Bulb Syringe

krissybegs

Robbie is really congested and we are using the bulb syringe to get the snot out of his nose.  As you can guess, he hates it and screams when we do it.  We have also tried saline drops to help but he then gags when he tries to swallow the snot.  Do any of you have better ideas on how to make this easier?  Any tips would be great.  TIA!

howleyshell

Sorry but honestly the bulb sucker's your best bet.

Be sure to let the saline sit for about 2 minutes so it really loosens things up prior to sucking. 

Try doing the saline while he's upright (sitting up being held).  He might not gag as bad.

As for the bulb sucker....  easier with 2 people.  DH holds the head and pins down the arms.  I go for it and try to move as quickly as possible.

Even though he's freaking out I try to remind myself that a good suctioning means he's going to sleep better, get better faster, and be happier in the long run. 

It's tough to knowingly torture your child but it's over fast and it really does help them in the long run.

 

Mrs.Reem

The best $20 I've spent was the bebesounds battery operated nasal aspirator. THeyr'e found at Target, Walmart, BRU and they're much faster and more powerful to get more boogies out of there with less hysteria. The key like Shell said, is to loosen then with that awful saline and then suck what you can out. Getting rid of the boogies will go a long way toward getting them better faster.

LilSurferGirl

I second Mrs. Reem and the battery powered nasal aspirator.  My DS' used to scream bloody murder with the bulb syringe - with the battery one they listen to the music and actually lay there and let me suck the boogies out. I've even seen them at my local Rite-Aid so if you can find one, it's worth every penny when they're stuffed up.