Have you been sitting up all night listening to your baby sniffle? Does your baby keep tossing and turning because of all that built up congestion in their sinuses?

It can be nerve-racking having a sick child. Especially, if this is the first time your baby has been sick. They’re fussy, clingy, having trouble sleeping, and have relentless snot dripping from that tiny nose of theirs.

But, what can you do to help soothe your baby? Is there anything you can do at home to help your baby breathe easier and finally get some sleep?

Listed below are 8 simple steps you can follow to help relieve your baby’s congestion, naturally and effectively.

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8 Simple Steps to Relieving Your Baby’s Congestion

Here are 8 simple and natural steps you can follow to help your baby breathe easier and sleep soundly.

1. Take a Warm Soak

A nice warm bath will help loosen all that mucus in your baby’s nose and chest. It will help relieve pressure on their sinuses and set them up for a better nights sleep.

2. Turn on Some Steam

Turn on the shower and let the bathroom steam up. Sit in there with your baby for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the steam enough time to help break up all that yucky mucus in their body.

CAUTION: Be sure to dress baby in light clothes, so he doesn’t overheat.

3. Suck It Out

After you’ve got all that mucus loosened up, grab a Nose Frida and suck the snot right out. I know it sounds gross, but I promise you, nothing gets in your mouth. And, it REALLY works.

If you need to thin the mucus out even more, then grab some saline or expressed breastmilk and place a few drops in each nostril before using the Nose Frida.

4. Run the Humidifier

Symptoms tend to get worse at night, so run a cool mist humidifier on your baby’s nightstand to keep the air moist. If the air gets too dry, the mucus in your baby’s nose and sinuses won’t drain properly, and your baby will wake up all stuffed-up again.

5. Diffuse Essential Oils

If your baby is over 6 months of age, then it’s safe to diffuse certain essential oils around them for short periods of time.

A great child-safe blend for congestion is lavender, lemon, and frankincense. Use 1 drop each per 100ml of water in your diffuser. Diffuse for 10-15 minutes on, 60 minutes off.

Check out Using Essential Oils Safely for other child-safe blends.

If you’re new to essential oils, a great place to buy quality oils from is Plant Therapy. Their oils are like half the cost of MLM brands, but the same great quality. Plus, they promote the safe use of essential oils and even have a KidSafe line to make it easier for you.

CAUTION: Steer clear from eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils, as these are not recommended for young children.

6. Elevate Baby’s Head

Roll up some blankets or towels and place them UNDER your baby’s crib mattress to keep their head slightly elevated. This will provide some relief on their sinuses, help them breathe better, and get some much needed rest. You can also let your baby sleep in the swing or carrier for supervised naps.

7. Nurse, Nurse, Nurse

If you’re nursing your baby, then keep nursing! Your milk is the best thing for him anytime he is sick.

Your breastmilk contains antibodies specifically tailored to fight off whatever illness your baby caught. Each time your baby nurses, his saliva tells your body which antibodies to produce. Amazing, right?!

If your baby is struggling to breathe and nurse at the same time, then try nursing in the steamy bathroom, keeping baby upright as much as possible while nursing. You can also try using the Nose Frida right before you feed your baby.

8. Try Some Supplements

If you absolutely need to, there are certain supplements out there to help congested babies. Of course, it’s always best to speak to your baby’s doctor before giving any kind of medicine or supplements.

Elderberry Syrup is a natural cold and flu fighter, and also helps boost the immune system. It’s safe for babies 6 months and up, but always make sure it doesn’t have honey in it if your baby in under 1 year of age.

If you’re breastfeeding, you can always just take the elderberry yourself. You can learn more about Elderberry Syrup and its benefits over at mommypotamus.

Vitamin C can be a very effective tool for treating your baby’s cold as well. When used effectively, it can reduce your baby’s symptoms and shorten the duration of their illness.

If you’re breastfeeding, it’s much easier to just take the vitamin C yourself and let it pass through your breastmilk. In order to be effective, you should be taking vitamin C to your bowel tolerance.

We prefer to use Sodium Ascorbate in our home, as it’s a crystalline from a non-GMO source, but we also really like this liquid vitamin C for children over 6 months of age. Talk to your pediatrician about what dose is safe for your baby when giving it to them directly.

If your baby has a cough along their congestion, you could pick up some Zarbee’s Naturals Baby at your local Walgreens or Target. It’s made with agave syrup and ivy leaf extract to help clear your baby’s mucus when they’re coughing. It’s safe for babies 2 months and up.

Clear Breathing

Having a congested baby is no fun. It’s stressful for mom, dad, and of course your baby. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do at home to help your baby breathe clearly and sleep soundly.

Try elevating the head of the crib mattress, nursing in the steamy bathroom, or running a humidifier overnight. Depending on your baby’s age, you could also try diffusing certain essential oils or giving some natural supplements. And remember, don’t be afraid to give the doctor a call if you’re worried. That’s what they’re for! Follow your mama instinct.

Having a sick baby can be exhausting, but hopefully it will pass soon. For now, just enjoy all those extra cuddles.

Did You Find This Post Helpful?

Did you have success with any of these remedies? What worked best for relieving your baby’s congestion? Share your experience in the comments below and be sure to share this post with all your new mama friends.

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Posted in Baby, Health and tagged congestion, elderberry, essential oils, natural, natural remedies

4 Comments

Chelsea on January 13, 2020 at 1:54 am

Thank you for saving our sanity! My poor baby got the sniffles in CA, but now we’re home in UT. Tonight she wouldn’t stop crying and sounded so congested. The moment I turned the hot water on, she stopped!!

- Nicolle on January 13, 2020 at 10:56 am
  
  I’m so glad she was able to get some relief!! I hope she feels better soon! Having a sick baby can be so stressful. Lots of snuggles and cuddles.
  
Asia Rosario on September 13, 2019 at 6:13 pm

All very good tips to help the littles! 🙂 Good post, will share.

- Nicolle on September 16, 2019 at 7:55 am
  
  Thanks so much Asia!

How to Relieve Your Baby’s Congestion Naturally & Effectively