In my experience, saline rinse is least effective when you have a drippy nose. Since the idea is to let all the yuck out, a drippy nose is already well on the way! They do wonders for a cough that's caused by sinus congestion (often preventing it from descending into your chest). They are also great to get rid of sinus headache and pressure, protecting against a sinus infection. Just great stuff all around!
This is what you do:
1/4 - 1/2 tsp salt, 1/8 - 1/2 tsp bakind soda. 1 cup of water.
Why the range? I found a variety of recipes online. It appears, less salty solution is less irritating. I would use the lower range for the youngest kids. I always test the solution on myself before I give it to kids - and sure enough, the bottom of the range is easiest to tolerate!
Now, this is really important: the water must be very warm. Test a drop on the back of your hand. It must feel warm, not cold! Cold water inside your nose hurts! I usually make a batch at the beginning of a cold and heat it up in the microwave before use.
Use a regular medicine dropper to administer. I use just a single drop in each nostril with kids - 2-3 for myself, 2-4 times daily. How do they take it? They are very scared. Invariably they tell me, it doesn't feel so bad - but each time we get ready, they are scared all over. It's not a pleasant experience and we get a popsicle in hand before we start. I explain the value and tell them that it feels weird, but it doesn't hurt. They resist a little, but it's obvious they know I am right.
According to our pediatrician, antihistamines and decongestants have not been proven to be very effective for kids. So them being off the market is not a great loss. I can attest to the effect of saline and I don't miss the other stuff. Enjoy!
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