If you have a bulb syringe on hand and aren’t sure how to put it in your baby’s nose – you’re not alone! Although it is a simple tool, it can make parents worry.
Concerns about causing discomfort, doing it wrong, or hurting their nose are common. But it’s an important skill to learn because babies don’t know how to blow their nose yet.
The good news is that with the right technique, the bulb syringe is a safe and effective tool to help them breathe. Let’s walk through how to use a bulb syringe and address some of the most common concerns parents have.
PEOPLE’S PATHWAYS IN PRIVATE WORK
The bulb syringe is a tried and true tool for providing breastfeeding assistance to babies. Tools you will need:
- Syringe bulb: If your baby was born in a hospital, you will probably be sent home with one. You can also buy one at the drug store or at the children’s and grocery store.
- Saline nasal drops or mists: You can buy these at drugstores or grocery stores, too.
- Blankets: If you’re nursing your baby yourself, use a swaddle blanket to wrap their arms in a blanket.
Step-by-step instructions for using a bulb syringe:
- Lay your baby on his back facing the ceiling.
- Have the person hold his hand or put his hand by his side and wrap him in a blanket.
- Place 3-4 drops or saline mist in each nostril and wait a minute.
- Use your finger to push the air out of the syringe bulb.
- Insert the tip into the nostril until the nostrils are closed.
- Force the air back into the bulb by gently removing your finger. This will remove the mucus from the nose and into the bulb.
- Remove the bulb and dry the nose in a tissue or paper towel.
- Repeat the steps on the other nose. You can repeat each side.
- Wipe your baby’s nose with a tissue after use to avoid irritation.
- Clean the syringe bulb with warm water and soap after use.
Once you’ve done it a few times, you’ll start to feel more confident! However, I would like to address some of the most common problems to help put your mind at ease:
Concern #1: Bleeding, Irritation, Nosebleeds
Parents worry that excessive or heavy drinking may cause swelling, irritation and/or nosebleeds.
Useful tips:
- Place 3-4 drops of saline in each nostril, then wait a minute before sucking. This will help loosen the nose and make it easier to swallow.
- Drink up to four times a day. This is how often their little noses can accommodate it.
Worry #2: Spitting, Spitting, Spitting
Some parents worry that breastfeeding will cause their baby to burp, choke or choke when sucking. This is not common. However, it is common for children to vomit from choking. Drinking hot water is the best way to clear the nose and provide relief.
Helpful advice: Drinking alcohol before eating and sleeping will help them do these things easily.
CONCERN #3: WRITING
Some parents are afraid that putting a bulb syringe into their child’s nose will cause the nose to go into the nose.
Useful tips: When used correctly, the syringe should not be pushed deep into the nose. Remove the air from the bulb before placing the tip in your baby’s nose. Then release the bulb. That advice doesn’t have to go far!
Worry #4: Illness
We’ve heard that parents worry about germs from the syringe and the germs coming back into their little noses.
Avoid by: Clean the bulb syringe with warm water after each use. Pour soapy water into and out of the syringe and let it dry. This should prevent mold and mildew from developing inside the bulb.
Worry #5: A squirming baby will also be abnormal.
This is useful – your baby will be fussy when breastfeeding. None of us likes to have something in our nose, but they will breathe easily afterwards. If they can thank you, they will!
Helpful advice: If you have the luxury, use two people to make milk. Have one person hold the head and arms while the other person uses the bulb syringe. While it won’t stop tantrums, it will go away faster when your baby’s head is still and his arms are out of the way.
Concern #6: Other devices transmit germs
There are other devices that require the parent to suck the nose using a straw-like device. Some parents think this is bad and that it transmits germs – but it’s not! It is good for both parents and babies.
Useful information: There is also battery power and electric motors. These can be effective too, and parents should use whatever tool they like!
