My 5-month-old has nasal congestion and I can hear his nose blocked when he breathes. Saline drops help but not fully. How can I use ajwain potli and what’s the best way to keep him cool at night without worsening the block?

Moms use a mix of saline drops, nasal aspiration, ajwain potli, gentle steam, and AC at a mild temperature with added humidity to ease baby nasal congestion.

Community Answers from Moms(7)

Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.

1. 1

   For an ajwain potli, moms roast ajwain in a pan, tie it into a small cloth bundle, and place it near the baby’s head or even in the shirt pocket so the vapour helps with congestion.

2. 2

   You can also put saline drops several times a day and then use a nasal aspirator a few minutes later to remove loosened mucus.

3. 3

   Some moms run a hot shower and sit with baby in the steamy bathroom for a few minutes or use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

4. 4

   Instead of a strong overhead fan, moms suggest using AC at 25–27°C, keeping baby out of direct airflow, and placing a bowl of water in the room to reduce dryness.

5. 5

   For US moms, pediatricians often recommend saline + nasal suction, cool-mist humidifiers, and calling the doctor if congestion impacts feeding, breathing, or sleep significantly.

6. 6

   Heat garlic cloves and ajwain in mustard oil, let it cool, and massage baby's feet with the oil. This is a traditional remedy that many moms found helpful for cough and congestion. Use carefully — garlic can cause skin sensitivity in some newborns.

7. 7

   A cut onion placed in the room helps with breathing at night. Also, mucolite drops (doctor-prescribed) can liquify mucus and make suction more effective.