A head cold that causes your baby to develop a build-up of mucus can make it difficult for him to breathe, eat or sleep. Removing this mucus can make your baby more comfortable. Nasal aspirators, also known as bulb syringes, come in different colors and are usually made of rubber. An important accessory for your baby's nursery, a nasal aspirator will gently extract the mucus from your baby's clogged nasal passages, via his nostrils.
Step 1
Set your baby in her infant seat or carrier. A stable, safe seat where she will be in the semi-upright position is best.
Step 2
Hold the bulb of the nasal aspirator between your thumb and fingers of one hand. Depress the bulb to release the inner air, which will make it collapse.
Step 3
Place just the tip of the nasal aspirator in the opening of one of your baby's nostrils. Slowly allow the bulb to refill with mucus and air by reducing the pressure placed on it with your thumb and fingers.
Step 4
Remove the tip of the nasal aspirator from your baby's nose. Squeeze the bulb of the nasal aspirator once more, releasing the accumulated mucus into the sink, and release. Rinse the tip of the nasal aspirator with warm water.
Step 5
Wipe the tip of the aspirator with a tissue to remove excess water. Repeat the process on your baby's other nostril.
Tips and Warnings
- Clean the nasal aspirator in warm water and dish soap in between uses while your baby is sick. Allow the nasal aspirator to dry thoroughly before storing it away. Sterilize the nasal aspirator after each illness. Fill a medium saucepan with water. Place the saucepan on your stove top and bring the water to a rolling boil. Shut the burner off and place the nasal aspirator in the boiling water for 10 minutes. Allow the water to cool, remove the aspirator and dry it, thoroughly. Wipe the nasal aspirator down with rubbing alcohol and store it away.
- Do not insert the tip of the nasal aspirator too far into your baby's nose. Doing so can result in injury. The tip of the nasal aspirator only needs to enter the very edge of the opening to your baby's nostril.
Things You'll Need
- Stable, safe seat
- Nasal aspirator
- Sink
- Tissue
