Your infant'south stuffy or runny nose is definitely not fun, but it's rarely a sign of anything serious. While it's tricky to prevent or end those sniffles — which tin can make your little i fussy and sleepless — there are things y'all can exercise to help alleviate her discomfort. And knowing what'due south causing her runny or stuffy olfactory organ tin make it easier to treat.

What causes a stuffy nose in babies and toddlers?

It's amazing that little noses tin produce so much gunk — but it's also totally normal. Stuffed-up noses are caused by inflammation of the sensitive membranes that line the nasal cavity, and they're usually nothing to worry near.

Congestion in newborn babies is common, even when in that location's zippo incorrect — the fungus in her system means her immune system is developing.

Other causes of congestion in babies and toddlers include:

  • Upper respiratory viruses like the common common cold and COVID-nineteen
  • The flu (influenza virus)
  • Allergies
  • Common cold weather
  • Exposure to environmental irritants similar tobacco smoke

Your kid's nasal congestion and runny nose may come with other symptoms, including sneezing, a coughing and itchy skin effectually the olfactory organ or face.

When should you call the doc?

By itself, a stuffy nose or congestion isn't something to worry nigh, especially if it's caused by a cold or exposure to cold weather condition — which makes grown-up noses run too.

If your child'south stuffiness is accompanied by a fever, ear pain, a sore throat and/or bloated glands, or you lot suspect at that place is a foreign object stuck in her nose, call your pediatrician right abroad. If your trivial i's breathing becomes labored, fifty-fifty through the mouth, that too warrants an firsthand call to your pediatrician'due south emergency line or 911 (or a trip to the ER).

You'll too desire to go your child tested for COVID-19 if she's experiencing symptoms (including a stuffy olfactory organ), and isolate her as best as possible for 10 days if she tests positive. Consult the Centers for Affliction Control and Prevention COVID-xix guidelines (as well every bit whatever school or twenty-four hours care protocols), and cheque in with your family's pediatrician if you have any questions.

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You'll likewise want to consult your doctor if you suspect an allergic reaction to any environmental pollutants, which is rare in babies, or if the nasal discharge is green, bloody or smells bad.

Sometimes those secondary symptoms are hard to discern in a baby, and then if you're worried about your little 1'southward plugged-upwardly nose and her general comfort, a call to your practitioner is a good idea anyway, if only to ease your mind.

What can yous give a baby or toddler for a stuffy olfactory organ?

Since you can't give babies and toddlers any cold medicine, uncomplicated dwelling remedies tin offering lots of relief from stuffy, runny noses in fiddling ones.

  • Saline drops and suction: To clear up baby's congestion, effort using baby saline drops or a saline spray, which you can get at any chemist's. Put two or 3 drops in each nostril, so use a baby nasal bulb aspirator to suction the mucus plugging up her olfactory organ. Doing this before feeding can aid prevent nursing interruptions due to discomfort.
  • Vapor rubs: Some vapor rubs — especially those formulated for babies and toddlers — may exist okay to apply to either the soles of your child's feet or potentially to the chest, though ever check with your pediatrician earlier using any of those products and become detailed instructions on how, regardless of what the label says. Keep them out of reach of children, and never put the rub under or inside your little one's nose.
  • Humidifier: A cold-mist humidifier — not a hot-mist one, which can pose a fire risk if a baby or toddler falls or trips on it — can help moisten the air and your child'south dry, irritated sinuses.

Never give decongestants or other common cold medications to babies or children under 4 years sometime. And beyond that, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends talking to your pediatrician before giving whatever cold medicine to children between the ages of 4 and half-dozen because information technology isn't proven to alleviate symptoms in young children and could be potentially dangerous.

Can you prevent stuffy, runny noses in babies and toddlers?

Unfortunately, stuffy, runny noses are common for babies and toddlers, but you tin can minimize the risk of colds and viruses past:

  • Washing your hands and your child's frequently — and making certain anybody who comes in contact with babe does the same
  • Avoiding infectious people equally much as possible
  • Non sharing personal items like utensils and cups
  • Ensuring your family unit is up-to-date on vaccinations — including the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine, if your children are erstwhile enough
  • Wearing well-fitting masks in crowded spaces (toddlers over the historic period of 2 tin can safely wear them too)