How to Remove Mucus from Baby Throat?

How to remove mucus from baby throat – This is how you can do it from home! First, let’s begin by saying congratulations on your new little bundle of love. For first-time parents, this is the time when you learn the most. Now, you might be unsure about the gooey liquid that your baby has been spewing up. Well, that endless fluid that’s been coming from your baby’s nose, throat, and mouth is mucus, better known as phlegm or snot. There is no need to go into extreme panic or (panic mode). This is a very normal occurrence in babies. 

You see, mucus plays a role in keeping your baby healthy. This sticky fluid helps keep their nose, mouth, and throat moist and soft. Mucus also acts as protection from germs by stopping the germs from going down inside their bodies. You will, however, need to wipe up as well as remove any excess mucus as it may clog up your baby’s nose and throat. Mucus can show signs of illness or infection. Therefore it is important to pay attention to the color and texture of your baby’s mucus. 

My Baby is Choking on Mucus. What do I do?

An extreme amount of mucus in your baby’s nose or throat may lead to gagging or mild choking. Your baby will, however, spit up or vomit the extra mucus out in most cases. 

Emergency First Aid if Your Baby is Choking on Mucus – How to Remove Mucus from Baby Throat

If your baby shows any signs of choking, such as coughing, sputtering, crying as well as turning pale or red, it is imperative that you act fast. 

1. Lay your baby with its belly down on your forearm, with its head lowered slightly. 
2. Gently but firmly tap your baby’s upper back using the palm of your hand. The mucus ball should become dislodged by this, and your baby should be happily drooling away. 
3. If your baby is not breathing as they usually do within a few seconds of doing this, it is imperative that you call 911 immediately.

Why is there Mucus in My Baby’s Throat? What Should it Sound Like?

For the first few months of any little one’s life, babies breathe through their noses. This is useful as they are still feeding most of the time. The mucus acts as a lubricant that stops their nostrils and throat from drying out as well as stops germs from going in. 

It is, however, possible for the mucus to sometimes accumulate or get thicker than it typically is for your baby. Your little one might make more gurgling sounds than usual, or they may sound congested when they’re breathing. The mucus may sometimes make it sound as if your baby is snoring or breathing loudly as they sleep.

What is the Cause of Excess Mucus?

Babies are known to get colds or congestion more easily compared to older children. There are a few reasons for this. Because of their tiny size and even tinier nasal passages, these nasal passages get blocked up quite quickly. Their developing immune systems are still building up immunity in order to protect them from germs as well. 

Anything that irritates your baby’s delicate airway, such as a germ, will automatically trigger the body to make extra mucus. This is done with the intention of helping trap and protect them from whatever is tickling inside of their nose and throat. 

The common mucus triggers for babies and sometimes adults are:

• Cigarette smoke
• Dust and pollutants
• Viruses and germs
• Chemicals 
• Changes in the weather

There are, however, other conditions that may lead to more mucus than normal as well. These conditions include:

• Viral infections such as cold or flu.
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Pneumonia
• Bronchiolitis

Cystic fibrosis is a more serious illness that causes too much mucus congestion in a baby’s throat and chest. This illness is, however, very rare if this is the case, you will need to ask questions such as “How to remove mucus from baby throat – in case of emergency. 

My Baby’s Mucus Changed Color, What Does This Mean?

The mucus that your baby has, as well as its color, may signal that your baby is doing well. It may also mean that your baby may be under the weather. 

Your baby’s mucus and what it means:

• Clear mucus: When your baby’s mucus is clear, it is safe to assume that your baby is completely fine.
• A thicker white or gray mucus: This could mean that your baby has sinus congestion. It may also still be okay. 
• Yellow mucus: This is an indication that your baby may have a mild cold or be slightly dehydrated. 
• Green to brown mucus: This may become concerning as it often means that your baby has a bacterial or viral infection that may turn the mucus a greenish shade.
• Red or brown mucus: When your baby has red or brown mucus, it could indicate that there is dirt or brown in the mucus; therefore, your baby needs to see a doctor right away.

When to Know It May Be Time to Suction the Mucus

An excessive amount of mucus may become troublesome for babies as it can make it hard for them to breathe or sleep. You may notice that oftentimes your little one is breathing quickly or noisily. Your baby may also sneeze, cough or vomit as their tiny body is trying to rid them of the extra goo. 

Although mucus normally protects your little one from germs, an excessive amount may lead to germs growing and can cause infections. This is why it’s crucial for you to keep an eye on it, as well as regularly wipe away and suction the mucus out. 

Take a look down here at some of the home remedies that may make your little one a bit more comfortable:

• Using a soft cloth or tissue, whip away any extra mucus. 
• Make use of a sterilized rubber bulb in order to gently suction out any extra mucus. 
• Use a saline nose spray to help loosen any dry snot and to clear it out of the nostrils. 
• Make use of a cool-mist humidifier in your baby’s room in order to keep the air moist. Keep the machine clean to prevent mold from growing inside of it. 
• Let your baby take a warm bath. Breathing in the steam will help to remove the mucus. Always supervise your baby during bath time. 
• Feed your baby regularly to ensure that they stay hydrated. 
• Vacuum up any dust and pet hairs in order to remove any potential allergens. 
• Place your baby over your knee and gently rub their back to help gravity get rid of some of the mucus. 

How to Remove Mucus from Baby Throat and How Not To

• Avoid the use of vapor rubs on babies. A study that was done in 2009 found that vapor rubs may be harmful to babies and children that are under the age of 2 years old. 
• Avoid giving your baby any cold or flu medication.
• Do not pour any liquid, including water, into your baby’s nose to flush out the mucus.

How to Use a Suction Bulb to Rid Your Baby of Extra Mucus

1. Boil water and then cool it to clean the bulb as you suction. 
2. Wash your hands well beforehand. 
3. Position your baby to ensure that their head is slightly lower than their chest. 
4. Squeeze the air out of it away from your baby’s face.
5. Gently place the tip of the bulb suction just inside your baby’s nostril or inside of your baby’s cheek while still squeezing the bulb. 
6. Avoid placing the tip too far inside your baby’s nose or at the back of your baby’s mouth.
7. Release your grip on the bulb slowly. As the air is sucked into it, it will vacuum the mucus as well. 
8. Empty the bulb by squeezing it into the bowl or sink.
9. To clean the bulb, squeeze and release it several times into the sterile water. 
10. Repeat this with the other nostril or the other side of your baby’s mouth.
11. Clean the bulb by letting it boil in water between uses. 
12. Ensure that the bulb is completely dry in between uses to prevent mold from growing. 

Tips to Remove Your Baby’s Mucus

• Clean the bulb by boiling it in water in between all uses. The bulb syringe can also be cleaned with warm soapy water and then allowing it to air dry. 
• If the mucus is very thick, thin it out by putting two or three drops of saline solution into your baby’s nose or mouth before suctioning. 
• Do not over-suction mucus. Your baby will still need some in order to stay healthy. 
• If your baby hates having its mucus suctioned and is crying, take a break. Their nasal passages may be tender or irritated, or their throat may be sore. 
• Don’t share suction bulbs between children.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Taking your baby for regular check-ups by their pediatrician is important. If your baby has a little congestion or a stuffy nose from too much mucus, it often gets better on its own. 

Let your baby’s doctor know if congestion is often or if it is severe. 

See the pediatrician immediately if your baby has:

• Green, brown or red mucus. (Red mucus may imply that there is blood present.)
• Vomiting
• A decreased appetite
• Less wet diapers
• A temperature of anything close to 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• Other symptoms that may indicate an infection such as a fever. 

It is Considered a Medical Emergency if Your Baby:

• Is breathing difficult or breathing very noisy. 
• Is breathing fast with more than 40 breaths per minute
• Flares their nostrils when breathing.
• Has blue-tinged skin, especially around the lips or the nostrils. 
• Has any signs of dehydration, such as less wet diapers, dry mouth, and crying without tears. 
• Experiences vomiting or diarrhea that is severe. 

Tried and Tested: How to remove mucus from baby throat – This is how you can do it from home!

Mucus in your baby’s nose, mouth, and throat are perfectly healthy, even if there is a lot of it sometimes. So if your baby is feeding, sleeping, and breathing as usual, there is no need to worry. 

Always pay close attention to the scent and the color and type of mucus your baby has. Clear mucus is a good sign. Of course, it is always wise to let your doctor know if anything changes. You can clear away any extra mucus in your baby’s mouth or nostrils by using a soft cloth to whip it away or by gently suctioning it out using a rubber bulb syringe.