Every parent needs to know how to deal with nighttime nasal congestion in babies. A blocked nose can disturb a baby’s sleep and make breathing difficult. Congestion often occurs mucus buildup in the nose and airways. It may also be triggered by exposure to dust, pet hair, or dry air that irritates the nasal passages.

Although nighttime congestion is usually harmless, it can cause repeated coughing and restless sleep. According to guidance from Raising Children Network, there are several practical ways parents can help relieve their baby’s nasal congestion at night.

Ways to Relieve Nighttime Nasal Congestion

1. Hold Your Baby Upright

When babies lie flat on their backs with a blocked nose, breathing can become more uncomfortable, leading to frequent waking and distress.
Holding your baby in an upright position for a short time can help open the airways and ease breathing. Once their breathing improves, gently lay them back down to sleep.

2. Increase Fluid Intake

Fluids help soothe throat dryness and thin mucus, making it easier to clear.

If your baby is under six months old, offer more frequent breastfeeding or formula feeds.
If your baby has started solid foods, you may offer small amounts of warm water (as age-appropriate).

Adequate hydration is key to reducing congestion.

3. Use a Rubber Bulb Syringe

A rubber bulb syringe can gently remove mucus from your baby’s nose.

Steps:

Sterilize the bulb syringe by boiling it, then allow it to cool.
Squeeze the bulb to remove the air.
Gently insert the tip into one nostril.
Slowly release the bulb to suction out mucus.
Empty the contents into a tissue or bowl.
Clean thoroughly before storing.

This method can provide immediate relief, especially before bedtime or feeding.

4. Apply Saline Drops

Saline (saltwater) solution helps thin thick mucus.

You can buy saline drops from a pharmacy or prepare a simple solution at home by mixing:

1 cup of lukewarm water
¼ teaspoon of salt

Place 3–4 drops into each nostril to help loosen mucus and make breathing easier.

5. Give a Warm Bath

A warm bath before bedtime can help loosen mucus naturally through steam inhalation. The warm vapor helps open nasal passages and promotes relaxation.

You can also sit in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes while holding your baby to allow gentle steam exposure (without direct hot water contact).

6. Use a Humidifier

A humidifier adds moisture to dry air, which helps thin mucus and ease congestion.
It is one of the most practical and convenient solutions, especially when used during sleep.

7. Gentle Massage

Gently massaging your baby’s:

Nose
Forehead
Temples
Cheekbones

can provide comfort and help them relax. Lightly patting or rubbing their back may also soothe discomfort and encourage better sleep.

⚠️ Avoid applying decongestant ointments on the chest, especially for children under two years old.

When to See a Doctor

Nasal congestion in newborns is very common because their airways are naturally narrow. It is often caused by dry air or residual amniotic fluid. However, certain signs indicate that congestion has moved from “uncomfortable” to “concerning” and requires immediate medical attention.

Babies mainly breathe through their noses during the first months of life, so severe blockage can interfere with breathing.

Seek medical care if you notice:

Flaring nostrils with each breath
Skin pulling inward between ribs or at the base of the neck while breathing
Persistent rapid breathing
Refusal to feed or crying when attempting to feed
Fewer wet diapers (possible dehydration)
Frequent choking or severe coughing during feeding
Blue or gray color around the lips, eyes, or nails
Sudden extreme paleness
Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) in babies under 3 months
Unusual lethargy or difficulty waking
Persistent chest wheezing (a whistling sound from the chest, not just the nose)

Final Note

Most nighttime nasal congestion in babies is mild and manageable at home. Simple measures—upright holding, saline drops, humidified air, and proper hydration—can significantly improve comfort and sleep.

However, always trust your instincts. If your baby shows signs of breathing difficulty or unusual symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.

How to Manage Nighttime Nasal Congestion in Babies