Baby Nasal Aspirators – Are They Safe for Newborns?
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.
