Fluids

• Drinking plenty of water and other non-caffeinated beverages can loosen mucus and is recommended for both children and adults with nasal congestion, according to the Mayo Clinic.
  
  

Rinses

• Using a prepackaged saline rinse along with a neti pot or squeeze bottle to shoot a stream of saline solution through the nose can loosen mucus that builds up in the sinuses.
  
  

Chicken Soup

• Chicken soup is a classic home remedy for nasal congestion caused by the common cold, reducing inflammation in the nose and loosening mucus so it can flow and be blown out of the nose.
  
  

Suction

• Babies and young children who have thick mucus in their noses may benefit from the use of a suction bulb to remove mucus, although suctioning should be limited to no more than twice a day, since it can irritate the nasal passages.
  
  

Humidity

• Standing in a warm shower or above a hot bowl of water and breathing in the steam can loosen mucus and promote drainage of mucus from the nose.
  
  

Elevation

• Sitting or sleeping with your head propped up with several pillows can use gravity to help mucus drain down the nasal passages.
  
  

Breast Milk

• For infants with thick nasal mucus, use a dropper to put several drops of breast milk into each nostril to thin and loosen the mucus; this is recommended by the La Leche League.