Safely clearing your baby's stuffy nose can be achieved using saline spray or drops followed by gentle suction with a bulb syringe.
Using Saline Solution
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Position your baby: Recline your baby with their chin tilted upwards. This helps the solution reach the nasal passages effectively. Alternatively, you can position them leaning forward over a sink or sitting up with a container under their chin to catch any drainage. (Cleveland Clinic, Koala Babycare)
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Administer saline: For babies under one year old, use approximately 5 mL of saline solution; after 1.5 years, you may use up to 10 mL. (Hospital da Luz) Gently spray or squeeze two to three drops of saline solution into each nostril. Drops are generally preferred over sprays as they are gentler on a baby's delicate nasal passages. (MyHealth Alberta) Avoid using a neti pot for babies. (Cleveland Clinic)
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Wait briefly: Allow a few moments for the saline to work and loosen the mucus. You can also try tilting your baby's head back or placing them in tummy time. (Integris Health)
Using a Bulb Syringe
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Preparation: Ensure the bulb syringe is clean. Thoroughly rinse the bulb with soapy water, then rinse repeatedly with clean water to remove all traces of soap. (Nationwide Children's Hospital)
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Suction: Gently squeeze the bulb syringe to remove air. Gently insert the tip into your baby's nostril (the nostril farther from the sink if you're positioned over one) and release the bulb to draw in mucus. Avoid inserting it too deep. (MyHealth Alberta) Repeat as needed for both nostrils.
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Important note: Only use saline drops if your baby has harder mucus. Loose mucus usually doesn't require saline. (Healthline)
When to use nasal spray or saline
You can safely rinse your baby's sinuses from one month of age, or even earlier if necessary. (Koala Babycare)
