Saline nose drops are not something every baby needs every day, but they can be useful to have at home when a baby has a blocked nose.
The NHS says saline nose drops can help loosen dried mucus and relieve a stuffy nose. A pharmacist, GP or health visitor can advise you about suitable products.
What are saline nose drops?
Saline drops are a salt-water solution used in the nose. They are not the same as medicated decongestant drops.
Their purpose is simple: they can help loosen dried mucus so a blocked nose is easier to clear.
Why can a blocked nose be difficult for a baby?
A stuffy nose can make babies uncomfortable and can sometimes make feeding feel more difficult. Colds are common in young children, and most get better on their own.
Keeping feeds going and watching how your baby is breathing and behaving are more important than trying to eliminate every cold symptom.
How do you use saline drops for a baby?
Follow the instructions supplied with the particular product. If you are unsure which product is suitable or how to use it, ask a pharmacist, GP or health visitor.
Because products can differ, avoid improvising quantities or using a product that has not been recommended for a baby's age.
Do saline drops treat a cold?
No. Saline drops do not cure the virus causing a cold. They are used to help relieve a blocked nose. Most colds in younger children improve within around 2 weeks, according to the NHS.
When should you seek medical advice?
A blocked nose on its own is usually manageable at home, but breathing problems in a baby need to be taken seriously.
Seek urgent or emergency medical help if your baby is struggling to breathe, breathing very fast, making grunting noises, sucking in under the ribs, is unusually sleepy or hard to wake, or develops other worrying symptoms like pale, blueish or blotchy skin.
If your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C or above, seek urgent medical advice.
For more information, see what temperature counts as a fever in a baby.
If symptoms become worrying during the night, see what to do if your baby gets ill at night
Are saline drops worth keeping at home?
They can be a useful, simple item to have available for a blocked nose, alongside a digital thermometer and a plan for where to get advice.
For a fuller list, see the baby medicine cabinet checklist