A baby with a cold: prepare an age-appropriate nasal wash

Difficulty breathing, a baby who responds poorly or fever before three months of age requires urgent medical assessment. A nasal wash does not treat these signs and must not delay assessment. Feeding difficulties or a worsening cold also call for medical advice.

Ask the doctor, paediatrician or physiotherapist to demonstrate the method for your child. Ameli gives a detailed age-specific procedure. Preparing it with a professional helps you act without rushing; this text does not replace a demonstration.

Wash your hands and prepare single-use saline units. Do not use tap water or mineral water. Washing is done before feeds and bedtime; frequency depends on discomfort rather than applying the same schedule to every child.

Before six months, lay the baby on their side with the head turned sideways. Gently place the tip at the entrance to the upper nostril, then introduce the saline as demonstrated. Wait for the baby to swallow and the secretions to drain, then wipe the nose. If the other nostril also needs washing, change sides and use a new unit; do not force the procedure.

From six months, washing may also be done seated with the baby’s back against the adult, keeping the head to the side as demonstrated. If an appropriate spray is used, pressure must not be too strong. Clean the nozzle after use and keep the bottle for that child alone.

A nasal aspirator is less effective than washing and may irritate when used too often. Have any nasal product checked for suitability at the child’s age. If symptoms worsen, feeding becomes difficult or the cold fails to improve, seek further advice rather than repeatedly adding comfort measures.