Why Babies Often Get Blocked Noses & What Parents Can Do

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Q a mothers edition

Why Babies Often Get Blocked Noses & What Parents Can Do

December 30, 2025

A blocked nose occurs when there is difficulty in breathing through the nasal passage due to some obstruction or swelling in the nose. While nasal congestion is uncomfortable for anyone, it is especially very troubling for babies. Because they are nose-breathers by nature, congestion can interfere with their sleep, feeding, and overall comfort.

Since infants cannot express what they feel, nasal blockage often shows up as crying, irritability, or trouble feeding. As medications are limited for babies, it makes home care and safe techniques even more important.

This blog explains why congestion happens, the symptoms parents should look for, simple and natural remedies to provide relief, preventive measures, and when you must speak to a doctor.

Let’s help your little one breathe comfortably again.

Introduction
Why Does a Baby’s Nose Get Blocked?
Nasal Congestion Symptoms in Babies
Natural and Safe Ways to Unblock Baby’s Blocked Nose
How to Prevent Frequent Nose Blocks in Babies
When to Consult a Doctor?
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Does a Baby’s Nose Get Blocked?

There are many external and internal factors that can cause nasal blockage in infants. These include:

External Factors

Viral infections: Common cold, which is usually caused by viruses like Rhinovirus, Influenza, or RSV, are the most frequent reasons.
Bacterial infections: Conditions such as sinusitis, often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae.
Allergens: Dust, pollen, perfume, pollution, and smoke irritate the nasal passages.
Climate changes: Dry air, sudden temperature changes, or cold weather can trigger congestion.
Foreign body inhalation: Small objects or food particles lodged in the nose can block the airflow.

Internal Factors

Deviated nasal septum: A bend in the nasal partition can narrow the airway, thus causing congestion.
Birth-related injury: Some babies experience nasal trauma during delivery.
Gastroesophageal reflux: Stomach acid coming back upward can irritate the nasal passages.
Nasal polyps: Soft, painless growths inside the nose.
Enlarged adenoids: Swollen tissue behind the nose that causes mouth breathing and restlessness.

These factors can lead to swelling of the nasal membranes and excess mucus production, resulting in a blocked or runny nose.

Nasal Congestion Symptoms in Babies

A stuffy nose can appear through multiple signs, such as:

Noisy or rattling breathing: This happens due to the narrowed airway passage and is one of the most common symptoms.
Breathlessness or rapid breathing: Due to increased mucus production, which narrows the nasal cavity, a baby may have difficulty breathing or may breathe rapidly.
Reduced appetite or difficulty feeding: Babies may refuse to eat, as it makes them feel congested and uncomfortable
Sleep disturbance or snoring: A blocked nose can also lead to snoring sounds, and breathlessness can disturb their sleep.
Irritability or crying: Congestion & shortness of breath can make them irritable and fussy.
Coughing or gagging: They may cough in order to try clear their throat, which is also one of the most common symptoms.
Sneezing: Exposure to pollutants or allergens can cause nasal irritation, which often results in sneezing.
Mucus discharge: Sometimes, you might see very clear, watery, or even thick and discoloured mucus coming from their nose.

Even mild symptoms need attention since infants rely heavily on nasal breathing.

How to Prevent Frequent Nose Blocks in Babies

Sometimes frequent blocked noses in infants can easily be prevented just with some simple and constant care measures. Keeping a hygienic environment by disinfecting toys and pacifiers regularly will definitely help in the reduction of the exposure to germs, while washing hands of both caregivers and babies frequently will also lower the risk of infections. Besides this, making sure that your baby’s vaccinations are up to date and not allowing your baby to have close contact with people who are sick can be very significant in prevention as well.

Feeding a healthy diet complemented with enough fluids will further facilitate the general immunity, and if you use a humidifier during the dry days, it will help to keep the nasal passage from drying out. Also, it is very important that you do not allow your baby to be exposed to irritants such as smoke and strong fragrances, which can often cause nasal congestion. In the dry period, the regular use of saline drops may be a good alternative to keep the nasal passages free and avoid the occurrence of blockages. Small steps like these can be very helpful in making your baby comfortable and free of congestion.

Natural and Safe Ways to Unblock Baby’s Blocked Nose

Here are some gentle and baby-safe remedies parents can use at home:

1. Nasal Wash (Saline Drops or Spray)

A saline wash helps cleanse and moisturise the nasal passage. It loosens mucus, washes away irritants like dust or pollen, and makes suctioning easier. Saline sprays, drops, and neti-type devices are commonly available and can be easily found in your local pharmacies.

2. Suction Bulb or Nose Cleaner

After moistening the nose with saline:

Compress the rubber bulb to expel air
Insert the soft nozzle gently into the baby’s nostril
Release the bulb to suction out mucus

Use this method to clear the airway before feeding, thus helping the baby breathe and latch more comfortably. As babies are small and delicate, therefore you must use a brand that you can trust, like Pigeon India, which offers safe and clinically proven products.

Why Pigeon Nose Cleaners are the best :

Soft rubber pump especially designed for gentle suction
Safe, soft nozzle for delicate newborn noses
Uses a unique technique that removes mucus effectively
Easy to clean and maintain, designed for daily use

It offers a simple, safe, and comfortable solution for parents who want effective nasal cleaning.

3. Cool-Mist Vaporizer

A cool-mist humidifier increases room moisture, thus preventing mucus from drying. Always keep humidity between 40–50%, and use distilled water to avoid mineral dust. Clean the device regularly to prevent any kind of bacterial or fungal buildup.

4. Steam (Indirect Only)

Direct steam is very unsafe for babies. So instead of this, sit with your baby in a steamy bathroom for 10–15 minutes to ease breathing before sleep.

5. Proper Hydration

Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding. Smaller, more frequent feeds help babies who struggle to breathe while feeding. Adequate hydration thins mucus and prevents dehydration.

6. Elevate the Mattress

Place a thin pillow under the mattress, not directly under the baby, to create a gentle incline for easier breathing.

7. Rest

Congestion can make babies irritable. Good rest, supported by the above techniques, helps them recover faster.

Note: These remedies help ease symptoms but do not replace medical care when needed. Seek a doctor if the symptoms persist.

How to Prevent Frequent Nose Blocks in Babies

When to Consult a Doctor?

Call your paediatrician if your baby shows:

Heavy cough, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
Thick nasal discharge for more than 10 days
Refusing to eat or being unable to suck due to breathlessness
Persistent irritability or signs of headache/earache
Yellow-green mucus for over a week
Continuous fever above 100.4°F for more than 3 days

Seek emergency care if you notice:

Rapid or laboured breathing
Chest retractions
Bluish tint on lips or fingernails (cyanosis)
Continuous vomiting due to coughing

Early medical guidance ensures proper care and quick relief.

Conclusion

A blocked nose can make your babies uncomfortable, fussy, and restless, but with consistent, gentle care and timely action, it can be managed very effectively. Natural home remedies, good hygiene, and preventive practices go a long way in helping your baby breathe freely.

Tools like a nasal cleaner, which is safe, soft, and effective, such as the Pigeon Nose Cleaner, can make the process of cleaning of a newborn's nose way more smoother and comfortable for your little one. And when in doubt, always consult your paediatrician for reassurance and proper guidance.

With patience, simple care, and the right tools, your baby will soon return to happy, healthy breathing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What should parents do if their infant has a stuffy nose?

A. First, use saline drops to loosen the mucus and then use a suction bulb to suck it out, from a safe and reputable brand such as Pigeon India, which is trusted among the parents and monitor for signs that require medical attention.

Q. How do I stop my baby's nose from being blocked?

A. Maintain clean surroundings, avoid allergens, use a humidifier, and keep nasal passages moist with saline solution. Prevent exposure to sick individuals.