their noses, so when they get congested it can be hard for them to nurse. Here are some

ways to help a stuffed-up infant breathe easier. You will need Saline nose drops or salt and

water A rubber bulb syringe A warm, damp washcloth A steamy bathroom A cool-mist humidifier And

several rolled up towels Some petroleum jelly (optional) A warm bath (optional) and some

baby-safe, menthol-scented bath products (optional). Step 1. Cradle your baby in the crook of your

arm, or lay her down on a changing table or some other safe spot. Step 2. Gently tip her

head back and squeeze a few saline drops into each nostril. Wait a minute or two to let

the drops loosen the mucus clogging her breathing passages. You can make your own saline drops

by dissolving one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water—but never give your baby any

kind of medicated nose drops. Step 3. Now use the bulb syringe to suck out the mucus.

Squeeze the bulb flat, hold it just inside your baby's nostril, and slowly release it.

Sometimes a baby will make your job easier by sneezing out the mucous after the drops

are put in her nose. Just gently wipe it away—no bulb syringe necessary. Step 4. Use the washcloth

to wipe away any nose drops that dribble out, as well as any mucus that escapes the syringe.

Step 5. If the skin around your baby's nose is red, dab a little petroleum jelly on it

to relieve the irritation. If your baby's having trouble nursing because she's so congested,

use the saline drops and bulb syringe about 15 minutes before she's due to eat. Step 6.

Your baby may also benefit from steam. Sit with her in the bathroom with the shower running

full blast on hot and the door closed for about 15 minutes. Giving your baby a warm

bath using baby-safe products with a menthol scent may also help. Step 7. At naptime and

bedtime, run a cool-mist vaporizer in her room to keep the air moist. Step 8. To help

ease congestion while she sleeps, slip a few rolled up towels under the end of her mattress

where her head will be. Don't tilt or prop the crib itself. Step 9. Increase the amount

of fluid your baby takes in, by nursing or bottle-feeding her more often than usual.

Step 10. Throughout the day, keep an eye out for signs that she may have something worse

than a cold, such as high fever, no interest in eating, or lethargy—especially if she's

under 3 months. Otherwise, keeping her nose as clear as possible and offering lots of

cuddles should help her feel better in no time. Did you know Children catch as many

as 6 to 10 colds a year; grown-ups usually get only 2 or 3.