While almost all newborns will experience some form of nasal congestion, the more pressing question for new parents is when to worry about newborns with chest congestion. Nasal congestion usually occurs at the beginning of life, but it can also develop because of fluid build-up in the airways or lungs. While the first few days of newborn chest congestion are normal, you should call the pediatrician if you notice any of these signs.
The first thing to do is monitor your baby’s breathing. If you hear your baby breathing with a stuffy nose, look to see if they are coughing or sneezing. If you notice that your baby has a cough, check their chest to make sure they aren’t experiencing respiratory distress. If they have a fever, you should call a doctor right away. If you don’t see any symptoms within two days of your newborn’s runny nose, you should start to worry.
Read More: When to Worry About Baby Congestion
Infants can also have a stuffy nose if the condition is mild. Using a bulb syringe can help thin mucus and eliminate excess mucus. Never give a baby medicine unless your doctor recommends it. While waiting for a doctor’s visit, keep an eye on your child’s behavior and attitude. If these symptoms persist, it’s time to get them checked out.
You should contact a pediatrician if your child experiences persistent nasal congestion for more than seven days. A respiratory infection will take seven to ten days to clear up, so monitoring your child for fever, irritability, and cough is important. However, it would help if you avoided further concerns until your child is three to five months old.
Most cases of newborn nasal congestion are mild and won’t cause you to worry. Your pediatrician can identify any other symptoms that might indicate a problem. If your baby has a fever or other symptoms of a respiratory infection, you should contact your pediatrician as soon as possible.
If your baby’s nose is still moist, use saline nose drops to help loosen any mucus. A bulb syringe can also help. Make sure to squeeze the bulb before inserting it into the baby’s nose. Adding height helps the mucus drain from the baby’s nose and relieves symptoms. If you can’t get your baby to sneeze, place a folded towel under his mattress.
Symptoms of newborn congestion can also indicate a more serious underlying medical problem, such as COVID-19, a respiratory illness caused by over 200 viruses. If your baby has no appetite or wets his diaper every six hours, you should contact your pediatrician. If your baby is not eating, he may have a cold, and you should consult your pediatrician. And finally, make sure your child is wetting the diapers every six hours.
