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Our hearts go out to our little ones when they’re poorly. And even worse is when their nasty bout prevents them from nodding off, depriving them of much-needed rest and relief.
However, there are some handy tips and tricks you can try to help ease nighttime sniffles and congestion, sending them off peacefully to the Land of Nod.
1. Get to the root of the problem
First things first: get to the root of why your little one is congested. It could be a cold, the flu, a sinus infection or even an allergy, so before you treat it, you’ll have to know what’s causing it. As a quick-fire guide, a cold usually comes on slowly, the flu (viral) is more severe and hits all of a sudden, while sinusitis (bacterial) usually doesn’t come with the aches, pains and chills associated with flu. However, if unsure it’s always best to visit your GP.
2. Keep them hydrated
Hydration is so important, so encourage your child to sip liquids regularly, whether it’s milk, water, or if it helps, a little juice. Breastfeeding is particularly great for babies for two reasons – the milk contains antibodies that can help fend off illness, and it’ll keep baby hydrated. Food-wise, soups and smoothies are a great way to up their liquid intake too.
3. Try a saline nasal spray
A nasal spray can work wonders in washing away built-up mucus and can help moisturise dry or irritated nostrils. And if your child’s sniffles are allergy-related, the spray can help remove pollen and dust, providing much-needed night-time relief. Try Calpol® Nasal Spray to moisten and sooth little noses.
4. Run them a steamy bath
Steam has long been used as a natural way to loosen up mucus in a congested child. So before bedtime, either run them a bath, or else turn on a hot shower and sit with them in the room while they get the benefit of all that lovely steam.
5. Put their pillow at a slight incline
Putting your child's pillow at a slight incline will help the mucus drain from their nose area. This will help them feel more comfortable, aiding a restful sleep.
6. Hold your baby in an upright position
Another way to help drain that dreaded mucus is to hold you baby in an upright position, or for bigger children, to sit them on your lap comfortably. The feeling of being close to mum can also be soothing, helping them nod off.
