My baby has a stuffy nose. How can I help you sleep safely?

Welcome to the club of frazzled adults who care for small children with respiratory illnesses. Nasal congestion caused by colds, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or COVID-19 can make it difficult for babies to breathe. This can keep them up at night (and disrupt family routines).

By now, you’re probably in dire need of a solution. But first, it’s important to understand the basics of safe sleep for babies.

In the United States, approximately 3,400 babies die in their sleep every year. Many lives have been lost due to unexplained Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Others manage to twist or turn into positions that narrow their airways. Some babies suffocate when pillows or blankets cover their mouths or noses.

Based on research on safer sleep habits, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies always sleep Place face up on a flat, solid surface. Your sleeping space also shouldn’t have pillows, props, cushions, blankets, stuffed animals or other lightweight materials. (If you want more tips on baby sleep, check out this helpful article.)

But shouldn’t babies with stuffy noses sleep in a higher position to breathe easier?

Won’t.Elevating your baby with a towel or pillow or tilting the mattress may seem harmless, but not safe.

Think of your baby’s airway as a straw. Your baby breathes easier when the “straw” (airway) is straightened. When your baby’s head is elevated or tilted, his or her neck can easily bend forward or tilt to one side. This can cause the airway to bend, making it difficult for the baby to breathe, even if he or she is using equipment designed for that task.

In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has banned the sale and manufacture of tilt sleep seats (products where the baby’s head is at an angle of more than 10 degrees to a flat surface). This comes after a series of child deaths showed just how dangerous it can be.

Can I put my baby to sleep in a rocker or car seat?

I know how tempting it can be to put a fussy baby in a calming device like a rocking chair, especially if you haven’t had a good night’s sleep in days. However, remember that your child is already having trouble breathing. When babies fall asleep in a rocking or vibrating chair, they are unable to keep their head elevated or their airway upright. So, don’t let your kids fall asleep there.

Car seats and carriers are designed to hold your baby’s head up or slightly tilted, but they don’t provide enough support for safe sleep. If your child falls asleep in the car, resist the temptation to put him or her in a car seat and let him continue to nap. Be sure to move your baby to a designated sleeping space as soon as possible.

Is my child’s crib the only safe place for him to sleep?

Your baby is completely safe sleeping in a bassinet, co-sleeper, portable crib or playpen, or other portable crib that meets CPSC standards.. Make sure your mattress is firm, flat, and free of soft accessories.

Will my baby get cold without a blanket, especially if he or she is sick?

Many parents worry about this, but it’s easy to keep your baby comfortable while they sleep. Start by dressing him in warm, breathable clothing. Try a cotton undershirt or onesie, then pair it with a footed onesie or pajamas and light-colored socks.

If your home is cold, you can adjust the room temperature slightly. If you do this, still check on your baby frequently. You’ll want to make sure you’re not too hot, which can also make it difficult to breathe.

What advice can you give me to relieve my baby’s nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion occurs when the blood vessels and tissues in your baby’s nose fill with too much fluid. As your baby recovers from a cold, flu, or other virus that causes nasal congestion, here are some safe ways to relieve congestion:

• saline drops. This method uses simple plain salt water to relieve nasal congestion. Apply two drops to each nostril to relieve congestion, then use a suction ball to suck out the salt water and mucus. Be sure to squeeze the ball before inserting it into your baby’s nostrils to prevent the ball from releasing a large amount of air and causing further congestion.

  Use simple saline drops with no added medications. (You can even make your own saline drops from sterile, distilled or pre-boiled water and salt – see the recipe here -). By doing this 15 minutes before feeding or at nap time, you can help your child eat and rest better.

• Gentle suction. You can use items like suction balls to clear fluid and mucus from your baby’s nose. For stubborn, thick mucus, use a damp cotton swab to gently clean around the nose.

• cold steam. Try using a vaporizer or humidifier with a cool mist in your baby’s sleeping environment to help clear your baby’s nasal passages. Place it close enough so that the steam can reach your sleeping baby, but out of your child’s reach. Change the water daily and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent mold and bacteria from forming.

You can also try giving your baby a “steam treatment”. Take him to warm up the tub. Run hot water in the shower for a few minutes, then take your baby into the bathroom and hold him or her while breathing in the moist air. This really helps before bed.

• Continuous hydration. Make sure your baby stays well hydrated. This can help soften mucus that prevents your baby from breathing freely.

  A blocked nose can cause babies to feed more slowly or not want to eat. Try blowing your baby’s nose before breastfeeding or bottle feeding. If your baby finds it difficult to breastfeed due to swelling, breast milk can be expressed and placed in a cup or bottle. Additionally, if your baby is at least 6 months old, you can provide some water (4-8 ounces per day, half a cup or 1 cup per day) in an open sippy cup or sippy cup.

What should I do if my baby has trouble breathing?

Call 911 whenever your baby:

• Difficulty breathing

• I can barely make a sound or cry

• Blue lips or face

• It feels like something is stuck in my throat

Call your baby’s doctor if:

• you’re breathing faster than usual

• Your lips or face turn blue when you cough

• A cough that won’t stop and prevents you from sleeping, eating, or playing

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