A bulb syringe is a rubber device that uses suction to help clear a baby's stuffy nose, which makes it easier for them to breathe comfortably and eat. A bulb syringe is available at the pharmacy without a prescription.

Here's how to use a bulb syringe to clear your baby's nose.

How to use the bulb syringe:

1. Lay your baby down on their back.
2. Squeeze the air out of the bulb syringe. Keeping the bulb squeezed, gently put the tip of the bulb into your baby's nostril.
3. Slowly release the bulb. As it expands, it will pull the mucus or liquid from your baby's nose.
4. Remove the tip from your baby's nose, point the tip downward into a tissue, and squeeze the bulb hard to empty it.
5. Repeat from step 2 for the other nostril.

For thick mucus:

If your health care provider says it's OK, you can put a few drops of saline (saltwater) in your baby's nose before using the bulb syringe. Follow these steps:

1. Lay your baby on their back.
2. Put 2–3 drops of saline into each nostril using a clean nose dropper or bulb syringe.
3. After you give the drops, hold your baby with their head back for about a minute.
4. Use a bulb syringe to pull the liquid from your baby's nose.

Saline is available without a prescription at the pharmacy. Or you can make your own by dissolving ½ teaspoon of table salt (non-iodized) in 1 cup (8 ounces) of boiled or distilled water. Make sure the saline has cooled before using it in your baby's nose. Store it in a refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make a fresh supply each day.

To clean the bulb syringe:

1. Squeeze warm (not hot), soapy water into the bulb syringe, squeezing and releasing several times.
2. Rinse well using clean water, squeezing and releasing several times.
3. Squeeze again to empty out any water that remains and let dry.
4. If you used a dropper to put saline drops in the nose, clean it the same way.

Helpful reminders:

• Do not use the bulb syringe more than about 3 times a day. Using it too much can make your baby's nose sore and swollen, which can make the stuffiness worse.
• Try using the bulb syringe just before feeding time so it's easier for your baby to breastfeed or take a bottle.

• You have tried the bulb syringe, but your baby's nose is still stuffy, making it hard for them to feed.
• Your baby develops new or worsening symptoms, such as a cough, congestion, or fussiness.
• Is over 3 months old and has a fever. If your baby is 3 months or younger and has a rectal (taken in the bottom) temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, take them to the ER.

You know your baby best. If they have symptoms that worry you, call your health care provider or take your baby to the ER.

• Your baby is breathing fast or having trouble breathing.
• Your baby is younger than 3 months and has a rectal (in the bottom) temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

Why should I put saline in my baby's nose? Thick mucus won't pull into a bulb syringe easily. Putting a couple drops of saline (saltwater) solution into your baby's nose helps loosen the mucus. You can buy saline solution at drugstores and most supermarkets. Or you can make your own by dissolving ½ teaspoon of table salt (non-iodized) in 1 cup (8 ounces) of boiled or distilled water. Make sure it has cooled before using it in your baby's nose. Store it in a refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make a fresh supply each day.