Humidifier when it's already humid?!

Humidifier when it's already humid?

My 3.5 month old is congested. It is more than humid here right now due to record rain! At this point, would a humidifier even help, or would it be silly?

2 weeks ago
Good point on the "why" he is congested...he seems fine otherwise. My daughter has also been congested, but she seems to have cleared up. My throat is "tickly" feeling & I think it's from the extra humidity; I am pretty sensitive to the mold as far as allergies go. Since he is a child of mine, & my daughter was also sniffly but otherwise OK, I would imagine that it is allergies...maybe he's sensitive to the mold too?

I would be careful about suggesting anything unless I knew exactly why your baby is congested. Is it because he/she has a cold, or does it seem like otherwise they're feeling okay?

I generally advise against using humidifiers at all, especially in kids rooms because humidifiers make friendly habitats for dust mites and mold, both of which are top allergens. If your baby isn't sick and is just congested, there is a possibility that they're already allergic to these things.

Instead, I would make sure baby is sleeping at a slight angle. If they sleep in a crib, take a flat pillow and stick it UNDER the mattress so that it inclines the bed a little.

I would use a nasal aspirator (you know, those squeeze bulbs you suck snot out of kids' noses), even though it's somewhat traumatic to try to stick it up your baby's nose while they're screaming I would still do that rather than use a humidifier.

Definitely call your pediatrician for real medical advice as soon as possible.