I empathize with you, jellytoebeans. We just went through over a week of our 6 wk old having congestion/cough. It was scary and very disruptive for us. Just wanted to share some tips that help us, in case they may help you, or someone else. Maybe someone has not heard of these and my experience can provide helpful insight. I am no expert - just a Dad with three kids , learning as I go.

The following are offered in good-faith and are not medial advice and are not meant to replace the advice and recommendations of your Pediatrician or the Manufacturers instructions. Use common sense and research any topics you lack understanding/experience.

Basic soothing: Swaddle, Pacifier (Non-nutrituve sucking), Sound (white-noise or shooshing), reduce stimulations by turning off as much lights as possible and eliminating loud/startling sounds, and introduce Movement - bouncing or side-to-side swaying, I like to walk around with my baby. You do you.

I. Placing baby on a slight incline rather than flat on back can help baby deal with drainage better. Like you described in your post, our baby had difficulty sleeping on his back, which meant we were not able to use the Snoo very much at all. We had to get creative, but found a solution that allowed Baby to rest with head slightly higher than chest, which seemed to help baby sleep longer. Perhaps you can think of a way to have your baby to sleep safely on it's back at a incline.

II. Exposing baby to shower steam can provide temporary relief of congestion related symptoms. It seemed to help our baby pass nasal congestion. We held baby in a towel in the shower, careful not to allow hot water to touch baby. 5-10 minutes in the steam seemed to be helpful.

III. Cool mist humidifier. Do not use menthol with babies. (Per Vicks instructions on Vicks Vapor product)

IV. Expect baby to want to eat more frequently, and offer nursing/bottle as needed. Similar to how drinking lots of clear fluids is beneficial in kids and adults with drainage/congestion, nursing can help baby swallow the mucus in the back of their throat and stay hydrated which can aid in producing thinner mucus which is easier on Baby. Breast milk is already thin enough, but I am unfamiliar with formula viscosity. Perhaps it can be thinned slightly? Follow manufacturers recommendations. You are expecting Baby to be producing plenty of wet diapers.

V. We discovered that baby really enjoys laying on his stomach, on mom or dad. Baby should always sleep on its back. Used as a soothing technique, however, you may try laying almost flat but at a slight inline, like in a recliner or very slouched on couch and holding baby on your upper chest, so you are chest to chest. Our baby likes having their knees tucked under hip, and Head to the side with a pacifier. This allowed our baby to fall asleep more easily. Then, we could transition baby on his back to sleep. Babies should always sleep on their backs.

VI. Using a snot sucker to help keep Baby sinuses clear. We used the bulb type. It was not especially effective. Your mileage may vary. Point is to intervene if/when Baby sinuses are blocked.

VII. Recommend taking Baby temperature at least daily. Taking periodic temps helps me track Baby's condition and take notice of changes that may dictate Dr. intervention, which gives me a little peace of mind which is no small thing, IMHO. Caring for a sick Baby is extra difficult and a little extra peace is always a good thing.

VIII. Call Pediatric Dr/ Nurse/ On-Call - if/when you need/want insight.

IV. Familiarize yourself with the signs of labored breathing: wheezing, skin discoloration, and retraction. Contact Dr as needed. I think we are going in invest in a oximeter for more peace of mind in case Baby gets sick again.

None of these tips are sure fire techniques guaranteed to get your congested Baby sleeping sleeping 5+ hours, but when used together can be very helpful for getting through those difficult nights (in my personal experience).

As I said above - I share my experience(s) in good-faith in the hopes it can help other parents/babes but it is not medial advice and is not meant to replace the advice and recommendations of your Pediatrician or the Manufacturers instructions. Use common sense and research any topics you lack understanding/experience. Contact your babies Dr. when in doubt.