How to Clean Baby’s Nose (Without Causing Nosebleeds)

Baby skin is delicate, and boogers can be sharp and dry… How can we clean our babies’ stuffy noses without causing a nosebleed? Here are some tips to try!

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Mom’s Question:

My 11-month baby gets a very stuffy nose at night, and I have the vaporizer. But he sometimes wakes up at night, and I try everything to find out why he’s crying, and I can see that his nostrils are full of boogers. I tried clearing it out for him, usually, it’s a struggle with him, but one side of the nose started bleeding. I don’t know what to do if his nose is blocked. I don’t want to cause more bleeding.

Tips To Avoid Baby Nosebleeds From Cleaning It

Aww, poor little man – I’m sorry to hear that his stuffy nose is making him so miserable. I can completely understand that you want to avoid damaging the delicate skin inside his nose, but at the same time, you feel that you need to do something to help him.

You should be aware that having a cold is a common reason for nosebleeds – in babies, just like in adults. During a cold, nosebleeds can happen because of swelling and irritation of the skin inside the nose. This can also happen due to allergies. So, small nosebleeds are normal during a cold, but, of course, should be avoided as much as possible.

Here are some tips to try. My advice is to start with some preparation before trying to clear his nose.

How to Prepare for Cleaning a Baby’s Stuffy Nose

Steam

Have you tried giving him a bath just before bed – or even just sitting him next to a hot running shower (on your lap, of course)? The steam may help clear his nose even more effectively than the vaporizer is doing.

Warm broth

I also find that a little warm, homemade chicken broth (without salt) given via a bottle is a wonderful and natural remedy for stuffiness.

Saline solution to soften the mucus

Failing that, a good option for cleaning his nose would be to first squeeze a little saline solution into his nostrils (please check with your doctor before doing this). This helps soften the contents of his nose, making it much easier to clean (it may also make him sneeze, which may dislodge the blockage and solve the problem for you altogether). Administer a few drops into each nostril as per the instructions. Wait for a minute or two to allow the saline solution to work.

If you still breastfeed, you can also add a few drops of breast milk to his nostrils.

How to Clean Baby’s Nose (Without Causing a Nosebleed)

Once you have softened the boogers by using steam, broth, and/or saline drops, here’s how to clean your baby’s stuffy nose gently:

1) Lay your baby down on their back in a comfortable and safe position. You can place a towel or changing mat under their head to catch any mucus or fluids that may come out during the process.

2) Gently squeeze the bulb of a nasal aspirator or use a nasal aspirator with a soft tip designed for babies. Ensure that the aspirator is clean and sterile. Insert the tip of the aspirator into the baby’s nostril, being careful not to go too far. Maintain a gentle and steady suction as you release the bulb or follow the instructions for the aspirator. Never forcefully suction or cause discomfort to the baby.

3) Repeat for the other nostril if needed: Once you’ve cleared one nostril, repeat the same process for the other nostril. Remember to clean the aspirator thoroughly after each use to prevent the spread of bacteria or germs.

4) Use a saline spray or drops again: After using the nasal aspirator, you can follow up with a few more drops of saline solution in each nostril. This helps to flush out any remaining mucus and keeps the nasal passages moist.

5) Now soothe your little son if he is unhappy. Cleaning out boogers is not much fun. Comfort and soothe your baby with gentle words, cuddles, or feeding if necessary. It’s common for babies to feel a bit uncomfortable during the process, so soothing them is important.

How to Prevent Further Nosebleeds

Here are some things you can do to prevent further nosebleeds:

• If the indoor air is dry, use a humidifier in your baby’s bedroom at night (and if needed during the daytime).
• Smear Vaseline or some similar petroleum jelly ointment in your baby’s nostrils a couple of times every day and at bedtime. This will keep the delicate skin in the nose moist. 
• When your baby’s nose is stuffy, use saline nose spray a few times a day. This will prevent the boogers from becoming very dry and sharp.

I do hope this helps – and that you both get a good night’s sleep soon.

Paula

Read Next

• Nosebleed in Baby After a Fall: Warning Signs to Look For
• 9 Month With Spontaneous Nose Bleeding And Diarrhea

Parents, add your additional tips for cleaning a baby’s stuffy nose by adding a comment below! :-)

Paula Dennholt

Paula Dennholt founded Easy Baby Life in 2006 and has been a passionate parenting and pregnancy writer since then. Her parenting approach and writing are based on studies in cognitive-behavioral models and therapy for children and her experience as a mother and stepmother. Life as a parent has convinced her of how crucial it is to put relationships before rules. She strongly believes in positive parenting and a science-based approach.

Paula cooperates with a team of pediatricians who assist in reviewing and writing articles.