Newborn Cold & Congestion Care

Newborns Get Congested Easily

Newborns are obligate nose breathers, they prefer to breathe through their nose rather than their mouth for the first few months. This means even mild congestion can make feeding and sleeping difficult for a baby. A stuffy nose in a newborn is usually caused by normal mucus buildup, dry air, or a mild cold. It is common and manageable at home in most cases.

Saline Drops and Suctioning

Saline (salt water) drops are the safest and most effective way to loosen mucus in a newborn's nose. They are available over the counter at any pharmacy. To use: lay the baby on their back, tilt the head back slightly, place 1 to 2 drops in each nostril, wait 30 to 60 seconds, then use a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to gently remove the loosened mucus. A bulb syringe works by squeezing the air out, inserting the tip gently into the nostril, and releasing to create suction. Clean the bulb syringe with soap and water after each use. Compressed air is too strong for a newborn, stick to bulb syringes or manual nasal aspirators.

Other Ways to Relieve Congestion

Taking a Baby's Temperature

For a baby under 3 months, the most accurate method is a rectal thermometer. A fever in a newborn is defined as a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. If your baby has a fever at this level, call your pediatrician immediately, it can indicate a serious infection. Do not give any fever-reducing medication to a baby under 3 months without a doctor's instruction. For babies over 3 months, a temporal artery or axillary (armpit) thermometer is acceptable. Always clean the thermometer before and after use.

When to Call the Doctor

Resources

The American Academy of Pediatrics has detailed guidance on newborn fever and respiratory infections at HealthyChildren.org. The CDC also has resources on infant respiratory health and when to seek care.