Snufflebabe Vapour Rub for Babies - 24g

Product Summary

Snufflebabe is an ointment that combines soothing, natural eucalyptus and thyme oil with menthol to help clear blocked noses in children.

Key Features

• Suitable for children and babies over 3 months old.
• Gentle and mild decongestant with proven ingredients to help clear blocked noses
• Relieves nasal congestion helping babies to breathe, feed and sleep more easily
• Soothing vapour rub containing eucalyptus oil, menthol and thyme oil

How to use

Please read the enclosed leaflet carefully before use.

Patient Information Leaflets are updated periodically by the manufacturer.

Infants over 3 months:

• Lightly rub a small amount of Snufflebabe onto the upper chest and throat. It may also be rubbed onto the feet and toes before bed.
• Alternatively, Snufflebabe may be placed in a tissue or handkerchief in the clothing,

The handkerchief may be tied to the cot just out of reach to prevent very young children from transferring the product into their eyes.

Leave bed clothes loose, so beneficial vapours may be inhaled during the night. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Ingredients

• Active ingredients: w/w Eucalyptus oil 2.0%, Menthol 1.5%, Thyme oil 0.5%.
• Also contains white soft paraffin.

Warnings and Restrictions

Precautions

• Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have an underlying medical condition, are taking any other medication or complementary therapy, or if symptoms persist
• Seek advice before using if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding or if you suffer from allergies.

Do not use:

• on infants under 3 months unless advised by a GP, Pharmacist or Health Visitor.
• on broken skin or apply around the nostrils of infants.
• if allergic to the ingredients

Side effects

May include allergic reactions such as skin rash or reddening where the product has been applied.

If excessive reddening or any other unusual effects occur, speak to your GP, Pharmacist or Health Visitor.

Fire hazard

This product contains paraffin, which is flammable.

Do not smoke or go near naked flames; clothing & bedding with this product dried on them can catch fire easily.

Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.

Storage

Store below 25°c, away from any naked flames.

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

Can Snufflebabe Vapour Rub be used with other cold medicines for my baby?

Yes, Snufflebabe Vapour Rub is safe to use alongside other medications for a baby's cold, such as saline drops or a humidifier, but avoid using multiple decongestants at once. Saline drops can be used to loosen mucus in the nose gently, and then a vapour rub can help keep airways clear at night. Don't use in addition to other menthol- or eucalyptus-containing products because too much will irritate the baby's skin or breathing system. Never use any over-the-counter cold medicines except as especially recommended by a doctor for your child's age. A pharmacist can recommend a safe combination and tailor treatment to your baby's symptoms. Always read instructions carefully and watch for signs of irritation or allergy when using treatments in combination.

Can Snufflebabe Vapour Rub be used for colds with a fever and teething?

Snufflebabe Vapour Rub helps open up blocked noses, which may happen when your baby is teething or has a cold. It may ease breathing and nighttime feeding. However, if your baby has a temperature above 38°C or is excessively sleepy, irritable, or refuses to feed well, consult a doctor, as this may be a sign of a more serious illness. Teething can occasionally cause a slight increase in temperature, but not a full-blown fever. You can use Snufflebabe to help relieve nasal congestion with teething or colds, but keep an eye on other symptoms at all times. If your baby requires pain relief (such as infant paracetamol), that is safe to use in conjunction with Snufflebabe, but make sure you check the correct dose. In any case of doubt, consult a pharmacist or GP to ensure you are treating your baby safely.

What do I do if my baby touches or accidentally swallows Snufflebabe?

Snufflebabe is only to be used outdoors, and in case the baby does put it inside the eyes, the mouth, or the nose, it might be irritating. If it enters the eyes or is far up inside the nose, gently clean the affected area with a warm, damp cloth and flush with lukewarm water. If your baby has swallowed even a small amount, ring your doctor, pharmacist, or NHS 111 immediately, as some of the ingredients, like menthol and eucalyptus oil, are toxic if swallowed. Always keep the product out of reach and wash your hands before use. If your baby is upset, very drowsy, is being sick, or having trouble breathing after skin contact or swallowing, phone for immediate emergency help. It is a good practice to observe the safety measures and always store medicines out of reach.

Is Snufflebabe Vapour Rub safe for sensitive babies or eczema-prone babies?

Babies with eczema or very sensitive skin may be sensitive to vapour rubs, such as Snufflebabe. The ingredients—eucalyptus oil, menthol, and thyme oil—are natural but irritating for broken or inflamed skin. If your infant is old enough to have had a skin allergy or eczema, consult your pharmacist before using this product. Use a small test patch each time to check for any rash or redness. Never place Snufflebabe on sore skin or around the eyes or nose, as this will make it sting. If your baby develops a rash, stops feeding, or appears uncomfortable after application, gently wash the product off with warm water and seek medical advice. Your pharmacist can also suggest alternative baby-friendly decongestants if your child has ongoing skin sensitivities.

Does Snufflebabe Vapour Rub help with sleep during colds?

Yes, Snufflebabe can help babies sleep better when they have a cold, especially if they have a blocked nose. It does this by releasing soothing vapours gently from menthol, eucalyptus, and thyme oils. These open up the airways, making breathing more comfortable, and this facilitates easy feeding and sleep. Whenever babies are congested, they wake more often or have trouble sleeping flat. By easing congestion, Snufflebabe helps babies relax and sleep more easily. For maximum benefit, use on the chest, throat, or feet at bedtime. Alternatively, apply it to a tissue worn inside pyjamas—but never in the cot or near the face. Leave bedding loose to enable vapours to flow freely.

Must I only use Snufflebabe at night or can I use it during the day?

Snufflebabe Vapour Rub can be used during the day or at night, provided the safe usage guidelines are strictly followed. Although it's most commonly used before bedtime to help infants sleep better, using it during the day can also be beneficial if the child is stuffy or uncomfortable. Use a small amount and apply to the back of the neck or top of the chest, or to a tissue packed inside clothing (never in the cot). Don't use too much—2 to 3 applications in 24 hours. Take care of your baby during the day so that the product doesn't rub off onto their hands or face. The frequency of safe use will be determined by a pharmacist based on your baby's specific needs.

What precautions must I take when washing clothes?

White soft paraffin, the active ingredient in Snufflebabe, is highly flammable and able to penetrate bedding and clothing. This implies that you must be cautious when washing clothes that have come into contact with the rub, since repeated washing reduces but never completely eradicates the build-up. Wash these garments at high heat each time, do not dry at high heat, and avoid exposing them to cigarette smoke or open flames—never dry baby garments or bedding with vapour rub residues near heaters or candles. The rub itself is harmless when used properly, but paraffin left on clothing is a fire risk if not handled carefully. For your baby's safety, wash hands after use and follow the fire precaution guidance on the packaging carefully.