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Saline is a popular remedy for a blocked or stuffy nose and it’s perfect for the whole family – even newborn babies!
You can pick up saline as a nasal spray or nasal drops, available from popular brands like Calpol, Sterimar, and Snufflebabe.
Saline is a solution of salt and water, mixed together to provide a gentle, hydrating decongestant that’s perfect for sensitive noses.
It helps to clear blocked noses quickly without being harsh on the nasal passages, so you or your little one can breathe more easily and get a good night’s sleep without worrying about your blocked nose.
Saline is so gentle that it can be used by almost anyone, perfect for those with allergies or sensitivity to other decongestants.
Whether you choose to use a saline nasal spray or nasal drops to treat your child’s blocked nose is completely up to you.
However, you may find that nasal drops are easier to give to very young infants.
Also, some nasal sprays may contain other ingredients as well as saline, which may not be suitable for young children, so make sure to check the age limitations on your medication before use.
If you’re ever unsure about whether a treatment is right for your child, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
If you’re using saline nasal spray to treat a baby under the age of 2, begin by lying your child down and turning their head to one side.
Place the nozzle of the spray into their nostril and use the spray once.
Then turn their head to the other side and spray once into the other nostril.
If you’re treating a child older than 2, or using this as an adult, then the patient can stand or sit upright and should be told to breathe in deeply through the nose when you’re using the spray.
Usually, children under 2 should take one spray in each nostril as required, and those older than 2 can take 1 – 2 sprays in each nostril as required.
If you’re unsure about the dosage you should give to your child, read the patient information leaflet that comes with your own product carefully and if you’re still unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Saline spray is as safe for adults and the elderly as it is for children of all ages, so you absolutely can use it.
If you’re ever unsure whether a medication or treatment is suitable for you, it’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use.
If you’re using saline nasal drops to treat a baby under the age of 2, begin by lying them down on their back and turning their head to one side.
Gently squeeze one or two drops into their nostril as needed, then turn their head and repeat in the other nostril.
Use as often as needed.
This is the usual dose of saline drops you’ll give to your child or use for yourself, but make sure to read the patient information leaflet that comes with your own product carefully so you can be sure you’re using the correct dose.
If you’re ever unsure about the dose you should be using, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
You can use saline nasal sprays during pregnancy and while you’re breastfeeding.
However, you should always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using any new treatment at this time, to be sure that it’s the best thing for you and your baby.
