Kids' Health Cold & Flu How to Correctly Put Saline Drops in an Infant's Nose By Kristina Duda, RN Kristina Duda, RN Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 02, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO Facebook Jonathan Jassey, DO, is a board-certified private pediatrician at Bellmore Merrick Medical in Bellmore, New York. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print The common cold and other respiratory infections can cause congestion or "stuffy nose." Saline drops and sprays and sinus rinses can help relieve congestion. These remedies help clear mucus from the nasal passages and sinuses. This can make breathing easier. Verywell / Jessica Olah Saline drops do not contain medication. This is why they are often recommended for people of all ages. Pediatricians may recommend saline drops for infants when they are congested. It can, however, be challenging to put drops in a baby's nose. This article offers step by step instructions and other tips for treating your baby's congestion with saline nose drops. Steps to Apply Nasal Saline Drops First, make sure you have the right tools. You will need sterile saline nose drops and a clean bulb syringe. These can be purchased at any pharmacy or grocery store. Hold your baby in your lap. The baby should be in an upright or slightly reclined position. Rest the back of the baby's head on your arm.Put 2 or 3 saline drops in one nostril.Wait a few seconds. This will allow the saline to go into the nose.Point the bulb syringe away from your baby. Squeeze the bulb end to expel the air.Keep the bulb squeezed and place the small tip in the nostril you put the drops in.Gently release the bulb. This will create suction that removes mucus and extra saline from your baby's nose.Squeeze the bulb syringe into the sink or a cup to expel its contents.Wait a few minutes. This will give your baby time to calm down if the process was upsetting.Repeat steps 2 through 7 in the other nostril. It's best to limit suctioning to no more than two times times a day. More than that has the potential to lead to swelling of the nasal passages, Tips for Using Baby Saline Drops These tips can help make the process go smoothly: If your baby is frustrated or squirming, have another adult help you. A second person can help keep the baby's head and hands still.Use the saline drops before the baby feeds or goes to sleep.Use a warm washcloth or cotton swab to clean the nostrils.Bulb syringes can be difficult to clean and may harbor bacteria. Be sure to clean your bulb syringe after each use. Use soap and water. Only expel the air in the bulb when it is not in your baby's nose. It is also important to learn how to tell if your child could be having difficulty breathing. Babies breathe through their noses, so they can have trouble getting enough oxygen when they are sick. The signs are not always obvious and can include: Wheezing Bluish skin Flaring nostrils Intercostal retracting, which is when the between the ribs sinks visibly with each breath Summary Saline drops can help babies breathe when they are congested. It is important to know the correct way to use saline drops on your baby. The process involves putting the drops in the nose and using a clean bulb syringe to remove the mucus and extra saline. It may be helpful to get the assistance of another adult. Be sure to clean the syringe after every use. Watch for signs that your baby is having trouble breathing. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Chirico G, Quartarone G, Mallefet P. Nasal congestion in infants and children: a literature review on efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological treatments. Minerva Pediatr. 2014;66(6):549-557. Hanson LA. Recommended antiseptics for killing bacterial growth in neonatal blue bulb syringes: addressing a clinical issue. Sigma Repository. 2017. Additional Reading American Academy of Pediatrics. Coughs and colds: Medicines or home remedies? Updated November 21, 2018. The Nemours Foundation. Medications: Using them safely. Reviewed November 2018.