Babies are more prone to sinus and eardrum infections than you think. This is usually caused by excessive mucus, which they cannot expel. This is why rinsing their nose is one way to help them unclog their nasal passage, both for their health and hygiene.
Nasal Irrigation Reduces Discomfort and Damage to the Nasal Cavity
For the first few months, babies only breathe through their little noses – that’s all they know, after all. They have not developed the reflex of opening their mouths when their air passage is congested. A stuffy nose is unsettling for them and probably make them fussy, making breathing even more difficult.
Dry air can also affect your baby’s delicate nose. During the winter, the sensitive lining may easily swell or break, and even lead to a nosebleed, due to the heating conditions in your home. Inadequate heating also makes your baby prone to having a cold.
Dr. Natural Healing says that a nasal irrigator infused with aloe vera extracts is a great remedy for a stuffy nose. This substance is well-known for its soothing and healing properties, perfect for reducing the pain of flushing mucus out of a dry nose, and for healing the wounds in the nose’s lining.
Rinsing Relieves Nose of Viruses and Allergies
Although doctors observe that allergic rhinitis may often occur in children of up to 2 or 3 years old, it can still affect older babies. Exposure to harsh indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold makes your baby vulnerable to allergic reactions from antibodies. This is primarily because babies don’t have a fully developed immune system yet.
The best way to treat this condition is by rinsing the congested nasal passage and keep it free from viruses and allergens that cause the irritation. Some saline solutions contain bicarbonate, an allergy-relieving antacid that is helpful when rhinitis occurs.
Is It Safe?
While babies’ sinuses are very delicate, the only safe way to rinse them is by spraying two to three saline drops into the nostril while slightly tilting their head. Make sure not to use unsterilized water to avoid more infections and bad bacteria, such as amoeba.
Rinsing your baby’s nasal passage is one of the most effective solutions to alleviate your baby’s discomfort from having a stuffy nose. Make your baby feel better quickly with nasal irrigation.
