Up to 6 months, babies only breathe through their noses and can feel very uncomfortable when their nostrils are clogged. In those cases, nasal irrigation in babies is a great solution. Check out how and when to make one.
During Winter, temperatures vary greatly and favor respiratory diseases in babies, who breathe exclusively through their nose until they are 6 months old. In this case, nasal wash can be a great solution, as it reduces inflammation of the airways and the accumulation of mucus. Do you want to learn how and when to do nasal irrigation in babies? Check out our article.
When should you do nasal irrigation?
Before learning how to irrigate your baby’s nose, you need to know when to do it. When your little one has a stuffy nose, it can be a great solution. The main causes of nasal congestion are climate change, cold and dry weather, flu, sinusitis, or respiratory allergies.
When any of these conditions occur and your little one is unable to breathe and sleep normally due to a stuffy nose, nasal irrigation can be very helpful in alleviating the symptoms.
But always remember to also talk to your child’s pediatrician, who will assess his health in detail and indicate the best treatment.
Benefits of the procedure
Knowing how to properly do nasal irrigation in babies is very important, as it is a very safe and a highly recommended alternative to decongest your little one’s nose. In addition, it brings the following benefits:
- Prevents respiratory infections;
- Cleanses and moisturizes the mucous membranes;
- Eliminates excess mucus;
- Removes dirt or particles that cause allergy;
- Reduces cough associated with runny nose.
Now that you understand the importance, learn how to do a baby nose wash effectively in a few easy steps.
How to do nasal irrigation in babies
Before applying the 0.9% saline solution with a blunt syringe, remember that the liquid must be at room temperature, as it will be more comfortable for your little one.
It is worth remembering that the amount of saline solution for each nostril varies according to the baby’s age:
- From one to three months: up to 5 ml;
- From four to six months: up to 10 ml;
- From six months: up to 20 ml.
Follow these steps to wash your baby’s nose:
- Clean excess secretions from the baby’s nose gently, with the help of a damp cotton swab;
- Place the 0.9% saline solution inside a syringe without a tip or a netit pot;
- Wrap the baby in a soft blanket so that he feels safe and keeps his arms immobilized;
- Hold the baby in an upright position, with his back to you and his head slightly tilted forward;
- Position the tip of the syringe at the entrance of one of the nostrils;
- Introduce the saline solution slowly without stopping, as a continuous flow is necessary to eliminate all the mucus;
- Repeat the process in the other nostril;
If your child has a stuffy nose, clear it at least twice a day, morning and night. It can be necessary to do it more often during an infection or during Winter.
Did you like to know more about nasal irrigation in babies? Overall, it is a very simple and beneficial procedure for your little one’s health. While it may seem difficult, it’s easy to do it once you get used to it. Oh, and remember to consult your baby’s pediatrician before the first nasal irrigation.
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