Congestion in our babies is never easy. They are stressed and miserable, and so are we. Not being able to breathe freely is especially difficult for babies, as they cannot blow their noses like older children and adults.
A stuffy nose may be a mild annoyance for an older child, but it can keep a newborn from feeding, sleeping, and staying comfortable.
At what point do we think it’s time to intervene to help our babies breathe? As pediatricians and parents, we understand how helpless and concerning it is to see your baby struggling to breathe.
When we notice our babies aren’t happy or feeding well, we know it’s time to help open up those nasal passages and make them more comfortable.
One of the first and easiest suggestions that a doctor or nurse will make is saline nasal drops. They are easy, safe, and readily available—but do they really work? Do saline nasal drops cause any side effects, or are they truly safe for babies?
We will answer these questions and more with in this post. Also, we will discuss the benefits and risks of saline drops for babies and how to use saline safely.
We will also cover when to call a doctor and other ways to help a stuffy nose without using medication.
Is Saline Nasal Drops Safe for Babies?
As parents, we always wonder if anything we use is truly safe for our babies. The good news is that saline nasal drops are drug-free, gentle, and safe to use on even the youngest newborns, in our opinion. Pediatricians routinely recommend them as a first line of defense to relieve nasal congestion.
Saline drops are different from medicated sprays and should not be used in place of treatment if your child has a bacterial or viral infection. If congestion is due to allergies or irritants, using saline drops without treating the root cause will provide only temporary relief.
Related: 10 Ways to Keep Your Baby’s Skin Healthy
Saline Drops for Infants: Benefits and Risks
Saline nasal drops are recommended for a variety of symptoms. Congestion, colds, coughs, and sinus pain in children are commonly treated with saline. It is safe to use and effective in providing relief from congestion, but there are also some risks to be aware of.
Saline Drops for Infants: Benefits
Your baby has two nostrils and uses them for breathing, not just to smell things. Nasal congestion may not sound like much, but in a small baby, it can make feeding, sleeping, and even crying difficult.
Your child’s inability to breathe through their nose may also lead to other conditions, such as ear and sinus infections. Treating congestion as soon as possible can help them feel better.
Related: 7 Signs You’re Overfeeding Your Baby
What are Saline Nasal Drops and How Do They Work?
Saline is a saltwater solution made of purified water and a small, measured amount of salt (sodium chloride). The concentration of salt varies by type of saline solution.
Isotonic saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is the same concentration of salt as the body’s own fluids and is the most commonly used and recommended type for babies.
Hypertonic saline (over 0.9%) is saltier than the body’s own fluids. It may reduce swelling in nasal tissues. This type of saline nasal drop is not recommended for most young infants but can be used by older children under medical supervision.
Saline is available in two forms:
Multi-use bottles with dropper or spray tip – These are convenient, but extra care must be taken to avoid contamination.
Single-use vials – There is a dropper in each vial, and they are opened before use. The single-use packaging is more hygienic, and these types of saline nasal drops are recommended for newborns.
Related: 25 food That Will Increase Your Baby’s Brain Power
The Ingredients in Saline Solution
Saline nasal drops should not have any additional active ingredients. There should be no drugs in them, like those found in medicated sprays. Since saline is a fluid, there is also a risk of choking or gagging in babies.
Ingredients to Avoid in Saline Nasal Drops
Ingredients that are not recommended for use in saline nasal drops for babies include:
Antihistamines
Beta agonists
Bronchodilators
Expectorants
Glucocorticoids
Irritants
Medications
Preservatives
Ventolin
Steam inhalers
Avoid any saline nasal drops containing these ingredients. While saline is a gentle solution to provide relief from congestion, solutions with additional active ingredients are not safe for children.
Baby Products to Avoid When a Baby is Congested
Saline Nasal Drops for Infants: Risks
While saline nasal drops are considered safe for infants, this does not mean there are no potential risks. It is important to be careful and follow guidelines when using any product on your child.
The biggest risk is with overuse of saline nasal drops. Giving too many drops at a time or using drops too often can make your child’s nose sore and irritated.
Saline Nasal Drop Side Effects
Side effects from saline nasal drops may include:
Dryness or irritation of the nose
Risk of contamination and infection from using a bottle (see below)
Excessive coughing or gagging
Baby’s discomfort
Masking an underlying condition or illness
Contamination of Saline Nasal Drops for Infants
It is important to be aware of contamination and infections when using products on your child. If you use a bottle of saline nasal drops, bacteria can enter the container if the tip touches your child’s nose. This can lead to infection.
Parents should be especially careful and use single-use bottles where possible to avoid this. If a bottle is used, the tip must be kept sterile by wiping or sterilizing it after every use.
Saline Nasal Drop Mistakes
Some common mistakes parents make when using saline nasal drops on their babies are:
Giving too many drops
Using them too often
Improper cleaning
Failure to follow instructions
Don’t make these mistakes, and your baby will remain safe while using saline nasal drops for infants.
Precautions to Take When Using Saline Nasal Drops
Saline nasal drops are a great tool to have, but only when used properly. Here are some tips for keeping your child safe and reducing risk when using them:
Pick the right product
Use saline nasal drops labeled for infants. Adult nasal sprays are much stronger and not suitable for children. Saline is drug-free, but do not use medicated sprays unless prescribed by a doctor. Single-use vials may be more hygienic and may be recommended for newborns.Follow dosage instructions
Usually, only 1-2 drops per nostril is enough. More than this can cause a choking hazard.Handle carefully
Wash your hands first. Don’t allow the dropper to touch your baby’s nose. Clean the dropper tip after each use.Position baby correctly
Place your baby on their back and tilt their head slightly back. Wrap them in a swaddle if necessary to reduce movement.Use suction carefully
After waiting 30-60 seconds, suction the nose gently with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator. Do not overdo suctioning, as this can irritate nasal tissue.Don’t overdo frequency
Saline is only necessary when congestion is really bothering your baby. Try a humidifier or steam first for mild congestion.
Dos and Don’ts for Saline Nasal Drops in Babies
Do:
✔ Use sterile saline recommended for infants.
✔ Keep bottles clean and throw out expired ones.
✔ Use saline drops before feedings or nap time to ease breathing.
✔ Be patient and gentle – it can upset babies.
Don’t:
✘ Use adult nasal sprays or medicated sprays.
✘ Pour lots of solution into the nostril.
✘ Reuse single-use vials.
✘ Wait too long to see the doctor if congestion persists.
The Right Way to Use Saline Nasal Drops on Babies
Saline nasal drops are a good way to clear a stuffy nose in babies, but only when used properly. If you follow our guide above, you will find them very effective.
One tip we have found is that using saline drops at bedtime is a good way to ensure your baby has a clear nose before sleep.
Saline Drops for Infants Routine
Use saline nasal drops on your baby.
Wait 1 minute.
Gently suction out mucus.
Use a humidifier in their room.
Your baby will have an easier time feeding and sleeping with a clear nose and fewer nighttime awakenings. We have found this works for our babies every time. We can get them all settled and asleep with a clear nose and the humidifier on in the room.
Saline Nasal Drops for Infants: When to Call a Doctor
Saline nasal drops can make a huge difference for a baby, but they are not a cure. It is very important to be aware of symptoms, and if congestion does not clear up, you should consult a doctor.
If your baby is under 3 months old with even a slight fever, we recommend a visit to the doctor as soon as possible.
If congestion has not improved after 7-10 days, you should also see a doctor.
If your baby has difficulty feeding or has a stuffy nose, it is important to consult a doctor.
FAQs
In this section, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions by parents about saline nasal drops for infants.
Q1. How often can I use saline drops for my baby?
You can use up to 2-3 times per day as needed, but try not to use it constantly. Wait and see if the baby improves on their own first.
Q2. Can newborns use saline nasal drops?
Yes, it is safe for even the youngest newborns, but only isotonic saline solutions.
Q3. Can I make my own saline drops?
It is possible to make your own sterile saline solution, but we always recommend store-bought and sterile to prevent contamination.
Q4. Can saline nasal drops cause infection?
Saline itself won’t cause infection, but if you do not keep the dropper or bottle sterile, you can introduce bacteria and cause infection.
Q5. My baby hates saline drops and cries a lot. Should I stop?
Crying is very common in babies while using saline drops. Some babies don’t like the sensation of drops on their nose. This isn’t dangerous; just use drops slowly, remain calm, and comfort your baby.
Final Thoughts
Saline nasal drops are a safe and effective product to help clear a stuffy nose in infants. They are drug-free and can be used as one of the first lines of defense to relieve congestion.
We, as parents, always want to provide immediate relief to our babies when they are uncomfortable or ill. Just remember to follow all the precautions, keep the dropper sterile, use saline before feedings or naps, and use a humidifier in the room.
Saline nasal drops are not a cure, but they can provide your baby with some much-needed relief when combined with other ways to clear a stuffy nose.
Save pin for later
