NASAL RINSING FOR STUFFY NOSES

Remember to shake well, take quantity needed for the day, and warm the saline water to room temperature (not cold or hot). Syringes and plastic bottles are available at the CMC or a drugstore.

• Premature infants: Use 3 mL syringe for 1 mL of solution per nostril.
• Babies under 2: Use a 10 mL syringe for 1 to 3 mL of solution per nostril.
• Children 2-5 years: Use a 10 mL syringe for 3 mL per nostril. 
• Children 5 and older: Use a 10 mL syringe for 3 – 5 mL per nostril.

Start using a plastic irrigation bottle when your child can control the pressure during the rinsing process. 

CHILDREN UNDER 2

• When congested or have a cold:  3-6 times a day as needed.
• Summer: As needed for seasonal allergies or a stuffy nose.
• Winter (October – May): 1 – 2 times a day as needed for seasonal allergies or stuffy nose.

CHILDREN 2 AND OLDER + ADULTS

• When congested or have a cold: 3 – 4 times a day as needed.
• Summer: As needed for seasonal allergies or a stuffy nose.
• Winter (October – May): 1 – 2 times a day as needed for seasonal allergies or stuffy nose.

A medical specialist may also prescribe a different frequency depending on the situation.

Prepare your child before nasal rinsing. It’s helpful to soften nose secretions in a bath or shower. Steam from warm water helps do this. You can also apply a wet and warm facecloth to the nose or use a baby nose cleaner. 

Preparation helps make nasal rinsing safe. When rinsing is done with too much water and pressure, it can push secretions and liquids into the inner ear, and cause infections, or hearing loss. 

Wash your hands before nasal rinsing.

0 – 6 MONTHS:

1. Lie your baby on their side or on their back. Wrap them in a blanket or towel if needed. Put a facecloth under their nose.
2. If your baby is on their side, use the syringe to rinse the top nostril first. Gently empty the syringe in the 1^st nostril, about 1 mL / second. It’s okay if the rinse doesn’t come out the 2^nd nostril.
3. Change your baby’s position to the other side to do the other nostril. If they’re on their back, do the 2^nd nostril.
4. Nose secretions may come out of your baby’s nostrils, mouth, or they may swallow them.
5. Sponge their nose with a tissue.
6. If secretions are still present, repeat steps 2 to 5. If you’ve already used the total recommended quantity of saline solution, use a suction device to remove secretions.  

6 MONTHS AND OLDER:

1. Sit your child with their head facing forward on an adult’s knees. This position is recommended until the child is old enough to do nasal rinsing themselves. Make sure their head is straight.
2. Use one hand to steady their jaw. Hold the filled syringe with the other hand. Insert syringe gently into the nostril and gently push on the plunger until it’s empty. 
3. Secretions may come out of the nostrils or mouth. It’s okay if the solution doesn’t come out of the other nostril. 
4. Use the same technique for the other nostril. 
5. If your child can’t blow their nose, sponge their nose with a tissue. 
6. If secretions are still present, repeat steps 2 to 5. If you’ve already used the total recommended quantity of saline solution, use a suction device to remove secretions.

OLDER CHILDREN (3 +) AND ADULTS – HOW TO USE A NASAL RINSING BOTTLE

For children, a 4 oz (120 mL) bottle will do. Teenagers and adults can use an 8 oz (240 mL) bottle. 

1. Wash your hands before and after nasal rinsing.
2. Blow your nose.
3. Fill the bottle with saline solution.
4. Stand over a sink with head bent forward and mouth open. Rinsing can also be done while sitting down, if your head is in the right position. 
5. Insert bottle spout in one nostril and gently squeeze bottle until the rinse solution drips out of the other nostril or mouth. 
6. Blow your nose, one nostril at a time. 
7. Repeat step 3 – 6 as needed. 

• Wash out the irrigation bottle after using it.
• Fill the bottle with soapy water.
• Insert the central tube and screw the lid on.
• Shake bottle holding a finger over the opening.
• Rinse bottle and part until water runs clear to get rid of soap residue. 
• Let air dry on a clean towel for next use.
• It’s recommended to replace nasal irrigation bottles every 3 months, or when the plastic starts to discolour. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations.