5 Natural Ways to Help Decongest a Baby with a Cold

The Gentle, Natural and Non-Medicinal Way

When baby has a cold, he or she suffers more than older children and adults, simply because baby does not yet know how to blow his or her own nose. Such a simple task that we take for granted, decongesting our nostrils, can be the difference between a sleeping and a non-sleeping baby. Since sleep is essential for babies, especially when they have a sickness like a cold, it is important to help clear out their nasal passages.

There are gentle, natural and non-medicinal ways to help ease baby's congestion.

5 Natural Ways to Help Decongest a Baby With a Cold

#1 Natural Way to Help Decongest a Baby With a Cold: Steam

The safest and most effective way to use steam to help decongest a baby with a cold is to place baby in his or her favorite infant seat, chair or swing and bring them into the bathroom with you when you take a shower. Keep baby dressed normally, do not overdress baby or give baby a blanket, as that would cause baby to sweat and become cold from being wet.

Close the shower door, and take a nice hot steaming shower. By having baby in the bathroom with you, the steam will provide a natural and safe decongestant. For an added bonus, add a few drops of Eucalyptus oil to your shower.

#2 Natural Way to Help Decongest a Baby With a Cold: Saline Nose Drops

If baby is congested and his or her nose is not running freely, use some saline nosedrops before suctioning out baby's nose.

Here is a basic recipe for making saline drops for baby's first cold. This solution may be stored for up to 24 hours. After that simply dump it out and make more. It can be stored in a plastic bottle, use a label or permanent marker to mark the date and time. Or simply throw it away and make more the next time you need it.

Simple Saline Nosedrops:

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt with one cup of water.