Does your baby have a “productive cough” — in other words, a cough that produces phlegm or mucus? They’re probably congested. And you’re probably trying to figure out how to get rid of baby chest congestion.
We have some good news! There are things you can do to help your little one feel better quickly.
In this article, we’ve put together 12 helpful tips on how to get rid of baby chest congestion. Pretty soon, your little one will be back to feeling well and breathing easy.
Table Of Contents
- Signs Of Baby Chest Congestion
- Causes Of Baby Chest Congestion
- How To Get Rid Of Baby Chest Congestion
- What Not To Do When Your Baby Is Congested
- When To Call The Doctor
Signs Of Baby Chest Congestion
Even though your little one can’t tell you what’s going on, it’s pretty easy to tell if they are suffering from chest congestion. Here are some signs to look for:
- Wet, productive coughing
- Loud breathing
- Restlessness
- Sleep difficulties
- Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- Loss of appetite
- Snoring
- Labored or fast breathing
- Discolored mucus
- Thick mucus
- Wheezing
Causes Of Baby Chest Congestion
There are a number of reasons your baby may be suffering from chest congestion, including:
- Dust
- Poor air quality
- Dry air
- Weather changes
- Viral illness, like a cold or flu
- Deviated septum
- Asthma
- Pneumonia
- Cystic fibrosis
- Bronchiolitis
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Transient tachypnea (only in the first two days after birth)
How To Get Rid Of Baby Chest Congestion
Now we’re to the most important question: how to get rid of baby chest congestion. We’ve put together a list of 12 things you can do right away to provide your little one some needed relief.
Let’s take a look!
1) Clear Baby’s Nose With A Nasal Aspirator
When it comes to getting rid of baby chest congestion, one of the best things you can do to help your little one is to remove the mucus from their nose altogether. This will keep it from dripping into their throat and making their congestion worse.
Dr. Noze Best’s NozeBot® Electric Nasal Aspirator provides hospital-grade suction to quickly relieve even severe congestion. It offers three power levels, is cordless, and is rechargeable by using a micro-USB.
2) Clap Baby’s Chest And Back
By clapping baby’s back or chest, you can loosen the mucus and make it easier for them to cough up. You’ll want to lay your little one across your lap and then, with a cupped hand, pat firmly for three to five minutes.
You may want to try a few different areas between the collarbone and lower ribs. Do not, however, tap on their spine, breastbone, stomach, or ribs.
As this technique is intended to prompt your little one to cough up the mucus, make sure you have tissues nearby.
3) Tap Baby’s Back
If your baby is gagging or trying to cough up the mucus, tapping your little one’s back can help. Turn your baby on their side and tap their back firmly but without hurting them, almost as if you’re burping them.
4) Try A Percussor Cup
Percussor cups provide an alternative to hand cupping. Made of soft vinyl, they can be used to break up mucus in the lungs.
To use a percussor cup, hold the device and firmly pat your baby’s chest and back for two to four minutes. As the name suggests, this should be done in a regular (percussive) rhythm — firm but not painful for your child.
5) Use Nasal Saline Drops Or Spray
Putting a couple of drops or a spray of saline in your baby’s nose is another way you can help them breathe easier, as saline will help loosen the mucus. Doing this right before feeding your baby to allow them to enjoy their meal much more.
6) Wipe Away Mucus
When a baby is congested, there’s a lot of mucus. Sometimes you wonder how it all got up in there in that tiny nose! Keep an eye on your little one and gently wipe away any mucus you see to keep their nose and skin more comfortable.
Our Noze Wipes are perfect for cleaning up around your little one’s nose. They’re super gentle and made with aloe, chamomile, and vitamin E.
7) Try A Bulb Syringe
A bulb syringe works by suctioning the mucus out of your baby’s nose and can be a good way to help their breathing. Keep in mind, though, that babies’ nostrils are very small, so you don’t want to stick it too deep inside.
8) Run A Humidifier
Dry air can increase mucus production, so running a humidifier in baby’s room will help get rid of their chest congestion. A humidifier adds moisture to the air and hydrates your little one’s sinuses to loosen the mucus in their nose.
When choosing a humidifier, opt for a cool mist machine to avoid any possibility of you or baby getting burned in case of a spill.
Also, keep in mind that you don’t want the room to get too humid or you run the risk of mold. You can always check the moisture level in the air using a hygrometer. A good rule of thumb is to keep humidity levels between 30% and 50%, and never over 60%.
9) Take A Steamy Shower
Another option to clear out your baby’s congestion is to try steam. Basically, you’ll bring your little one into the bathroom after running a hot shower. The steam will help dislodge some of the mucus that’s causing their discomfort.
Just sit in the room away from the water and let them inhale the steam for 10 to 15 minutes. You might want to bring a toy in with you so your little one is entertained as the steam works its magic.
10) Continue Breastfeeding
When your baby is all congested, it can make it harder for them to eat, but they need to stay hydrated. Try to clear your baby’s nose with a nasal aspirator or saline drops before they nurse.
You’ll also want to keep your little one as upright as possible while they breastfeed, as it will be more comfortable for them.
11) Offer Plenty Of Fluids
If your little one has moved past breastfeeding or is not doing so exclusively, encourage them to drink water or broth to further hydrate.
12) Give Baby A Facial Massage
Sometimes a facial massage can help loosen mucus. Start by gently rubbing the sinus area — the nose, eyebrows, and cheekbones — and then move to the upper and lower head. Not only is massage good for lessening congestion, but it’s also great for bonding.
What Not To Do When Your Baby Is Congested
One thing you don’t want to do if your baby has chest congestion is to use cough or cold medicines if your child is under two years old.
This includes antitussive medications like Vicks VapoRub, a popular remedy for adults. That’s because when used on babies with small airways, it can actually make the congestion worse.
When To Call The Doctor
Although chest congestion can usually be treated at home, there are certain signs that indicate your baby’s congestion could be more serious. If you see any of the below signs, seek medical help promptly.
Symptoms Last Over 10 Days
If your little one’s symptoms aren’t letting up, it’s a good idea to go to the doctor to understand what’s at the root of their congestion.
Your Baby’s Cough Is Painful And Persistent
If your little one can’t stop coughing and it sounds as if it hurts, your doctor may have other techniques that can help quell the cough.
Your Baby Has Additional Symptoms
If your little one develops new symptoms, like an earache, fever, vomiting, or nasal discharge, it’s best to have your doctor check them out.
Your Baby Stops Eating Or Is Eating Less
Congestion can wreak havoc on your little one’s appetite. This can be dangerous and can put them at risk for dehydration.
Your Baby Is Having Trouble Breathing
If your baby’s breathing is too fast, shallow, or labored or their lips or fingernails look blue, they may not be getting the oxygen their body needs. This is an emergency situation that requires a prompt hospital visit.
Breathe Easy, Baby!
Now that you’ve read our 12 tips on how to get rid of baby chest congestion, you’re ready to help your little one breathe easier again! Clearing out their nose and making sure they’re hydrated are two of the most important things you can do for them.
Dr. Noze Best’s NozeBot ® Electric Nasal Aspirator removes mucus quickly and efficiently, with three levels of suction to address everything from the common cold to RSV. They even make a travel bag in case baby gets congested while away from home.
As they say, the Noze knows. Trust Dr. Noze Best to keep your baby’s nose clear and comfy!
The Nozebot is a battery-powered suction device designed to clear nasal congestion in babies and children.
