How long can I steam my baby?

Steam inhalation, also known as "steam therapy", is a popular home remedy. Many find it helpful to clear a blocked nose.

However, keep in mind that what works for one person might not work for another.

Also, while steam inhalation may help to reduce some symptoms, it can't cure an infection. You will need to follow your doctor's advice on how to care for your baby when he is unwell.

What are the benefits of steam inhalation?

Steam inhalation is a simple and easy way to get quick relief. All you need to do is breathe in steam from heated water.

The moist air can help to loosen the mucus in your child's nose, nasal passage and throat and make it easier for him to breathe.

Apart from loosening mucus, it may also help to soothe symptoms of sinus, congestion, coughs and sore throats.

Is steam inhalation safe for babies and young children?

Steam inhalation carries a risk of scalding. It could cause serious burns if the hot water spills onto the body or if your baby is too close to the steam.

You'll need to be extra vigilant and take precautions when offering steam to babies and young children.

Experts say for safety reasons, cool-mist humidifiers may be a safer option for young children. It's a good idea to check with your doctor if you should try steam therapy for your child.

How should I offer steam to my baby?

There are several ways you can offer steam to your baby. Some of them include:

Using a steam vapouriser or facial steamer
Vapourisers work by heating water until it turns into hot steam. Many mums prefer to use vapourisers for steam inhalation and find them effective.

Facial steamers are another way to offer steam. Some facial steamers also have a special nozzle directing steam to a specific area.

Converting your bathroom into a steam room

Instead of using a vapouriser or steamer, you can give your little one steam in your bathroom. To create your own steam room:

• Close the bathroom door.
• Use an old towel or newspapers to block the gap under the door.
• Run hot water in the tub or a bucket for a few minutes as the steam fills the bathroom.
• Sit in the steamy room while holding your child for about 10-15 minutes. You could sit on a stool or a plastic chair so that you’re both comfortable.
• Take a toy or a bath book along to keep your baby entertained.

It's best to avoid using a pan or bowl to offer steam to your baby. The hot water can spill easily and cause scalds.

What precautions should I take when offering steam to my baby?

Getting babies and young children to inhale steam can be tricky and requires extra care. Babies may find it hard to sit still. They may also be curious and want to reach out for the steam source.

Always keep the following safety tips in mind when offering steam therapy to your child:

• Always hold your child carefully, when offering steam.
• Don’t let your child get too close to the hot, steamy water or any electrical gadget generating steam as he may try to grab it.
• Your baby’s hair and clothes are likely to get damp after a steam session, so dry his hair and change him to a fresh set of clothes afterwards.
• When offering steam in a bathroom, put nonslip mats on the bathroom floor.
• Don’t put any essential oils unless advised by your doctor. Most paediatricians do not recommend using vapour rub on babies and toddlers younger than two years of age. Vapour rub can cause irritation and discomfort in some cases. If you're still keen to use vapour rub or oils, check with your doctor if she can recommend one that is suitable for your child.

Can I use a nebulizer to offer steam to my baby?

Nebulizers are usually not recommended for "steam inhalation". They are essentially used to deliver prescribed medications in the form of a fine mist. When you breathe in the fine medicated mist through a mouthpiece, it goes straight to the lungs, making breathing easier.

If you'd like to use the nebulizer for steam inhalation, speak to your doctor and follow her advice. She can suggest the best option for your baby.

Is there any benefit in using a cool mist humidifier?

Humidifiers come in warm-mist and cool-mist options. A cool-mist humidifier creates a cool mist, which some experts say is a much safer option for young children as no hot water or steam is involved.

Studies suggest cold-mist humidifiers may also be more effective at easing cold symptoms than steam-based vaporisers.

Humidifiers, can also be useful if you’re using a heater or blower in the room, as these tend to dry the moisture in the air.

What precautions should I take when using a vapouriser or humidifier in my child's room?

Here are some things to consider:

• Keep the device close enough that your baby will benefit from the moisture, but not that close that your child can reach it.
• Thoroughly clean and dry your humidifier according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Mould and bacteria can accumulate inside it, and these can then spray into the air when you run the humidifier.
• It's a good idea to get a humidifier or vapouriser with automatic shut-off features. They ensure the device switches off after a set time or once the water runs out.
• Never leave your child unsupervised near an electrical gadget.

What should I do if my baby refuses to take steam inhalation?

If your baby doesn't want steam treatment, don't force him.

Instead, you could consider other ways to make him comfortable. Let him sit in your lap and soothe him. Some babies enjoy cuddling, while a gentle massage works for others.

For babies too young to blow their nose well you could try saline drops or a nasal aspirator (bulb syringe). Your doctor will show you how to use these.

You could also try these 10 safe home remedies for coughs and colds.

हिंदी में पढ़ें: क्या भाप से शिशु की बंद नाक खुलने में मदद मिलती है? मैं शिशु को किस तरह भाप दूं?

Read more on:

• Will my baby get too cold if he keeps throwing off his blanket or quilt?
• Can my baby still have his vaccinations if he has a cough or cold?
• Milestones of your baby's first year

References

AAP. 2019. Caring for Your Child’s Cold or Flu. American Academy of Pediatrics. www.healthychildren.org

Pappas, D. 2019. The common cold in children: Management and prevention. UpToDate.com www.uptodate.com

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