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Health Information and Tools >  Using a Rubber Bulb to Clear a Baby's Nose

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Using a Rubber Bulb to Clear a Baby's Nose

Using a Rubber Bulb to Clear a Baby's Nose (00:01:06)
Video Transcript

When you're stuffed up, you can blow your nose. A baby can't do that.

And a stuffy nose can make it hard for your baby to eat and sleep.

You can use a rubber bulb to remove mucus from your baby's nose.

It's easy to do.

Place your baby so the head is tilted back a little.

Squeeze the air out of the bulb with your thumb.

Gently slide the tip of the bulb into one nostril until it's snug, then release the bulb to suction up the mucus.

Remove the bulb and squeeze it into a tissue to push out the mucus.

Repeat these steps for the other nostril.

When you're finished, wash the bulb in warm, soapy water.

Rinse it well, and squeeze it a few times to remove any water.

You can use a bulb to clear your baby's nose before feedings and bedtime.

But don't use it more than 5 or 6 times a day.

Doing it too often could make the lining of the nose swell or bleed and make congestion worse.

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions. Image is used for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted is a model.

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.