Clear the Air with Nasal Suctioning
Nasal suctioning can be a bit intimidating. We are right there with ya! Let’s talk about why we would need to suction, what you need and how to stay calm while doing it!
Let’s clear the air…
Nasal suctioning can be a bit intimidating. We are right there with ya! Let’s talk about why we would need to suction, what you need and how to stay calm while doing it!
What should you look for?
- If baby is congested or has a common illness
- Baby’s nose seems stuffy or like it’s hard for them to breathe
- Baby is making grunting noises
- Toddler has not yet mastered blowing their own nose
What do you need?
- Nasal saline (Non-medicated)
- Bulb syringe (The best ones are the ones they give you at the hospital.)
- We also love the NozeBot Baby Nasal Aspirator, which is a battery-powered suction device designed to clear nasal congestion in babies and children. (It’s FSA/HSA-eligible and Moms on Call families save $15 with code MOCNOZEBOT!)
- Burp cloth
- Baby wipes
- Have your paci handy
How will I do this?
- Remember, we are using non-medicated nasal saline, so if it gets anywhere else it will NOT hurt Baby!
- You’ve got this! Stay confident!
- Make sure to have a tight grip on Baby so their head does not wiggle from side to side.
- You may want assistance to help hold Baby’s arms. If you are without a helper, use the MOC Swaddle Blanket.
- Baby CAN cry and it WILL be okay! You are doing this to ease their breathing.
- Only suction up to 3-4 times a day. The drops alone can be done up to 6 times a day.
- When doing this with older babies or toddlers, explain the process so they can be calm just like you!
- We are exuberating confidence and “calm face”. Baby will follow our cues!
We hope this clears things up, especially that cute little nose! Check out our video with Jennifer, as she walks you through nasal suctioning the way a pediatric nurse would do it!
For more tips to survive cold and flu season, check out Baby’s First Cold: A Parent’s Survival Guide written by Dr. Steven Goudy, Pediatric ENT.
Like this video? Then you’ll love Moms on Call’s Online Video Courses! Our Online Video Courses use bite-sized, value-packed videos broken down by age and development to cover everything you need to know to feed, sleep, laugh and love birth through toddlerhood. These Online Video Courses are the perfect compliment to Moms on Call’s books, signature swaddle blankets, apps and e-books.
