When possible, use the bulb syringe when your baby is already relaxed. Be prepared for wiggling, as some infants are resistant to this technique. Consider teaming up with another adult to make the ...

Bulb syringe You use this classic option by simply squeezing the air out of the bulb, and — while maintaining pressure on the bulb — gently placing the tip in your child’s nose.

Avoid using a bulb syringe more than several times in a single day so you don’t irritate the sensitive lining in your child’s nose. Some children really don’t like bulb syringes.

1. Try Saline (Saltwater) Drops You can buy this at the store. Put a few drops into each nostril, and then use a bulb syringe to remove some mucus. It's safe to repeat this as often as you need.

Another at-home option is ear "syringing," which involves placing drops of a wax-softening solution into the ear, then using a rubber-bulb syringe to flush the ear with water and clear the wax.