Every year when September rolls around seasons begin to change, days become shorter, and nights become cooler. The hot humid warmth of summer gives way to a cool rainy season that can bring with it plenty of sickness and sniffles. As moms everywhere know, these sniffles and coughs are not reserved for just big people, but also affect the newborns, infants and toddlers in our lives. This is also the time of year when flu season begins to kick into high gear. Typically flu strikes our little ones because their immune system is still feeble and not equipped to fight the virus. While we can’t bend the weather and change the seasons, we are able to protect our babies from flu.

Exactly what does “FLU” mean? Flu as defined in the dictionary, is a shorter version of the word “influenza” which specifically references the influenza virus. It is an infectious disease which is commonly spread through the air from coughs or sneezes. Flu can be passed on to others around us if they touch a surface infected by the virus and then touch their eyes or mouth.

When it comes to our infants, we get easily rattled trying to figure out how to cure the pain they feel inside and outside. Listed below are the common symptoms that are associated with the flu in infants and toddlers (courtesy of http://www.babycenter.com/0_flu-in-babies_10877.bc). Keep in mind that from zero to six months, infants are especially susceptible to viruses.

SYMPTOMS

Your infant has a high fever.
What it looks like – Temperatures that define high fevers are typically associated with the following ranges. For three months or younger, they have 38ºC (100.4F) or higher. For 3 to 6 months, they have 38.39ºC (101.1F) or higher. And for toddlers older than 6 months, they have 39.44ºC (102.9F) or higher.

Your baby is experiencing a dry cough, sore throat and runny or congested nose.
What it looks like – When your tots have coughs that last longer than one week and if the infant stuffy nose lasts longer than ten to fourteen days, you should make an appointment and have the baby seen by their general practice doctor.

Vomiting and Nausea
What it looks like – If your little one continues to vomit for a period of time greater than 24 hours or if they repeatedly throw-up everything that they eat they may have the flu. There may also be instances where your baby vomits with blood then their lips or nails turn blue.

Extreme Tiredness
What it looks like – Your baby does not have its typical energy levels, they are very cranky, they may be lethargic and having trouble breathing. They may also experience muscle or body aches that contribute to their irritability and unhappiness.

Diarrhea
What it looks like – Your baby might have flu if diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours or there’s a red body fluid in it and your tot indicates signs of dehydration wherein sunken eyes and decreased urination is evident.

The flu in and of itself can be very worrisome for parents and with good reason. Left unchecked and untreated there is the possibility that the virus can become increasingly difficult to treat and may even turn into pneumonia—that being one of the worst-case scenarios that might occur.

What To Do If Your Newborn Infant Has The Flu

FLU VACCINATION
A flu shot during pregnancy can help to safeguard your little baby before they are able to receive their own vaccine at six months of age. Take note that the flu vaccine is not recommended for newborn infants. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), babies as young as 6 months old all the way up to 18 years old can take the flu vaccine and it is recommended to have it annually. Flu shots are recommended for patients every year because the flu virus can evolve and mutate into a new virus that can be marginally dissimilar from the one you were vaccinated against – when that happens, you are not protected from the new flu strain. It should be noted that nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women but it is allowed for healthy people aged 2 through 49. The CDC recommends pregnant women get the vaccine in injection form.

Does the vaccine have possible side effects? Yes it does. The vaccine can cause unwanted side effects such as soreness or redness, headache, fever, muscle aches, fatigue and swelling from the shot. Side effects typically occur after the shot and will last for one to two days. Please note – if your baby has an allergic reaction to the vaccine you should a call a doctor immediately.

PERSONAL HYGIENE
Many folks think personal hygiene is a rudimentary life skill, but lots of people still fail to do it. Keeping yourself and your baby in good health and clean decreases the chance of contracting the flu. Simply washing the hands of your baby with soap and warm water makes a big difference and can help keep the influenza from spreading. It sounds corny but singing two rounds of “Happy Birthday” is a good way to get your hands sudsy and scour away the germs. When you cough and sneeze, cover your mouth with tissue in your hands then throw it away as soon as possible or cough into the inner part of your elbow joint to keep the germs from going everywhere. After coughing and sneezing, never touch your eyes, nose and mouth. You should also be very careful to not touch your infant with potentially contaminated hands. Wash your hands and put some alcohol based sanitation gel on them to sterilize them. Additionally, if there are others in the home that are sick, it is a good idea to ask them to steer clear of the baby while they are coughing and sneezing.

Diet and Rest
Aside from hygiene and vaccinations, eating healthy food is a fundamental habit to boost the immune system of your baby. Our diet is where we obtain vitamins that our bodies require to stay healthy and fight off illness. Ensuring your baby is getting adequate sleep will also help their bodies fend off any infection or virus. Toddlers need approximately 13 hours of sleep nightly.

In the event your little one ends up coming down with the flu (even after you have been diligent with precautionary measures) here are some remedies to help treat the flu in your newborn infant or child.

PROPER HYDRATION
Small amounts of warm water, apple juice, and pedialite are some of the best ways to soothe the throats of your tots for 3 months and older to keep them hydrated (popsicles can work well also). For those babies who are accustomed to solid foods, broth is a good way to get fluids in to them – especially if it is homemade. Obviously, if you are a nursing mother that is the best way to keep baby hydrated and nourished. An added bonus for nursing moms is that antibodies from the mom are passed to baby through the breast milk.

RECOVERING STRENGTH
Rest will bring healing to your infant and getting that rest is absolutely essential when your babies have the flu. Provide a serene place so that your child can experience a peaceful rest and sleep. Use a towel or pillows to elevate your little angel’s head so they can breathe easily (assuming the child is old enough to sleep with a pillow).

MEDICATION
Over the counter pain relievers and cold medicines can help ease your baby’s suffering during their flu exposure. My experience has been that infants benefit the most from Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen when they are wrestling with flu like symptoms. Acetaminophen works very well to suppress fevers and the ibuprofen helps to ease aches and pains. Be sure to read the packages for these over the counter drugs to get accurate dosing guidelines. How much medicine your baby can have and how frequently they can have is typically determined by age and weight. Medicine boxes include a dosing chart that provides dosage guidelines. I have also found over the counter decongestants to work very well to relieve the congestion brought on by the flu in toddlers and older kids (decongestants are not typically recommended for a newborn or infants blocked nose. While infant are not able to take medicine to help with the congestion, you can use a medical grade baby nasal aspirator to get the mucus out of their head. If your child is diagnosed with an actual strain of the flu, your doctor may be able to prescribe a medicine like Tamiflu to shorten the life of the virus.

Fortunately the flu is survivable and treatable in this day and age. There are plenty of homeopathic remedies and if those fail a visit to the doctor’s office can help get the babies health back on track. The most important thing to keep in mind when dealing with your babies flu is to remain vigilant, watch the health of your baby, and don’t hesitate to get the little one into the doctor or urgent care if it looks like the effects of the virus are worsening instead of getting better.

The post Newborn Infant Has A Stuffy Nose? 5 Common Flu Symptoms & How To Treat Them appeared first on BoogieBulb®.

Hospital Grade Baby Nasal Aspirators also known as “Bulb Syringes” are common devices used by doctors, nurses and parents to clear a newborn’s airway for easier breathing. If you are a new parent, it may seem a little scary or risky using a hospital grade baby nasal aspirator for the first time. So, no need to be alarmed because if used properly they are pretty safe.

Proper Use

The tissue lining in your infant’s nose is delicate, so it is essential that you use the baby nasal aspirator or bulb syringe properly to avoid discomfort for your little one. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using saline drops in conjunction with the baby nasal aspirator or bulb syringe to loosen the mucus first before you suction it out. Before inserting the baby nasal aspirator or bulb syringe into your infants nose, you will need to compress the bulb from the bottom (see picture B) before you insert the tip into your infants nose. Doing it this will way will prevent you from blasting air into the nostril passageway which causes sneezing or gagging, plus if gives you the best results for suction. I’ve seen too many individuals squeeze the baby nasal aspirator or bulb syringe from the sides and this is improper technique and won’t remove nearly as much mucus doing it this way.

Over-suction is a No-No
Dealing with a congested infant can be a little stressful especially knowing that your infant is helpless and depends on your for their care and comfort. As a parent, it’s our job to make sure our infants are comfortable while they are getting better, but at the same time we need to make sure that we aren’t using excessive suctioning. You may want to limit suctioning to no more than three times a day. This should do the job because hospital grade baby nasal aspirators have great suction. Plus, excessive suctioning can make the nostrils sore and dry and cause swelling in the mucus membranes. So there is no need to overdo it.

Controversy over proper cleaning of bulb syringe
Cleaning the hospital grade baby nasal aspirator or bulb syringe has been a hot topic. The main reason being is that these medical grade nose suckers are really not cleanable. You can submerge them under water to clean it out but it will eventually get mold build up and start to smell because the baby nasal aspirator or bulb syringe can’t properly air dry, thus creating the need to replace your baby nasal aspirator or bulb syringe often.

Best Baby Nasal Aspirator or Bulb Syringe to Buy
There is some good news for those individuals who prefer using the bulb syringe for removing mucus. There is a new hospital grade baby nasal aspirator on the market that is now completely cleanable. It’s called the BoogieBulb®. The BoogieBulb® is the same bulb syringe used by hospitals across the U.S. that easily comes apart for proper cleaning and disinfection. In the Journal of Infection and Immunity, a study showed that bacteria can live on surfaces for weeks or even months. BoogieBulb® offers a cleaning/ disinfecting solution kit that will kill all of the major viruses in 30 seconds and is completely safe to use.

Closing Comments
Baby nasal aspirators or bulb syringes are safe to use and have been around for decades. You have to choose what works best for your child. Most parents prefer the hospital grade baby nasal aspirators or bulb syringes over other nose suctioning devices because they can trust it will get the job done effectively and easily. Whatever method you choose, always educate yourself for proper usage to ensure the best results.

The post Baby Nasal Aspirators – Are They Safe for Newborns? appeared first on BoogieBulb®.

Everything is subject to option, but as a mother who has tried numerous baby nasal aspirators on the market and has dealt with a child who suffered rhinitis as a baby, nothing compares to the hospital grade nasal aspirator. Why do I feel they are the best choice for babies? Because they get the job done!  Let’s go over some of the pro’s as to why this nasal aspirator for babies is the best choice.

Hospital Grade Nasal Aspirators are known for their suction power.  This is probably one of the biggest pro’s to using this nasal aspirator on your baby. Hospitals initially used these bulb syringes during surgeries when they would drain fluids from a patient which explains why the suction on these nasal aspirators are superior to other nasal aspirator products on the market. As you know, when you are dealing with a sick infant, the mucus can be runny or start to “thicken”. The thicker the mucus gets, the harder it is to get out and most of the products on the market simply cannot do the job of removing the mucus. The good news is the hospital grade nasal aspirator can get the job done!

Hospital Grade Nasal Aspirators are easy to use. The hospital grade nasal aspirator is not complicated to use at all. As a matter of fact, it’s very simple. You basically hold the tip up to your baby’s nose and then compress the hospital grade nasal aspirator with your thumb on the “bottom” of the bulb. Never squeeze a nasal aspirator from the sides, you will be the best suction from compressing at the bottom. Once you release your thumb, the mucus is easily extracted.

Hospital Grade Nasal Aspirators are available in different sizes. This is a plus because all babies vary in size. Some babies are very petite and some are larger. So knowing that there is an hospital grade nasal aspirator that accommodates the needs of your child is reassuring.

Hospital Grade Nasal Aspirators are easy to clean.  Until recently, there was no way to clean and disinfect the hospital nasal aspirator which was very inconvenient. I continued to buy them anyway and would frequently replace my old bulb because nothing else worked as well as these. Now the hospital grade nasal aspirator is cleanable and can be reused again and again! If you want the hospital nasal aspirator that you can clean, you can purchase one at www.babynasalaspirator.com. It’s called the BoogieBulb® and works great!

The post Hospital Grade Nasal Aspirators – Why They Are Best For Babies. appeared first on BoogieBulb®.

Reason #1: A cleanable baby nasal aspirator reduces the risks of bacterial infections.You cannot clean classic hospital baby nasal aspirators properly. A cleanable baby nasal aspirator allows you to properly clean the bulb syringe reducing the risk the bacteria collecting inside the bulb that can contribute to ongoing illnesses and make a child prone to infections.

Reason #2: A cleanable baby nasal aspirator eliminates mold build up. A classic hospital baby nasal aspirator has to be replaced often because of the mold issue and it was never meant to be used over and over again. If you have ever seen a classic bulb syringe cut open full of mold, trust me, it’s not a pretty site. A cleanable baby nasal aspirator allows you to open up the bulb syringe clean it out and air dry, thus eliminating mold build up.

Reason #3: A cleanable baby nasal aspirator allows you to see the mucus. As a mother, we want to make sure our children are able to breathe when they are sick. A cleanable baby nasal aspirator will let you see exactly what you are extracting out of your infants nose.

Reason #4: A cleanable baby nasal aspirator allows for easy and proper cleaning. This will contribute to the health and safety of your child. A baby nasal aspirator that you can open up and clean will do just that.

Reason #5: A cleanable baby nasal aspirator saves you money. A cleanable baby nasal aspirator will save you dollars. No more throwing away countless bulbs. You can reuse it again and again!

So you’re probably asking, “Where do I get my hands on a cleanable baby nasal aspirator with superior suction?” Well, I’ve got great news for you. It’s the cleanable and reusable hospital baby nasal aspirator called the BoogieBulb®. This is the same bulb syringe the hospital’s use but now you can open it up and clean it.

The BoogieBulb® Cleanable Baby Nasal Aspirator is completely cleanable and is the only cleanable medical nasal aspirator on the market. Just pull the aspirator apart in the center! With great suction quality and available in three sizes, it can be used on a regular basis. Easy to squeeze!

The BoogieBulb® Cleanable nasal aspirator is BPA Free and Latex Free.

You can purchase one at www.babynasalaspirator.com.

The post 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Cleanable Baby Nasal Aspirator appeared first on BoogieBulb®.

Dads come in all roles, work-from-home Dads, stay-at-home Dads, single Dads, or Dads who just want to be more involved with their babies’ health and everyday care. So why not make things easier for them?

Plus, it can be more frustrating for a new Dad who is learning how to take care of a newborn baby in the house. So Dads are telling other Dads about the BoogieBulb® and are saying that the BoogieBulb® is more effective and easier to use than the bulb the hospital provides.

One Dad’s Review

Here’s one Dad’s review of the BoogieBulb® Nasal Aspirator:

Sucking out boogers from Bethany’s nose is not my favorite thing to do, she cries all the time and it’s very frustrating.

I would always use the little blue nasal aspirator that the hospital give us when she was born, but I didn’t think it worked so I went online and I found babynasalaspirator.com and I checked out their info and it kind-of made sense that not all of them are the same, so I thought why not, let’s buy it. I got it a few days later and I got to tell you, it is really easy to use and it just clears her right up without any fuss.

You can also see it here.

And another thing, unlike the hospital bulb, BoogieBulb® also comes in the first true Cleanable and reusable baby nasal aspirator.

Nothing freaks out a new Dad than a hard to clean booger bulb, this just makes Dad’s job even easier.

Dads like easy!

Beware of Knock Offs

There are many knock off aspirators that claim that they can be cleaned but not in the simplistic way as the BoogieBulb®. These imitator aspirators only come apart at the top or come with a cheap brush that only allows you to clean the tip.

The BoogieBulb® Cleanable comes apart at the center of the bulb allowing you to completely clean the entire area of the bulb, eliminating the risk of mold buildup.

What about those other nasal aspirators out there? Well, there’s the NoseFrida, but who wants to suck out boogies with their mouth. No parent, Dad or Mom wants to suck their baby’s snot out of a tube…gross! Sorry Nosefrida!

So like Greg Lake and baby Bethany (if she could talk) says, “why not, let’s buy it.” And see what all the good fuss is about. Give it a try and you’ll see what all the other parents are saying about the BoogieBulb®, Dads included!

This post was dedicated to all the Dads, you are an important part of your children’s life…Happy Father’s Day!

The post How To Relieve Baby’s Stuffy Nose For Dad’s! | Happy Father’s Day From BoogieBulb… appeared first on BoogieBulb®.

It’s a latex free product with a slim tip for easy extraction, but best of all it will suck the snot right out for you, the store ones just don’t do it like the BoogieBulb.

That’s because our nasal aspirator products have strong suction which are guaranteed to extract the mucus.

The Boogie Bulb.

As parents, we can feel helpless and frustrated when having to take care of a congested baby. There’s nothing worse that seeing your little ones suffer from nasal congestion.

And buying the right one can be equally frustrating.

Meet Dr. Boogle and find out which size nasal aspirator best meets your needs.

Our BoogieBulb Classic nasal aspirators are BPA Free and Latex Free. These nasal aspirator have great suction quality and can be used on a regular basis. They are also easy to squeeze!

First, we have the Classic BoogieBulb 1 oz. bulb, we call the Wee, it’s about 4.5 inches in length and works best for those little boogers like preemie babies and smaller newborns. As well as the perfect size for your travel/diaper bag and for the parent who is always “on the go”.

Then, we have the Classic BoogieBulb 2 oz. bulb and our most popular seller. It’s about 5.5 inches in length and works best on those average snots, its ideal for newborns up to 18 months of age.

Then, lastly we have the Classic BoogieBulb 3 oz. bulb, we call the Mega and is about 6 inches long. This is our largest bulb and works best on those mucus monsters.

In other worlds it works best for older infants and toddlers. This one is also recommended if your child is severely congested for maximum suction and the most mucus extraction.

These baby nasal aspirators are disposable and are not recommended for long term use and you should replace your Boogie Bulb Classic often.

We also carry the BoogieBulb Cleanable in the 1 oz., 2 oz., and 3 oz. just like the Classic, this aspirator is completely cleanable and is the only cleanable medical nasal aspirator on the market.

All you have to do is pull the aspirator apart in the center! BoogieBulb now offers a cleaning kit for your baby nasal aspirators so that you can disinfect you product at home.

We have also partnered with PureGreen24™ to bring you the safest disinfecting solution on the market for your baby products.

The BoogieBulb Eco-Friendly is our newest “Earth Friendly/Green product line”. Earth friendly quality with a narrower tip, which makes it easier to squeeze. It is made with biodegradable materials and can be used for a longer duration of time.

I love the BoogieBulb® and I’m so glad I can purchase them online! There is no comparison, BoogieBulb® is the best aspirator on the market and work! Thank you!
-Trisha, TN

Whichever BoogieBulb you decide is best for your little one, be assured that we stand behind the quality of our products and we can assure you that you will not find a better nasal aspirator to do the job so you could buy with confidence.

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