Question
A 45-day-old newborn recently developed symptoms of nasal congestion and a mild cough, but no fever is present. The parents are concerned and would like to know how to properly handle the situation.
Answer
It is recommended to increase the baby’s fluid intake to help thin out mucus. Newborns with poor digestion may experience increased mucus production, even leading to heat stroke. Nasal congestion may be due to the baby catching a cold, especially if the mother is breastfeeding and her diet is too greasy or too cold, which can cause the baby to have indigestion and catch a cold. Encourage the baby to drink plain water without sugar, as sugar may promote mucus production. For nasal congestion, check if there is any dry, hard mucus blocking the baby’s nostrils, which can affect breathing. You can use a medical cotton swab dipped in medical saline solution to drop into the nostrils, softening the nasal crust so that it can be naturally expelled when the baby sneezes or coughs.