How To Get Wet & Dry Boogers Out Of Baby’s Nose
Caring for a constipated baby can be difficult. They don’t sleep well, they can be particularly picky, and as a parent it can be difficult to know exactly how to help them. Babies have tiny nostrils, so even a small amount of nasal congestion can lead to congestion from a buildup of dried snot. Cleaning the nose is one way to help your baby breathe easier, but how exactly do you get boogers out of a baby’s nose?
Even if your baby isn’t very congested or sick, wiping their nose off a malicious booger once in a while is just part of the equation. After all, they just can’t do it themselves. This is a parenting task where it is important to have the right tools at hand.
What you should consider before you start blowing your baby’s nose
Before you remove your baby’s boogers, you should consider the cause of their constipation. This can help determine which removal methods work best.
Babies are naturally nasal breathers, says Dr. Candice W. Jones, a board-certified pediatrician to Romper. So, unblocking their noses—whether they’re particularly congested or just have a few pesky boogers—can help them breathe better.
“Nasal congestion is common soon after birth, during viral infections and when substances block the nasal passages, such as B. Milk from reflux,” says Jones. If you notice noisy breathing, Jones advises checking your nostril first. If your baby has an object stuck in it, they may need immediate medical attention.
If only boogers are blocking airflow, your next step is to consider what type of booger is present – wet or dry. Then proceed with what Jones calls the “dynamic duo” of saline and suction. Use a non-medicated, alcohol-free saline spray or drops to lubricate the baby’s nostrils, then use a balloon syringe or other baby-safe suction device to remove mucus.
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How to get dry boogers out of baby’s nose
To get dry boogers out of your baby’s nose, there are several handy tools parents can use. Knowing which ones to use depends on how firm the dry boogers are.
To know which removal method works best, first determine if the dry boogers will simply flake off the inside of your baby’s nostril or if they will be hard and stick to the inside of the nasal cavity. You can usually tell the difference by wiping the baby’s nose with a dry tissue to see if any dried booger bits flake off.
Friedababy has created a 3-in-1 nose, nail and ear picker so you can avoid using your germ-contaminated fingers to pick dirt in and out of your baby. For dried boogers, simply use one of the 4 small tips on this tool to gently scoop and scrape the boogers out of baby’s nostrils. The “parent-safe plug” at the end of the stick prevents it from penetrating your baby’s nose too far. This tool is a great way to prevent your baby’s boogers from getting under your nails and spreading their germs to you. (Plus, you won’t ruin your manicure.)
Boogie wipes are another great solution for dried baby boogers that just won’t move. You can use the saline-soaked wipes alone or in combination with a picker tool for hard-to-get boogers. The moisture from the wipes helps gently remove boogers for an easier picking process. Keep a pack in your diaper bag to clean up caked messes on the go.
How to get wet boogers out of baby’s nose
When it comes to getting wet boogers out of a baby’s nose, nasal aspirators are an infant’s BFF. Simple balloon syringes are usually effective, but a battery-powered electric vacuum can provide multi-level suction to aid in booger removal.
The NoseFrieda suction system is another top choice for removing wet boogers from a baby’s nose. While it may sound daunting at first, the unique design of the silicone tube and mouthpiece allows parents to use just the amount of suction needed to clean their baby’s nose. Yes, you must use your own mouth to create the suction, but the hose’s foam filter prevents debris from entering the mouthpiece. (It doesn’t get mucus in your mouth.)
Other home remedies to clear baby’s nose
In addition to booger extraction, there are several home remedies to clear a baby’s nose that can help them breathe better. Sitting in a steamy bathroom, giving baby a lukewarm bath, and using a humidifier can help clear mucus from your baby’s nose.
Although you can care for a constipated baby at home, persistent constipation can indicate deeper problems, such as: B. an infection that requires treatment by your pediatrician. “When infected, congestion can remain until it clears,” Jones tells Romper. As such, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor if your baby is struggling with persistent congestion, difficulty breathing, or a stuffy nose.
Before attempting any of the above methods of cleaning your baby’s nose, it’s important to consult your pediatrician. They are your best resource for questions about your baby’s health. Once they’ve given you the green light, these tools and tips can help you banish boogers and get your baby back to his happy, uncongested self.
Expert:
dr Candice W. Jones, board-certified pediatrician, author of High Five Discipline: Positive Parenting for Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Children