One of the most frustrating and tiring things as a mom to young kiddos is when they get sick or are dealing with allergy issues. Usually that means less sleep, cranky kids, tears and lots of frustration for everyone. For us, the dreaded stuffy nose is the worst, especially for the baby of the house.
Did you know that babies don’t breathe out of their nose the first few months? Until about three or four months old, babies have not yet developed the reflex to open their mouth if their nose is stuffy. This is exactly why a young infant with a stuffy nose is so cranky and miserable.
Below are a few helpful tips for dealing with sickness in your littlest ones.
Nasal Saline
Using nasal saline, such as NeilMed Pedia Mist Saline Spray, is a great way to help loosen up all that stubborn mucus stuck in their tiny passages. Simply sit baby up (prevents it from runny down their throat) and spray into nostril(s). My children both hated this at first, but got used to it after several uses. The saline spray will help to cleanse, moisturizes and soothe tiny nasal passages.
NeilMed Naspira Nasal-Oral Aspirator
Don’t mind my hot mess express! It’s been a rough few days!
This nifty contraption is wonderful. At first I was totally weirded out because you actually suck the snot out (I know, it sounds gross but honestly as a parent you pretty much get used to every body fluid after awhile). There are heavy duty filters that prevent you from being able to get any into your mouth. Place the tube into one of your child’s nostrils and suck through the mouthpiece after you’ve used the saline spray to losses everything up. You’ll be amazed at how much you can suck out and how much better baby feels afterwards. The transparent suction bulb can also be used by itself AND it can be cleaned & sanitized too (bulb pulls apart)! Many of the suction bulbs on the market can’t be cleaned properly and can get super gross with mold.
Cool Mist Humidifier
We love our “Ellie” Elephant Humidifier from Crane. The humidifier will help add moisture to the air and keep babies nasal passages moist which will help to prevent additional stuffiness. Steer clear of warm mist humidifiers as they can be a danger in a young child’s room if they were to be tipped over.
Steam Up The Bathroom
Run the shower on hot for a few minutes with the bathroom door closed. Bring in baby and sit with them for several minutes. The warm steam will help loosen everything up and hopefully alleviate some of the stuffiness.
If interested in purchasing your own NeilMed Naspira Aspirator, check out their site here. Use code: MOMSBLOG for $3 off! Also check out their social channels below:
GIVEAWAY!
Leave a comment below with one of your tips for dealing with sickness in your house (for you, baby, anyone). I’ll select THREE different people to randomly to win a NeilMed Naspira Nasal-Oral Aspirator for their family.
I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.
Non-parent, for the record, but I find the snot-sucker thing hilarious. There is no way in Hades my father would have done this. Mom yes, but she’s mom.
Sharing with my daughter for her three kids. Great advice
You can also put Vicks on the bottom of their feet and put socks on them. It will help. Don’t ask why, it just does.
My kids like popsicles when they’re sick. Does nothing to help them get well, but makes their throats feel better for a little while.
Thanks for the great read, Amber! As a soon-to-be first time mom, I’ve been reading up on all kinds of tools to get through rough days. Honestly the thought of sucking snot was a turnoff but I appreciate that you explained the filters and huge benefit for the sweet lil babe. I’m sure I’ll toughen up! When Jay or I are sick, our “go-to feel goods” are soup, tea, comfy blankets, and lots of rest. 🙂
Steam worked great for my son.
I am not a mom but I feel like one of the saddest normal parts of life is seeing a baby who has a runny nose.I know how frustrated I get when I can’t breath but at least I can blow my nose 🙁
I hate doing it and I know they don’t enjoy the process, but it works and they ultimately feel better. A cold is miserable.