Babies are cute, but when they aren’t feeling well, it can be hard for their parents to help them. One problem that babies often have is a stuffy nose, which can make it hard for them to breathe and sleep.
The good news is that there is a simple way for parents to clear a baby’s nose with their mouth.
In this article, we’ll talk about this method and show you step-by-step how to do it right.
Why Do Babies Get Blocked Noses?
Babies often have stuffy noses, which can be caused by a number of things, such as:
- Flu and colds
- Allergies
- Irritants like smoke, perfume, or dust
- Air so dry it hurts
Baby noses are small and narrow, which makes it easy for them to get stuffy quickly.
When to use the Mouth to Clear a Baby’s Nose
If your baby is having trouble breathing because his or her nose is clogged, you can clear it with your mouth. But before you do that, you need to make sure that your baby’s nose is really stuffy. Some things to watch out for are:
- Difficulty breathing
- Noisy breathing
- Snoring
- Sleeping with the mouth open
- Refusing to eat
- Irritability
If your baby has any of these signs, you can try to clear their nose by blowing on it with your mouth.
What You Will Need
To clear your baby’s nose with your mouth, you don’t need any special tools. But you will have to:
- Make sure you’re only breathing through your mouth by clearing your nose.
- Make sure your baby is in the right position to make the process easier.
- Make a seal with your mouth between your baby’s nose and your mouth.
How to Clear a Baby’s Clogged Nose with Your Mouth, Step-by-Step
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use your mouth to clear your baby’s nose:
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Step 1: Get in the Right Position
Start by putting yourself and your baby in the right position. Sit comfortably with your back straight and your baby facing you while he or she is on your lap. Make sure your baby’s neck is supported and their head is slightly tilted back.
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Step 2: Wipe your nose out
If you only want to breathe through your mouth, blow your nose to get rid of any mucus.
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Step 3: Create a Seal
With one hand, gently press down on one of your baby’s nostrils with your index finger and thumb. Make a seal around the other nose with your mouth.
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Step 4: Breathe in Slowly
Take a slow, gentle deep breath through your mouth. Mucus will come out of your baby’s nose with the help of the suction.
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Step 5: Repeat on the Other Side
Repeat the process with the other nose, gently pressing down with your finger on the nose you just cleared.
Things to Watch out for when Unclogging a Baby’s Nose with Your Mouth
Even though clearing your baby’s nose with your mouth is easy and works well, you need to take some safety precautions to keep your baby safe. These things are:
Being gentle: Use gentle suction to avoid hurting your baby’s soft nasal tissues.
Hygiene: Wash your hands well before and after the process to make sure you don’t give your baby any germs.
Timing: Wait at least 30 minutes after feeding your baby to make sure the process doesn’t hurt your baby.
Alternative Methods to Unblock Baby’s Nose
Even though clearing your baby’s nose with your mouth works, there are other things you can try, like:
- Saline drops: Saline drops can help to soften the mucus, making it easier to remove.
- Bulb syringe: A bulb syringe is a tool for sucking mucus out of your baby’s nose.
- Humidifier: A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help relieve congestion.
- Tips for Preventing Blocked Noses in Babies
To keep your baby’s nose from getting stuffy, you can:
- When you breastfeed, your baby gets antibodies that help him or her fight off infections.
- Keep your baby away from things like smoke, dust, and other irritants.
- You should wash your baby’s hands often.
- Make sure your baby’s room is clean.
When to go to the Doctor
If your baby’s symptoms don’t go away or get worse, you should see a doctor right away. Some things to watch out for are:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Rapid breathing
- Refusing to eat or drink
- Bluish skin
These signs could be signs of a more serious problem that needs medical help.
ALSO SEE: How to Prepare Scent Leaf for Infection
FAQs
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Is it safe to use my mouth to clear my baby’s nose?
Yes, it is safe if you do it right and keep clean.
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How often should I use my mouth to clear my baby’s nose?
It would be best to only clear your baby’s nose when it gets clogged. If you do too much, it can hurt your baby’s nose.
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How long does it take to use mouth suction to clear a baby’s nose?
It depends on how much mucus there is and how hard the suction is. But most of the time, it takes between a few seconds and a minute.
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Can I use a straw to get my baby’s nose to stop running?
No, you shouldn’t use a straw because it could hurt your baby’s nose.
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When should I go to the doctor about my baby’s stuffy nose?
If your baby’s symptoms don’t go away or get worse, or if they are severe, like fever, coughing, or fast breathing, you should see a doctor.
Conclusion
As a parent, you want to do everything you can to make your baby feel better if they have a stuffy nose. You can help your baby breathe better by clearing his or her nose with your mouth. This is a simple method that works well. But it’s important to take precautions and see a doctor if the symptoms keep coming back.