How to Clear a Baby's Nostrils

Stuffy noses caused by colds or allergies are a common problem for babies because their nasal passages are narrow and they are not yet old enough to blow their noses. A blocked nose can result in noisy breathing and interrupt normal feeding and sleeping routines. Babies usually recover from stuffy noses within a week or two without any complications. However, you can relieve your baby's discomfort by clearing mucus from their nostrils safely and effectively using saline nasal drops to thin mucus, followed by a bulb syringe to remove nasal secretions.

Things You'll Need

• Small blanket or towel
• Saline nose drops
• Bulb syringe

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Instructions

• 1

  Place a small rolled up towel or blanket under the baby's shoulders to tilt the head back slightly. (Some babies should not be placed in this position, so it is important to check with the child's doctor that this position is safe.)

• 2

  Put one or two drops of over-the-counter normal saline solution (salt water) nose drops into each nostril unless otherwise directed by the child's doctor.

• 3

  Hold the baby in the same position for about two minutes to prevent the solution from running out of the nose and to allow the saline to thin the nasal mucus.

• 4

  Squeeze the bulb syringe between your index finger and thumb to expel the air from inside.

• 5

  Place the tip of the syringe about 1/4 to 1/2 inch into one of the baby's nostrils while continuing to squeeze the bulb. The syringe should be pointed toward the back of the nose.

• 6

  Release the bulb. Hold the syringe in place as it suctions the mucus from the baby's nostril.

• 7

  Remove the syringe from the nostril. Hold the tip upside down and squeeze the bulb rapidly to empty the collected mucus into a tissue that can be discarded. Wipe the tip clean.

• 8

  Repeat steps 4 through 8 to clear the other nostril.

• 9

  Clean the bulb syringe using mild soap and water.