How to Collect Saliva from a Baby for an AncestryDNA or 23andMe Test

During December, AncestryDNA offered a great deal on their kits, so I decided to order one for my 8-month-old. The only real challenge was figuring out how to collect enough saliva for the sample. For a week, I experimented with different ideas — everything from using a rubber feeding bib to researching whether it was possible to make a safe “fake saliva” substitute. Nothing worked well.

Then I remembered that our earwax-removal kit included a small syringe bulb. During our evening playtime, I decided to try it. It worked perfectly. My son thought it was part of the game and happily cooperated. After about ten minutes of gently collecting saliva with the bulb, I had more than enough — easily enough for two kits if needed.

I’m sending the kit back now. Hopefully this little trick helps someone else who runs into the same problem!