How to Use Saline Nasal Drops in Infants and Babies (2025)

Saline drops are safe to use in babies with nasal congestion. They help clear mucus and draw moisture from swollen nasal tissues so your infant or toddler can breathe more comfortably. Saline drops can be administered in the nose using a sterile nose dropper and removed using a clean bulb syringe.

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How to Put Saline Drops in a Baby's Nose

First, make sure you have the right tools. You will need sterile saline nose drops and a clean bulb syringe. A bulb syringe is a soft rubber or silicone ball with a narrow cone-shaped tip that can suction mucus from a baby's nose.

Saline nasal drops and bulb syringes are both relatively inexpensive and readily available online or at most drugstores and pharmacies.

To safely administer nasal drops:

1. Hold your baby in your lap. The baby should be in an upright or slightly reclined position. Rest the back of the baby's head on your arm.
2. Put two or three saline drops in one nostril. This is the typical dosage.
3. Wait a few seconds. This will allow the saline to loosen the mucus.
4. Point the bulb syringe away from your baby. Squeeze the bulb end to expel the air.
5. Keep the bulb squeezed and place the small tip in the nostril where you put the drops.
6. Gently release the bulb. This will create suction that removes mucus and extra saline from your baby's nose.
7. Squeeze the bulb syringe into the sink or a tissue to expel its contents.
8. Wait a few minutes. This will give your baby time to calm down if the process was upsetting.
9. Repeat steps 2 through 7 in the other nostril.

It's best to limit suctioning to two times per day. Anything more than this can cause swelling and irritation in the nasal passages.

When Should You Use Saline Drops?

Most commercial saline drops contain 0.65% sodium chloride (salt).

The saltwater in saline drops draws moisture out of tissues either to reduce swelling in people with nasal congestion or to increase moisture in people with dry nasal passages. It also helps soften and dissolve crusty mucus plugs so you can remove them.

In infants and babies, saline nasal drops can be used to treat nasal congestion caused by:

• Common cold
• Influenza (flu)
• Nasal allergies, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Sinusitis
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Other uncomplicated upper respiratory conditions
  

Tips to Make the Process Easier

You may feel anxious about giving nasal drops if your child is fussy or in distress. These tips can help make the process go a bit more smoothly:

• If your baby is upset or squirming, have another adult help you. A second person can help keep the baby's head and hands still.
• Use saline drops before the baby eats or goes to sleep.
• Use a warm washcloth or cotton swab to clean the nostrils before giving the drops.
• Only expel the air in the syringe bulb when it is not in your baby's nose.
  

Possible Side Effects of Nasal Drops

Though saline drops do not contain any medications, they can cause mild side effects, particularly if overused.

Possible side effects of saline nasal drops include:

• Sneezing
• Coughing or gagging
• Nasal dryness if overused
• Eye irritation if any gets into the eye
• Stinging if nasal passages are cracked and dry

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Sometimes, nasal congestion in infants and babies can be a symptom of a more serious condition. Call your healthcare provider right away if your baby experiences any of the following:

• Trouble breathing despite the clearing of the nostrils
• Wheezing
• Rapid breathing
• Trouble swallowing
• Sudden drooling
• Fever (rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher) in any child under 12 weeks old

Other Ways to Relieve Nasal Congestion

Other solutions for relieving your baby's nasal congestion include the following. These can be used alone or along with saline drops for added relief:

• Run a cool mist humidifier in the baby's room.
• Take the baby into a steamy bathroom. Run a hot shower with the door closed. Breathing in steam helps clear the nasal passages.
• Massage your baby's nose. Using two fingers to rub the area around your baby's nose gently may help loosen nasal mucus.

Things to Avoid

It's important to avoid the following:

• Putting anything else in your baby's nose: Like tissues or a cotton swab.
• Over-the-counter cold or flu medications: These medications are not safe or effective for babies and children under 6 years old.
• Vapor rubs: Vapor rubs can be dangerous for children under 2.
• Propping up your baby's head: Do not prop your baby's head up on pillows or towels, or incline their mattress. This can make it harder for your baby to breathe.
• Smoking: Avoid smoking near your baby.
• Strong fragrances or chemical cleaning products: Use fragrance-free shampoos and lotions and chemical-free cleaning products.Be mindful of strong perfumes, candles, and other scent-filled products.
  

Key Takeaways

• Consult with your child's pediatrician before using any type of nasal drop—even saline drops.
• Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions and always use clean tools.
• If the congestion does not clear with the saline drops, call a healthcare provider before using any other form of medication.