Nasal rinsing for babies and young children

All children catch colds from time to time, and this happens especially often during the winter months. A runny or blocked nose can be very bothersome. For infants, this can be particularly disruptive during feeding, since they cannot breathe through their nose. For older children, it can, for example, seriously disturb their sleep. In addition, an upper respiratory infection can allow viruses or bacteria to spread to the sinuses or lower airways. Proper cleaning of the nasal passages with physiological water can help prevent colds, support the healing process, and relieve discomfort.

But how can you effectively clean the nasal passages of infants and younger or older children? Blowing the nose doesn’t always work yet, and it’s certainly not enough to clear the sinuses. Nasal rinsing is the solution. Below, we share the necessary steps for a safe and effective nasal rinse for your baby or child.

Step 1 : Start with good hand hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap.

Step 2 : Provide physiological water at body temperature.

Physiological water is a simple mixture of water and salt. At body temperature, the salt dissolves more easily, and the rinse feels more comfortable than when the water is cold. It stings less in the nose, making it easier for infants and children to tolerate, and it won’t damage the nasal lining.

Physiological water can be bought in large bottles at the pharmacy (NaCl 0.9%) or made yourself from tap water and kitchen salt. If you prefer to make it at home, add a level teaspoon of kitchen salt to 200ml of cold tap water and stir well. Then heat the water in the microwave until it reaches body temperature (35 to 36°C) and transfer it into a small bottle with a red cap for rinsing.

You can also heat the water in the small bottle by placing it in the microwave for about ten seconds without the red cap on.

Step 3: Place your baby in a good starting position for rinsing.

This starting position depends on age.

For a baby or young toddler, the easiest way to rinse the nose is to place them on their side on a sturdy surface, such as a bed or changing mat, with a towel under their head.

For a toddler or older child, have them stand on a small stool at the sink or over a wash basin. You can use a video or other distraction to make the process smoother and calmer.

Step 4: Gently turn your baby's head to the side.

Try to avoid tilting the head backward, as this can cause the water to flow into the throat during rinsing, which is very unpleasant. When the head is properly turned to the side and slightly bent forward, the water can flow smoothly from one nostril to the other.

Step 5 : Efficient nasal rinsing.

Place the bottle with the red cap into the upper nostril. Gently squeeze the bottle so that the water flows through the nose. For a preschooler, you can ask them to breathe through their mouth, count, or talk during this process. This helps them keep their mouth open and allows the water to flow smoothly through the nasal passages. You will see the water, along with any mucus, exit through the other nostril.”

Step 6 : Blowing the nose.

Ask your child to gently blow into a tissue. Make sure never to block both nostrils at the same time, as this can push remaining mucus back into the sinuses. 

After blowing, repeat steps 4 and 5 but with the head turned to the other side and the other nostril. If there is still a lot of mucus, you can repeat steps 4 and 5 through both nostrils until only water comes out.

This process allows you to effectively and safely remove mucus from the nose without damaging the nasal lining. You can repeat this several times a day. For infants, it’s best done before each feeding to ensure clear nasal breathing while drinking. For older children, it can also be done multiple times a day, especially before going to bed. If your child has prescribed inhalation medication or nasal drops for a cold, these work most effectively when the nasal passages have first been cleared.

We hope these tips help you recover from colds more quickly or relieve your child’s symptoms. If you have any questions, be sure to watch the video below or don’t hesitate to contact us for further guidance.”

This blog was written by physiotherapist Marianne De Smedt.