Using a Nasal Spray on Children

It’s not always easy using a nasal spray when you have a wriggly child on your hands.

So here are some tips to help you get the product where it’s supposed to go.

Top tips on using a nasal spray

If your little one is feeling a bit stuffed up and congested, then you might want to try a product like CALPOL® Soothe & Care Saline Nasal Spray to help them breathe more easily.

But what’s the best way to use a nasal spray on a child?

Timing is everything! It’s really hard to use a nasal spray when your baby’s feeling wriggly, so you could try dosing  them at a time when they are nice and relaxed, like after a bath or a feed.

If your child’s under 2:

  • Lay your child down and turn their head to one side.
  • Put the nozzle into a nostril and press the spray head once.
  • Then repeat in the other nostril.

If they’re over 2:

  • Put the nozzle into one nostril, holding the bottle vertically.
  • Press the other nostril closed.
  • Press the spray head once and spray deeply, breathing in at the same time.
  • Then repeat in the other nostril.

For very young children, you might find it helpful to lay them on a pillow, rather than on a flat surface, so you can tilt their head back slightly.

If you get a little in their eye, don’t panic! It may surprise them a little but saline solution is very gentle and shouldn’t cause any harm.

And if you’re finding it tricky to use a nasal spray with a young baby, you could give CALPOL® Soothe & Care Saline Nasal Drops a try instead.

 
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  • Contact the HSE 

    For health advice and reassurance.

    1850 24 1850

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