September 28th, 2026

​COLD & FLU SEASON
What Parents Need to Know
When your baby is congested, it is natural to want to help them breathe more comfortably. However, some common home remedies and products used by adults and older children are not appropriate for babies.

NO ESSENTIAL OILS
Do not use essential oils with or around your baby—including in a diffuser.
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant compounds. Babies under 24 months are particularly sensitive to them, and exposure can cause respiratory irritation, skin reactions, neurological effects and, with some oils, serious toxicity.
Do not diffuse essential oils in your baby's nursery, bedroom or primary care space. Do not apply them to your baby's skin, clothing, bedding or bath water.
Oils of Particular Concern

• Peppermint / Menthol Can affect the nervous system and increase the risk of seizures in children under 30 months.
• Eucalyptus Can irritate the respiratory tract. Significant exposure can cause neurological toxicity, including seizures.
• Camphor Highly toxic to young children. Exposure can cause rapid-onset seizures and serious poisoning.
• Wintergreen Contains highly concentrated methyl salicylate, a compound related to aspirin. Even a small amount can cause severe salicylate poisoning.
• Sage Certain sage oils contain compounds capable of causing neurological toxicity and seizures.
• Hyssop Some preparations contain compounds associated with nervous-system toxicity and seizures.
• Clary Sage & Idaho Tansy / Blue Tansy Safety data in infants are limited. They should not be used with or around babies.

The simplest rule:
Skip essential oils entirely around babies.The oils listed above are examples of particular concern—not a list of the only essential oils that may be harmful.

NO COLD OR CONGESTION MEDICINE WITHOUT YOUR PEDIATRICIAN
Do not give your baby over-the-counter:

• Cough medicine
• Cold medicine
• Decongestants
• Medicated nasal sprays or drops
• Vapor or chest-rub products

unless specifically approved by your baby's pediatrician. 
Plain sterile saline is not a medication and is appropriate for helping clear a baby's congested nose.

DON'T ELEVATE BABY FOR SLEEP
A congested baby should still sleep flat on their back on a firm, safe sleep surface.
Do not use pillows, wedges, positioners, rolled towels or an inclined sleep surface to elevate your baby's head.
BACK TO SLEEP • FIRM & FLAT • EMPTY SLEEP SPACE

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Sterile Saline Drops

Use plain, unmedicated sterile saline drops to loosen thick or dried mucus. This is especially helpful before feeding and sleep.

• Gentle Suction

After using saline, gently remove loosened mucus with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator.
Avoid excessive suctioning. Frequent or aggressive suction can irritate the nasal tissue and increase swelling.

• Cool-Mist Humidifier

A cool-mist humidifier can add moisture to dry air and help keep nasal secretions thinner.
Use water only—never add essential oils.
Change the water daily and clean the humidifier according to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

• Keep Baby Hydrated

Continue offering breast milk or formula. Congested babies may prefer smaller, more frequent feedings.
Good hydration can help keep mucus thinner and easier to clear.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR PEDIATRICIAN
Always contact your pediatrician if you are concerned about your baby.

• For babies under 3 months, a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher requires prompt medical evaluation.
• Contact your pediatrician promptly for poor feeding, fewer wet diapers, unusual sleepiness, worsening symptoms, or breathing that is faster or harder than usual.
• Seek emergency medical care for significant difficulty breathing, struggling for each breath, pauses in breathing, or blue/gray lips or face.
• Accidental Essential-Oil Exposure

If you are concerned that your baby has been exposed to or swallowed an essential oil, contact Poison Control immediately: 1-800-222-1222.

Ask visitors to:

• Be up to date on vaccines recommended for people who will be around your baby. Parents can ask their pediatrician which vaccines they recommend for close family members and caregivers.
• Wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching or holding the baby.
• Practice good hygiene and avoid kissing the baby, particularly on the face and hands.
• Stay home if they feel even slightly unwell (even if it’s “just allergies”)

This handout provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical care. Always consult your baby's pediatrician regarding illness, medications or treatment.