Saline solution for babies and toddlers

From the age of 3 months, I cleared my son's nose with a home-made saline solution, not more than once a week.

He remained free from coughs, colds and a runny nose until he was around 18 months of age.

The saline solution helped to loosen any build up in the nostrils.  Do not overuse.

I made a fresh batch of saline solution each time.

Saline solution for the nose:
Add 2.5ml (1/2 level teaspoon) of salt, never more, to 250 ml (8oz) of cooled boiled water.  Boil the water for at least a minute before cooling.  Use a good quality sea salt. Measure quantities accurately.

Cleaning your Infant's nose:

• Lay baby on their back.
• Place a full dropper (1ml) of salt water (saline solution) in each nostril.
• Clean inside very gently with a cotton swab (Q-tip) to catch any build up.  Use a new Q-tip for each nostril.

If there is any sign of a cold or congestion, apply another full (1ml) dropper of the saline solution in each nostril. Clean your dropper between applications, to avoid contamination.

When my baby was around 9 months of age I began showing them how to gently blow air through his nostrils. Blowing bubbles in the bath (face under the water), and blowing a cotton ball across the table, pushing air through your nostrils, is a great way for little ones to watch and learn!

Cleaning a Toddler's nose
Beyond the age of 12 months my son became too fussy to have his nose cleaned while laying on his back.  So, I began using Hydrasense when I noticed congestion (which rarely occurred).  Now 4 years old he uses a tissue when he needs one, and continues to remain free from any serious coughs and colds.

If you are using any type of nostril aspiration/suction system, then you will need to reassure your infant before and during the process. I was only able to use a nasal aspirator once with my son.  The sound of the mucus being sucked out of his nose gave him a fright.

Hydrasense is a saline mist that is great for adults and children with sinus, colds and nasal congestion.  There is a very gentle mist for children.  Use cautiously on children under 18 months of age.  Check with your pharmacist first.  Hydrasense is available in Canada and major pharmacies, and at well.ca (online, with free delivery).

I have used the Hydrasense spray mist, with my son, once or twice when there has been signs of nasal congestion, between the age of 18 months and 2 years.  I believe, if there are no major health issues, then the less intervention, the better.  

Hydrasense helps sore throats, colds and sinus problems, especially during North American winters when homes have much lower humidity because of our winter heating.