Nasal congestion in babies and small children can be a difficult thing to deal with. While it is a common symptom and is not a sign of sickness or disease, it can still be inconvenient and cause the baby discomfort. The good news about nasal congestion is that it is common and can many times be easily cured.

Step 1

Put the baby somewhere with moist air. Baby’s noses are small, so they’re sensitive to dry air. Put the baby in a room with a humidifier or vaporizer.

Step 2

Use a nasal decongestant or nasal drops, but consult a doctor before you do just to confirm how much you should use. Typically a physician recommends a drop or two every few hours to stop nasal congestion in babies.

Step 3

Try chest rubs or medicine for your baby. Make sure to consult a doctor before doing so. Rub a decongestant chest rub jelly or cream on your baby’s chest in the morning and at night before your child goes to sleep. Using a chest rub on your baby at night helps your baby breathe more effectively during the nighttime hours.

Step 4

Keep the baby elevated when lying down. Congestion is worse when you lie down, especially on your back or stomach. Keeping the baby elevated allows the nasal passages to clear more thoroughly.

Step 5

Encourage the child to blow his nose often. This helps to clear the nasal passages and allows excess mucus to come out. When an baby’s nose is running, dab the mucus under the nose with a tissue. Don’t wipe as that can cause irritation.