How to Wipe a Toddler’s Nose – Tips & Tricks for Dealing with Common Cold
Cold season is heavily upon us, and believe it or not, we’ve mastered the art of boogers! So… I thought I’d share with you all how to wipe a toddler’s nose without extra tears and kicking. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
How to Wipe a Toddler’s Nose:
Update: Just to be clear – this is not actually a process to follow. It’s simply a few tricks I’ve used when my toddler fought for his life when I tried to wipe. If your child does not struggle, or if she wipes her own nose, you won’t need this… If, however, your child is like mine and fights with every ounce of strength he has you will probably enjoy these…
- Use saline wipes – the effects tend to last longer. If you don’t want to or don’t have any, spraying a saline spray on a cloth or wipe works as well.
- A steamy room helps de-congest which can help the nose-wiping last longer as well. Try running hot water in the bathroom with the door closed. Hold your child, of course…
- Try doing it in front of a mirror. M doesn’t mind it half as much if he sees what I’m doing.
- Distract! Let your child play with another tissue while you wipe.
- Let your child “wipe” your nose while you wipe his. (Mine tries feeding me the tissue…)
- Make a game of it… Hold the tissue and say “whoopa” while you swoop down and quickly grab that booger!
- Show your child how you wipe a doll’s nose too. Children are less likely to fuss when they feel in control
- As a matter of fact, any kind of distraction can help. Whether it’s handing your child a favorite toy, book, etc.
- Make sure that your toddler is upright. Since she probably doesn’t know how to blow, gravity can help.
- Of course, softer tissues will be more comfortable and eliminate some of the annoyance.
- Do make sure your child’s nose isn’t too dry, as he’ll complain more. If it is, some Vaseline can help.
Teach your toddler how to wipe his or her own nose! You may be surprised at how young they can do it!
More Tricks for Dealing with your Toddler’s Cold:
- Make sure to hug your little one a lot, as most likely he is not too happy about the snotty situation.
- A humidifier can work wonders. Dry air aggravates a snotty nose and can cause pain. Make sure to clean it regularly to avoid build up of germs.
- Tilt the crib mattress a bit so that she can sleep better at night. Do this safely by placing a rolled up towel or blanket under the head of the crib.
- Don’t stress – common cold is very common!
- Know when to worry. Call the doctor if your child’s cold lingers more than two weeks, or if you have any of these symptoms.
- Let your toddler get plenty of rest! This helps his immune system fight its fight…
- Chicken soup works wonders. Make sure it’s not too hot, and serve it as a liquid in a training cup.
- Make sure your child gets plenty of fluids as she is most likely breathing through her mouth. Tea is also a great option. If your toddler is over a year old and can have honey, make tea as follows: add honey, 2 ounces hot water, and a tea bag to a cup. Steep and mix in the honey. Add cold water so that the tea is lukewarm. Transfer to a training cup.
Good luck, and don’t forget – this too shall pass!
If you’ve got any tips or tricks for how to wipe a toddler’s noset, comment below!
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Great tips! We struggle with this sometimes, but usually making it a giggly game of saying “I’m gonna get those boogies” and tickling his nose with the tissue wins out and he is happy 🙂
My son has some sensory issues and despite all these great suggestions, still used to scream blue murder when having his nose wiped. I cut up an old flannelette cot sheet as a test-run for some handkerchiefs… Problem solved! Also a far more sustainable, earth-friendly solution 🙂
Great idea, thanks for sharing!
I also use Burt’s Bees lip balm on my kids red chapped cheeks and noses. I literally put it on anything that looks sore on their faces. I just use the regular one BC the ones w mint would probably burn. It works like a charm. Put it on before bed and they wake up looking much better.
I will try that too – thanks for the tip! We’re gearing up for the next round of cold 😉
I also wipe vertically as well as horizontally and try to only wipe-pinch his nose once or twice per session 😛
Really great tips!! I have a 5 yr old and a 7 month old and I hate when I have to wipe their nose because they start to fuss. I’m going to try the whoopa whoopa game next time.
I did not know about about if you do not clean there nose all the time it will build up germs
I let the child see the “afters” in the Kleenex. It lets them know why you are wiping.
Terry,
I think they are referring to the humidifier building up germs. Clean the humidifier regularly so there is no build up of germs.
That would make sense – thanks!