Eddie Versus Bulb Syringe

I know we are very, very lucky to have such a healthy baby and I'm extremely grateful for that. Eddie has made it 6 months without getting sick (if you don't count that unfortunate jaundice episode in his first week of life). Today, however, that all changed. Eddie has his first cold.

For months I have dreaded the inevitable sickness that is guaranteed to come to every kid, and now it has struck in the form of a runny/stuffy nose. I think a stuffy nose is one of the worst things for a baby like Ed. After all, it makes it impossible for him to breathe while eating. That means that the snot-sucker is essential, no matter how hated it is.

This morning I discovered the wonders that saline can work on a stuffy nose. I didn't have any on hand that is safe for a baby, so I made some with water, salt, and baking soda. Eddie has quite the aversion for any foreign objects coming in contact with his nostrils, and he has now learned how to thwart my efforts by pushing my hands out the way. I'm working on devising a system to pin both arms down, hold his head straight and still have at least one hand left for the saline squirting and snot-sucking. Sounds like a three person job, doesn't it?

I'm hoping that with the help of the saline, bulb syringe, and humidifier, that Eddie will manage to not snort himself awake 5 times tonight like he did last night. I think he just needs to learn to breathe through his mouth. But what do I know?