Surviving a stuffy nose this winter

Having a child with a stuffy or runny nose isn’t fun, for anyone, but there are some easy things you can do to help during the cooler months.

When your little one has a congested nose, it can make your child – and everyone else in the house – a bit miserable.

Blocked or runny noses during the winter months can make feeding and sleeping difficult for babies, and can lead to tired and grumpy bigger kids (not to mention parents!).

What causes a stuffed or runny nose?

Excess mucus, whether due to a cold, allergies or a sinus infection, is a chief cause of nasal congestion.

This can also lead to nasal discharge or what we know as a “runny nose”.

While sniffling and sneezing are par for the course in winter, when little ones’ developing immune systems make them more susceptible to germs, for some the stuffiness never seems to go away.

And because most toddlers haven’t yet mastered the skill of blowing their nose, congestion can be worrying because it may affect breathing.

How can I help my stuffy-nosed child?

Fortunately, there are a few easy things you can do to bring your child some relief.

1. Lots of rest

The best treatment for most coughs and colds is to keep your child at home to rest so their immune systems can fight the virus.

Raising the head of their bed can be helpful for older children. Try popping a pillow under the head of the mattress.

2. Plenty of fluids

Make sure your child is drinking enough so they don’t get dehydrated.

For babies that can mean an extra breast or bottle feed.

Toddlers or older children can sip liquids to help thin nasal secretions and reduce congestion.

If they don’t feel like water, warm apple juice or chicken soup might do the trick.

3. Steamy air

Moist air can help to loosen the mucus in your baby or toddler’s nasal passage and make it easier for them to breathe.

Try using a humidifier or vaporiser or run a warm bath.

Or run a hot shower and close the bathroom door so the room becomes steamy – then sit with your child for a cuddle.

4. Try a saline nasal spray

FESS Little Noses Saline Nasal Spray and FESS Children’s Nasal Spray are both gentle saline solutions that loosen and thin mucus to help clear blocked noses, helping your child to breathe easier.

They are non-medicated so can be used as often as needed.

The nasal sprays also moisturise dry nasal passages.

Simply use one to three sprays in each nostril as often as needed, for a natural way to help relieve nasal congestion and wash away excess mucus and allergens.

FESS Little Noses is also available with a nasal aspirator (a rubber bulb syringe with a soft tip) to gently remove excess mucus in young children, helping to avoid the harshness of tissues.

* This post is brought to you by FESS.

** Always read the label and follow the directions for use.