Newborns and Baby Congestion

Babies often experience nasal and chest congestion, especially when they catch a cold or other respiratory infection. Unlike adults, your little one can’t clear their stuffy nose or chest on their own, so they may need your help to find relief. Find out how you can help treat your baby’s congestion at home and when you may need to see their healthcare provider.

Why Your Baby’s Nose and Chest Are Congested

Nasal congestion in babies happens when the tissues inside the nose become inflamed and swollen, often due to excess mucus buildup. This can result in a runny or stuffy nose in a baby. Similarly, chest congestion occurs when the airways in your baby’s lungs fill with mucus, making it harder for them to breathe and potentially causing coughing.

There are many potential causes for your baby's congestion, including common respiratory infections like colds. A baby’s chest congestion causes can range from mild colds to more serious conditions like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Your baby may experience both nasal and chest congestion at various points during their first year, but understanding the causes of each type of congestion will help you provide the right care at home and know when to seek advice from your baby’s healthcare provider.

Common Causes of Nasal Congestion in Babies

Babies may experience nasal congestion when the tissues inside the nose become inflamed and swollen, often due to excess mucus buildup. This nasal blockage can make it harder for your baby to breathe through their nose, leading to discomfort, especially during feeding or sleep.

One of the most common causes of nasal congestion in babies is an upper respiratory infection, like the common cold. Cold symptoms in babies may include a stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and sometimes a low-grade fever.

Nasal congestion happens when the nose and surrounding tissues, including the blood vessels, become swollen with excess mucus, which often results in a "plugged" or blocked feeling.

Since babies can’t blow their noses, mucus tends to build up, making nasal blockage more persistent. Other triggers of a baby's nasal congestion can include exposure to dry air, allergens, or irritants like cigarette smoke.

While it’s common for babies to experience nasal congestion during their first year, it’s usually not a cause for major concern and can often be managed with simple home remedies.

Chest Congestion Causes and Concerns

A baby chest congestion is often caused by lower respiratory infections, most of which are related to respiratory infections like the common cold. These conditions may make breathing difficult for your baby and may lead to a persistent cough. They may also spread easily through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Babies, especially newborns, are more vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing.

Since congestion is only a symptom of an underlying illness, your child must first get over the infection causing the illness for the congestion to completely clear. While chest congestion can often be treated at home, some cases may require a visit to your baby’s healthcare provider if the symptoms are linked to more serious infections, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

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How to Tell If Your Baby Is Congested

Your baby can't verbally tell you when they’re congested, but you may notice specific changes in their behavior and breathing patterns. Whether it’s nasal congestion or chest congestion, the symptoms can impact feeding, sleeping, and overall comfort. Babies are particularly vulnerable because they can't clear their airways on their own.

Understanding the signs of both nasal and chest congestion will help you take the necessary steps to ease your baby’s discomfort and know when to seek medical advice.

Signs of Nasal Congestion in Babies

Nasal congestion in babies usually occurs when the nasal passages become inflamed and filled with mucus, making it harder for your baby to breathe through their nose.

Some common nasal congestion signs include:

• A stuffy nose in babies, often accompanied by noisy or labored breathing.

• Difficulty feeding, as babies rely on their noses to breathe while eating.

• Frequent waking during sleep due to trouble breathing through the nose.

• Visible mucus or nasal discharge, which may start clear and become thicker or discolored over time.

If you're wondering how to know if your baby has a stuffy nose, look for these indicators. Stuffy nose in babies may also lead to irritability, as they can’t clear their own nasal passages.

Symptoms of Chest Congestion

Chest congestion occurs when your baby’s lungs and airways are filled with mucus, which can make breathing difficult.

Signs of chest congestion in your baby might include:

• A wet cough or rattling noise when your baby breathes, indicating mucus buildup in the chest.

• Wheezing or fast, labored breathing that sounds strained.

• Discomfort or difficulty feeding due to shortness of breath.

• Signs of fatigue or lethargy from the extra effort needed to breathe.

In some cases, these symptoms may point to a more serious infection, such as chest infection symptoms in your baby, which can include:

• Slightly elevated temperature (a high fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is rare, but if that’s the case, contact your baby’s healthcare provider)

• persistent cough

• worsening breathing difficulties.

If your baby shows these signs or if their breathing seems particularly labored, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to check for conditions like bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

The Difference Between a Dry and Wet Cough

Understanding the types of baby coughs can help you figure out whether your baby is dealing with chest congestion or something else. If your baby’s cough sounds wet, it’s most likely due to chest congestion.

Symptoms of a wet cough in babies include coughing that sounds moist or phlegmy, which often lasts longer than a runny nose. It’s best to consult your baby’s healthcare provider if your little one has a cough, especially if they are younger than 2 months old.

If the cough sounds dry or irritated, your baby most likely won’t have chest congestion. Dry cough symptoms in babies are often characteristic of conditions like croup or whooping cough, both of which can have a barking sound. If your baby’s dry cough has a barking sound or is accompanied by wheezing when breathing, contact their healthcare provider. They may prescribe medication to treat the underlying cause.

When thinking about a baby’s dry cough versus a wet cough, the key difference is that a wet cough suggests mucus in the lungs, while a dry cough is more likely caused by irritation in the airways.

Be aware that experts do not recommend over-the-counter cough medicines for children younger than 6 years old, as they may cause serious side effects, such as slowed breathing.

Immediate Relief for Your Baby’s Nasal Congestion

If your little one has a stuffy nose, it can be uncomfortable, particularly when it interferes with feeding or sleep. Providing quick relief for your baby's nasal congestion is essential to help them breathe easier. If you're wondering how to get rid of your baby’s stuffy nose, there are a few proven methods you can follow for your baby's nasal congestion relief.

Quick Fixes for Stuffy Nose

If it appears that your infant has nasal congestion and it is bothering them, you can follow this two-step process to help clear their nose. Do this every few hours, and ideally 15 to 20 minutes before feeding or bedtime:

• Use saline (salt water) drops or spray. Two drops or sprays per nostril are enough. Avoid nose drops or sprays that have any additional medication.

• Use a bulb syringe to clear out any mucus. Clear your baby’s nose immediately after using the saline drops or spray. To use a bulb syringe, squeeze the bulb part first before gently inserting the syringe into your baby’s nostril. Then slowly release the bulb to suction out the mucus.

It’s important to wash the bulb syringe and other items thoroughly with soap and water after each use to ensure cleanliness and prevent infections.

There are additional methods to provide your baby nasal relief when your baby is struggling with congestion. These remedies can work alongside saline drops and suction to ensure that your baby stays comfortable:

• A baby humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help thin out the mucus and make it easier for your baby to breathe. This is especially helpful if dry air is contributing to your baby’s congestion.

• You can create a mini baby steam therapy session by sitting with your baby in a steamy bathroom. Let the hot shower run with the door closed and hold your baby in the room (not under the water) for a few minutes. The steam helps loosen mucus, providing natural nasal relief.

Effective Remedies for Chest Congestion in Babies

If your baby is struggling with chest congestion, several methods may help provide relief. Babies are more vulnerable to chest congestion because their airways are small, and they can’t clear mucus as easily as older children or adults.

To help your baby breathe easier and reduce discomfort:

• Use a cool-mist humidifier in your baby’s room. Set the machine close to your baby, making sure it is out of their reach. The additional moisture provided by the cool mist can help relieve the congestion by thinning the mucosal secretions and clearing your baby’s stuffy and/or runny nose at night. Be sure to thoroughly clean and dry the humidifier every day as recommended by the manufacturer so that you can prevent any bacterial or mold growth.

Home Remedies for Chest Congestion

There are also simple, natural baby chest congestion remedies you can try at home to help your baby feel more comfortable:

• Baby steam therapy. As mentioned for nasal congestion relief, you can also use a baby steam therapy to help relieve chest congestion.

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If your baby is experiencing fever, aches, or discomfort due to chest congestion, you may use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce these symptoms. Always carefully read and follow the instructions on the product’s Drug Facts label and consult your baby’s healthcare provider or pharmacist to confirm the correct dosage and ensure it is safe for your child.

• Baby chest rub. Some brands offer a baby chest rub product specifically formulated for babies over 3 months old. These chest rubs often contain mild, soothing ingredients like eucalyptus or lavender to promote easier breathing. However, traditional chest rubs, which are formulated for older children and adults, are not recommended for children under the age of 2 due to the stronger ingredients. Always check with your healthcare provider before using any chest rub on your baby to ensure it is safe and appropriate

These home remedies can be highly effective for providing relief, but if your baby’s symptoms persist or worsen, always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they get the appropriate care.

What Does the Color of Your Baby’s Mucus Mean?

The color of your little one’s mucus may tell you a lot about their health. While clear mucus is often considered normal, different colors like white, yellow, or green may indicate an infection or other issues. Paying attention to the color of your baby’s mucus can help you understand whether their congestion is mild or if it’s time to consult their healthcare provider. Here's a breakdown of what the color of your baby’s mucus could mean.

Clear Mucus: Normal or Mild Congestion

Clear mucus is typically normal and is a sign that your baby’s body is functioning as it should. Babies naturally produce clear mucus to help keep their nasal passages moist and clean. In most cases, clear mucus in your baby doesn't usually signal anything serious, and their congestion may be caused by allergies or the first signs of a cold.

White, Light Yellow Mucus: Possible Cold

White or light yellow mucus in babies may indicate thicker mucus due to fighting a cold or other viral infection.

Bright Yellow to Dark Green Mucus: Possible Sinus Infection

Bright yellow or green mucus usually indicates your baby is fighting off an infection.. It could suggest a sinus infection or bacterial infection in the sinuses. In these cases, it’s important to consult your little one’s healthcare provider for further information.

Red, Pink, or Blood-Tinged Mucus: Irritation or Dryness

Blood-tinged mucus in your baby may be due to irritation or dryness in the nasal passages, often caused by frequent nose wiping or suctioning. While it may look concerning, it’s typically harmless unless it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.

When to Contact Your Baby’s Healthcare Provider

In most cases, mucus changes are normal, but contact your baby's healthcare provider if you notice dark-colored mucus or any color that concerns you, especially when combined with symptoms like facial pain or headaches.

When to See Your Baby’s Healthcare Provider

Contact your baby’s healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following symptoms, which may signal a more serious illness or severe baby congestion:

• A cough that’s painful, persistent, and/or accompanied by a whooping sound, vomiting, or turning blue, which means your child is having difficulty breathing

• Loss of appetite (signaled by your baby refusing several feedings)

• Fever—if your baby has a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit

• Extreme irritability or fussiness that doesn’t improve.

• Being sleepier than usual, or if your baby is hard to wake up.

If you’re unsure when to see a doctor for baby congestion, these symptoms are clear signs that medical attention is needed. Regular baby health checkups may also help detect any potential issues early and ensure your baby stays healthy.

Signs Your Baby Needs Immediate Medical Attention

If your baby is younger than 3 months of age, call their healthcare provider early in the illness. In newborns, it’s especially important to rule out a more serious condition, especially if your baby has a fever. Watch for the following symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if any of these occur:

• Severe difficulty breathing. If your baby is struggling to breathe, has fast or shallow breaths, or their chest is pulling in with each breath.

• Bluish skin, lips, or fingernails. A bluish tint on your baby’s skin, lips, or nails indicates they may not be getting enough oxygen.

• Unresponsiveness or extreme drowsiness. If your baby is unusually hard to wake up or seems excessively sleepy and unresponsive, it could be a sign of a serious health issue.

• High fever. A fever above 100.4°F (38°C) in infants younger than 3 months requires immediate evaluation, as it could indicate a serious infection.

• Severe vomiting. If your baby is vomiting frequently, especially after coughing or congestion, it could signal a more serious respiratory infection or other complications.

Routine Health Checkups

Routine health checkups are vital for tracking your little one’s overall health and catching issues early, like nasal or chest congestion in your baby. These visits ensure proper health monitoring for your baby and help your healthcare provider detect any signs of infection, congestion, or developmental concerns. During checkups, your baby’s weight, height, and development are assessed, and any symptoms such as stuffy nose in infants or causes of a baby’s cough are discussed. Regular checkups also allow your healthcare provider to give you guidance on baby congestion treatment and monitor overall growth. By attending routine visits, you make sure that your baby receives the necessary preventive care and early intervention for any potential health problems. Before or after your little one’s check-up, you can try using our tools like our Baby Growth Chart Calculator.

The Bottom Line

Congestion in babies is a common issue, especially during colds, and can affect your baby's ability to feed and sleep comfortably and may be managed at home using simple remedies like saline spray and a cool-mist humidifier, which help provide quick relief for a baby's nasal congestion and ease your little one's discomfort.

If your baby’s congestion is accompanied by additional symptoms such as a high fever, a persistent cough, or signs of serious chest congestion, contact their healthcare provider immediately. It’s important to monitor for symptoms of chest congestion or nasal blockage in your baby that doesn’t resolve, which may indicate a more serious issue.

To stay on top of your baby’s health, don’t forget to schedule regular baby health checkups and download the Pampers Club app for rewards and exclusive offers to help with your baby’s essentials.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}