeeding baby has to latch off to gasp in air. He will only be able to take a few sips at a time before gasping for breath, so is more likely to swallow air, become exhausted and not finish his feed. If your congested baby is not feeding properly it will affect his sleep and this could cause restless nights for the whole family. The most likely reason for a baby crying when feeding is because of the frustration of a nasal congestion.
Infants have tiny nasal passages and it doesn’t take much nasal swelling or mucus to cause congestion and of course they are too young to blow their own noses. As they try to breathe through nostrils that are not clear they make noisy snuffly nasal sounds which sound like snoring at night. In fact the only time a young baby breathes naturally through its mouth is when crying!
The main reasons for baby nasal congestion are:
Snuffles
Some babies are simply snuffly, particularly in their early months. This is because they can’t blow their own nose and are unable to clear normal mucus or, in some cases, secretions that may remain after birth.
Colds & Flu
These are an inevitable part of childhood and are the most common reason for nasal congestion. Few things are more stressful in your first year with a new baby. In this first year your baby can suffer around six colds. Babies with older siblings are particularly susceptible as they might bring a new virus back from school. The common cold includes over 100 viruses and as an infant's immune defence system is still developing it is more susceptible. Your baby will be able to fight off the virus on their own but will need time, between 2 days to 2 weeks; some symptoms might linger even longer.
Allergies/ Irritation
Many of the symptoms of allergy are similar to those of a cold, both cause runny noses and sneezing. The key difference is that babies with sensitivities will not have a raised temperature and the nasal discharge is thin and clear, rather than coloured and thick. They may also have itchy watery eyes, nose, eyes or skin. The most likely irritation in summer is pollen, ie hayfever. Irritation can also be caused by cigarette smoke, paint fumes, dust or the family pet.
Whatever the underlying cause, excess mucus causes problems. When excess mucus runs down the back of the throat it may cause the baby to cough as they try to get rid of it, this can cause a sore throat. Difficulty feeding may cause baby to gasp for air, causing colic. Excess mucus can also cause sickness, tummy aches and diarrhoea, and on exit it might also cause nappy rash! Pay particular attention for the signs of ear infection, your baby might tug at their ears or you might see discharge.
If your baby has a stuffy nose, but is not sneezing or suffering from nasal discharge… it might be a simple blockage. Take a look up there and see if he has managed to get something stuck!
Drugs are not recommended for young infants but there are a number of things you can do to make things easier by relieving their nasal congestion. This will make it easier for them to breathe and allow them to feed and sleep better.