NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kids Starter Kit is a saline nasal rinse kit for children, containing a 120ml squeeze bottle and 30 premixed sachets of sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. Each sachet is dissolved in water to make a saline solution that is squeezed gently into one nostril and drains out of the other, rinsing the nasal passages clean. Because the sachets are pre-measured and the flow depends on how gently the bottle is squeezed, a parent can keep the rinse gentle without mixing a salt solution at home.

Key Features

• Smaller 120ml bottle: The kids bottle holds 120ml, half the 240ml volume NeilMed's standard adult Sinus Rinse is designed to deliver.
• 30 pre-measured sachets: Each sachet gives the right amount of sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate for one bottle, so there is nothing to weigh or measure.
• pH-balanced, isotonic solution: One sachet makes a saline solution with a similar salt concentration to the body's own fluids, which NeilMed describes as soothing, with no burning or stinging.
• Squeeze-controlled flow: You control the pressure and amount of solution by how firmly you squeeze, so the rinse can be kept slow and gentle.
• Rounded one-piece cap: The soft rounded cap is designed to fit any nostril and has no push-and-pull parts, which makes it easy to clean.

What is NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kids used for?

NeilMed recommends Sinus Rinse for nasal allergies and hay fever, nasal dryness, stuffiness and sinus pressure, and nasal symptoms from colds and flu. It is also used to rinse away irritants such as pollen, dust, animal dander and smoke, and to help with post-nasal drip. It is a saline rinse, not a medicine, and does not contain any drug.

Can I make my own salt solution instead of using the sachets?

NeilMed advises against it. Homemade mixtures can end up at the wrong concentration, which may give less relief or even make the nose more congested. Table salt and baking soda from the supermarket are also not pharmaceutical grade and may contain impurities.

What happens if my child swallows some of the solution?

The solution should be spat out rather than swallowed, but NeilMed states that swallowing a mouthful by accident is harmless, as the amount of sodium in one swallow is insignificant.

When is the best time of day to rinse?

NeilMed recommends rinsing at least 1 hour before bedtime, so that any leftover solution does not drip down the back of the throat at night.

Ingredients (per sachet): Sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, USP (pharmaceutical) grade, with a purity of 99% or higher.

Additional information: The sachets are free from preservatives, drugs, iodine and gluten. NeilMed states the kit is BPA-free and latex-free.

1. Wash your hands and fill the clean bottle with distilled, micro-filtered (0.2 micron), commercially bottled, or previously boiled and cooled water at lukewarm or body temperature.
2. Cut open one sachet, pour the contents into the bottle and screw the cap and tube on tightly. Put a finger over the tip of the cap and shake gently until the powder dissolves.
3. Have your child stand at a sink, bend forward and tilt their head down, keeping their mouth open and breathing normally.
4. Place the cap snugly against one nostril and squeeze the bottle gently until the solution drains out of the other nostril. Some may come out of the mouth; spit this out.
5. Ask your child to blow their nose very gently, without pinching it fully closed.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the other nostril.
7. Wash the bottle, cap and tube with running water and a few drops of washing-up liquid or baby shampoo, rinse well and leave to air dry.

Most users rinse twice a day; follow your doctor's advice if they recommend a different frequency. If you warm the water in a microwave, heat it in 5 to 10 second bursts to avoid overheating. Replace the bottle every 3 months.

Read the following before first use:

• Only use NeilMed Sinus Rinse sachets to make the solution. Rinsing with plain water alone causes a severe burning sensation.
• Do not use tap water unless it has been boiled for 5 minutes or more and then cooled.
• Do not rinse if the nasal passages are completely blocked, or if your child has an ear infection or blocked ears.
• If your child has had recent ear or sinus surgery, speak to a doctor before rinsing.
• An adult should read the directions before using the kit on a child. NeilMed strongly advises against using it on anyone with physical limitations or mental disabilities due to developmental or acquired disorders, or anyone unable to stand or bend over a sink.
• Check the bottle, cap and tube for cracks or discoloration before first use.
• Keep out of reach of children when not in use.
• If symptoms persist, see a doctor.