Topic Overview Back to top A rubber (aspirating) bulb can be
used to remove mucus from a baby's nose or mouth when a cold or
allergies make it hard for the baby to eat or sleep. It is best
to use the rubber bulb to clean the baby's nose before feedings
and before the baby goes to sleep. To use a rubber bulb
correctly: - Position the baby with his or her head tilted
slightly back. - Squeeze the round base of the bulb with your
thumb. - Gently insert the tip of the bulb tightly inside the
baby's nose. - Release the bulb to remove (suction) mucus from
the nose. - Use a soft rubber bulb no more than 5 or 6 times a
day to remove mucus. Put a few saline nose drops in each side of
the baby's nose before suctioning to help break up the mucus.
Suctioning too frequently can make the congestion worse and can
also cause the lining of the nose to swell or bleed. After using
the bulb, wash it in warm, soapy water. Rinse well and squeeze
to remove any water. Credits Back to top |Primary Medical
Reviewer||William H. Blahd, J