Bulb syringes are needed to clear mucus, milk, formula, or ear wax. However, their most common use is suctioning mucus out of the nasal cavity to help children breathe properly. Although most of these products are latex-free and free from toxins, parents are often confused about how to choose the right bulb syringe for baby?
Clearing mucus from the nose with a bulb syringe helps the baby breathe better
In this article, let us learn how to choose a bulb syringe for baby that is right for their age and needs.
What is a Bulb Syringe?
A bulb syringe is a medical device used for suctioning the nose to remove the mucus buildup due to nasal congestion. This way, the baby can breathe better as the air passageway is cleared out.
These medical products are easy to use and have easy storage if they are reusable. However, a disposable bulb syringe for baby can be disposed of after a single application.
Electric nasal aspirators can also be used to clear the mucus from the nose. These are battery-operated devices that provide the desired results. Tips of different sizes are also provided with the product to make it suitable for children of all ages.
How to Choose the Right Bulb Syringe for Baby?
While choosing the best bulb syringe for baby, make sure that the product fulfills the following requirements:
Ease of Usage
A bulb syringe should be simple in design and easy to use. It should ensure a stronger grip so that the risk of accidental injuries due to the slippage of the syringe can be minimized. Some bulb syringes come with ridges on their bulb that create friction and provide better control of the product.
Material Safety
A bulb syringe for baby should be safe as well. It should have a soft and narrow tip so that the baby’s nostril does not get hurt with the product. Moreover, as most bulb syringes are made up of plastic, these must be DEHP and BPA-free.
In addition, phthalate-free products should be given preference. As for the rubber-based bulb syringes, being free from latex is essential as its presence is often associated with skin irritation. An easy way to know which product is free from such toxins and allergens is to check if it has been approved by the relevant health and safety authorities.
Unlike plastic bulb syringes, some rubber-based products are also available
Suction Capacity
A bulb syringe for a baby’s nose is a nasal aspirator that works by generating a suction that pulls the mucus out of the nostril thus relieving stuffy nose. To do so, saline nose drops are used. Three to four drops are added in one nostril using a nose dropper. Within the next 60 seconds, the nasal saline solution thins the mucus which then needs to be suctioned using a bulb syringe.
While buying a bulb syringe for baby, make sure that the product has enough suction power to pull this thinned mucus into it. If the product is not good enough, it might be hard for it to remove mucus from your sick baby’s nose.
Easy to Clean
A bulb syringe for baby should also be easy to clean and maintain. Keep in mind that bulb syringes are available in both reusable and disposable options. The latter are to be disposed of after a single use while the prior ones need to be cleaned after every use.
Therefore, a bulb syringe for baby with quick and easy cleaning should be chosen. Look for a medical device that has a simple design and can be washed with warm water. You can also use soapy water or rubbing alcohol for cleaning purposes.
Moreover, it should also be easy to sterilize the bulb syringe by putting it in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes or putting it in the sterilizer. In some bulb syringes, the bulb twists and comes off of the tip. This revolutionary twister design allows the syringe to split into parts that can then be washed or sterilized separately.
Age Appropriateness
While some bulb syringes are suitable for babies of all ages, others are specifically designed to serve children from a certain age group. Look for any special instructions regarding the age that are mentioned on the packaging. This will help you choose the most suitable bulb syringe for baby based on their age group.
Portability
Although a bulb syringe for baby is often a lightweight product that does not require much space in your luggage while traveling, some of these nasal aspirators are electrical and thus require cables or batteries to operate. If you move around a lot with your baby, choose a product that is small enough to fit in your baby bag.
Child’s Comfort
A product may be good in all of the above features but still be uncomfortable for your baby. You will know if they are becoming irritated with the product or developing a swelling or redness after the use of bulb syringe for baby. If such is the case, only use an item that does not cause harm to your baby.
Pediatrician Recommendations
If you are still confused because of the number of choices available in the market, an easy way is to consult your pediatrician. She or he might recommend some of the good-quality products that are suitable for your baby’s age group. This can render decision-making easy for you.
Bulb syringes can also be used for ear wax removal
How to Use a Bulb Syringe?
A bulb syringe is easy to use owing to its simple design. The following steps will serve as a guide in this regard:
- Lay your baby on the back so that their face is towards the ceiling.
- Lift their chin a little bit so that their head becomes tilted.
- Wash your hands before handling the bulb syringe for baby.
- Take previously prepared or store-bought saline drops and pour three to four drops in one nostril.
- Wait for one minute as the saline takes some time to thin the mucus.
- Put your thumb on the bulb of the syringe and let all the air out.
- Gently insert the tip of the bulb syringe in the nostril. Make sure to seal the nostril with the tip.
- Slowly release thumb to create a suctioning effect that will pull the mucus in the bulb.
- Remove the mucus-filled bulb syringe from the nostril.
- Squeeze the bulb in a tissue and remove all the mucus from it.
- Gently place the bulb in the other nostril and repeat the procedure.
- Once you are done, gently wipe the baby’s nose to prevent skin irritation.
Making Saline Nose Drops at Home
Saline nose drops can be easily prepared by dissolving 1/4th leveled teaspoon of table salt (non-iodized sodium chloride) in 8 ounces of lukewarm water previously boiled and cooled at room temperature. Mix well and store it in a covered jar. Use within the next 7 days.
The twister bulb of some bulb syringes can be easily twisted and washed separately from the tip
Bulb Syringes at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Bulb syringes are needed for cleaning the mucus out of the nostrils in a baby suffering from nasal congestion. The medical device works by creating a suctioning effect in the nasal cavity that forces the mucus to get pulled into the bulb of the syringe.
As a bulb syringe for baby is one of the essentials, many brands manufacture these products and market them. Some of these bulb syringes are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
DYND20125 Sterile Bulb Irrigation Syringe
DYND20125 Sterile Bulb Irrigation Syringe
Product Details
DYND20125 Sterile bulb irrigation syringes are employed for many purposes in a healthcare facility as well as at home. These products are manufactured by Medline and are soft and comfortable for the baby as they have flexible tips. These bulb syringes are constructed using medical-grade plastic.
The product ensures that the user has complete control over the expelled volume as well as the suction process. In addition, these DYND20125 sterile bulb irrigation syringes are sterile and come with a Tyvek lid and soft packaging. Their sterility renders them suitable for use in clinical setups.
These DYND20125 sterile bulb irrigation syringes are made up of latex-free material and are thus safe for babies with zero risk of skin irritation. Moreover, the products are also suitable for irrigating the wounds.
143 Disposable Ear/Ulcer Bulb Syringe, Sterile, Green, 3 oz, CS50
143 Disposable Ear/Ulcer Bulb Syringe, Sterile, Green, 3 oz, CS50
US$76.66
Product Details
143 Disposable ear/ulcer bulb syringes are employed for clearing out the mucus from the nasal cavity. Moreover, these can also be used as ear syringes for the removal of wax. 143 Disposable ear/ulcer bulb syringes are manufactured by Busse Hospital Disposables and have a capacity of 3 ounces (oz.). The dimensions of these bulb syringes are 2.35 x 1.42 x 1.11 inches and the products weigh only 1.76 ounces (oz.).
These bulb syringes are sterile products that come in light green color. The presence of a ridged design on the bulb helps the user hold the product firmly and thus a secure grip is ensured. In addition, volume control is also enhanced. In addition, the bottom of the bulb is made flat. This renders the bulb syringe capable of standing on its own so that the tip does not touch any surface and thus remains free from possible contamination.
As for the construction material, each 143 Disposable ear/ulcer bulb syringe for baby is made up of medical-grade polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Moreover, the product is also free from toxic chemicals like DEHP, and BPA, as well as natural rubber latex.
As these syringes are disposable, disposing them of after a single use is recommended and there is no need to wash and store them. The 143 Disposable ear/ulcer bulb syringes also come with a tapered tip that is associated with an increased suction power. This feature enables these products to be used for irrigation as well as aspiration purposes.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Bulb syringes can clear mucus built due to respiratory infections
All the brands of a bulb syringe for baby mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of products for babies.
Conclusion
In the winter season, children become more prone to infections and thus often have issues like nasal congestion. As a result, the babies cannot breathe properly, are sleep-deprived, and thus irritated. Apart from the medications, a device that is used in nationwide children’s hospitals is a bulb syringe for baby.
Bulb syringes are simple medical products used to create a suctioning effect in the nose. This suctioning effect pulls the mucus out of the nostril into the bulb of the syringe. This way, the baby feels more relaxed. A bulb syringe for baby can be used 3 to 4 times per day and must be frequently washed to prevent bacterial or mold buildup.
As a bulb syringe for baby is a useful item, parents and caregivers must grab some of these and store them for future use. For purchasing different kinds of bulb syringes, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
