Suctioning Baby's Nose: Safe While Sleeping? (2025)

It is common for babies to experience a stuffy nose from time to time, and this can make it difficult for them to sleep, eat, and breathe. While it may be tempting to prop up your baby's head with pillows or towels to help them breathe, this is not recommended as it can restrict their airways and make it harder for them to breathe. Instead, there are several safe and effective ways to help clear your baby's congestion and improve their comfort while sleeping. This includes using nasal saline or steam to thin and loosen mucus, followed by gentle suction with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator. It is important to clean the suction device before and after each use and limit suctioning to no more than 3 to 4 times a day to avoid irritating the nose.

Can I suction my baby's nose while sleeping?

Safe sleeping positions for babies with stuffy noses

It is normal for a baby's nose to get congested from time to time. To help them breathe, suck, and eat, you can use nasal saline to thin their mucus and then suction it out with a bulb syringe. However, this should be limited to no more than four times a day to avoid irritating the nose.

When putting your baby down to sleep, it is recommended to always place them on their back on a firm, flat surface. If your baby is able to roll both ways, it is okay if they prefer to sleep on their tummy when they have a stuffy nose. Elevating your baby's head using towels, pillows, or by inclining their mattress is not recommended as it can restrict their airways. Instead of sharing a bed, it is safer to share a room, with your baby in a bassinet, crib, or travel crib.

To help your congested baby sleep, you can use a humidifier in their room, make sure they are hydrated, and keep them upright for longer after they eat. You can also try maintaining your regular bedtime routine and ensuring they are dressed appropriately for the temperature of the room.

If your baby is experiencing extreme symptoms, breathing problems, or a very high fever, call a doctor or emergency number right away.

Using a bulb syringe to suction baby's nose

It is common for a baby's nose to get congested, and using a bulb syringe to suction their nose can help them breathe, suck, and eat more easily. This process can be done before feeding or bedtime, but it is important to avoid suctioning after feeding, as this may cause your baby to vomit.

To use a bulb syringe, first, help your baby lie down with their chin tilted up slightly. Then, place two to four drops of saline in each nostril with an eyedropper or nasal spray. The saline will help to thin and loosen the mucus. Wait for about ten seconds, and if your baby's nose is still congested, you can proceed with the suctioning.

Squeeze the air out of the bulb of the syringe, creating a vacuum. Gently insert the tip of the squeezed bulb into one nostril. Slowly release the bulb to suction out the mucus. Remove the syringe and squeeze the bulb to expel the mucus into a tissue. Wipe the syringe with a tissue and repeat the process for the other nostril. Remember to clean the syringe after each use with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

Limit suctioning to no more than four times a day to avoid irritating your baby's nose.

Nasal aspirators vs bulb syringes

It is normal for a baby's nose to get congested from time to time. When this happens, it can be challenging for them to sleep, nurse, or take a bottle. To address this issue, parents often turn to nasal aspirators or bulb syringes, which are designed to quickly and effectively remove mucus from their baby's nose, making it easier for them to breathe.

Nasal aspirators and bulb syringes are tools used to suction mucus from a baby's nose, helping to provide relief from congestion. Both options are safe and effective, but they differ in terms of design, ease of use, and cost. Bulb syringes are typically made of rubber and are squeezed to remove air before being gently inserted into the baby's nostril. By releasing the bulb, the mucus is then suctioned out. Nasal aspirators, on the other hand, may be electric or battery-operated and often feature different tip sizes and adjustable suction levels. Some parents find nasal aspirators easier to use and more effective in removing mucus, but they tend to be more expensive than bulb syringes.

When using a bulb syringe, it is important to follow proper cleaning techniques. This involves washing the syringe with warm, soapy water after each use. Squeeze soapy water into the bulb, shake it, and then squeeze the water out. This process should be repeated multiple times to ensure thorough cleaning. Additionally, it is recommended to rinse the bulb syringe with clear water several times to remove any remaining soap residue.

Nasal aspirators, such as the BoogiBulb, offer an advantage in terms of cleaning as they can be taken apart for a deeper clean. This addresses a common concern with traditional bulb syringes, which can be challenging to clean thoroughly. Nasal aspirators are also available with different features, such as interchangeable tip sizes that can accommodate growing babies.

It is important to note that suctioning should be limited to no more than four times a day to avoid irritating the nose. Additionally, saline nose drops can be used to thin the mucus before suctioning, making it easier to remove. These drops can be purchased over the counter or made at home by mixing warm water and salt. However, it is important not to use saline drops for more than four consecutive days, as they can dry out the inside of the nose over time.

How to clean the bulb syringe

It is normal for a baby's nose to get congested from time to time. To help them breathe, suck, and eat better, you can use a bulb syringe to suction their nose. However, it is important to clean the bulb syringe properly after each use to prevent any bacterial growth or infection. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean the bulb syringe:

• Wash the bulb syringe with warm, soapy water: Fill a basin with warm water and add a mild, unscented soap or baby shampoo. Submerge the bulb syringe and squeeze and release the bulb several times to ensure the soapy water reaches all parts of the syringe.
• Squeeze and release the bulb: With the syringe still in the soapy water, squeeze and release the bulb several times. This action helps to clean the inside of the bulb and remove any remaining mucus.
• Rinse the bulb syringe: After squeezing and releasing the bulb in the soapy water, squeeze the bulb again to release the soapy water. Rinse the syringe under running warm water, squeezing and releasing the bulb to ensure the water reaches all parts. Repeat this rinsing step several times to ensure all soap residue is removed.
• Dry the bulb syringe: After rinsing, gently shake the syringe to remove excess water, and then place it on a clean, dry cloth to air dry. Ensure the syringe is completely dry before storing it away.
• Frequency of cleaning: It is important to clean the bulb syringe after each use. If you use the syringe multiple times a day, ensure you clean it thoroughly after each use to prevent the build-up of mucus and bacteria.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean the bulb syringe used for suctioning your baby's nose, ensuring a safe and hygienic experience for your little one.

Other ways to relieve congestion

It is not advisable to prop up your baby on towels, pillows, or a mattress incline to help them breathe when they are congested. This can cause a bend in the airway, making it harder for the baby to breathe. Here are some safer ways to relieve your baby's congestion:

Use Nasal Saline or Saline Drops

You can use nasal saline to thin your baby's mucus before suctioning it out with a bulb syringe. Alternatively, you can use saline drops or a saline spray to loosen the mucus. You can buy saline drops over the counter at a pharmacy or grocery store, or you can make your own solution at home by mixing warm water and salt. Put 3–4 drops into each nostril, and hold the baby with their head back for about a minute to let the saline work.

Use a Vaporizer or Humidifier

Using a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in your baby's room can help moisten their nasal passages and provide relief from congestion. Make sure to keep it out of your baby's reach and change the water and clean the machine according to the instructions to avoid mold and bacteria growth.

Take Your Baby into the Shower

Taking your baby into the shower can help moisten their nasal passages and provide relief from congestion.

Teach Your Baby to Blow Their Nose

If your baby is old enough, you can teach them to blow their nose. Exhale through your nose with a tissue by your nostrils so your baby can see the air moving the tissue. Encourage them to blow into a tissue the same way.

Frequently asked questions