Popular search terms
Coronavirus Careers Urgent Care MyChart Neurology Volunteer
- Home
- Health Library
- S
- Suctioning the Nose with a Bulb Syringe
Section Navigation
Close
Primary Care
- Primary Care Offices
- School-Based Health Centers
- How to Choose a Pediatrician
- When to See Your Pediatrician
- Patient Education
- Share
How Do You Suction the Nose with a Bulb Syringe?
A bulb syringe is used to remove mucus from your baby’s mouth or nose. A stuffy nose can make it hard for your baby to breathe. This can make your baby fussy, especially when he/she tries to eat or sleep. Suctioning makes it easier for your baby to breathe and eat.
If needed, it is best to suction your baby’s nose before a feeding or bedtime. Avoid suctioning after feeding. This may cause your baby to vomit.
- Supplies
- Nose Drops
- Procedure
Needed Supplies to Thin the Mucus
Before using the bulb syringe, you should thin the mucus with normal saline (salt water) nose drops. Needed supplies:
- 8-ounce cup of warm water
- Small blanket roll
- Kitchen measuring spoon
- Nose droppers
- Salt
- Tissues
- Clean jar with cover
- Bulb syringe
Making Saline Nose Drops
- Add ¼ level teaspoon of salt to the 8-ounce cup of warm water.
- Stir to dissolve the salt.
- Keep the solution in a clean, covered jar.
- Discard the solution after one week.
Note: You may also use purchased saline nose drops.
Procedure
- Wash your hands well before and after suctioning.
- Lay your baby on his back with head positioned facing ceiling. Have someone hold your baby in this position or swaddle your baby in a blanket with arms at his side to keep him still.
- Using a nose dropper, drop three to four drops saline solution into one nostril, unless otherwise directed by your baby's doctor. Hold baby in this position for one minute.
- Before placing the bulb into the nostril, push all the air out of it with your thumb on the top of the bulb.
- Carefully and gently, place the tip of the bulb into a nostril until nostril is sealed.
- Slowly release thumb, letting the air come back into the bulb. The suction will pull the mucus out of the nose and into the bulb.
- Remove the bulb from baby’s nose and squeeze mucus out of bulb into a tissue.
- Repeat steps 3 through 7 on other nostril. You may need to suction each nostril several times to clear all the mucus.
- Gently wipe off the mucus around the nose with tissues to prevent skin irritation.
- Clean bulb syringe after each use with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

Expert Pediatric Primary Care, Close to Home
With 16 convenient locations in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, our pediatricians provide everything from check-ups to treatment of pediatric conditions and illnesses. We seamlessly collaborate with other Cincinnati Children’s specialistsfor more advanced care if your child needs it.
Find a Primary Care Location Near You
Last Updated 07/2022
Reviewed By Leah Carnes, RN
Learn more about oureditorial policy
Connect With Us
Quick Links Quick Links
- Schedule an Appointment
- Make a Referral
- Find an Urgent Care
- Find a Doctor
- Get an Online Second Opinion
- Pay a Bill
- Price Transparency
- Sign In to MyChart
- Request Medical Records
Explore Explore
- Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
- Locations and Directions
- Clinical Services
- Health Library
- Visitor and Patient Information
- Clinical Trials
- Events
About Us About Us
- About Cincinnati Children's
- Careers
- Newsroom
- Contact Us
- Download Our Cincinnati Children's App
- Terms of Use
- Privacy and Data Security Notices
- Non-Discrimination Notice
Give Today