How to Use A Bulb Syringe
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
A bulb syringe
is used to gently suction mucus out from your baby's nose. It can also be used to remove saline nasal wash from his nose. A bulb syringe is best used when your baby is younger than 6 months old.
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How to use a bulb syringe:
- Squeeze the bulb syringe and gently place the tip into one of your baby's nostrils. Do not put the stem of the syringe in your baby's nose.
- Slowly release the bulb so that it draws mucus or fluid out of your baby's nose.
- Once the bulb has expanded, remove it from your baby's nose. Squeeze the contents onto a tissue.
- Repeat if needed. Then follow the same steps for the other nostril.
How to clean a bulb syringe:
Prevent the growth of bacteria by rinsing your bulb syringe after each use and cleaning it daily.
- Rinse the syringe:
- Fill the bulb syringe with distilled or sterilized water. Sterilized water is tap water that has been boiled for 1 to 3 minutes and cooled.
- Gently shake the syringe.
- Empty the water from the syringe completely.
- Place the bulb syringe with its tip down in a clean glass to drain fully. Do not allow the tip to sit in water.
- Clean the syringe:
- Fill the bulb syringe with rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol).
- Gently shake the syringe.
- Empty the alcohol from the syringe completely.
- Place the bulb syringe with its tip down in a clean glass to drain fully.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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