Contents
Common cold: how to relieve a baby with a blocked nose?
Washing the nose is usually not necessary if the nostrils are open, but is necessary if there is congestion or a runny nose. Indeed, a baby with a cold or even a stuffy nose is a baby who has difficulty feeding since he cannot breathe properly when he is breastfeeding, or when he drinks from a bottle. He also has disturbed sleep. Removing phlegm when the child has a blocked or stuck nose (such as nasopharyngitis) also helps to avoid ENT complications, from cough to bronchiolitis. If these are simple secretions visible in the nostrils, you can use “snacks” that you make yourself with cotton or a sterile compress, to remove them when washing.
You have to be meticulous when instilling physiological serum or a seawater spray for example. These products are mainly used to moisten and soften the dried phlegm that sticks to the nasal walls of the baby, in order to eliminate it more easily afterwards. However, it is important not to cause too strong a jet or in too large a quantity: the microbes present in the nose can then disperse in the respiratory tract and the ear canal, from where the risk of ear infections and false routes. This is why it is advisable to proceed one nostril at a time, and turn the toddler’s head to the side to instill the physiological serum, so that it is evacuated with the phlegm in the other nostril and not in the back of the throat. As for the seawater spray, it is safer to opt for a special baby model with gentle pressure.
The baby nosepiece is a precious ally in the event of serious congestion. It allows you to quickly and safely suck up the significant phlegm that clogs the nostrils during a cold episode. Depending on the model, either you vacuum yourself, or the suction is done by pressing and releasing the “bulb” of the device. The problem: we do not always properly assess the propulsive force of the air or the suction… which risks being too aggressive! The recent electronic models are ideal when you do not want to vacuum yourself, but their cost is more important. And the sound of some models may surprise the child.
Baby with a cold: you also need to humidify the air in your room!
When the heat is on full blast, the air quickly becomes too dry and irritates the baby’s airways, increasing the risk of colds and coughs. To be comfortable, humidity should be around 50-60% (it is in fact often below 40%). You can check it using a hygrometer and, if necessary, equip yourself with an electric humidifier. Likewise, when you take your child out in snowy weather or in the mountains, remember to slightly moisten their nostrils (with physiological saline or sea water) after returning from a walk. You can also raise your mattress very slightly (15 ° maximum), it will breathe more easily. Note also that the temperature of his room should ideally be between 18 and 20 ° C.