Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

What is the most helpful advice for parents caring for a congested infant with URI?

1. Place a few drops of saline in the nose before each feeding

2. Replace one or two feedings with sterile water

3. All babies get colds and recover just fine

4. Place a few drops of saline in the nose after each feeding

The correct answer is: Place a few drops of saline in the nose before each feeding

Using a few drops of saline in the nose before each feeding is the most helpful advice for parents caring for a congested infant with a upper respiratory infection (URI). Saline nasal drops serve to moisten and clear mucus from the nasal passages, making it easier for the infant to breathe, especially during feeding times. When an infant is congested, this can affect their ability to nurse or take a bottle effectively, thereby impacting their nutrition and comfort. Administering saline before feeding can help alleviate some of this congestion, ensuring the baby is more comfortable while feeding and is able to eat more effectively. The other strategies mentioned may not provide the same level of direct relief from nasal congestion. For instance, recommending to replace one or two feedings with sterile water does not address the underlying issue of nasal congestion and could potentially lead to inadequate caloric intake for the infant. While it's true that most infants will recover from colds without any specific intervention, this reassurance does not provide actionable advice for managing the symptoms of congestion. Additionally, placing saline drops after feeding might not optimize feeding comfort, as the baby would still be congested during the feeding itself, making this advice less effective.