How to Suction a Baby's Nose With a Bulb Syringe

Because infant cold medications are no longer recommended, the infant bulb syringe is now the best way to remove mucus from a baby's nose. Until a child can blow his own nose, a parent or caregiver can use it to gently suction mucus from the nose and help the baby to breathe easier.

Things You'll Need

  • Bulb syringe
  • Saline drops (optional)

Instructions

    • 1

      Take a look in both nostrils and decide whether the bulb syringe is necessary. If the mucus is liquid and is flowing easily, it may drip from the nose on its own and not need to be suctioned. But if the baby is having trouble breathing from either nostril and the mucus looks a little more solid, the bulb syringe may be necessary for the baby's comfort and safety.

    • 2

      Hold the baby's head steady with one hand. Placing one hand on the baby's forehead may keep him steady, or you might hold his head from behind. Make sure that you are not holding too tightly, but that the baby will be relatively still for a few moments.

    • 3

      Squeeze the bulb portion of the bulb syringe. This is the bulbous, closed end. Squeeze it tightly until it has mostly flattened in shape. This will force some of the air out of the bulb and allow it to build suction.

    • 4

      Place the smaller, open end of the bulb syringe into the baby's nose. Choose the most congested nostril and put the end far enough into the nose so that it enters the area with the mucus. Be careful not to put it in too far, however, or it can cause injury.

    • 5

      Loosen your grip on the bulb and allow it to fill up and regain its round shape. As it does so, it will be suctioning out the mucus that was in front of the smaller end. Repeat these processes if there is still more mucus that needs to be suctioned. Suction the other nostril as well if it is also congested.

    • 6

      Rinse the bulb syringe in hot soapy water to kill the germs and to rinse out the mucus trapped in the bulb.

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