Saline Drops: A Safe Way To Help Your Baby Breathe Easier (2025)

Nasal congestion is a common issue for babies and can be caused by various factors, including colds, allergies, or a dry environment. Nasal drops are an effective way to alleviate congestion, and they are often prescribed by pediatricians. Saline nasal drops are typically recommended as they are made of a saline solution, which thins the mucus, making it easier for the baby to breathe. Administering nasal drops to a sleeping baby can be challenging, and preparation is key. It is best to do it when the baby is in a deep sleep, and it is important to remain calm throughout the process.

Can you put saline drops in a baby's nose when sleeping?

Nasal congestion in babies: causes and remedies

Nasal congestion is a common issue for babies, especially during their first year, and it can affect their ability to feed and sleep comfortably. It is usually caused by the common cold, but it can also be caused by other factors such as dry air, air pollutants (like smoke and strong odors), or objects stuck in the nasal passages.

If your baby is congested, they may breathe faster than normal. On average, babies take 40 to 60 breaths per minute, so if your baby is taking more than 60 breaths per minute or appears to be struggling to catch their breath, take them to an emergency room immediately. Other signs that your baby's congestion requires medical attention include dehydration, indicated by a lack of wet diapers every 4 to 6 hours, and increased coughing, irritability, and fatigue. Conditions that can cause congestion in babies and may need immediate medical treatment include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (flu), and COVID-19.

While nasal congestion in babies is usually not a major concern, it can often be managed with simple home remedies. Here are some remedies to relieve your baby's nasal congestion:

• Use saline drops: Saline drops are composed mostly of saline solution, which causes the blood vessels in the nose to contract, dilutes mucus, and reduces swelling in the sinus area. They can help manually loosen nasal discharge so you can remove it and provide relief for your baby. Put 2 to 3 saline drops in one nostril, wait a few seconds, then use a bulb syringe to gently suction the mucus and extra saline from your baby's nose. You can also try putting 1 to 2 drops of saline in your baby's nose just before feeding, and the mucus will likely slide out when you sit them up after eating. Always use sterile saline nose drops and a clean bulb syringe, and consult your child's pediatrician before using any nasal drops.
• Use a humidifier: A cool-mist humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping to thin out the mucus and make it easier for your baby to breathe. Be sure to clean and dry the humidifier daily to prevent bacterial or mold growth.
• Steam therapy: Create a mini steam therapy session by sitting with your baby in a steamy bathroom. The steam helps loosen mucus, providing natural nasal relief.
• Warm bath: A warm bath can help clear nasal congestion and distract your baby from their discomfort.
• Suctioning: If your baby is eating, sleeping, and playing normally, you may not need to suction. Avoid suctioning if it makes your baby cry, as crying can lead to more congestion.

It is important to note that the only safe sleep position for babies, even with a stuffy nose, is flat on their back to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Never prop your baby's head up or use a pillow or mattress incline while they are sleeping. If your baby's congestion does not clear with these remedies, consult a healthcare provider.

How to safely administer saline drops to a sleeping baby

Saline drops are an effective way to alleviate congestion in babies. They work by thinning the mucus, making it easier for the baby to breathe. Before administering saline drops, it is crucial to consult your paediatrician to ensure it is suitable for your baby.

Preparation

It is important to prepare in advance when administering saline drops to a sleeping baby. You should have the following items ready:

• Prescribed nasal drops or a suitable saline solution recommended by your doctor.
• Clean tissues or a soft cloth to wipe away any excess solution or mucus.
• A bulb syringe or nasal aspirator, if recommended by your doctor, to gently remove excess mucus after applying the drops.
• A warm washcloth to clean the nostrils before giving the drops.

Administration

The best time to administer the drops is when your baby is in a deep sleep, which is usually soon after they have been fed. Deep sleep is characterised by minimal movement and relaxed, deep breathing. Avoid times when your baby is transitioning between sleep cycles, as they are more likely to wake up.

Lay your baby on their back on a comfortable surface. Place a small pillow or rolled towel under their shoulders to tilt their head back slightly. This position helps the drops flow into the nasal passages. Hold the dropper or bottle with one hand and use your other hand to gently hold your baby's forehead to keep their head steady. Administer the recommended number of drops into each nostril, being careful not to touch the dropper to the nose to avoid contamination.

Hold your baby in the same position for about five minutes to allow the drops to flow into the nasal passage. If your baby begins to cough, bring them to a vertical position. After administering the drops, use a soft cloth or tissue to gently wipe away any mucus or excess solution from around their nose. If needed, use the bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to gently clear out loosened mucus.

Side Effects

Saline drops do not contain any medications, but they can cause side effects, especially if overused. Possible side effects include a runny nose, sneezing, a burning sensation, stinging, or nasal dryness. If your baby experiences any side effects, monitor the symptoms and contact your doctor if they persist or worsen.

Preparing saline drops: dosage and instructions

Saline drops are a great way to alleviate congestion in babies. They are composed mostly of saline solution, which causes the blood vessels in the nose to contract and dilutes mucus, thereby reducing swelling in the sinus area. They can also help manually loosen nasal discharge, providing relief to the baby.

Before administering saline drops, it is important to consult a doctor or a paediatrician. It is also important to ensure that you have the right tools. You will need sterile saline nose drops and a clean bulb syringe. A bulb syringe is a soft rubber or silicone ball with a narrow cone-shaped tip that can suction mucus from a baby's nose.

• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Clean the nostrils with a warm washcloth or a cotton swab.
• Hold the baby in your lap, in an upright or slightly reclined position. Rest the back of the baby's head on your arm.
• Place the dropper just past the opening of the baby's nose, without touching the side of the nose.
• Gently squeeze the bulb on the dropper to administer two or three saline drops in one nostril. This is the typical dosage.
• Wait a few seconds to allow the saline to go into the nose.
• Point the bulb syringe away from the baby and squeeze the bulb end to expel the air.
• Keep the bulb squeezed and place the small tip in the nostril you put the drops in.
• Gently release the bulb to create suction that removes mucus and extra saline from the baby's nose.
• Repeat the steps for the other nostril.

It is important to note that saline drops should be used according to the doctor's instructions and dosage recommendations. Side effects may include a runny nose, sneezing, a burning sensation, stinging, or nasal dryness. If any of these side effects occur, monitor the symptoms and contact your doctor if they persist or worsen.

Clearing mucus with bulb syringes or nasal aspirators

It is normal for a baby’s nose to get congested from time to time. When this happens, you can use nasal saline drops to thin their mucus and then suction it out with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator.

A bulb syringe is a soft rubber or silicone ball with a narrow cone-shaped tip that can suction mucus from a baby's nose. It is inexpensive and readily available online or at most drugstores and pharmacies. To use the bulb syringe, squeeze the air out of the bulb. Keep the bulb squeezed and gently place the tip of the squeezed bulb into a nostril. Let go of the bulb to let the air back into it. This will pull the mucus out of the nose and into the bulb. Squeeze the mucus out of the bulb and onto a tissue. Suction the other nostril the same way. If the mucus is too thick to suction, you can thin it with saline or prescribed respiratory drops.

Nasal aspirators are another option for clearing mucus from a baby's nose. They consist of a nozzle that you position at the opening of your baby's nostril, a long piece of soft tubing in the middle, and a mouthpiece on the other end. Most nasal aspirators are parent-powered, meaning you use your mouth to pull mucus out of your child's nose. A filter prevents any bacteria, mucus, or germs from getting into your mouth. Some nasal aspirators are electric or battery-operated, with different tip sizes and levels of suction.

Before using any type of nasal drop or suction device, it is always best to consult your child's pediatrician.

Although saline drops are non-medicated and considered generally safe for babies, they can cause side effects, particularly if overused. The side effects, if any, tend to be mild. Possible side effects of saline nasal drops include a runny nose, sneezing, a burning sensation, stinging, or nasal dryness.

If your baby experiences any of the following side effects, monitor the symptoms and contact your doctor if they last or worsen over time: headache, dizziness, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat, nausea, mood changes, weakness, persistent sweating, trouble sleeping, a rash, and signs of itching or swelling.

Also, call your healthcare provider right away if your baby continues to experience trouble breathing despite the clearing of the nostrils, as nasal congestion in infants and babies can be a symptom of a more serious condition.

To prevent side effects, always use proper hygiene. Wash and dry the dropper each time the medication is used, and never share nasal droppers among children. This could lead to the spread of infections.

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