Babies cannot function on their own, as parents it becomes our responsibility to make sure they’re comfortable at all times. We get them soft onesies, plush blankies and wrap them around the warmth of our arms for the best sleep they can ever get. That’s the reason when your baby has congestion or a stuffy nose, they’re not happy about it.
Nasal congestion not only makes breathing hard, but as a result, it leads to a dry mouth and throat. The situation tends to bring a lot of discomforts while the baby is awake and running around but it becomes harder during nap time. The baby gets fussy, restless and usually cries a lot if the situation is not taken care of. All of this makes you wonder - is there a sleep position that’s best for a congested baby?
Sleeping positions to try for your congested baby
Congestion leaves us with our mouths open and the discomfort of a crusty nose, dry mouth and sore throat. While as an adult we know that this passes, babies are most likely be a little whinier about it, particularly at the time of resting.
Babies usually lie flat on their backs to sleep, this position makes it harder for the baby to clear mucous, creating an uncomfortable build-up in the sinuses. This usually calls for changing sleeping positions. However, remember once your baby stops crying and falls asleep, their position should be back on its back because that’s the safest position for the baby - under one year.
So, what should be done? Is there a specific position that won’t cause discomfort?
There actually are a few tricks that parents can try, such as:
- Making the baby sleep in a ‘Bouncer’
The baby is slightly inclined and the to and fro motion helps the baby calm down and sleep faster. However, make sure to never leave your baby unattended. So, once the baby is comfortable and asleep, you can position them back in their crib.
- Try a ‘Swing’ if the bouncer doesn’t help
Manual baby swings will give you the liberty to make swift changes to the motion as per the mood of the baby. Same as a bouncer, once the baby is asleep, make sure to put her/him back in the crib.
- Position the baby against your body
There’s no better place in this world than the arms of the mother. You can try that while talking to the baby or making her/him listen to a lullaby. This helps!
In all these positions, where the neck is inclined or upright, mucous can more easily be drained down the throat, making it far more comfortable for the baby to sleep.
How to alleviate symptoms of congestion
- Keep wiping excess mucous with a soft tissue towel. If in case the nose becomes red and irritated, you can soothe the area with a small amount of petroleum (unflavoured) jelly.
- Prepare a warm bath that will ease the baby into sleepy time mode. The steam from the hot water will help loosen the mucous and will also be a great moisturiser.
- Now is the time to use a humidifier. Cold weather can snatch away moisture from the environment, including the baby’s skin and the humidifier can help get that back.
- Make sure your baby is always hydrated.
- To alleviate some nasal congestion, you can massage the bridge of the nose, temples and cheekbones gently.
- Avoid over-the-counter medications for your child under 2 years unless directed by your paediatrician.
