How to Use a Bulb Syringe

It’s an unavoidable fact of life: Babies get congested. But little ones don’t yet know how to blow their noses, which makes it tough to help baby get relief when they’re stuffy. As parents, we need tools—and they need to be cheap and easy to use. Enter the bulb syringe.

I first discovered the bulb syringe during a visit to the pediatrician when my first baby had a cold. I was shocked at what a difference it made. While it didn’t magically make my baby better, it went a long way toward helping him—and me—breathe easier. Since then, I’ve used a bulb syringe on all four of my young children. (I still whip it out when congestion strikes!)

A bulb syringe, which is a type of baby nasal aspirator, can help you keep an infant relatively comfortable during a cold, rather than deal with unpleasant stuffiness. “Since babies are nose-breathers—meaning, they naturally breathe through their noses rather than their mouths—even a small amount of congestion can make feeding, sleeping and breathing uncomfortable,” says Anjuli Gans, MD, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “The bulb syringe is a safe, medication-free way to provide relief.”

But not every new parent is aware that this wondrous tool exists. That’s why we tapped experts to break down what an infant bulb syringe does, how to use a bulb syringe and more. Read on pediatrician-approved tips.

Key Takeaways

• A bulb syringe is a type of nasal aspirator that helps clear mucus from baby’s nose.
• A bulb syringe can provide quick relief. It’s safe and easy to use—and affordable.
• You can use an infant bulb syringe up to four times in 24 hours, so it’s best to only utilize it when baby’s very congested. Using it too often can cause irritation and discomfort.

What Is a Bulb Syringe?

A bulb syringe is a type of nasal aspirator that can help clear out congestion (read: suck out snot) in babies, explains Mary Carol Burkhardt, MD, MHA, a pediatrician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Most parents use the tool to remove snot from baby’s nose, although it can also be used in baby’s mouth.

An infant bulb syringe is usually made of soft rubber or silicone, with a squeezable bulb and narrow tip that uses gentle suction to clear mucus, Gans says.

How to Use a Bulb Syringe

Some parents get squeamish about the bulb syringe at first, but it’s actually pretty easy to use. That said, Gans notes it’s best to thin out the mucus with saline drops first. “I always recommend using saline drops first to loosen the mucus, which makes suctioning much more effective,” she says.

To begin, squeeze the bulb syringe to get the air out of it, advises Burkhardt. “Then, place the tip of the bulb in the child’s nostril and release the bulb to allow air back into it,” she adds. “This will pull the mucus from the nose.”

After that, remove the bulb from baby’s nose and squeeze its contents into a tissue. “Repeat the suctioning, moving to the other nostril,” Burkhardt says. “This process may need to be repeated a few times.”

Be prepared for some pushback from baby during the process—but remember it’s worth it in the long run. “Some babies will fuss while you do this, but it’s important to clear the nose to help them be more comfortable!” says Burkhardt.

How Often Can You Use a Bulb Syringe for Baby?

You can use a bulb syringe up to four times within 24 hours to clear out baby’s nose, says Danelle Fisher, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

Because of this guideline, Gans recommends using the bulb syringe only when baby’s clearly congested. “Prioritize timing it before feedings and bedtime, when clear breathing matters most,” she says. In any case, limit the times you use a bulb syringe or baby nasal aspirator; you can run the risk of irritating baby’s delicate nasal lining if you do it too often, Gans explains.

“If you find yourself reaching for it much more frequently, or if baby seems increasingly distressed, that’s a sign to call your pediatrician,” Gans adds. “Sometimes persistent congestion signals something that needs medical attention.”

Benefits of a Bulb Syringe

There are a few big benefits to using a bulb syringe, according to pediatricians:

• Quick relief for baby. “It clears mucus that’s interfering with breathing, feeding and sleep—all crucial for baby’s comfort and development,” Gans says.
• Safe to use in newborns. “When used gently with saline drops, it’s non-medicated and appropriate even for newborns,” says Gans.
• Accessible and affordable. “These are inexpensive, available at any pharmacy and particularly helpful during cold and RSV season,” Gans says.

Risks of Using a Bulb Syringe

A bulb syringe is considered a safe tool to use on your little one, but there are a few potential risks to be aware of:

• Nasal irritation. “Using the syringe too often or inserting it too deeply can irritate the delicate nasal lining and occasionally cause small nosebleeds,” Gans says.
• Temporary discomfort. “Most babies cry briefly during suctioning,” Gans says. “This is a response to the unfamiliar sensation, not necessarily pain.”
• It could be ineffective. If you don’t squeeze the bulb before you insert it into baby’s nose, you risk pushing air or mucus deeper into their nasal passage, warns Gans. “The good news is that gentle technique, proper saline use and limiting frequency dramatically reduce these risks,” she says.

How to Clean a Bulb Syringe

It’s important to clean your bulb syringe, given that it’s inserted into baby’s nose and sucks up snot. “Clean the bulb in hot, soapy water and air-dry,” Burkhardt says. “Make sure to squeeze any water or moisture from the inside of the bulb to prevent mildew or mold in the bulb.” Fisher suggests doing this with every use.

“Replace your bulb syringe if it develops cracks, stays cloudy inside or traps residue you can’t rinse away—these are signs it can no longer be adequately cleaned,” adds Gans.

Alternatives to a Bulb Syringe

While a bulb syringe is a great accessory for easing baby’s stuffiness, it’s not your only tool. Here are a few other congestion fighters:

• Saline drops. “Whether or not you suction afterward, saline helps thin mucus and is safe to use liberally,” Gans says. Burkhardt agrees. “Nasal saline can definitely help thin out mucus that’s very thick,” she says.
• Cool-mist humidifier. “A humidifier with cool mist helps relieve nasal mucus,” Fisher says. You can also have baby breathe in steam from a hot shower in the bathroom to get a similar effect, she adds.
• Keep baby upright. “Hold baby upright during and after feeds, and consider offering smaller, more frequent feedings to prevent dehydration,” Gans says.

A bulb syringe can be a game-changer for new parents during respiratory virus season. “Congestion is miserable for everyone, but with the right tools and technique, you can provide real comfort while their little immune system does its work,” Gans says.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.