The babies we care for are all new and joy and preciousness, until we have to suck the congestion out of their micro noses, since infants aren’t born with the ability to clear their noses.
This herculean effort is a limb-battling feat of gentility that is frustrating and can be heartbreaking, too. No one wants to watch their
.
We’ve medically vetted the best baby nasal aspirators — from classic bulb suction styles like our parents used, to more modern options that offer features you didn’t know you needed.
$ = under $20, $$ = $20–$50, $$$ = over $50
Nasal aspirators are a fairly straightforward product category, but we still kept a few factors in mind as we created this list.
We focused on affordability, ease of use — especially when you’re trying to use it with a wiggly baby in your arms — and easiest maintenance. And, of course, we always take recommendations from medical organizations and reviews from caregivers and parents like you into account!
Nasal aspirators are incredibly effective at clearing the nasal passages. But you may be surprised to learn that there’s a limit to how frequently you can use them.
Medical experts recommend against using them more than three to four times a day. Excessive use can lead to nasal irritation in your baby and even
.
Aspirators can be used when you notice that your child sounds congested, has a
, or you can see visible evidence that their nose is full of boogies.
Regardless of which nasal aspirator you use, make sure you clean it thoroughly with soap and water and let it fully air dry after each use to reduce the risk of bacterial buildup.
Whichever version you prefer, they can be used with or without nasal drops. But saline nasal drops can help loosen stubborn mucus, making it easier for you to quickly clear your baby’s nose so that both of you can get on with your day.
Nasal aspirators come in various designs, even though they all share the same function. As you shop, keep the following in mind.
Design
You’ll find electric and manual bulb and snotsucker nasal aspirators, each with its pros and cons.
Electric aspirators have a few bells and whistles, including adjustable suction levels and, sometimes, music to muffle the noise. Manual aspirators are a hands-on method, and in some cases, a mouth-on method in which a parent or caregiver sucks through a tube to clear a baby’s nose.
When making your choice, think about what you’re comfortable with and let that guide you.
Target age
Not every nasal aspirator is designed to be used on newborns, babies, and toddlers alike. Make sure you’re getting one that’s intended for your child’s age.
Cleaning method
It’s essential to keep a nasal aspirator and all its parts clean and sanitized, so look for products designed for easy cleaning. You’ll thank yourself later!
Medical PerspectiveCarissa Stephens is a registered nurse of both pediatric and critical care. She answers our frequently asked questions, below.
Learn more about
Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN
.
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
“All parents should have some form of nasal aspirator for their infant. Keeping the nasal passages clear can help immensely before eating and sleeping,” Carissa explains.
She cautions, however, “it’s important that caregivers know how to use the device and practice excellent hygiene, including handwashing and cleaning the device after use.”
The frequency of suction required is going to be very individualized, Carissa explains.
“If your baby is congested and is having difficulty breathing, suctioning prior to feeding and sleeping is a good start. Too frequent suctioning can irritate the nose and can irritate the baby and, in turn, the parent” or caregiver.
“At the end of the day, you are going to have the best success with the device you’re able to use most comfortably,” Carissa explains, and adds that there are pros and cons related to price, ease of use, and ease of cleaning that will vary between caregivers.
It may be more comfortable for your baby to have a clear nose when they’re stuffed up — especially since they don’t know how to do it themselves.
Whichever method you employ — a classic bulb syringe, oral suction, or electric aspirators — always make sure that you keep your aspirator clean between uses to reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
And with electric nasal aspirators, make sure you’re only using the minimum amount of suction you need to clear your baby’s nose.
With any of these amazing tools on hand, your little one will be breathing easy in no time.