What should you know about newborn with stuffy nose and sneezing?

Newborns breathe mainly through the nose, and their small nasal passages can sound noisy when there is a little mucus or dry air. Sneezing helps clear irritants and does not by itself prove an allergy. A cold can also cause congestion. Allergic Rhinitis, House Dust Mite Allergy, Sinusitis and Chronic Sinusitis are less typical explanations for a very young baby; Obstructive Sleep Apnoea has different warning features. A blocked nose is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

Keep smoke, incense, perfumes and strong cleaning fumes away from the baby. Offer feeds more frequently if congestion makes feeding tiring, and keep the baby upright in your arms while awake. Ask a clinician or pharmacist whether saline drops are suitable and how to use them. Never put cotton buds into the nose, use adult decongestants, or raise the mattress. See Blocked Nose for more symptom guidance.

Get urgent help if the baby is working hard to breathe, has pauses, blue or grey lips, grunting, cannot feed, is unusually difficult to wake, or has noticeably fewer wet nappies. A newborn with a fever needs prompt medical assessment. Arrange a clinical review if congestion persists, worsens, or repeatedly interrupts sleep and feeding.

Ask whether the breathing sound comes from the nose or chest, whether saline is appropriate, and what feeding or wet-nappy changes should trigger a call. If allergy is suspected, ask before using Allergy Medication because many products are unsuitable for newborns.