Nose care

The inside of the nose is self-cleaning and needs no special care. If your baby has any discharge, wipe it from the outside, but resist using cotton balls or your fingernail to try to remove it from the nostril – you might damage the nasal membranes.

Newborns often have snuffly breathing because their nasal passages are very narrow. Frequent sneezing will help your baby to clear any blockages from his nasal cavity.

Colds and nasal congestion:
 

• Your baby is naturally inclined to breathe through his nose – even if he can’t because of congestion. Congestion may disrupt feeding, sleeping and our baby’s overall temperament.
• If your baby has nasal congestion, try to keep it cleared so he’ll be as comfortable as he can be.
• While having a cold can be miserable, they usually don’t pose a serious health threat. However, a young child with a cold needs to be watched as his cold could lead to more serious conditions including ear infections, influenza and pneumonia.

Helping my baby with a cold or nasal congestion:

It’s true – there is still no cure for the common cold, but there are some simple steps you can take to make your baby comfortable - and lessen the likelihood that it will become something more serious - while he rides out the storm.

• Make sure that he rests
• Offer him extra fluids (in the form or water or extra breast feeds) to replace the lost fluids
• Use saline drops to help clear his stuffy nose

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This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot. Sources include SA Government’s Parenting and Child Health

Last revised: Thursday, 19 June 2008

This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.