In the first few months after your baby is born, you may notice your child having small bouts of congestion. Congestion is normal in infants for a variety of reasons. Check out these common causes of nasal congestion in infants.
Allergies
Allergies are the leading cause of nasal congestion in infants. Babies are prone to allergies that they may grow out of as they age. Babies commonly experience allergies to dust and pollen, which are two very prevalent substances in most homes. To cut down on the symptoms your infant is experiencing due to allergies—such as thick mucus, sniffling, trouble breathing, or aversion to eating—try to keep them away from any potential allergens. You can accomplish this by shutting windows, avoiding drying your clothing outdoors, and regularly dusting their nursery and areas in which they spend a lot of time.
Dry air or poor air quality
Dry air or poor air quality is another common reason your infant may be experiencing nasal congestion. Dry air can cause an infant’s body to produce more mucus than normal and lead to trouble breathing and general discomfort, which can in turn lead to extra irritability in your baby. You can combat congestion due to dry air with a filtered humidifier, which will add moisture to the air while filtering it. This is a quick fix that will improve your baby’s condition almost immediately.
Colds and viruses
Cold and other viruses are also common causes of nasal congestion in infants. Babies can’t handle most medications, so they often have to suffer through colds or viruses without the aid that adults and older children get through decongestants. Nasal congestion due to illness can cause your child to be uncomfortable and have trouble sleeping. To ease their discomfort, try using an organic chest rub for babies from Oogie. This is a solution that can soothe their discomfort and decongest their nasal passages naturally.
If your baby is congested and you’re concerned, consult your child’s pediatrician for advice and further direction on the best method of decongestion for your child.