When a baby has a stuffy nose, the difficulty breathing can make them very uncomfortable during sleep. They may have difficulty entering deep sleep and may wake up frequently crying, affecting their rest and development, and causing great anxiety for new parents. Actually, choosing a suitable sleeping position can alleviate the discomfort caused by a stuffy nose to some extent, helping them breathe more smoothly and have a more restful sleep.
Side-lying sleeping position
The side-lying sleeping position is a good choice for babies with a stuffy nose. When a baby lies on their left side, the right nostril is relatively above, and nasal secretions will flow downwards under the influence of gravity, thus reducing pressure on the right nostril and making it relatively clearer for breathing. Similarly, when a baby lies on their right side, the airflow in the left nostril will improve.
However, when letting a baby use the side-lying position, it is important to alternate between the left and right sides. Maintaining the same side-lying position for a long time may lead to asymmetrical development of the baby's head and face, such as a flat head or plagiocephaly. Parents can gently adjust their baby's sleeping position during sleep to ensure the baby spends roughly the same amount of time on their left and right sides. For example, turning the baby over every now and then can relieve nasal congestion and ensure normal head development.
Supine Shoulder-Raised Sleeping Position
The supine shoulder-raised sleeping position involves slightly elevating the baby's shoulders while they are lying on their back, causing their head to rise as well. This position utilizes gravity to help nasal secretions flow more easily to the throat and then into the stomach through swallowing, rather than accumulating in the nasal cavity and blocking the nostrils, thus improving the baby's breathing.
When implementing this position, parents can use a soft small pillow or a folded towel under the baby's shoulders. The elevation should be moderate, generally with the baby's head slightly higher than their body by 15-30 degrees. If the head is too high, it may cause discomfort and even affect the normal development of the cervical spine; if it is too low, it will not have the desired effect. At the same time, ensure that the raised object is soft and flat to avoid irritating the baby's delicate skin.
Prone Sleeping Position (Requires Close Parental Supervision)
The prone sleeping position can, to some extent, relieve a baby's nasal congestion. When a baby sleeps on their stomach, the chest and abdomen experience some pressure, which causes the nasal cavity to slightly expand, helping to open the nasal passages and allow air to enter more smoothly. Furthermore, nasal secretions are more likely to drain from the nostrils when the baby is prone, reducing accumulation in the nasal cavity.
However, the prone sleeping position carries certain risks, especially for younger babies who cannot yet roll over independently. Prone sleeping can lead to serious consequences such as suffocation. Therefore, if you choose to let your baby sleep in this position, parents must closely supervise them, constantly monitoring their breathing and sleep status. You can place the baby on your bed, letting them lie on your body. This allows the adult to easily monitor the baby's movements and provides a sense of security. Even so, it's not recommended to keep your baby in a prone sleeping position for extended periods. Once the baby's nasal congestion has subsided, you should promptly adjust them to a safer sleeping position.
Choosing the right sleeping position is crucial for relieving discomfort and ensuring sleep quality when your baby has a stuffy nose. Parents can flexibly choose the sleeping positions mentioned above based on their baby's actual situation and preferences, and provide close monitoring and careful care during the baby's sleep. If the baby's nasal congestion persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or cough, you should take the baby to see a doctor promptly to avoid delaying treatment. We hope that every baby with a stuffy nose can breathe smoothly, sleep soundly, and grow up healthy and happy with the help of these suitable sleeping positions.
