How to Use a Bulb Sucker to Remove Newborn's Mucus

Most hospitals equip parents with a bulb sucker for their newborn. It is an effective way to remove mucus from the mouth and nose. This device resembles a small turkey baster and operates by the same principle, suction. Follow a few simple guidelines to use a bulb sucker correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Bulb sucker
• Tissue
• Soap
• Water

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Instructions

• 1

  Hold your newborn in your arms or on your knees. Tilt his head slightly backward.

• 2

  Direct the tip of the bulb sucker away from your newborn. Squeeze the bulb until the sides cave in completely. This pushes air out of the bulb.

• 3

  Place the tip of the bulb sucker in the corner of your child's mouth while maintaining pressure on the bulb. Gradually release your hold on the bulb. This draws the mucus into the bulb. Remove the tip from the mouth.

• 4

  Point the tip of the device into a tissue and forcefully squeeze the bulb 2 to 3 times to remove the contents.

• 5

  Repeat step 2.

• 6

  Insert the tip of the bulb sucker into one nostril. Maintain pressure on the bulb. Using your fingertip gently press your baby's other nostril inward to close it. Release the bulb slowly to collect the mucus. Repeat for the other nostril.

• 7

  Clean the bulb sucker. Repeat Step 4. Wash the bulb sucker with soap and water. Periodically sanitize it in boiling water for 10 minutes.