A nebulizer is a medical device that converts liquid medication into a fine mist, which is inhaled into the lungs. The treatment can be done in the hospital or at home. It is often used for medications prescribed to treat asthma, bronchitis or other respiratory ailments. With the right equipment, giving a nebulizer treatment to a baby can be simple.
Step 1
Find a quiet place to perform the treatment. Your baby may do well if she is allowed to rest, play quietly or even sleep during the treatment. Pick a location that has both a solid surface for the nebulizer and a comfortable place for you and the baby to stay for the duration of the treatment.
Step 2
Plug the machine into an electrical outlet. Connect the necessary tubing, including the air tube from the compressor to the nebulizer.
Step 3
Pour the medication into the nebulizer cup. Add the indicated amount of saline solution if the doctor advised you to do so. Connect the nebulizer cup to the nebulizer. Make sure it is twisted or snapped into place. Connect the other end of the air tubing to the nebulizer cup. Use a mask for the treatment of a baby. The mask must be appropriate for the brand of machine you are using.
Step 4
Turn on the machine. Wait for a fine mist to begin emitting from the mask. Place the mask over the baby's mouth and nose and put the elastic band around the back of her head.
Step 5
Keep your baby happy and relaxed during the treatment. It should take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the dose the doctor prescribed. Remove the mask and disconnect all the parts of the machine once the treatment is complete.
Tips and Warnings
- Clean and sanitize the mask and nebulizer cup after every use or as advised by the manufacturer. Distract your baby with a calming activity until the treatment is over.
- For the medication to work, the infant must be breathing normally. Stop the treatment if the baby is upset or crying. Try again after he has calmed down.
Things You'll Need
- Medication
- Pediatric nebulizer mask
