Dry nasal passages in toddlers frequently result from colds, allergies or other respiratory infections. The dryness is rarely a cause for concern; however, dry nasal passages in your toddler may be a painful experience for her. Her nose feels sore, it may be uncomfortable when she breathes through her nose, and she may have nosebleeds caused by the excessive dryness. Fortunately, there are several methods you can employ to alleviate her dry nasal passages and bring relief. Step 1 Place a humidifier or vaporizer in your toddler’s room. Humidifiers and vaporizers increase the humidity by releasing steam or water vapor into the air. Low humidity levels irritate nasal passages and dry them out. Monitor your home’s humidity level with a hygrometer and maintain it between 30 and 50 percent to safely alleviate dry nasal passages. Step 2 Squeeze two or three drops of a saline solution into each nostril as your toddler lies on his back on a bed, hanging his head over the side. Wait two minutes before standing him upright so the solution has time to settle into his nose. Comprised only of salt and water, saline drops moisturize the nasal passage and relieve congestion inside the nose without drying it out further, and contain no medication that might further irritate the nasal passage. Saline solutions are available over-the-counter at most drugstores, or you can make your own by dissolving ½ tsp. of salt into 12 oz. of warm water. Step 3 Rub a pea-sized amount of an ointment, such as petroleum jelly or a vitamin A and D ointment, inside each nostril. Ointments relieve dry nasal passages by moisturizing and leaving a protective coating. Dr. Lawrence Gibson, MayoClinic.com, recommends using an over-the-counter, water-soluble ointment while your toddler is awake. Step 4 Turn on the hot water in the bathtub or shower and shut the bathroom door. Sit in the bathroom with your toddler as the steam builds and instruct her to breathe-in deeply through her nose, inhaling the steam, and exhale through her mouth. Inhaling the warm moisture helps to combat nasal dryness. Stay in the bathroom until her nasal passages feel less dry, and repeat as necessary.