Swipe the Snot or Not? Understanding Your Child’s Baby Body Language

As parents, we instinctively want to keep our little ones clean and comfortable. But have you ever noticed how your baby reacts when you go in to wipe their nose? Whether they pull away, cry, or even seem unbothered, their reaction is telling you something—something about their experience in the womb, their birth, and how they are feeling in that very moment.

As a Baby Body Language Therapist with over three decades of experience helping mums, babies, and young children bond with understanding, compassion, and empathy, I want to guide you through a new way of looking at this simple, everyday moment.

Did You Ask for Permission?

Before we dive into technique, let’s start with an important question: Did you seek permission to wipe their nose?

It might sound odd, but even the youngest babies have a sense of bodily autonomy. Imagine if someone suddenly came up behind you and started rubbing your face—chances are, you’d flinch too! Many well-meaning relatives (or even we as parents) tend to sneak up from behind, catching the child off guard. This can be startling, especially for a baby who is already feeling sensitive or unwell.

Instead, pause for a moment. Make eye contact. Show them the tissue or cloth. Even say, “Let’s wipe your nose.” This small moment of respect can help them feel safe and involved.

How to Read Your Child’s Baby Body Language

A child’s face and head hold emotional tension from their time in the womb and their birth experience. This is where you may see signs of compression or tightness—evidence of how their little face was shaped during delivery. Babies and young children instinctively soothe this tension by:

  • Rubbing their eyes when tired

  • Chewing on their thumb or hand when feeling pressure in their cranial bones

  • Pulling away from touch when they are overstimulated or feeling unwell

So, if your baby resists having their nose wiped, it’s not just about the snot—it could be about how they are feeling in their body at that moment.

Practical, Gentle Approaches to Wiping a Baby’s Nose

If your child is resisting, try these mindful, gentle approaches:

 Use a Warm, Soft Cloth Instead of Dry Tissue

Dry tissues can feel rough on little noses. A warm facecloth is softer and more soothing, especially if the baby’s nose is already irritated.

 Make It Playful – Stroke Their Curiosity

Babies love to explore! Instead of forcing a wipe, turn it into a game:

  • Play peek-a-boo with the tissue.

  • Show them the cloth in the mirror so they understand what’s happening.

  • Let them try wiping their own nose first.

This shifts their focus from resistance to engagement, making the experience more enjoyable.

 Observe If They’re Feeling Unwell

A baby who is more sensitive to touch than usual may be coming down with a fever or congestion. Nasal pressure can also cause discomfort in their ears, which might explain why they are fussy. Being aware of these cues can help you respond with extra care.

A Final Thought – Be Mindful, Be Present

Next time you reach for that tissue, pause for a moment. Ask yourself:

  • Am I respecting their personal space?

  • Is my child giving me cues that they are uncomfortable?

  • Can I make this moment gentler, more playful, and less stressful for both of us?

By tuning into your child’s Baby Body Language, you’re not just wiping a nose—you’re fostering trust, connection, and deeper understanding.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

Did this resonate with you? Have you noticed how your child responds to nose-wiping or other forms of touch? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Drop a comment below.

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The Deep Need for Closeness: Honouring Our Biological Design

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Family Narratives – Are We Trying to Make the Story Stick?