In short: For a baby’s stuffy nose, first put a few drops or a spray of saline into each nostril to loosen the mucus, then gently remove it with a nasal aspirator – ideally before feeds and sleep. Cool, humid air and plenty of fluids also help. A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38 °C or higher needs a doctor straight away.
Author: Eva Birsa, mum and co-founder of Evitas · Updated: 27 September 2026
Why does a blocked nose bother babies so much?
Babies can’t blow their nose yet, so even a little mucus makes feeding and sleeping harder. Colds are common in autumn and winter, and in young children symptoms can last longer than in adults (NHS). Most colds get better on their own – your job is to help your baby breathe more easily and to spot the signs that need a doctor.
What helps: 4 steps
1. Saline
Saline drops or spray loosen mucus so it is easier to remove. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests a couple of drops in each nostril, then suctioning out the mucus. Example: Fridababy saline nasal spray contains only sea salt and water, has a small tip for tiny nostrils and is suitable from birth.
2. Gentle suction
Once the mucus is loose, gently remove it with a nasal aspirator – ideally before feeds and before sleep. Suction gently and only when the nose is really blocked.
Example: the Fridababy Snotsucker nasal aspirator works with the parent’s suction and only touches the outside of the nostril; single-use filters stop mucus from reaching the aspirator (replace the filter after each use). It is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. You can get the aspirator and saline together in the Fridababy nasal care kit; other models are in our nasal aspirators collection.
3. Humid air and fluids
Cool mist from a humidifier can ease a stuffy nose. The AAP considers cool-mist humidifiers safer for young children than warm-mist humidifiers or steam vaporisers. Clean the humidifier regularly, otherwise mould, bacteria and minerals build up. Offer plenty of fluids (more frequent breast or bottle feeds).
Example: the Fridababy 3-in-1 humidifier with ultrasonic cool mist, night light and automatic shut-off when the water runs out. Don’t use essential oils in a baby’s room without your paediatrician’s advice – the AAP, for example, advises against menthol rubs under the age of 2.
4. Safe sleep during a cold
Even with a blocked nose, your baby should sleep on their back on a flat, firm surface. Don’t raise the head end with pillows, rolled towels or wedges – the AAP warns that an inclined position can bend the airway. For dressing your baby at night, see our baby sleeping bag TOG chart.
What not to give without a doctor
- Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines: the AAP advises against them under 4 years; the NHS does not recommend decongestants under 6 years.
- Honey: never under 12 months.
- Menthol rubs: not before age 2.
If your doctor prescribes a medicine, measure the dose carefully. The Fridababy pacifier medicine dispenser with marked measurements can help. To check a temperature, see our thermometers.
When to see a doctor
| Sign | What to do |
|---|---|
| Baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38 °C or higher | Call your doctor straight away. The AAP advises calling the paediatrician at the first sign of illness under 3 months. |
| Baby aged 3–6 months with a temperature of 39 °C or higher | See a doctor the same day. |
| Difficulty breathing (grunting, tummy sucking in under the ribs), bluish lips, drowsy and hard to wake, a rash that does not fade under a glass | Emergency: call 112 in the EU (999 in the UK). |
| Not drinking or eating, not their usual self, symptoms lasting more than 10 days or getting worse | Contact your doctor. |
FAQ
How often can I use saline?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, usually before feeds and sleep. If you need it for several days in a row or things don’t improve, ask your paediatrician.
Is a nasal aspirator safe for a newborn?
Aspirators designed for babies (e.g. Fridababy, 0+ months) can be used from birth. Loosen the mucus with saline first and suction gently.
Can I prop my baby up during a cold?
No. Even with a cold, babies should sleep on their back on a flat, firm surface without pillows or wedges.
Does a humidifier really help?
Cool mist can ease a blocked nose, but only if the humidifier is cleaned regularly. The AAP does not recommend warm-mist humidifiers or steam vaporisers as a first choice for young children.
How long does a cold last in a baby?
Most colds clear up on their own, but they can last longer in young children. If symptoms last more than 10 days or get worse, see a doctor.
Sources
- NHS: Common cold
- NHS: Fever in children
- AAP / HealthyChildren: My baby has a stuffy nose
- AAP / HealthyChildren: Cough & Cold Survival Kit
- AAP / HealthyChildren: Children and Colds
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from your paediatrician.
