Your baby's stuffy or runny nose is definitely not fun, but it'southward rarely a sign of anything serious. While information technology's tricky to preclude or stop those sniffles — which tin make your niggling 1 fussy and sleepless — at that place are things you can do to help alleviate her discomfort. And knowing what'south causing her runny or stuffy nose tin brand it easier to care for.

What causes a stuffy nose in babies and toddlers?

Information technology's amazing that picayune noses can produce and so much gunk — but it'south besides totally normal. Stuffed-upwardly noses are caused by inflammation of the sensitive membranes that line the nasal cavity, and they're usually zilch to worry about.

Congestion in newborn babies is common, even when at that place'southward nothing wrong — the mucus in her arrangement means her immune arrangement is developing.

Other causes of congestion in babies and toddlers include:

  • Upper respiratory viruses similar the common common cold and COVID-19
  • The flu (influenza virus)
  • Allergies
  • Cold weather
  • Exposure to ecology irritants like tobacco smoke

Your child's nasal congestion and runny nose may come with other symptoms, including sneezing, a cough and itchy pare around the nose or face.

When should you phone call the doctor?

By itself, a stuffy nose or congestion isn't something to worry about, especially if information technology'due south caused by a cold or exposure to cold atmospheric condition — which makes grown-upwards noses run too.

If your kid's stuffiness is accompanied by a fever, ear pain, a sore throat and/or bloated glands, or you doubtable there is a foreign object stuck in her olfactory organ, telephone call your pediatrician right away. If your little one's breathing becomes labored, even through the oral fissure, that also warrants an firsthand call to your pediatrician's emergency line or 911 (or a trip to the ER).

You'll also want to get your child tested for COVID-19 if she's experiencing symptoms (including a stuffy olfactory organ), and isolate her as best as possible for ten days if she tests positive. Consult the Centers for Illness Control and Prevention COVID-xix guidelines (as well as whatever schoolhouse or day intendance protocols), and check in with your family's pediatrician if you have any questions.

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

Sometimes those secondary symptoms are hard to discern in a babe, so if yous're worried about your little one's plugged-upward nose and her general comfort, a call to your practitioner is a good idea anyway, if only to ease your mind.

What can you give a infant or toddler for a stuffy olfactory organ?

Since yous tin't give babies and toddlers any cold medicine, simple abode remedies can offer lots of relief from stuffy, runny noses in footling ones.

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

Never give decongestants or other cold medications to babies or children under four years old. And beyond that, the American University of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends talking to your pediatrician before giving any common cold medicine to children between the ages of 4 and 6 because information technology isn't proven to alleviate symptoms in young children and could be potentially unsafe.

Tin yous prevent stuffy, runny noses in babies and toddlers?

Unfortunately, stuffy, runny noses are common for babies and toddlers, but y'all can minimize the take a chance of colds and viruses past:

  • Washing your hands and your child's frequently — and making sure everyone who comes in contact with baby does the same
  • Avoiding infectious people as much as possible
  • Not sharing personal items like utensils and cups
  • Ensuring your family is upward-to-engagement on vaccinations — including the influenza shot and the COVID-19 vaccine, if your children are former plenty
  • Wearing well-plumbing fixtures masks in crowded spaces (toddlers over the age of 2 tin can safely wear them too)