What is a stuffy nose in babies?
A stuffy or blocked nose in babies is usually caused by mucus, inflammation, or irritation in the nasal passages, often due to a common cold, dry air, or mild infections. Because babies breathe mainly through their noses, even mild congestion can affect feeding, sleep, and comfort. Understanding the causes and gentle natural remedies can help parents support their baby safely at home.
Natural remedies vs medical treatments for a baby’s stuffy nose
|
Treatment |
Type |
When to Use |
Notes |
|
Saline nasal drops |
Medical |
Babies of all ages |
Helps loosen mucus safely |
|
Nasal aspirator |
Medical |
When baby struggles to breathe |
Use gently, not too often |
|
Humidifier |
Natural |
Dry air or winter months |
Adds moisture to air |
|
Steam (bathroom) |
Natural |
Short-term congestion relief |
Keep baby at safe distance |
|
Essential oils (diluted) |
Complementary |
Babies over 3 months |
Use cautiously and diluted |
|
Antibiotics |
Medical |
Bacterial infection only |
Only with GP prescription |
What should you do when your baby has green snot? How can you clear a baby's stuffy nose? Maybe you don’t need to do anything at all?
Babies can catch a cold an average of 12 times a year, regardless of the season. Your baby might have a cold or a runny nose even in the middle of summer. In comparison, adults experience colds around three times a year.
The real problem is that when a baby has a runny nose, the parents suffer along with them.
It’s not really an illness, and it doesn’t stop them from being active, but a baby with green snot who hates having their nose wiped, or a baby with a stuffy nose who struggles to swallow - it’s simply not pleasant.
Not just a stuffy nose. Cold symptoms in children
A cold is a viral illness that causes inflammation of the upper throat and nose. It’s highly contagious among children, partly because their hands are always busy, and the runny nose helps germs spread easily from place to place. Young children also lack the awareness or ability to wipe their nose properly.
Sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sore or scratchy throat, phlegm, headache, fatigue, and chills can all be signs of a cold. There are about 200 different strains of rhinovirus. Once we’ve had one, we’re unlikely to get it again because our body has developed immunity.
If your baby or child has two or more of these symptoms, it’s likely they have a cold.
A cold usually lasts about a week.
Even when the symptoms are mild, a runny nose in babies and children can still be a nuisance:
- Coughing and phlegm can cause loss of appetite.
- Babies with blocked noses may have difficulty breastfeeding.
- Sleep becomes short and shallow.
- Wheezing in a baby can be worrying.
Different colours of nasal discharge and what they tell us
- Clear nasal discharge – normal, early-stage secretion.
- Yellow nasal discharge – shows that immune system components have joined the secreted fluid.
- Green nasal discharge – indicates that contaminants are present in the mucus. Antibiotics are usually not necessary.
- Pink or red nasal discharge – small amounts of blood are probably mixed in, often from the nose itself.
- Brown nasal discharge – old, clotted blood has mixed with clear mucus and coloured it.
Nasal discharge colours and what they may mean
|
Colour of mucus |
Possible meaning |
What parents can do |
|
Clear |
Mild cold or allergies |
Monitor, use saline drops |
|
White |
Congestion or mild infection |
Humidifier and fluids |
|
Yellow |
Immune response |
Rest and hydration |
|
Green |
Possible infection |
Monitor and contact GP if persistent |
|
Bloody |
Dry air or irritation |
Humidifier and gentle care |
Baby with a stuffy nose. The main concern
Babies and children breathe mainly through their nose (unlike adults, who also breathe through their mouth). A stuffy or runny nose can significantly reduce food and fluid intake, which may lead to dehydration - a real concern for babies and young children.
What to do - relieving nasal congestion in babies
In most cases, medication is not necessary. Treatment is symptomatic, meaning it focuses on easing discomfort and helping the body recover naturally.
Saline solution (for babies up to six months old) helps open a blocked nose and clear mucus from the breathing passages.
Natural formulas and “grandmother’s” remedies
Symptoms can also be eased with natural substances that support breathing and strengthen the immune system. Gentle essential oils - adjusted in dosage and ingredients for different ages - can provide significant relief:
- Easy Breathy Essential Oil – from birth
- Restore Essential Oil – from 5 months
You can use them in a diffuser that disperses the oils, or place a drop on the corner of the bed, nursing apron, or muslin cloth.
Traditional natural remedies:
- Raw chopped onion with honey – place in a bowl overnight next to the bed.
- Onion and honey mixture – soak chopped onion in honey and eat a teaspoon daily (for age 1 and up).
- Cook pears and drink the water they were cooked in.
What else can help?
- Raising the head of the bed
- Hot steam (for short periods)
- Good hygiene
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Exposure to sunlight
- Ventilating the room regularly
Just like Winnie-the-Pooh and the Cold, it’s not a serious illness - but for small babies and children, it can mean days of sleeplessness, fussiness, and discomfort.
References and Further Reading
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is a stuffy nose dangerous for newborn babies?
A. A blocked nose can make feeding and sleeping more difficult for newborns, as they mostly breathe through their nose. If breathing becomes laboured, feeding stops, or symptoms worsen, parents should contact their GP or health visitor for advice.
Q. Can essential oils be used safely for babies?
A. Some essential oils are traditionally used for relaxation, but they must always be heavily diluted and used with caution around babies. The NHS advises discussing complementary therapies with a healthcare professional, especially for infants.
Q. How long does a baby cold usually last?
A. Most common colds last around 7–10 days, though a blocked nose can persist slightly longer. If symptoms last more than two weeks or worsen, parents should seek medical advice.
Q. When should I call the GP for a blocked nose?
A. Parents should contact a GP if their baby has difficulty breathing, a high fever, poor feeding, or seems unusually sleepy or irritable. Trust your instincts—medical advice is always available.
Q. Are home remedies better than medicine for a baby’s cold?
A. Many gentle home remedies, such as saline drops, humidifiers, and hydration, are recommended for mild congestion. Medicines should only be used when advised by a healthcare professional.
Q. Can a humidifier help a baby sleep better?
A. humidifier can add moisture to dry air, which may help relieve congestion and make breathing more comfortable, especially during winter or in centrally heated homes.
*Disclaimer:
The recommendations for using essential oils do not constitute professional medical advice and are based on natural medicine traditions and literature. Essential oils are not medicines, and their use is the sole responsibility of the user. Please consult a doctor or certified therapist before use, especially if you have any health concerns.
Bila Harel Goren
Experienced Aromatherapist and Doula
Certified in Infant Massage and Massage for Pregnant Women