Physical Development

Baby or Toddler Nosebleed

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician

Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines

Editorial policy

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Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about baby or toddler nosebleed, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Nosebleeds are very common in toddlers and young children, especially during dry winter months. Most nosebleeds come from the front of the nose (anterior nosebleeds) where tiny blood vessels are close to the surface and easily irritated by dry air, nose picking, colds, or allergies. While they can look alarming due to the amount of blood, nearly all nosebleeds in children are harmless and stop within 10-15 minutes with proper first aid.

Key takeaways

  • Nosebleeds are very common in toddlers and young children, especially during dry winter months. Most nosebleeds come from the front of the nose (anterior nosebleeds) where tiny blood vessels are close to the surface and easily irritated by dry air, nose picking, colds, or allergies. While they can look alarming due to the amount of blood, nearly all nosebleeds in children are harmless and stop within 10-15 minutes with proper first aid.
  • Usually normal when: Occasional nosebleeds during dry, cold weather
  • Call your doctor if: A nosebleed does not stop after 20 minutes of continuous firm pressure
“Supervised tummy time is recommended daily from the time the baby comes home from the hospital to help prevent flat head syndrome and to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.”
— Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

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What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH guidelines, nosebleeds are very common in toddlers and young children, especially during dry winter months. Most nosebleeds come from the front of the nose (anterior nosebleeds) where tiny blood vessels are close to the surface and easily irritated by dry air, nose picking, colds, or allergies. While they can look alarming due to the amount of blood, nearly all nosebleeds in children are harmless and stop within 10-15 minutes with proper first aid. At 0-12 months, nosebleeds in babies under 1 year are uncommon. If a young baby has a nosebleed without an obvious cause (like nasal suctioning), mention it to your pediatrician. Blood from the nose in a young infant can occasionally be from swallowed maternal blood (if breastfeeding with cracked nipples) or from overly vigorous nasal suctioning. It is generally considered normal when occasional nosebleeds during dry, cold weather. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a nosebleed does not stop after 20 minutes of continuous firm pressure.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Occasional nosebleeds during dry, cold weather
A nosebleed does not stop after 20 minutes of continuous firm pressure
A nosebleed after nose picking, a bump to the nose, or vigorous nose blowing
There is a large amount of blood loss and your child looks pale or dizzy
A nosebleed during a cold or allergy flare
The nosebleed occurred after a significant head or face injury
Bleeding that stops within 10-15 minutes of applying pressure
Your baby under 12 months has an unexplained nosebleed

By Age

What to expect by age

0-12 months

Nosebleeds in babies under 1 year are uncommon. If a young baby has a nosebleed without an obvious cause (like nasal suctioning), mention it to your pediatrician. Blood from the nose in a young infant can occasionally be from swallowed maternal blood (if breastfeeding with cracked nipples) or from overly vigorous nasal suctioning.

1-3 years

Nosebleeds become much more common in toddlers. The #1 cause is nose picking, followed by dry air and colds/allergies that make the nasal lining fragile. To treat: have your child sit up and lean slightly forward, pinch the soft part of the nose (not the bony bridge) firmly for 10 full minutes without checking. Do not tilt the head back, as this causes blood to flow down the throat. A humidifier in the bedroom and petroleum jelly applied inside the nostrils can prevent recurrent nosebleeds.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed baby or toddler nosebleed and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your toddler gets nosebleeds more than once a week.
  • Mention if nosebleeds happen frequently with no clear trigger.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Occasional nosebleeds during dry, cold weather
  • A nosebleed after nose picking, a bump to the nose, or vigorous nose blowing
  • A nosebleed during a cold or allergy flare
  • Bleeding that stops within 10-15 minutes of applying pressure
  • A small amount of bloody mucus after a nosebleed for a day or two
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your toddler gets nosebleeds more than once a week
  • Nosebleeds happen frequently with no clear trigger
  • Your child also bruises easily or has prolonged bleeding from small cuts
  • Nosebleeds consistently last longer than 15 minutes despite proper pressure
Act now when...
  • A nosebleed does not stop after 20 minutes of continuous firm pressure
  • There is a large amount of blood loss and your child looks pale or dizzy
  • The nosebleed occurred after a significant head or face injury
  • Your baby under 12 months has an unexplained nosebleed
  • Nosebleeds are accompanied by other unusual bleeding (gums, blood in urine or stool)

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice baby or toddler nosebleed — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that occasional nosebleeds during dry, cold weather — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if a nosebleed does not stop after 20 minutes of continuous firm pressure.

Baby Bruises Easily - When to Worry

Bruising in babies and toddlers is extremely common once they become mobile. Shins, forehead, knees, and elbows are the most typical locations, matching where active children bump into things. Bruising in these "bony prominence" areas is expected and normal. Bruising becomes more concerning when it appears in unusual locations (torso, back, cheeks, neck, buttocks), in a baby who is not yet mobile, or when bruises appear without any known injury. In these cases, your pediatrician may recommend bloodwork to check for bleeding disorders.

Baby Always Congested (Stuffy Nose)

Babies are naturally noisy breathers because their nasal passages are very small. Many parents worry their baby is "always congested" when the sounds they hear are actually normal newborn breathing. True chronic congestion can be caused by frequent colds, dry air, or irritants. Saline drops and gentle suctioning are the safest and most effective treatments for infant congestion.

Baby Put Something Up Their Nose

Toddlers frequently put small objects up their noses - beads, food, peas, small toy parts, tissue, and more. Sometimes you see it happen, but other times the first clue is a foul-smelling, one-sided nasal discharge days later. If you can see the object and your child is calm, you can try the "mother's kiss" technique (closing the clear nostril and gently puffing into your child's mouth). If you cannot see it or your first attempt fails, do not keep trying - see your pediatrician or visit urgent care.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is baby or toddler nosebleed normal?
Nosebleeds are very common in toddlers and young children, especially during dry winter months. Most nosebleeds come from the front of the nose (anterior nosebleeds) where tiny blood vessels are close to the surface and easily irritated by dry air, nose picking, colds, or allergies. While they can look alarming due to the amount of blood, nearly all nosebleeds in children are harmless and stop within 10-15 minutes with proper first aid.
When should I call the doctor about baby or toddler nosebleed?
A nosebleed does not stop after 20 minutes of continuous firm pressure There is a large amount of blood loss and your child looks pale or dizzy The nosebleed occurred after a significant head or face injury
When is baby or toddler nosebleed normal?
Occasional nosebleeds during dry, cold weather A nosebleed after nose picking, a bump to the nose, or vigorous nose blowing A nosebleed during a cold or allergy flare
What causes baby or toddler nosebleed?
Nosebleeds are very common in toddlers and young children, especially during dry winter months. Most nosebleeds come from the front of the nose (anterior nosebleeds) where tiny blood vessels are close to the surface and easily irritated by dry air, nose picking, colds, or allergies. While they can look alarming due to the amount of blood, nearly all nosebleeds in children are harmless and stop within 10-15 minutes with proper first aid. Common explanations include: Occasional nosebleeds during dry, cold weather. A nosebleed after nose picking, a bump to the nose, or vigorous nose blowing.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby or toddler nosebleed?
You should mention baby or toddler nosebleed at your next visit if: Your toddler gets nosebleeds more than once a week. Nosebleeds happen frequently with no clear trigger. Your child also bruises easily or has prolonged bleeding from small cuts.
Is baby or toddler nosebleed normal at 0-12 months?
Nosebleeds in babies under 1 year are uncommon. If a young baby has a nosebleed without an obvious cause (like nasal suctioning), mention it to your pediatrician. Blood from the nose in a young infant can occasionally be from swallowed maternal blood (if breastfeeding with cracked nipples) or from overly vigorous nasal suctioning.
Is baby or toddler nosebleed normal at 1-3 years?
Nosebleeds become much more common in toddlers. The #1 cause is nose picking, followed by dry air and colds/allergies that make the nasal lining fragile. To treat: have your child sit up and lean slightly forward, pinch the soft part of the nose (not the bony bridge) firmly for 10 full minutes without checking. Do not tilt the head back, as this causes blood to flow down the throat. A humidifier in the bedroom and petroleum jelly applied inside the nostrils can prevent recurrent nosebleeds.
Should I go to the ER for baby or toddler nosebleed?
Seek emergency care if a nosebleed does not stop after 20 minutes of continuous firm pressure, or if there is a large amount of blood loss and your child looks pale or dizzy. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does baby or toddler nosebleed go away on its own?
In many cases, baby or toddler nosebleed resolves on its own, especially when occasional nosebleeds during dry, cold weather.
AAPAAPNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Nosebleeds. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. First Aid for Nosebleeds. AAP
  3. [3]National Library of Medicine. Epistaxis in Children. StatPearls. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby or Toddler Nosebleed.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed baby or toddler nosebleed and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your toddler gets nosebleeds more than once a week.
  • Mention if nosebleeds happen frequently with no clear trigger.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your toddler gets nosebleeds more than once a week
  • Nosebleeds happen frequently with no clear trigger
  • Your child also bruises easily or has prolonged bleeding from small cuts

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • A nosebleed does not stop after 20 minutes of continuous firm pressure
  • There is a large amount of blood loss and your child looks pale or dizzy
  • The nosebleed occurred after a significant head or face injury

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

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Bottom line

Most cases of baby or toddler nosebleed are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a nosebleed does not stop after 20 minutes of continuous firm pressure.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Related Physical Concerns

Baby Bruises Easily - When to Worry

Bruising in babies and toddlers is extremely common once they become mobile. Shins, forehead, knees, and elbows are the most typical locations, matching where active children bump into things. Bruising in these "bony prominence" areas is expected and normal. Bruising becomes more concerning when it appears in unusual locations (torso, back, cheeks, neck, buttocks), in a baby who is not yet mobile, or when bruises appear without any known injury. In these cases, your pediatrician may recommend bloodwork to check for bleeding disorders.

Baby Always Congested (Stuffy Nose)

Babies are naturally noisy breathers because their nasal passages are very small. Many parents worry their baby is "always congested" when the sounds they hear are actually normal newborn breathing. True chronic congestion can be caused by frequent colds, dry air, or irritants. Saline drops and gentle suctioning are the safest and most effective treatments for infant congestion.

Baby Put Something Up Their Nose

Toddlers frequently put small objects up their noses - beads, food, peas, small toy parts, tissue, and more. Sometimes you see it happen, but other times the first clue is a foul-smelling, one-sided nasal discharge days later. If you can see the object and your child is calm, you can try the "mother's kiss" technique (closing the clear nostril and gently puffing into your child's mouth). If you cannot see it or your first attempt fails, do not keep trying - see your pediatrician or visit urgent care.

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