As parents, few things make us feel as helpless as when our babies have a stuffy nose. We love our little ones, and it’s so hard to see and hear them struggling to breathe because of congestion. It can feel even more overwhelming when your baby doesn’t yet know how to blow their nose! When it comes to relieving congestion in newborns and infants, what we’re able to do is limited—but not impossible.
To help parents with congested babies (and save you from worry and sleepless nights), we’ve put together seven effective ways you can help your little one breathe easier.
1. Find the cause of congestion
Before you can help your baby, it’s important to understand why they’re congested. In most cases, nasal congestion is caused by:
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The common cold (an upper respiratory infection)
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A sinus infection
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Allergies (caused by something in your environment, like dust or pollen)
If a cold is the culprit, you may notice sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, or even a mild fever. Babies may also seem fussier than usual, refusing bottles or nursing, and struggling to fall or stay asleep. Most colds clear up within 5–10 days. If symptoms linger longer than that, a sinus infection could be present.
Allergies often look different—lots of sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and frequent nose-rubbing. If you suspect allergies or a sinus infection, schedule a visit with your pediatrician for the right treatment plan.
2. Try saline drops
Saline drops are one of the easiest and safest first steps to relieve a baby’s stuffy nose. Made with a simple saltwater solution, saline helps shrink blood vessels in the nose, thin out mucus, and reduce swelling in the sinus area. Always consult the instructions on the packaging of your saline drops! Here are some general tips:
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Lay your baby on their back or cradle them in your arm, gently tilting their chin upward.
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Place 2–3 drops of saline into each nostril.
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Keep their head tilted back for a few moments to let the solution work its way through the nasal passage.
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Gently wipe away any drips with a soft and clean cloth.
3. Take a warm, steamy bath
Just like adults, babies can find relief from congestion through steam. Moisture in the air helps loosen stubborn mucus. To try this:
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Run a hot shower with the bathroom door closed, letting steam fills the room.
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Sit with your baby in the bathroom (not directly in the shower) for a few minutes, letting them breathe in the warm, moist air.
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Alternatively, give your baby a warm bath (making sure the water isn’t too hot).
4. Keep your baby hydrated
Staying hydrated helps keep mucus thin and easier to clear. Nasal passageways are naturally warm and humid, but if your baby is dehydrated and lacking in saliva, the dried-out boogers may build up. If your baby is fussy and refuses to eat, try clearing their nose with one of the above tips, then offer a bottle or breastfeed again. Proper hydration is one of the simplest but most effective ways to ease congestion.
5. Run a humidifier
Dry air can make congestion worse. A cool-mist humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping to thin mucus and relieve stuffiness. You can run it in your baby’s room—especially during naps and overnight.
Tip: Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly and run it in a room with proper circulation and ventilation. This will help prevent mold or mildew buildup, which can make symptoms worse.
6. Keep your baby upright
When babies lie flat, mucus tends to pool at the top of their sinuses, making it harder to breathe. Keeping them upright helps mucus drain more effectively. You can:
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Hold your baby in an upright position
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Wear them in a carrier
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Let them nap in a swing or car seat (with supervision)
This position helps relieve congestion, giving them the chance to catch up on rest.
7. Safely remove boogers
Congestion often brings boogers, which can block nasal passages and make breathing even harder. While it’s tempting, avoid using your fingers or cotton swabs, which can be unsafe for delicate baby noses.
Instead, use a safe tool like the oogiebear Baby Nose & Ear Cleaner. Made of soft rubber, the oogiebear has two ends:
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A loop end for sticky boogers
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A scoop end for dried ones
It’s designed with a patented bear head stopper to prevent going too far into the nose, keeping the process gentle and safe. Plus, it doubles as an ear cleaner!
Help your little one breathe easier
The next time your baby is congested, these seven tips can help bring them comfort (and help you worry less). And when it comes to booger removal, oogiebear makes the job quick, safe, and effective.
To learn more—or to get safe and simple baby cleaning tools—visit our website today.
