Nasal Aspirator
Jude has had a runny nose for about a week now. Originally, I chalked it up to teething, but after Monday’s vomiting and Tuesday’s pooping, I’m wagering a guess that he might have had a bit of a virus. Today he seems better… no more explosive vomit or poop, and his nose is considerably clearer.
If I had one wish in regards to my baby boy and his autonomy, I would wish that he could blow his own nose. I know, most parents would probably wish for their child(ren) to come out of the womb potty trained, but me, I’ll take a clear nose over a potty-trained baby any day. There is nothing worse than having to listen to Jude try to inhale through his nose when he’s all stuffy. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s like nails on a chalkboard.
Jude has only been stuffy enough to warrant the use of a nasal aspirator one time in the past. He fought it every. step. of. the. way. I can’t say I blame him, I can’t imagine that I would enjoy having a plastic semi-pointy object shoved up my nose, especially if I didn’t understand WHY it was being shoved up there in the first place. A few days ago, I realized that I needed to use the booger sucker again. The poor kid just couldn’t breath. Did I mention that it looked like the little guy thew up a ton of boogers? Because it did. His nose was just draining into his little tummy. He needed help. Anyway, I tried to make the experience as calm and as pleasant as it could be for the kid. I went slowly. I talked to him about what I was doing and why I was doing it. I tried not to make him cry.
Not only did Jude not cry, but two or three times over the past two days he has picked up the aspirator and brought it over to me all on his own. He chews on the bulb end for a gnaw or two, then he hands it to me. The first time he did it, I thought he was just playing, but I noticed his nose was running so I thought I’d give it a shot. It was amazing! Jude stood still! He didn’t turn his head away from me. After I used it on each nostril, he reached out for it. I handed it to him, and he proceeded to PUT IT UP HIS OWN NOSE! Wow. I mean, he couldn’t make it work on his own, but he’s got the right idea. Amazing… my boy is truly amazing.
Hi Jillian,
I followed your hubby’s suggestion from Sue’s newsletter and read your boy’s amazing and touching development and had to write you. I am a new mom of a 8month old girl, and can so relate. I’ll have to check out your other sections, too.
Hope your baby is feeling better
Wren