When adults get colds, we can blow our noses, but babies and toddlers don't know how to do this yet. So you'll need to help them with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator. Clearing that stuffed-up nose will make it easier for your little one to breathe, eat, and sleep.
Many new parents get a rubber bulb syringe in their newborn supplies from the hospital, and it generally works pretty well. Other parents prefer to use a nasal aspirator, which may be even more efficient at removing mucus from a stuffy little nose.
Start by squirting a little nasal saline into your child's nose to moisten and loosen up any hard or dry boogers before you try to suction them out. You can buy saline at pharmacies or make it easily at home by dissolving 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water. Make a fresh batch each day and store it in a clean, covered glass jar. (If you get your water from a well, it's a good idea to boil the water first to sterilize it.)
Lay your child down with their chin tilted up slightly. Place two or three drops of saline in each nostril with an eyedropper (or squirt once or twice if you're using a saline spray) and try to keep your baby's head still for about ten seconds. Wipe the dropper clean after each use.
The saline itself may ease your child's congestion. But if their nose is still stuffy after a few minutes, you can break out your favorite suction device.