Can you sterilize a plastic bulb syringe?

[Pirogi]

Yeah ... that's pretty much the question.  We had one that was sterile for my DD's MW-assisted birth.  The midwife opened it because she was concerned, but then DD gurgled right at the last minute.  She left it with us, but I don't know if I can resterilize it via boiling, like I plan to do with our scissors, etc.  Anybody know?

FWIW, I don't plan to use it because I am not convinced that suctioning improves outcomes unless you are going to intubate, but I dunno ... just in case?  

[AutumnAir]

TBH I personally wouldn't bother, but if you wanted to I imagine you could sterilise it in a microwave steamer thing (like the ones you get for bottles and breastpumps).  Not sure if it would stand up to actual boiling in water!

[mitintraining]

According to Ina May, not in boiling water and not with chemicals.  It will melt in the water and chemicals can remain inside and be pushed into baby's mouth/nose.  She recommends pressure cooking them.  I personally would just either buy one from one of the homebirth supply places-they are cheap, or go without and use your mouth like you talked about.  I think that it makes more sense IMHO

[Jane]

Target has bulb syringes.

You can also suction with your own mouth.
I wouldn't reuse. Each babe deserves their own sucker. Not for the birth, but for colds.

[Pirogi]

Yeah this one was never used, but also no longer in the sterilized package.  We used a syringe with a shorter tip for DD's colds.  This syringe is actually kinda long and scary.  I will likely just mouth suction if there is a problem.

[MamaRabbit]

Babies shouldn't be suctioned.  Use postural drainage instead if the baby needs some fluid out.

[MsBlack]

yeah, this. 

And if baby seems to have fluid in resp tract (sounds congested/gurgly, fluids visible in/around mouth/nares) then it's better IMO to stimulate crying than to suction.  You can use clean soft cloth to wipe away drainage fluids from mouth and nose as a gentle way to help clear the way as it emerges (and is another form of stim).  But a baby with an open airway should not be suctioned--and don't need to be, because like us, they are able to cough, sneeze, cry, and otherwise clear their own airways.  And it's better for them if they do! 

I don't use bulb syringes to clear baby snot later, either...tried a few times with my first baby at a few months old, we both hated the experience!  There are other ways to help clear congestion that interferes with nursing/sleeping...for another thread, maybe :)

Suffice to say that I hate those syringes used on neonates (and babies too), and there's just no evidence to support their use in a baby with an open airway.  Nor to clear a truly blocked airway, as far as I know.  And some association with issues of oral aversion for baby, following their use--BF troubles and other. 
 

Originally Posted by MamaRabbit 

Babies shouldn't be suctioned.  Use postural drainage instead if the baby needs some fluid out.

[alegna]

I have two and have boiled both of them without issue.  We only use them very very occasionally for colds and the like. 

-Angela