How to Use a Bulb Syringe

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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A baby needs a bulb syringe when the nose is too congested to allow nursing or taking the bottle, or if milk or mucus in the baby's mouth causes gagging or choking. Follow these easy steps to ensure you use the bulb syringe properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Bulb Syringes For Baby
Washcloths
Saline Solutions Drops For Baby

Clear Baby's Nose

Step 1

Lay the baby tummy-side up on your lap. Baby's head should be at your knees and slightly tipped back.
Step 2

Drop or squeeze one or two saline drops in baby's nostril if necessary. Keep the baby's head still for about 10 seconds after inserting saline.
Step 3

Squeeze the bulb of the syringe, caving in the sides completely.
Step 4

Gently place the tip of the syringe into one nostril and release pressure on the bulb.
Step 5

Remove the tip and squeeze the bulb into a sink or tissue to remove the mucus.
Step 6

Repeat the steps for the second nostril if needed.
Step 7

Repeat suctioning after ten minutes if the baby is still congested.

Clear Baby's Mouth

Step 1

Hold baby on your lap or in the crook of your arm.
Step 2

Squeeze the bulb of the syringe, caving in the sides completely.
Step 3

Place the tip of the syringe gently in the baby's mouth, sliding it between the cheek and gums.
Step 4

Release the bulb while slowly pulling it from the baby's mouth.
Step 5

Squeeze the bulb again into a sink to remove the milk or mucus.
Step 6

Wipe off the tip of the syringe and repeat if needed.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 My son caught a cold, more like what a sinus infection sounds like; no cough just crackly mucus that was no where to be found after many attempts of 10 minutes or so at trying to get it to come out. He couldn't nurse and wouldn't take a bottle either, because he couldn't breathe. Finally it made sense: When we blow our nose, we normally close one nostril and blow out the other. While holding your baby in between your legs (mentioned above) keep his head still with one hand and use your thumb to block one of the nostrils and then use the syringe in the other. Switch hands and do the other side. I promise this will work!