A caregiver's checklist for stuffy days and nights

It helps to have everyone follow the same directions, whether a grandparent is taking the next feed or a second parent is on overnight duty. Put the child's saline product and aspirator with their instructions somewhere the next caregiver can find them. Tell them what you used and when, how the baby fed and whether the baby was breathing comfortably afterward.

Sleep still follows the same rules

The AAP recommends that babies sleep on their backs on a firm, flat sleep surface. Congestion can make an inclined sleeper, pillow or rolled-up towel seem tempting. Keep the sleep surface flat and clear, and use the AAP's guidance if you need help planning a safe sleep setup. Keep loose packaging and the small caps from saline containers out of reach.

When to get help

Seek urgent help if your child is struggling to breathe. Blue lips or face, severe trouble breathing or inability to cry normally because of breathing are emergency signs. Call your pediatrician promptly if your child is feeding poorly, seems unusually unwell or has fewer wet diapers than expected. A baby under 3 months with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher needs prompt medical advice. Bring the child's age, temperature and feeding details when you call.

When the child is comfortable and feeding well, some congestion can be watched without treating it. For persistent or worsening symptoms, ask the pediatrician what they would look for next. A brief record of feeds, diapers and symptoms is more useful on that call than a list of remedies alone.

Sources and instructions

• American Academy of Pediatrics guide to stuffy noses and safe sleep
• American Academy of Pediatrics guidance for a child's cold
• American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on when to call for a fever
• Steralis Labs 0.9% instructions

AI-assisted editorial article published by Steralis Labs, which sells saline products.