Bulb Syringe
Suctioning your baby's nose makes it easier for him to breathe and eat.
A bulb syringe removes or suctions breast milk, formula or mucus from your baby’s nose and mouth. You may use it when your baby chokes, spits up, has a stuffy nose or sneezes. We suggest you keep a bulb syringe close at hand, especially during feedings, and use it when necessary. If you need to suction both the nose and the mouth, suction the mouth first.
How to Use a Bulb Syringe
To use the bulb syringe, first squeeze the bulb until it collapses. Place it in one nostril about 1/4 to 1/2 inch or inside of the cheek and quickly release the bulb. This action pulls the formula or mucus into the bulb.
Remove the bulb syringe from the nose or mouth and squeeze the bulb quickly into a tissue to get rid of the contents. Repeat for the other nostril or cheek, if necessary.
Cleaning a Bulb Syringe
After using, clean the bulb syringe with hot soapy water and rinse in hot water. Be sure to clean the inside of the syringe by squeezing the bulb while the tip is in the soapy water. Rinse by repeating this action with clean, hot water several times. Prop the clean bulb tip side down so any remaining water drains out.
Saline Nose Drops
Your pediatrician may recommend the use of normal saline nose drops to clean your baby’s nose when he has a cold or congestion (stuffy nose).
How to Use Nose Drops?
With a medicine dropper, place three to four drops in one side of your baby’s nose while slightly tilting his head back. Suction with the bulb syringe. Repeat on the other side. It is normal for your baby to cough, sneeze and/or swallow part of the solution.
When to Use Nose Drops?
Normal saline nose drops can be used anytime your baby has a runny nose or nasal congestion. It’s especially useful before you feed your baby and before naps or bedtime. Check with your pediatrician for specific instructions.