🧼 Clearing baby's nose: gentle saline care

What to prepare

• Sterile saline drops labelled for infants, preferably single-use.
• Clean tissues or gauze.
• An optional infant nasal aspirator, used according to its instructions.

Gentle nose care

1. 1. Choose a calm moment

   Wash your hands. Try before a feed rather than immediately after one. Support baby's head and neck on a secure surface and follow the saline product's positioning instructions.

2. 2. Add saline gently

   Place the recommended drops at the nostril opening without inserting the tip deeply. Do not force a large volume into the nose.

3. 3. Let mucus loosen

   Pause and wipe away mucus that comes out. It does not need to flow out of the opposite nostril. Stop and lift baby comfortably if they become distressed.

4. 4. Suction only if needed

   If mucus still interferes with feeding, use gentle, shallow suction following the aspirator instructions. Repeated suction can irritate the nose. Clean equipment afterwards.

5. 5. Check feeding and breathing

   Seek medical advice for worsening symptoms, poor feeding or fewer wet diapers. A temperature of 38°C or higher under 3 months needs urgent medical assessment. Breathing difficulty, blue colour or floppiness means call 911; have a local transport backup.

Classic mistakes

• ❌ Using a forceful flush A strong squeeze is not necessary for routine nasal care and can cause distress. Ask a clinician before using nasal irrigation techniques.
• ❌ Using unsuitable drops Avoid homemade saline, essential oils and medicated decongestants unless baby's clinician specifically recommends them.

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