Aspirating bulb
An aspirating bulb is a small rubber bulb that 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 aspirating bulb to clean the baby's nose before feedings and before the baby goes to sleep.
To use an aspirating bulb correctly:
- Position the baby with his or her head tilted slightly back.
- Squeeze the round base of the aspirating 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.
- Don't suction the nose more than 5 to 6 times a day.
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.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: February 25, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
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