Newborn runny nose: what to know

Newborns have narrow nasal passages, so ordinary mucus can sound noisy and look like a runny nose. Dry air, irritants, or milk near the nose may also contribute. A Common Cold can cause clear or thicker discharge, while other infections may bring fever, cough, or reduced feeding. Allergic Rhinitis and household or pet allergies are less typical explanations in a newborn, but a clinician can consider the pattern and environment.

The symptom itself does not tell you which condition is present. Sinusitis, Influenza, and COVID-19 require clinical context rather than a visual guess from nasal discharge.

Wipe the outside of the nose gently with clean, damp cotton or a soft cloth. Ask a clinician or pharmacist how to use infant saline drops if congestion makes feeding difficult, and allow pauses during feeds. Keep smoke, strong fragrances, dust, and aerosol products away from the baby. Do not use adult decongestants, medicated nose drops, essential oils, or homemade remedies unless specifically prescribed.

Offer feeds as usual and watch wet nappies and alertness. Never prop a newborn upright for sleep or place pillows in the cot; use a clear, firm sleep surface and follow safe-sleep guidance.

Seek emergency help for blue or grey lips, pauses in breathing, severe chest pulling, grunting, or a baby who is difficult to wake. Contact a clinician urgently for fever in a young newborn, breathing that is persistently fast or laboured, inability to feed, repeated vomiting, markedly fewer wet nappies, or a baby who looks unusually sleepy. Arrange assessment when discharge persists, becomes foul-smelling or bloody, or is accompanied by worsening cough or poor feeding.

Tell the clinician when the runny nose started, its colour and thickness, whether one nostril is affected, and how breathing changes during feeds or sleep. Ask whether saline is suitable and which signs should trigger an urgent review.