When a child coughs, especially with phlegm, do we also feel uncomfortable? We feel sorry when we see small children, especially babies, breathing in an uncomfortable state. So how do we get rid of phlegm in babies under 1 month old?
10 Ways to Get Rid of Phlegm in Babies Under 1 Month Old
When a baby coughs up phlegm , it can make parents feel worried and uncomfortable. But don’t panic, there are several ways that can help relieve your baby’s condition without having to go to the clinic right away.
Here are 10 ways to get rid of baby phlegm that you can try at home:
1. Manually Aspirate Phlegm
The first way to remove baby phlegm is to manually aspirate the phlegm.
Young babies, especially those under six months old, breathe more through their noses. So when their noses are clogged with mucus, they become restless and have difficulty breathing. You can use:
- Nasal aspirator — This tool is very helpful for gently sucking out mucus. Make sure you clean this tool after use to avoid spreading germs.
- Rubber bulb syringe — Squeeze the bulb first, insert the tip into the baby’s nose, and slowly release it to suck out the phlegm. Don’t insert it too deep, just enough to the outside of the nose.
2. Make Sure Your Baby Is Always Hydrated
Fluids help thin the phlegm so it is easier to expel. If your baby is still breastfed or formula-fed, feed them more often. If your baby is over six months old, give them plain water in appropriate quantities. When the body has enough water, the phlegm does not become thick and is easier to expel through coughing or nose.
3. Steam Therapy
How to get rid of baby phlegm at home is with steam therapy. Warm water steam can help open the airways and loosen phlegm. The easiest way:
- Turn on the hot water in the bathroom until the room is filled with steam.
- Take your baby into the bathroom (not under hot water!) and sit with them for 10-15 minutes.
This steam will help to loosen the phlegm, and the baby will usually start sneezing or coughing to get the mucus out.
4. Pat the Baby’s Back (Percussion)
Percussion is one of the ways to clear baby phlegm that you can try. Here’s how to do percussion:
- Lay the baby face down on your thigh, with the head slightly lower than the body.
- Using the curved palm of your hand, gently pat the baby’s back — focusing on the back of the lungs.
- Make sure the patting is gentle and consistent, not too forceful so that the baby doesn’t get startled or hurt.
5. Install a Humidifier
Dry air can cause your baby’s nose and throat to become drier, making phlegm stickier and harder to come out. With a humidifier, the humidity in the room will be maintained and help your baby’s respiratory tract stay moist. If you don’t have a humidifier, you can also place a container of warm water in your baby’s room to create some steam.
6. Let Baby Sit Upright
The next way to get rid of baby phlegm is to help the baby sit upright.
When babies lie down, phlegm can collect in the back of their throat and cause them to cough or vomit. So make sure they are in an upright position — whether it’s when feeding, playing, or sleeping in a car seat (for just a short while). An upright position helps the phlegm move up and out more easily.
7. Use Natural Honey (For Babies 1 Year and Above)
If your baby is one year old or older, raw honey can help relieve coughs and thin phlegm. Give a teaspoon of honey before bed or mix it with warm water. Important: Do not give honey to babies under one year old due to the risk of botulism (a serious bacterial infection).
8. Use a Slightly Higher Pillow
If your baby can sleep with a pillow, make sure their head is slightly higher than their body so that phlegm doesn’t collect at the back of the throat. For small babies, raise the mattress slightly at the head by placing a rolled towel under the mattress.
9. Apply Garlic Oil
Garlic oil is also an effective way to get rid of baby phlegm. The method is as follows:
- Roast the garlic until wilted
- Then mash and mix with coconut oil or olive oil.
- When it is warm, gently rub it on the baby’s chest, back, and soles of the feet.
The garlic smell helps relieve nasal congestion and thins phlegm. But make sure the oil is not too hot and test it on your baby’s skin first to avoid irritation.
10. Avoid Dairy Products
If your baby has started eating and drinking other than breast milk, temporarily reduce the intake of dairy products such as cheese, yogurt or cream when your baby has a cough.
Dairy products can make mucus thicker and harder to come out. For the time being, switch to lighter foods and drink plenty of plain water.
Is it normal for babies to have phlegm?
Yes, it is actually normal for babies to cough up phlegm, especially in the first few months of life. A baby’s respiratory system is still developing, and phlegm is the baby’s natural way of clearing their airways of mucus or dirt. However, if the phlegm persists or there are other symptoms, parents should be more careful.
Causes of Baby Phlegm
Some causes of babies having phlegm are:
1. The Still Developing Respiratory System
Newborns or young babies may produce phlegm as the body’s way of clearing its developing respiratory tract.
2. Flu or Respiratory Infection
Babies are susceptible to colds or respiratory infections that can cause phlegm production. This usually happens when babies are exposed to viruses from adults or other children.
3.Allergies
Babies who are allergic to dust, animal dander, or certain chemicals may also produce phlegm in response to the allergen.
4. Dry or Dirty Air
Dry or polluted air can also cause a baby’s respiratory tract to become more sensitive, resulting in the production of phlegm.
When to See a Doctor
Although phlegm is normal, sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious problem. Seek immediate medical attention if:
1. Difficulty Breathing
If your baby seems to be having difficulty breathing, is gasping for breath, or is making abnormal breathing sounds (such as wheezing), see a doctor immediately.
2. Green or Yellow Sputum
Green or yellow phlegm can indicate an infection or more serious respiratory problem, and should be checked by a doctor.
3. Prolonged Fever or Cold
If your baby has a fever or a cold that lasts for more than a few days, this could be a sign of infection and requires immediate treatment.
4. Baby Looks Lethargic or Lifeless
If the baby seems lethargic or not as active as usual, this could also be a sign that there is a more serious health problem that needs to be checked by a doctor.
5. Defeat Accompanied by a Persistent Cough
If your baby continues to cough or has a strong cough, immediately take your baby to the doctor for further examination.
With proper monitoring and appropriate care, most cases of baby phlegm are nothing to worry about. But always talk to your doctor if you think something is wrong!
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Malaysia
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