When your baby has a stuffy nose, he may struggle through feedings and have a hard time sleeping. Congestion can make your baby miserable, but you can temporarily relieve his symptoms by suctioning his nose with a bulb syringe. You may have better results if you first thin the mucus with saline nasal drops. Your baby may not like the drops or the bulb syringe, but the process should not cause any pain if you proceed gently.
Step 1
Place your baby on her back with her shoulders supported so her head falls back slightly. You can place a rolled up towel or blanket under her shoulders or place her in your lap with her head resting on your knees.
Step 2
Place one or two saline drops into one of your baby's nostrils. Wait a few seconds to a minute, depending on how cooperative your baby is. You can purchase the drops over-the-counter or make your own by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of table salt with one cup of warm water, according to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
Step 3
Squeeze the bulb to force the air out and continue compressing the bulb as you carefully place the tip into your baby's nostril about 1/2 to 1/4 of an inch.
Step 4
Release the bulb slowly to suction the mucus out of your baby's nose.
Step 5
Remove the syringe from your baby's nose and squeeze the bulb to expel the mucus onto a tissue.
Step 6
Repeat the process with the other nostril.
Tips and Warnings
- Suction your baby's nose before feeding him, recommends the Ohio State University Medical Center. If the process causes your baby to gag, he could spit up his meal. It will also be easier for him to take a bottle or breastfeed with a clear nose. Wash the bulb syringe thoroughly in warm, soapy water between uses. Fill the bulb with the soapy water, shake it around and squeeze it out to clean the inside. Rinse the bulb syringe with clean water and let it air dry in an upright position.
- Take care to protect your baby's sensitive nasal tissue when you suction her nose. If she struggles and makes the process difficult, put it off for a while. Avoid suctioning your baby's nose more than three times per day and do not use saline drops for more than four days in a row to prevent irritation, warns BabyCenter. Never hold one nostril closed while suctioning the other, warns Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
Things You'll Need
- Bulb syringe
- Saline nose drops
- Tissues
