best way to clear up a congested baby

Renae - posted on 12/17/2009

I should have just said I agree with everything Melissa said.

Renae - posted on 12/17/2009

Do you have a humidifier? They are great for unblocking babies nose so he can breathe while he sleeps. You can get stuff like eucalyptus drops to add to it.

When my baby is sick I squirt a saline nasal spray for babies up his nose, leave it for 10 minutes to break up the gunk then use a nasal aspirator to suck all the snot out so he can breathe. Doing this a few times a day and before bed really helped. (Except dont leave the aspirator within reach while you change his nappy.... my baby grabbed it and sucked the snot back out and ate it!!! It was the grossest thing ever!!)

Melissa - posted on 12/16/2009

awesome! usually the cold will last about a week or sometimes it will hold on for 2 weeks.

Tracey - posted on 12/09/2009

thanks for all your help, i put sam in his bouncer today and he seems to be feeling and looking better already, lets just see what the nite brings....fingers crossed he will sleep

Thanks again

Georgia - posted on 12/09/2009

Your doctor is right. Unfortunately you just have to let it pass. Melissa's given you all the tools available: saline spray, nasal aspirator and humidifier. The humidifier will become your best friend when it comes to sick kids!

Mandy - posted on 12/09/2009

My daughter has the same problem and like Melissa said, saline spray and nasal aspirator. I let her sleep in her car seat all the time b/c she is so congested due to allergies (it's cotton and peanut harvest time where we live in Texas) and that helps a ton. I have recently bought infant Simply Saline. It has a gentle spray and she doesn't mind it as much as the drops. And the cool mist humidifier works wonders! Good luck and congrats on the new baby!

Amy - posted on 12/09/2009

zack was the same but there aint a whole lot you can do other than what Melissa wrote. it sucks cause you cant instantly relieve them but all you can do is make them feel comfortable. hope he gets better soon x

Nicole - posted on 12/09/2009

humidifier; sit in steam shower

Melissa - posted on 12/09/2009

My 4 month old is on his 3rd cold (back to back colds are the worst!) I know it's hard and can't get any sleep (you or the baby). Try saline spray instead of drops. Wait a few minutes and then use a nasal aspirator to suck out each nostril. At night you can use a cool mist humidifier in his room. There is Vicks vapour rub specifically made for babies if you want to try that.

If he's still congested i suggest putting him in a carseat to get some sleep. That way he is on an incline and the mucous will drain.

Unfortunately there is nothing else you can give a baby except tylenol or motrin but that's not going to help his cold. Hopefully he'll get better within the week. I would monitor his temperature too. If you have concerns bring him to the doctor again.

Take care