Newborns and Baby Congestion

Noticing your little one sniffling, breathing noisily, or struggling to feed? Baby congestion—whether in the nose or chest—can feel alarming, especially if you're not sure what's causing it. In many cases, it's mild and manageable at home. Still, it’s normal to wonder, “Is this something I should be worried about?”

Congestion often stems from colds, dry air, or irritants, but it can also be a sign of something like RSV or pneumonia. Knowing what’s typical and when to seek medical attention can make a big difference in how you respond.

What You Can Do Right Now:

• Try saline drops and a bulb syringe to clear your baby’s nose

• Use a cool-mist humidifier or try baby steam therapy to loosen mucus

• Offer extra feedings to keep your baby hydrated

• Watch for changes in mucus color (clear is normal—green or yellow may signal infection).

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider Immediately:

• Fast, labored, or noisy breathing

• Difficulty feeding or fewer wet diapers

• A fever over 100.4°F in a baby under 3 months

• Ongoing baby chest congestion or a worsening cough.

This guide provides quick, trusted answers to help you feel more confident, along with easy and safe ways to relieve newborn congestion at home, and the signs that indicate it’s time to seek medical help.

Why Your Baby’s Nose and Chest Are Congested

Baby congestion is very common in the first year. It can affect the nose, chest, or both, and usually happens when excess mucus builds up, making it harder for your little one to breathe comfortably.

A stuffy nose in a baby often results from inflammation and swelling inside the nasal passages, sometimes accompanied by mucus. This may cause noisy breathing, sniffling, or trouble feeding. Meanwhile, chest congestion happens when mucus builds up in the lungs or lower airways. This may cause a wet-sounding cough, wheezing, or general discomfort.

Understanding the difference between nasal and chest congestion is key to knowing how to respond at home and when to reach out to your baby’s healthcare provider for support.

Common Causes of Nasal Congestion in Babies

Babies may experience nasal congestion when the tissues inside the nose become inflamed and swollen, often due to excess mucus buildup. Your baby's nasal blockage can make it harder for them to breathe through their nose, leading to discomfort, especially during feeding or sleep.

An upper respiratory infection is one of the most common causes of a stuffy nose in a baby. Baby cold symptoms may include nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, and sometimes a low-grade fever. 

Nasal congestion happens when the nose and surrounding tissues, including the blood vessels, become swollen with excess mucus, which often results in a "plugged" or blocked feeling.

Since babies can’t blow their noses, mucus tends to build up, making nasal blockage more persistent. Other triggers of a baby's nasal congestion can include exposure to dry air, allergens, or irritants like cigarette smoke.

In most cases, a baby’s nasal congestion is mild and manageable at home. But if your little one seems to be having trouble breathing, feeding, or sleeping, reach out to your baby’s healthcare provider for guidance.

Chest Congestion Causes and Concerns

A baby's chest congestion is often caused by lower respiratory infections, most of which are related to respiratory infections like the common cold. These conditions may make breathing difficult for your baby and may lead to a persistent cough. They may also spread easily through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Babies, especially newborns, are more vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing.

Since congestion is only a symptom of an underlying illness, your child must first get over the infection causing the illness for the congestion to completely clear. While chest congestion can often be treated at home, some cases may require a visit to your baby’s healthcare provider if the symptoms are linked to more serious infections, such as:

• Bronchiolitis. A viral infection common in babies under 2, often caused by RSV, which affects the small airways in the lungs and can lead to wheezing or shortness of breath. 

• Pneumonia. Can develop after a cold or flu and may present with fast breathing, fever, and deep chest congestion in babies.

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Not only does it cause nasal issues, but it may also settle into the lungs and result in more severe symptoms like baby chest congestion.

If your baby’s chest seems tight or you notice labored breathing, a worsening cough, or signs of distress, contact your little one’s healthcare provider right away. They can help determine if it’s something that requires treatment or further monitoring.

Curious about your baby's growth? Every baby develops at their own pace, but understanding what’s ahead can help you feel more prepared. Explore helpful insights and tips for each stage of your little one’s development in our baby development milestones.

How to Tell If Your Baby Is Congested

Your little one can’t explain how they’re feeling, but there are often clear signs of baby congestion that you can look out for. Whether it’s a stuffy nose or mucus in the chest, congestion may make it harder for your baby to breathe, feed, or sleep comfortably.

Recognizing early symptoms of baby congestion can help you respond with care and know when to reach out to your baby’s healthcare provider for support.

Signs of Nasal Congestion in Babies

Nasal congestion in babies usually occurs when the nasal passages become inflamed and filled with mucus, making it harder for your baby to breathe through their nose.

If you're wondering how to know if your baby has a stuffy nose, these signs can help guide you. Since babies can’t clear their own nasal passages, even mild blockage may lead to discomfort or irritability.

Symptoms of Chest Congestion

Chest congestion occurs when your baby’s lungs and airways are filled with mucus, which can make breathing difficult. 

Signs of chest congestion in babies might include:

• A wet cough or rattling noise when your baby breathes, indicating mucus buildup in the chest

• Wheezing or fast, labored breathing that sounds strained

• Discomfort or difficulty feeding due to shortness of breath

• Signs of fatigue or lethargy from the extra effort needed to breathe.

In some cases, these symptoms may point to a more serious infection, such as chest infection symptoms in your baby, which can include: 

• Slightly elevated temperature (a high fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is rare, but if that’s the case, contact your little one’s healthcare provider)

• persistent cough

• worsening breathing difficulties. 

If your baby shows these signs or if their breathing seems particularly labored, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to check for conditions like bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

The Difference Between a Dry and Wet Cough

Understanding the types of baby coughs can help you determine whether your little one is experiencing chest congestion or another underlying issue. 

A wet cough in babies often sounds moist or phlegmy and is usually caused by mucus in the chest. These wet cough symptoms in babies may last longer than a runny nose and may suggest that your little one’s body is trying to clear mucus from the lungs. If your baby’s cough sounds wet, it could be a sign of baby chest congestion—it’s best to reach out to your baby’s healthcare provider, especially if your little one is under 2 months old.

A dry cough, on the other hand, usually sounds more irritated or harsh. A baby’s dry cough symptoms may point to conditions such as croup or whooping cough. Croup is characterized by a barking sound cough and a squeaking or whistling sound known as stridor, whereas a whooping cough is followed by a whooping sound and may cause trouble in breathing or apnea. If the cough is dry and your baby is wheezing, or if it seems to be worsening, it’s important to contact your baby’s healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

The main difference between a baby’s dry cough and a wet cough lies in what’s happening in your little one’s body: a wet cough typically means there’s mucus in the lungs. In contrast, a dry cough is usually caused by irritation or inflammation in the airways.

Be aware that experts do not recommend over-the-counter cough medicines for children younger than 6 years old, as they may cause serious side effects, such as slowed breathing.

Immediate Relief for Your Baby’s Nasal Congestion

If your little one has a stuffy nose, it may make feeding and sleeping more difficult. Providing quick relief for baby nasal congestion is important to help them breathe more comfortably. If you're wondering how to get rid of your baby’s stuffy nose, there are a few safe, effective steps you can try for baby nasal relief.

Quick Fixes for Stuffy Nose

If it appears that your infant has nasal congestion and it’s bothering them, you can follow this two-step stuffy nose treatment to help clear their nose. It’s often most helpful to do this every few hours, and especially 15 to 20 minutes before feeding or bedtime:

• Use saline (salt water) drops or baby nasal spray. Two drops or sprays per nostril are enough. Avoid nose drops or sprays that have any additional medication.

• Use a bulb syringe to clear out any mucus. Clear your baby’s nose immediately after using the saline drops or spray. To use a bulb syringe, squeeze the bulb part first before gently inserting the syringe into your baby’s nostril. Then slowly release the bulb to suction out the mucus.

Be sure to wash the bulb syringe and any other tools with soap and water after each use to help prevent infections.

There are a few more baby nasal congestion remedies you can try alongside saline and suction to keep your baby more comfortable:

• A baby humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help thin out the mucus and make it easier for your baby to breathe. This is especially helpful if dry air is contributing to your baby’s congestion.

• You can create a mini baby steam therapy session by sitting with your baby in a steamy bathroom. Let the hot shower run with the door closed and hold your baby in the room (not under the water) for a few minutes. The steam helps loosen mucus, providing natural nasal relief.

Effective Remedies for Chest Congestion in Babies

If your baby is struggling with chest congestion, several methods may help provide relief. Babies are especially vulnerable because their airways are small, and they aren’t yet able to clear mucus effectively on their own. Knowing how to relieve baby chest congestion may help you support your little one’s breathing and overall comfort.

To help your little one breathe more easily and reduce discomfort, try the following:

• Use a cool-mist humidifier in your baby’s room. Place it nearby, but out of reach, to safely add moisture to the air. This extra humidity can help relieve baby chest congestion by thinning mucus, which may ease both a stuffy and runny nose, especially at night. Be sure to clean and dry the humidifier daily to prevent mold or bacterial growth.

Home Remedies for Chest Congestion

You can also try a few simple, natural baby chest congestion remedies at home:

These home remedies can be highly effective for providing relief, but if your baby’s symptoms persist or worsen, always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they get the appropriate care.

What Does the Color of Your Baby’s Mucus Mean?

The color of your baby’s mucus may provide insight into what’s going on in their body. While normal baby mucus is usually clear, shifts to white, yellow, green, or even blood-tinged can signal changes in their health.

Understanding your baby’s mucus color meaning may help you decide whether your little one is just dealing with mild congestion or if it might be time to check in with your little one’s healthcare provider. Here's a breakdown of what the color of your baby’s mucus could mean.

Clear Mucus: Normal or Mild Congestion

A baby's clear mucus is typically a good sign. It helps moisturize nasal passages and trap tiny irritants, such as dust or allergens. Clear mucus is often associated with normal mucus production or mild congestion due to allergies or the early stages of a cold.

White Mucus: Possible Cold

A baby's white mucus may indicate that your little one’s body is responding to a cold. White or cloudy mucus often becomes thicker as it loses water content and may be a sign of a minor viral infection. The presence of white mucus in babies suggests that a cold is progressing, but it isn’t necessarily a cause for concern.

Yellow Mucus: Infection Warning

When mucus turns yellow, it may mean your baby’s immune system is actively fighting off an illness. Yellow mucus symptoms could include ongoing congestion or fatigue. While a baby's yellow mucus doesn’t always mean something serious, it may suggest the presence of an infection, especially if your baby has other symptoms.

Green Mucus: Possible Sinus Infection

A baby's green mucus often appears after a few days of congestion and may indicate that the body is continuing to fight off an infection. If any green mucus symptoms are accompanied by sinus pressure, facial pain, or fever, this could signal a sinus infection and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Blood-Tinged Mucus: Irritation or Dryness

Bloody mucus in babies may result from dryness or irritation inside the nasal passages. Frequent nose wiping or suctioning may cause tiny capillaries to break, leading to a baby's bloody mucus. This is often harmless, but if bleeding persists or worsens, reach out to your little one’s healthcare provider.

When to Contact Your Baby’s Healthcare Provider

While color changes are usually part of your baby’s natural healing process, consult your baby’s healthcare provider if:

• The mucus stays yellow or green for more than 10 days

• You notice signs like fever, facial swelling, or worsening congestion

• You see black or brown mucus

• You’re concerned about your baby’s breathing or overall behavior.

When to See Your Baby’s Healthcare Provider

Contact your little one’s healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following symptoms, which may signal a severe illness or a more serious baby congestion:

• A cough that’s painful, persistent, and/or accompanied by a whooping sound, vomiting, or turning blue, which means your child is having difficulty breathing

• Loss of appetite (signaled by your baby refusing several feedings)

• Fever—if your baby has a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit 

• Extreme irritability or fussiness that doesn’t improve

• Being sleepier than usual, or if your baby is hard to wake up.

If you’re ever unsure when to see a doctor for baby congestion, these symptoms are clear warning signs. When in doubt, it’s always safest to reach out.

Signs Your Baby Needs Immediate Medical Attention

If your baby is younger than 3 months old, it’s especially important to consult their healthcare provider early in any illness. Certain baby emergency symptoms require immediate evaluation, as they may point to more serious concerns.

• Severe difficulty breathing. If your baby is struggling to breathe, has fast or shallow breaths, or their chest is pulling in with each breath.

• Bluish skin, lips, or fingernails. A bluish tint on your baby’s skin, lips, or nails indicates they may not be getting enough oxygen.

• Unresponsiveness or extreme drowsiness. If your baby is unusually hard to wake up or seems excessively sleepy and unresponsive, it could be a sign of a serious health issue.

• High fever. A fever above 100.4°F (38°C) in infants younger than 3 months requires immediate evaluation, as it could indicate a serious infection.

• Severe vomiting. If your baby is vomiting frequently, especially after coughing or congestion, it could signal a more serious respiratory infection or other complications.

These symptoms may indicate a baby's congestion emergency or another condition that requires prompt medical care.

Routine Health Checkups

Consistent baby health checkups play a key role in monitoring a baby’s health. These visits help track your baby’s growth, development, and any signs of congestion or other health concerns.

During check-ups, your healthcare provider will assess your child’s weight, length, and developmental milestones. They’ll also address any symptoms like a stuffy nose in infants, discuss the possible causes of a baby’s cough, and guide you through safe treatments and home care.

Routine visits help support the early detection of issues, such as nasal or chest congestion, and provide reassurance for you as a parent. Before or after your appointment, you may also use tools like our Baby Growth Chart Calculator to follow your baby’s progress at home.

The Bottom Line

Congestion is a common concern in babies, especially during colds. It can affect your baby's ability to feed and sleep comfortably and may be managed at home using simple remedies, such as a saline spray and a cool-mist humidifier, which help provide quick relief for a baby's nasal congestion and ease your little one's discomfort.

If your baby’s congestion is accompanied by additional symptoms such as a high fever, a persistent cough, or signs of serious chest congestion, contact their healthcare provider immediately. It’s essential to monitor your baby for symptoms of chest congestion or nasal blockage that persist, as this may indicate a more serious issue.

To help stay on top of your baby’s wellness, schedule regular baby health checkups. And for added support, download the Pampers Rewards App—it’s a great way to access digital offers on Pampers products you already use.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}

What Does the Color of Your Baby’s Mucus Mean?

The color of your little one’s mucus may tell you a lot about their health. While clear mucus is often considered normal, different colors like white, yellow, or green may indicate an infection or other issues. Paying attention to the color of your baby’s mucus can help you understand whether their congestion is mild or if it’s time to consult their healthcare provider. Here's a breakdown of what the color of your baby’s mucus could mean.

Clear Mucus: Normal or Mild Congestion

Clear mucus is typically normal and is a sign that your baby’s body is functioning as it should. Babies naturally produce clear mucus to help keep their nasal passages moist and clean. In most cases, clear mucus in your baby doesn't usually signal anything serious, and their congestion may be caused by allergies or the first signs of a cold.

White, Light Yellow Mucus: Possible Cold

White or light yellow mucus in babies may indicate thicker mucus due to fighting a cold or other viral infection.

Bright Yellow to Dark Green Mucus: Possible Sinus Infection

Bright yellow or green mucus usually indicates your baby is fighting off an infection. It could suggest a sinus infection (a bacterial infection in the sinuses), or a viral upper respiratory infection. In these cases, it’s important to consult your little one’s healthcare provider for further information.

Red, Pink, or Blood-Tinged Mucus: Irritation or Dryness

Blood-tinged mucus in your baby may be due to irritation or dryness in the nasal passages, often caused by frequent nose wiping or suctioning. While it may look concerning, it’s typically harmless unless it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.

When to Contact Your Baby’s Healthcare Provider

In most cases, mucus changes are normal, but contact your baby's healthcare provider if you notice dark-colored mucus or any color that concerns you, especially when combined with symptoms like facial pain or headaches.

When to See Your Baby’s Healthcare Provider

Contact your baby’s healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following symptoms, which may signal a more serious illness or severe baby congestion:

• A cough that’s painful, persistent, and/or accompanied by a whooping sound, vomiting, or turning blue, which means your child is having difficulty breathing

• Loss of appetite (signaled by your baby refusing several feedings)

• If your baby seems to be struggling to breath

• Fever—if your baby has a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit

• Extreme irritability or fussiness that doesn’t improve.

• If your baby is not drinking and making at least 3 wet diapers per day.

• Being sleepier than usual, or if your baby is hard to wake up.

If you’re unsure when to see a doctor for baby congestion, these symptoms are clear signs that medical attention is needed. Regular baby health checkups may also help detect any potential issues early and ensure your baby stays healthy.

Signs Your Baby Needs Immediate Medical Attention

If your baby is younger than 3 months of age, call their healthcare provider early in the illness. In newborns, it’s especially important to rule out a more serious condition, especially if your baby has a fever. Watch for the following symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if any of these occur:

• Severe difficulty breathing. If your baby is struggling to breathe, has fast or shallow breaths, or their chest is pulling in with each breath.

• Bluish skin, lips, or fingernails. A bluish tint on your baby’s skin, lips, or nails indicates they may not be getting enough oxygen.

• Unresponsiveness or extreme drowsiness. If your baby is unusually hard to wake up or seems excessively sleepy and unresponsive, it could be a sign of a serious health issue.

• High fever. A fever above 100.4°F (38°C) in infants younger than 3 months requires immediate evaluation, as it could indicate a serious infection.

• Severe vomiting. If your baby is vomiting frequently, especially after coughing or congestion, it could signal a more serious respiratory infection or other complications.

• Decrease in fluid intake.  Your baby should have at least 3 wet diapers per day.

Routine Health Checkups

Routine health checkups are vital for tracking your little one’s overall health and catching issues early, like nasal or chest congestion in your baby. These visits ensure proper health monitoring for your baby and help your healthcare provider detect any signs of infection, congestion, or developmental concerns. During checkups, your baby’s weight, height, and development are assessed, and any symptoms such as stuffy nose in infants or causes of a baby’s cough are discussed. Regular checkups also allow your healthcare provider to give you guidance on baby congestion treatment and monitor overall growth. By attending routine visits, you make sure that your baby receives the necessary preventive care and early intervention for any potential health problems. Before or after your little one’s check-up, you can try using our tools like our Baby Growth Chart Calculator.

The Bottom Line

Congestion in babies is a common issue, especially during colds, and can affect your baby's ability to feed and sleep comfortably. It may be managed at home using simple remedies like saline spray and a cool-mist humidifier, which help provide quick relief for a baby's nasal congestion and ease your little one's discomfort.

If your baby’s congestion is accompanied by additional symptoms such as a high fever, a persistent cough, or signs of serious chest congestion like difficulty breathing, contact their healthcare provider immediately. It’s important to monitor for symptoms of chest congestion or nasal blockage in your baby that doesn’t resolve, which may indicate a more serious issue.

To stay on top of your baby’s health, don’t forget to schedule regular baby health checkups and download the Pampers Rewards app for rewards and exclusive offers to help with your baby’s essentials.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}