🧼 Clearing baby's nose gently with saline

What to prepare

• Plain sterile saline drops labelled for infants.
• Clean tissues or soft gauze.
• An optional infant nasal aspirator, used gently according to its instructions.

Gentle nose care

1. 1. Choose a calm moment

   Wash your hands. Try before a feed rather than just afterwards. Support baby's head on a safe surface and follow the saline product's positioning instructions.

2. 2. Use drops, not pressure

   Place the recommended number of drops at the nostril opening without inserting the tip deeply. Do not squeeze a pod forcefully into the nose.

3. 3. Let mucus loosen

   Pause and wipe away loosened mucus. If needed, use an infant aspirator gently at the nostril entrance; repeated or deep suction can irritate the lining.

4. 4. Repeat and comfort

   Treat the other nostril as directed, then cuddle baby. Stop if baby is distressed, bleeding or struggling to breathe. Discard opened single-use pods and clean reusable equipment.

5. 5. Check the whole baby

   Seek medical advice for poor feeding, fewer wet nappies or worsening symptoms. A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or above needs urgent medical assessment. Call 112 for breathing difficulty, blue colour or floppiness. Emergency coverage and arrival times vary in Nigeria; keep your maternity unit or nearest emergency facility's contact details and a backup transport plan, and do not delay urgent care.

Classic mistakes

• ❌ Trying to force liquid through Saline does not have to flow out of the other nostril to help. Avoid forceful flushing unless a qualified clinician has specifically taught you an appropriate technique.
• ❌ Using adult cold remedies Do not substitute medicated decongestants, essential oils or homemade mixtures for plain infant saline without clinical advice.

Same topic

• 👶 Changing nappies and managing nappy rash
• 🛁 Safe bath time: a practical guide for dads
• 🩺 Caring for the umbilical cord
• ️ Trimming baby's nails gently