Proper process management
After analyzing all the methods that help clear a child’s nose, only one question remains. How to properly suck out snot from a baby? How can an inexperienced mother carry out this procedure correctly?
So, there is nothing complicated about it. Just remember a few simple rules:
- To clean her nose, mom will need some kind of turunda. It, of course, can be made from an ordinary piece of cotton wool. However, then the turunda will turn out to be loose and it will be impossible to clear the nose of secretions. For these purposes, a regular cotton pad divided into two parts is better suited.
- In order not to damage the child’s nostril, it is better to dip the turunda in some kind of oil. Then the cotton wool will easily go deep and remove the most inaccessible secretions.
- It is strictly forbidden for parents, especially inexperienced mothers, to use cotton swabs. At first glance, they will clean the nose much better than ordinary cotton wool, but if the insertion depth is not observed, you can easily damage the child’s mucous membrane.
- Special children's cotton swabs with a limiter will also be useless. The fact is that the limiter on them is set too high. Mom will only be able to reach the lowest parts of the nose.
- Doctors also strongly recommend rinsing the child’s nose before sucking out the secretions. This method will soften the existing crusts and remove snot as much as possible.
How to suck snot out of a baby
There is no need to suction snot unless necessary. It is recommended to do this when the infant’s breathing is difficult and he needs relief. Usually, during the procedure, children resist, break free, and begin to cry, which further leads to swelling of the mucous membrane and the formation of discharge.
Preparation
Before removing snot from a newborn baby, you need to soften the discharge:
- Instill saline or saline solution. In the first case, 1-2 drops in each nostril are enough. It is recommended to use a larger amount of saline solution, at least half a pipette. In this case, it is important to tilt the baby’s head so that the nostril into which the drops are placed is at the top. This technique will prevent the development of otitis, because in babies, especially newborns, everything is located nearby. For the same reason, sprays cannot be used; they are contraindicated for children under three years of age. The nasal passages are quite short, which is why children get sick more often than adults;
- Wait 5-10 minutes for the solution to take effect and begin the procedure.
Saline solutions will not only help soften the discharge, but will also partially relieve inflammation, making breathing easier. When excess mucus has been removed, you can only rinse your nose. The saline solution will make the remaining snot liquid, and it will flow down the back of the baby's throat. A similar procedure can be done at least every half hour. It is recommended to remove secretions with an aspirator no more than 2-3 times a day.
Basic Rules
Before you blow your baby's snot, you need to try to calm him down. Otherwise, he will break free, and there is a risk of injury. If the baby continues to resist, then you need to hold his head tighter so as not to scratch the mucous membrane with the tip or hit him with it. After each mucus pumping, any device must be thoroughly washed with running water.
Using the handset
A mechanical aspirator is the most affordable and fairly convenient way to get rid of a runny nose. There is one drawback - you usually need to change filters, which quickly become unusable. Some people have learned to use cotton balls instead; they also prevent mucus from penetrating the tube.
How to suck out a child's snot with a tube:
- The baby should be placed or positioned upright if possible. This is a natural position when snot flows out of the nose on its own;
- The mouthpiece must be in the mouth of the person who will perform the procedure;
- Insert the tube into one nostril, lightly pinch the other, and draw in air. You don’t need to do this with all your might, otherwise there is a chance that the blood vessels will burst and reddish clots will appear. You need to inhale sharply, slightly pulling the tube towards you, this will reduce the pressure and discomfort of the baby;
- After the first nostril, replace the filter, rinse the tip and repeat the procedure.
- Nasal aspirators for newborns (nozzle ejectors)
Using the handset
Application of aspirator
It is advisable to suck out snot from a calm child, preparing him for the procedure. For parents, it will not seem difficult, the main thing is to remember a few rules.
How to pump out snot from a baby using an aspirator:
- The tip must be in a level position. There is no need to insert it deep into the nostril;
- Turn on the appliance or vacuum cleaner;
- Be sure to ensure that the nozzle does not stick to the wall of the nasal passage to avoid injury to the mucous membrane;
- Pinch the second nostril with your finger;
- Afterwards, wash the device thoroughly, preparing it for next use.
Note! If the baby is afraid and cries, you should postpone the procedure. You need to maintain a positive attitude and be confident in the correctness of your own actions. The child reads the emotions of the family and begins to worry if the parents hesitate and stall for time.
How to pump out snot with a pear
A rubber bulb is the easiest way to pump out snot. But it will not remove thick discharge; it must be used several times in a row to achieve results and alleviate the baby’s condition. The main thing when using it is not to place the tip deep into the nostril.
How to get snot out of a newborn:
- The pear is squeezed in the hand so that the air comes out of it;
- The tip is inserted into the child's nostril;
- The hand is removed. Mucus is sucked into the syringe along with air.
How to distinguish pathological discharge
The nasal cavity of all healthy people is covered with a layer of mucus. This prevents bacteria from entering the body. Mucus protects the respiratory system and purifies the air that a person inhales. It has a characteristic shade: slightly whitish color.
Since infants are often in a horizontal position, the baby's mucus can block the passages in the nasopharynx and form crusts, which cause trouble. This problem can be easily solved: you need to hold the child in your arms more often.
However, young children often have abnormal discharge. They can be caused by various factors: allergies, inflammatory processes. Such discharge has a greenish or yellowish tint and a liquid consistency. In severe cases, they flow profusely from the nose. This is a bad sign. The baby needs treatment, and the mucus needs to be sucked out. Pathological discharge must be dealt with immediately.
Otherwise, the baby may experience:
- crying, whims, screams and irritability;
- difficult breathing, frequent and deep sighs. This is facilitated by a clogged nasopharynx;
- acute respiratory diseases that lead to chronic sinusitis, otitis. Often people then suffer with them all their lives;
- the baby sleeps poorly and refuses to eat;
- There is discharge from the nose.
Such phenomena cannot be ignored; the snot must be removed as soon as possible. Fortunately, you can use an aspirator to suck out the discharge very quickly. Usually the child resists at first because he is not yet accustomed to such procedures. But with regular use of the device, the baby will behave calmer.
Such products have many advantages: they quickly remove all mucus and secretions from the nasopharynx. At the same time, they are harmless and painless. They are hygienic if washed after each use. Using an aspirator, you can not only get rid of snot, but also clean the entire nasal passage.
What the aspirator removes from the nose cannot get back. This is another advantage of such a device. Electric nozzle ejectors simplify the procedure as much as possible: just press a button and the product will start working. Replaceable filters provide additional safety. Even mom can't get infected.
Causes and treatment of runny nose in children
In medicine, there are several causes of runny nose in newborns. It can occur due to infection or various allergens entering the baby’s body. Snot can also appear due to the baby's teething, although doctors do not officially confirm this theory.
If parents complain to the doctor about snot in their baby, then first of all he can advise them on drug treatment, however, experienced mothers strongly recommend sucking out the snot so as not to harm the child’s weak immunity.
Ways to suck snot out of a baby
During a runny nose, you need to restore nasal breathing, relieving the child of snot. Babies do not know how to blow their nose, this becomes the task of parents. There are several ways to suck out the snot of a baby; everyone chooses the most convenient option.
- Snot suckers for children: top 11 best, how to properly use and care for the device
Electronic aspirator
Saline solution for rinsing a child's nose
The electronic aspirator automatically clears the baby's nose. It is very easy and safe to use, the main thing is to set up the baby. You just need to insert the silicone nozzle into the nostril and turn on the device. The mucus enters a transparent container, so the progress of the procedure is immediately visible.
Note! The device easily removes liquid snot, but it may not be able to reach thick secretions that are located far away.
Electronic aspirator
Vacuum aspirator
The vacuum aspirator is considered the most effective. It is an attachment for a vacuum cleaner. It is thanks to its traction that the baby’s snot is easy to pump out. Even thick secretions from all parts of the nasal cavity enter the device’s reservoir. A vacuum aspirator solves the problem of congestion in a few seconds, allowing the baby to breathe again.
Rubber bulb
A bulb or manual aspirator is not a very convenient tool. It will allow you to suck out the baby’s snot, which is nearby, and will only get rid of superficial mucus. Because it is opaque, it is not clear whether the process has a result. In any case, you will need to carry out the procedure several times.
Syringe
When suctioning with a syringe, you need to place the tip in the nostril, making sure to remove the needle, and pull towards yourself, collecting mucus. This way you can remove liquid secretions that are nearby. In addition, you need to be careful not to damage the baby’s mucous membranes, because the tip of the syringes is hard and can cause injury if moved suddenly.
Types of runny nose in infants
For rocking a baby
Treatment for a runny nose depends on its type. In some cases, you only need to help by providing comfortable humidity and temperature. It is imperative to get rid of mucus, the child’s nose must breathe.
Liquid, copious discharge
Liquid, clear nasal discharge often appears immediately after the baby is born. This is a physiological runny nose, which is considered a reaction to new conditions. The baby adapts to changes, getting used to the world around him. There is no need to treat such a runny nose; it will go away on its own. This usually happens within a month, for some children faster, for others longer.
If heavy discharge appears after nasal congestion, this is the second stage of the disease. Most likely, a runny nose is a manifestation of a viral infection. It is necessary to maintain comfortable conditions and give the baby plenty of water to prevent the discharge from becoming thick and sticky.
Usually, to stop such a runny nose, it is enough:
- Do a wet cleaning of the house, remove soft toys and carpets that accumulate dust;
- Turn on the humidifier, if this is not possible, place dishes in the room or hang wet sheets;
- Ventilate frequently to prevent air from stagnating. This is especially true in the warm season. In winter, the air is already quite dry, so it will not bring significant relief.
Thick discharge
Thick mucus is a sign of a bacterial infection. Another factor indicating the spread of pathogens is a change in the color of the discharge. They become greenish or yellow-green. As a result, the child develops sinusitis or rhinitis.
Crusts
In the absence of nasal hygiene and dry indoor air, crusts form. They also appear when the baby’s temperature rises. They need to be suctioned to make breathing easier. For small children, cotton tubes are used. They are made specifically for babies and do not penetrate deep into the nasal passage so as not to damage the mucous membrane.