How to Use a Bulb Syringe

To make and administer the drops, you'll need:

• an eight-ounce cup of warm water
• small blanket roll
• kitchen measuring spoon
• nose droppers
• salt
• tissues
• clean jar with cover
• bulb syringe

Once you've assembled your supplies, it's easy to make the drops:

• Add 1/4 level teaspoon of salt to the 8-ounce cup of warm water.
• Stir to dissolve the salt.
• Keep the solution in a clean, covered jar.
• Discard the solution after a week.

Administering Nose Drops

1. Roll up a small blanket or towel and place under your baby's shoulders. (Note: Some children should not be placed in this position. Check with your child's doctor before placing your child in this position.)
   
   
2. Using a nose dropper, drop saline solution into each nostril. Use one to two drops of saline solution unless otherwise directed by your child's doctor.
   
   
3. Hold your baby in the position described above for about two minutes. This will give the saline enough time to thin the secretions. Suction your child's nose after two minutes of waiting. Suction your baby's nose before feeding. If you suction after your baby has been fed, the saline and suctioning may cause vomiting.