The majority of mothers give their infants saline solution, but what exactly is saline solution? Which saline solution is ideal for infants? Let's find out the answers and the most important information you need to know in the following.
Please read the following lines of our article to learn about the best saline solution for infants and how to make saline solution at home:
What is the best saline solution for infants?
The simple answer is that since saline solution is a combination of pure, non-iodized salt and sterile water, the best saline solution for infants is a solution with a concentration of 0.9% sodium chloride, i.e., the same concentration of sodium found in blood and tears.
The best saline solution for infants is one that is sterilised, devoid of bacteria and other germs, and free of any additional ingredients, including drugs or chemicals.
Saline solution for babies can be made at home, but it is also available ready-made and prepared in a compressed package that can be purchased at the pharmacy.
The local solution for infants can be applied topically or intravenously to treat wounds, clear congestion from the nose, and treat dehydration. However, use of the local solution for infants must be approved by a doctor or done so under the guidance of a paediatrician with special expertise.
How to prepare saline solution for infants at home
Following the "What is the best saline solution for infants?" explanation It is necessary to clarify the method of preparing the saline solution at home, as some prefer to prepare the saline solution at home instead of purchasing the solution from the pharmacy.
Non-iodized table salt, tap water, an airtight container, and optional baking soda are required to make the brine.
Then follow these steps:
- Sterilize tap water by boiling two cups of 25 milliliters of water in a closed pot on the stove for 15 minutes, or using two cups of distilled water.
- Set the water aside to cool to room temperature.
- Add a teaspoon of table salt and a pinch of baking soda to cold boiled water, and stir well until the salt and soda are completely dissolved.
- Put the saline solution in an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- A saline solution can be prepared from distilled water and kept for a month by following the following steps:
- Add 8 teaspoons of salt to 4 liters of distilled water.
- Stir the solution well until the salt dissolves.
- Put the saline solution in an airtight and sterilized container and store it in the refrigerator for one month.
How can saline be used for infants?
It is important to be aware that saline solution is used for infants in a variety of situations, including the ones listed below, once you have determined the best saline solution for infants and know how to make it at home.
1. Nasal congestion
Saline solution for babies is frequently used to treat stuffy noses and nasal congestion brought on by colds and respiratory infections because the local solution helps to clear mucous secretions from the baby's sinuses and nasal passages, which facilitates breathing.
The following are some uses for the saline solution:
- Carrying the child on the lap, and placing the back of the infant's head on the arm, while maintaining the position of the head straight or slightly tilted.
- Put one or two drops of saline solution in each nostril.
- Wait a few seconds, and then empty the nasal aspirator.
- Place the tip of the nasal aspirator at the front of the nostril.
- Suction of mucus and saline solution from the nose.
- Repeat the saline solution with the other nostril.
It should be noted that in order to lessen swelling of the nasal passages, mucus aspiration should be restricted using saline solution for infants to no more than twice daily.
2. Clean cuts and holes
Navels and small wounds can be sterilised with infant saline. The saline solution encourages healing, guards against infection, and eliminates dead cells that could irritate the skin and create bumps. Warming the saline solution helps increase blood flow in the piercing or wound.
The navel piercing or wound can be covered for five minutes twice a day with a clean cloth soaked in saline, then rinsed with water.
Tips for getting the best saline solution for infants
In order to ensure that the saline solution is free of any germs and bacteria during its preparation, as well as to check the components of the ready-made saline solution before purchasing it, it can be confirmed that the saline solution is the best saline solution for infants by adhering to general safety measures and rules.
The following guidelines must be followed in order to guarantee that the saline solution is sterile and secure for use:
- Prior to beginning the solution's preparation, wash and sterilise your hands.
- The bowls and spoons used to prepare the solution should be cleaned and dried.
- Use distilled water.
- To get rid of bacteria and chemicals, boil tap water for 20 minutes and then let it cool before using.
- Use table salt instead of sea salt because it contains more minerals.
- Saline solution should be kept in a clean, airtight container.
- Since bacteria are less likely to grow when the saline solution is cooled, store it in the refrigerator.
- After 24 hours, discard the homemade saline solution.
- When the degree of transparency and purity of the solution changes, it should be disposed of because it could be contaminated with bacteria and germs.