Congestion...and humidifier

tkhrabs313

DS has been sounding very congested.  I know that is a "preemie thing", but it seems worse the last few days.  He isn't feverish and his nose isn't running, he just sounds like he really needs to blow his nose and clear his throat.  At what point does it stop being a preemie thing and become something I should be concerned about?

Also, I know it is suggested to put a humidifier in the bedroom (he's still in our room in a bassinet next to our bed) to help with this.  This may seem like a dumb question, but where is the best place to put one?  I don't want it too close to him, but I want it close enough that it helps. 

urbanflowerpot

Not a dumb question - DS has the dragon humidifier and it's about two + feet away. It's been a great humifier so I'd suggest a Crane if you don't have one yet.

Also do you have a good aspirator? We have this and works so much better than the bulb IMO: https://www.amazon.com/Nasal-Aspirator-Vacuum-Suction-Pigeon/dp/B0015TM0M6/ref=sr_1_3?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1323373104&sr=1-3

I don't know how to answer the rest...don't think congestion is a preemie thing - I think it's a baby in general thing. I'd check in with the pedi if you're concerned, though. Can't hurt

hollerjeepgirl

DS ALWAYS is congested, I had to start him on his nebulizer treatments again. I keep his humidifier next to his crib but when I have it on full force it gets the carpet wet and it's gross, I have no good ideas on where to keep it. I think the breathing problems are just different for each preemie. DS had no amniotic fluid for 11 weeks to develop his lungs so he's more prone to it. I have a dear friend who went into spontaneous labor and her 2 year old still has problems. DS just got over his 2nd RSV infection.

Be concerned when your baby starts wheezing and you can see his ribs because he's struggling to breathe. I keep an electronic booger sucker, his humidifier, nebulizer, saline and vicks handy. When ds starts getting congested, I spray with saline and suction out anything and keep doing that. Also, make sure the crib is a little raised so the snot drains. DS tosses and turns now so it's virtually impossible to keep him from sleeping at an angle, I think the snot goes to his head now because his head is always at the foot of his crib

haziedaze

2 words booger tweezers- gross but they work. Same company as the aspirator. I use them when he sounds like he is drowning or if he's having trouble nursing. He hates them but they work better than anything else I've tried. One booger in a little nose can cause lots of problems, but I agree, if he doesn't have a fever, is eating well, and doesn't have trouble breathing you probably don't need a doc visit. You could always call and talk with an advice RN though to be sure!

urbanflowerpot

haziedaze:

2 words booger tweezers- gross but they work. Same company as the aspirator. I use them when he sounds like he is drowning or if he's having trouble nursing. He hates them but they work better than anything else I've tried. One booger in a little nose can cause lots of problems, but I agree, if he doesn't have a fever, is eating well, and doesn't have trouble breathing you probably don't need a doc visit. You could always call and talk with an advice RN though to be sure!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have those, too! Both Pigeon products and I am a crazy, nutso fan of them!!! I admit I didn't mention them because I was

urbanflowerpot

They have nicknames: my Japanese nose-sucker/nose-picker.