The nose plays an important role in filtering the air we breathe, protecting us from viruses and bacteria. The nasal cavities of young infants are obviously very small and so can easily get blocked. Also, babies only ever breathe through their noses during their first few months of life, and children do not learn to blow their own noses until the age of three. Keeping their nasal passages clear and clean is therefore an important part of the daily hygiene routine. It will help them to breathe better, sleep peacefully, and prevent any allergies and inflammatory conditions, such as sinusitis or otitis. This process requires two operations: nasal wash and mucus suction. The nasal wash can be carried out using a normal saline solution (water and sodium chloride) or sea water rich in mineral salts and trace elements, available in single-dose bottles or larger containers. To carry out the washing procedure, we advise you to lay the infant on the changing table with his head turned to the side, making sure that his head is lower than his shoulders. If the child is older he can also stand or sit, but should always have his head turned and lower than his shoulders. You can now gently insert the tip of the bottle into the nostril and spray in the liquid. If the operation has been performed correctly, the liquid will come out of the other nostril. You should normally do this twice a day, or more often if the child has a cold or stuffy nose. Mucus suction is necessary when the child is too young to blow his own nose. You can use special aspirators or pumps that perform mechanical suction. If the baby has a bad cold, you can use decongestant drops, but only if these have been prescribed by your doctor.
It is important to bear in mind that a blocked nose can lead to inner ear infections, so we advise you to always keep your child's nose and ears properly clean.