How to Help a Baby with a Runny Nose

Runny noses and babies are a miserable combination. If your little one is under the weather, they might be fussier than usual or have trouble sleeping and eating. Although there's not a lot you can do to treat the runny nose, you can do a few things that may help clear their nasal passages so they breathe easier. Keep your baby hydrated and give them extra cuddles. Comforting your baby will make them feel supported as they rest and recover.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Clearing the Baby's Nose

1
Put saline drops or spray into each nostril to loosen thick mucus. If your baby has a runny nose and congestion, squirt 2 to 6 saline drops or spritzes of saline into each nostril. Use the saline before you try to suction out mucus so it's easier to clear from your baby's nose.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- You can purchase saline spray in the pharmacy, at most grocery stores, or online.
- You might find saline wipes available for sale. While these may be more comfortable than tissues for wiping a runny nose, they don't deliver the saline into your baby's nasal passages as effectively as drops or spray.
Tip: It's important to use saline drops and not medicated nose drops or sprays. Don't use cold-relieving nasal sprays in babies or children under 6 years old.
2
Use a rubber bulb syringe to suction the mucus from your baby's nose. Squeeze the bulb to push out the air and insert ¹⁄₄ to ¹⁄₂ inch (0.64 to 1.27 cm) of the syringe tip into your baby's nostril. Release the bulb so it sucks up the mucus. Then, remove the syringe and squeeze the bulb over a tissue so the mucus comes out. Repeat this for the other nostril.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- To clean the bulb syringe, fill a bowl with hot soapy water. Fill the bulb with the water and squirt it out. Repeat this a few times before rinsing the bulb syringe with hot water. Then, let the bulb dry completely before using it again.
- If you prefer, use a nasal aspirator that is attached to a tube. Insert the aspirator into your baby's nostril and suck on the tube to clear their nose.
Advertisement
3
Run a cool-mist humidifier in your baby's room to add moisture to the air. Dry air can make your baby's congestion and runny nose worse, so making the room more humid may help your baby breathe easier. Place the cool-mist humidifier on a desk or table in your baby's room and start running it before they go to bed or take naps.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the cool-mist humidifier after using it. Clean and dry the machine thoroughly to prevent mold from growing in the water tank.
4
Sit with your baby in a steamy bathroom to loosen the mucus in their nose. If you don't have a cool-mist humidifier, run a hot shower and sit in the bathroom (not the shower itself) with your baby on your lap. Close the door let them breathe in the steam for 10 to 15 minutes.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Never leave your baby unattended in the bathroom. You should stay in the bathroom and hold the baby upright on your lap while they breathe in the steam.
5
Avoid using a hot steam vaporizer or humidifier in your baby's room. You've probably seen humidifiers for sale in the baby aisle, but don't use them in your baby's room. The steam can burn your baby, make the room uncomfortably warm, and breed harmful bacteria.^{[5]XResearch source}
- You should also avoid holding your baby's face over a bowl of steaming water. The steam can be too hot and might burn your baby.
6
Get medical attention if your baby has a fever or doesn't improve after a week. If your baby's nose continues to run, they develop a fever, or the runny nose makes it difficult for them to breathe and eat, call your baby's pediatrician. Your baby needs emergency medical attention if they're:^{[6]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Less than 2 months old and have a fever
- Struggling to breathe
- Refusing to eat
- Choking or vomiting
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making Your Baby Comfortable

1
Offer your baby breastmilk or formula to keep them hydrated. Your baby might find nursing difficult with a runny nose, but they need fluids so they don't become dehydrated. Continue to offer your baby the bottle or the breast whenever they show hunger signs, such as rooting, mouthing, and crying.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Even the act of feeding your baby might help them feel more comfortable and cared for.
2
Let your baby get as much sleep as possible. Your baby needs sleep in order to fight whatever's causing their runny nose. Since your baby might have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you might need to soothe, rock, or sing to help them fall asleep. Try to put your baby down as soon as they show signs of being tired. Their eyelids may look heavy or they might start to fuss, for instance.^{[8]XResearch source}
- If your baby has a cold, they might be noisier while they're sleeping. Don't rush to immediately pick up your baby if you hear them squirming or whimpering since they may actually be sleeping.
3
Don't give your baby cold medication. Most medication hasn't been approved for infant use and there are no treatments for the common cold. It's best to avoid giving your baby over-the-counter cold medications since the side effects can be worse than your baby's runny nose. If your baby has a runny nose and a fever, call the doctor or nurse advice hotline before giving medication to your baby.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- If your baby is less than 3 months old and they have a fever, the doctor might want to examine your baby.
4
Wipe mucus away from your baby's nose frequently. If mucus runs down into your baby's mouth, they can become fussy. Take a clean, soft tissue and wipe the mucus from the nostrils and skin underneath the nose. Try to be as gentle as possible so you don't irritate the delicate skin further. If there's crusty mucus around the nose, dab a moistened cotton ball around the nostrils.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Use tissues that have lotion in them to moisturize the skin as you wipe it.
5
Rub petroleum jelly under your baby's nose if it becomes red or dry. If your baby's nose is running, the moisture and constant wiping can actually dry out the delicate skin below the nostrils. If the skin looks irritated, wipe a very thin layer of plain petroleum jelly below the nostrils. This acts as a barrier and protects the skin.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Reapply the plain petroleum jelly once it wears off. You may need to do this a few times a day.
Warning: Never use mentholated petroleum jelly on your baby. The menthol and eucalyptus that medicated petroleum jelly contains can damage your baby's respiratory system when they breathe it in. It can also cause vomiting, lethargy, and seizures when applied to the skin or swallowed.
6
Avoid raising your baby's mattress or placing pillows in their crib. If your baby is under 1 year old, it's important to place them flat on their back. Never prop the mattress up or place pillows in their cribs. Sleeping flat, even with a runny nose, reduces your baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome.^{[12]XResearch source}
- If you co-sleep, ensure that your baby is sleeping on a flat surface. Move pillows and blankets away from your child while they sleep.
7
Keep your baby’s room clean and dust-free to reduce allergens. If your baby’s bedroom is dirty or dusty, clean it thoroughly before they are in there again. Use a damp cloth to dust, sweep or vacuum the floors and mattress, change the sheets, empty the diaper pail, and do other things to tidy up in general.^{[13]XResearch source}
- You can also run an air purifier to help remove dust and other allergens from the air in your baby’s room.
8
Give your baby extra care and attention while they're sick. You might not feel like there's a lot you can do, but just holding your baby more and cuddling them can make them feel a lot better. To soothe your baby, try:^{[14]XResearch source}
- Rocking them while playing soothing music
- Gently massaging their back or tummy
- Giving them a warm bath before bed
- Wearing your baby when you're walking around
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Don't rub mentholated petroleum jelly on your baby's chest. These aren't designed for infants and can damage your child's respiratory system or skin.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0
Never smoke around your baby because this can make their congested nose worse.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0

Warnings

Avoid giving babies or children under 3 years old over-the-counter cold medications since most medications haven't been tested and approved for infants.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0