Infant blocked nose: what parents should know

Infants have small nasal passages, so mucus from a common cold can make breathing sound noisy and make feeding harder. Dry air, irritants or allergies may also contribute. A blocked nose can occur with Allergic Rhinitis, House Dust Mite Allergy or Sinusitis, but the symptom alone does not identify its cause.

Notice whether the baby is alert, taking feeds and producing wet nappies as usual. Snoring, pauses in breathing or persistent mouth breathing deserve assessment, particularly if sleep is repeatedly disturbed.

Use sterile saline drops or spray made for infants according to the product directions, then gently clear loosened mucus at the nostril. Offer smaller, more frequent feeds if congestion makes sustained feeding tiring. Keep smoke, perfume, dust and strong cleaning fumes away from the baby, and keep the sleeping surface flat and clear.

Do not put oils, herbal mixtures or adult decongestants into an infant's nose. Allergy Medication should only be considered after a clinician has advised that an allergy is involved.

Seek urgent help if the baby is struggling to breathe, has blue or grey lips, pauses in breathing, is unusually difficult to wake or cannot feed because of breathlessness. Arrange prompt medical advice if feeds are markedly reduced, wet nappies become less frequent, symptoms are worsening or congestion continues without improvement.

Ask what may be causing the congestion, which saline product and clearing method suit your baby, and whether noisy sleep or feeding changes need examination. Mention any cough, fever, rash, breathing pauses or known allergy triggers.