How to Use a Bulb Syringe for Baby's Nose

When your baby has a stuffy nose from cold or allergies, you can use a rubber bulb syringe to remove some mucus and make it easier to breathe.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. If the mucus is runny, you can begin to suction right away. If not, you will need to first use some over-the-counter saline nose drops made for baby. These can be found at any drugstore or mass retailer near the baby medicines.

2. Lay your baby horizontally on a relatively flat surface where you can easily reach the baby such as the changing table, your bed, a couch, your lap, etc. Give nose drops if necessary according to package directions.

3. Squeeze the bulb of the syringe first, and then gently insert the rubber tip into one nostril. Don't stick it in too far, and never force it to go in. Slowly release the bulb. This sucks up the mucus. Remove the syringe and squeeze the bulb onto a tissue, towel or other cloth to get rid of the mucus. Do this for each nostril.

Tips & Warnings

• You may have to do this more than once, but wait 10 to 15 minutes in between. Also, if it doesn't seem to be helping, don't keep doing it and give the baby a break. It's very easy for the nasal passages to become irritated and painful.
• If the baby is completely inconsolable and/or the condition worsens, notify your pediatrician.