How to Make Saline Nose Drops for Infants

Last Updated: Mar 23, 2011 | By Mindy Baca

Mindy Baca

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Infant nasal congestion may be relieved with saline nose drops. Photo Credit man touching newborn baby's nose image by Diane Stamatelatos from Fotolia.com

Parents who go to the store looking for medicine to relieve their infant's stuffy nose are not likely to find any. According to a January 2008 recommendation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, over-the-counter cold and cough medicines that contain decongestants, expectorants, antihistamines or cough suppressants should not be given to infants and children under the age of two because of the risk of serious and possibly life-threatening side effects. As an alternative, your child's pediatrician may recommend the use of saline nasal drops and a bulb syringe to remove mucus and reduce inflammation in your infant's nasal passages. It is easy to make saline nose drops at home.

Step 1

Fill a small sauce pan with either tap or distilled water and bring it to a boil. Boil the water for 10 minutes to eliminate any bacterial impurities.

Step 2

Measure 1/4 tsp. of non-iodized or Kosher salt and 1/8 tsp. of baking soda and add them to 1 cup of the warm water. It is important to use the right amount of salt, baking soda and water because if the solution is too salty it can be irritating, according to the Children's Mercy Hospitals & Clinics website

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I did it more than once. It really helps.