We tend to panic the second our baby has a sniffle. Unfortunately babies are even more susceptible to coughs and colds. Their immune systems are not as developed as adults, and, as there are more than 200 strains of the common cold, it can feel as if a runny or blocked nose is a permanent fixture for your little one. Most babies and children will average between six and 10 colds per year, more if your child is in school or crèche.
Babies breathe through their noses so nasal congestion can be incredibly distressing for them and will generally affect sleep, which leads to more upset. Feeding patterns can also become unsettled and erratic, particularly for breastfed babies, who breathe through their nose whilst feeding. It’s a tiring and frustrating circle for all concerned.
Stuffy noses or nasal congestion occurs when the tissues inside the nose become swollen or produce mucus. As they were surrounded by fluid in the womb, many newborns have stuffy noses, and they will often sneeze for a couple of days as they try to get rid of the leftover fluid. This is completely normal. Dry air, irritants such as dust, cigarette smoke and perfumes, or viral infections can also cause a blocked, irritated nose.
Here are some things you can try to help ease the congestion:-
The biggest worry for most parents is that it could be something more serious. If your child has a blocked or runny nose, a cough, generally seems unwell and has a temperature over 37˚C/98.6˚F, chances are that he has a cold.
If the illness comes on quite suddenly, and is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhoea, it may be the flu, and if you see no signs of fever, allergies may be to blame for the coughing and sneezing. Any temperature above 37.5˚C/99.5˚F is considered a fever. Should your child have a fever of 40˚C/104˚F or over, you should call your doctor immediately. You can spot a fever, as your baby will have flushed cheeks, his skin will feel hot to the touch, and he will be irritable.
Sterimar Clears and Unblocks Little Noses
A range of specially designed solutions – to clear and unblock little noses and keep them in top working condition.
Recommended by doctors, mums and winner of several awards, Sterimar Baby is a 100% natural purified sea water based nasal spray that gently cleans and clears little noses.
The gentle micro diffusion spray disperses the solution into very fine droplets coating the inside of the nasal passages to ensure ease congestion and provide cold defence.
The nozzle fits safely and comfortably inside your baby’s nose and will continue to work at any angle to ensure an easy and stress free application every time.
Sterimar Baby contains no preservatives or additives making it the ideal solution to use from birth.
Available nationwide from your local pharmacy.
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