Stuffy nose in a 2-week-old newborn

Newborn nasal passages are very small, so normal secretions can make snuffling sounds even when airflow is adequate. Dry air, dust, smoke, perfume, or a viral infection may increase congestion. Notice whether the sound comes only from the nose or is accompanied by rapid or effortful breathing from the chest. Nasal noise in a baby who remains pink, alert for feeds, and able to suck is different from breathing distress, but a newborn should be assessed promptly when you are uncertain.

Place plain saline drops just inside each nostril and allow time for thick mucus to loosen. If congestion is disrupting a feed, a baby nasal aspirator can be used gently after saline. Stop if the nostril bleeds or becomes irritated, and avoid repeated deep suction. Wipe discharge from the outside rather than inserting cotton buds or other objects. Clearing the nose before feeding may help your newborn suck more comfortably.

Continue breast milk or correctly prepared formula as usual, offering pauses when needed. Reduce exposure to cigarette smoke, incense, air fresheners, and fragranced sprays. During sleep, place the newborn flat on their back in a separate, firm, clear sleep space. Medicines sold for congestion, antihistamines, medicated nose drops, vapour products, and essential oils should not be given to a newborn without direct medical instruction.

Arrange urgent medical assessment for any fever in a newborn. Call emergency services for blue or grey colour around the lips, pauses in breathing, severe chest pulling, grunting, marked flaring of the nostrils, or difficulty waking. Seek prompt care if your baby is too breathless or tired to feed, takes much less milk, repeatedly vomits feeds, or has fewer wet nappies than usual. A worsening cough, a weak cry, or a clear departure from your baby's normal behaviour also deserves timely review.

Tell the clinician when the stuffiness began, whether it affects every feed, how many wet nappies your baby is producing compared with usual, and whether anyone nearby has respiratory symptoms. Describe any cough, fever, colour change, vomiting, or pauses in breathing. You can ask how to distinguish nasal snuffling from chest breathing difficulty and request a demonstration of gentle suction. Bring the names or packaging of any products already used.