How To Use A Bulb Syringe To Clear Your Baby’s Mucus?
If you have a baby at home, you need a bulb syringe too! There’s no way you are escaping babyhood without your little one getting at least one cold. The stuffy nose that comes with a common cold can make your baby fussy. And who can blame her? We adults have a tough time dealing with colds. Just imagine getting cold where you can do nothing to get relief. You can’t blow your nose, eat, or breathe. Sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it? Well, that’s what you child goes through.
But if you have a bulb syringe at home, you can make your baby’s life much easier.
What Is A Bulb Syringe?
The bulb syringe is a nifty little device created to suction out mucus from a baby’s nose. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using saline drops and a bulb syringe to provide relief from cold. Why do you need a bulb syringe? Well, for one, your baby cannot blow out mucus from her nose. Secondly, OTC cold medication does not provide any relief from cold and cough (1). But they can cause several serious side effects. In such a scenario, a bulb syringe and saline nose drops are the only safe ways to help your baby deal with a cold.
[ Read: Home Remedies For Cold In Infants ]
How To Use Bulb Syringe For Babies:
So, now that you have bought a bulb syringe, you need to use it. Using these devices is easier than you think. Just follow the steps mentioned here.
Things You’ll Need:
- Nose drops
- Bulb syringe
- Tissue papers
How To Use:
- Squeeze the bulb syringe until all the air inside comes out.
- Keep the tip of the bulb into your baby’s nostril.
- Now release the bulb and allow the air to come back. This step will pull out the mucus from the nose and into the bulb.
- Now squeeze the bulb again in a soft tissue to get rid of the mucus.
- Repeat the steps on the other nostril.
Five easy steps and you can give your baby some much-needed relief. For best results, don’t forget to use saline drops. You can buy these drops from a medical store, or you can make some at home!
[ Read: Home Remedies For Cough In Babies ]
DIY Saline Drops:
Most doctors prescribe saline drops along with a bulb syringe for relief. But you don’t need to buy an OTC saline solution. You can make some at home. Here’s an easy recipe you can try:
Things You’ll Need:
- One cup warm water
- Table salt
- Clean container with cover
- Nose dropper
- Measuring spoon
How To Make:
- Fill a container with warm water.
- Add 1/4 Tsp salt.
- Stir until salt dissolves in water.
- Now use a nose dropper to pour a few drops inside your baby’s nostril. Don’t store this solution. Make a fresh batch each time you need it.
[ Read: Whooping Cough In Babies ]
Word Of Caution:
Using a bulb syringe is relatively safe and without many dangers. But do keep some points in mind while using the bulb syringe:
- Use the bulb syringe before your baby eats. This will make eating easier. Not just that. If you use it after a feeding, it can cause vomiting.
- If the mucus is too thick, use saline drops before you use a bulb syringe.
- Don’t overdo it. Use the device not more than four times a day.
- Use the device properly. Failure to do so can cause your baby discomfort. If you don’t squeeze out all the air from the bulb syringe, a blast of air inside the nostril can damage your newborn’s delicate nose.
- Keep the bulb syringe clean. After each time you use it, clean the device with warm water. You can also use soapy water. And allow the bulb syringe to air dry completely before you store it.
- Replace the bulb syringe after every 3-4 months. If you see small black specks in the water after cleaning the bulb, replace immediately. Using a dirty bulb or contaminated saline drops can cause more harm than good (2).
A bulb syringe is a must have for all new mothers. If you think you don’t need it, just give it a try. You’ll change your mind, for sure! And your baby will thank you too!
Have you ever used a bulb syringe? Did it help provide relief? Was using it easy? Share your experience with us in the comments section below!
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