Blocked Nose in Babies: Saline Drops and the Right Age for Vicks Baby Rub

Dr. Sandip Gupta

In this season small babies often get a blocked nose, so the baby can't feed properly, cries and becomes irritable. This video gives two easy remedies. 1. Saline nasal drops. This is a non-medicated drop containing sterile water and salt, and it opens the baby's nose. It can be used from the very first week after birth — one or two drops in the nose, four to six times a day. The drops thin the mucus, after which you can remove the mucus from the baby's nose with cotton. 2. Vicks Baby Rub on the chest. This opens the child's nose and can be used for babies above 3 months. Many mothers asked in the comments whether it can be applied to a 1- or 2-month-old — no, it cannot; it is for babies above 3 months. Important: Vicks VapoRub must never be applied to children under 2 years, because it contains camphor in a very high quantity which creates irritation in the child's airway and can sometimes cause serious side effects. For children from 3 months to 2 years, use Vicks Baby Rub. Also, never apply baby rub on the face — not on the nose, mouth or forehead. Apply it only on the chest; that alone is enough for it to work. Relevant for: parents whose baby has a blocked or stuffy nose and is not feeding well, crying or irritable; parents asking whether saline nasal drops are safe for a newborn; parents asking from what age Vicks Baby Rub can be used; parents confused between Vicks Baby Rub and Vicks VapoRub; and parents asking where on the body vapour rub should be applied. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your pediatrician before using any product on your baby, and seek medical attention if your baby has difficulty breathing, fast breathing, fever, or is not feeding.