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Provide relief to runny noses with these manual and electric nasal aspirators. breast pump wireless
Sucking snot from your baby's nostrils isn’t the most glamorous job, but it helps keep your little one’s nasal passages clear when they’re suffering from congestion or a runny nose. Allergies, a cold, or viral and bacterial infections can all make a baby's nose runny, and clearing those fluids can make it easier for them to suck, eat, and breathe. That job is often smoother with a baby nasal aspirator, sometimes known as a “snot sucker,” a handy device that allows you to suck the snot from your baby’s nose when they’re unable to blow it yet.
Before cleaning out the nose, use saline drops or spray to break up the mucus and make the suction easier and more comfortable for your little one. An important note: Suction a child’s nose before feeding, as doing so afterward may cause them to vomit.
There are various types of baby nasal aspirators, such as manual options and electric nasal aspirators, that do the work for you. To help caregivers find the best baby nasal aspirators for clearing mucus, we spoke with a number of experienced parents and with Arthur Lavin, a pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on colds and suctioning a baby’s nose. Our list includes a variety of brands and different types of nasal aspirators for every budget.
Incorrectly using a baby nasal aspirator can wreak more havoc on your child's already-tender nose. “Pushing a nozzle into any nose is irritating and usually leads to the nose making more mucus in response,” says. Dr. Lavin. To ensure you use a baby nasal aspirator safely, here are some more expert-recommended guidelines:
We love Little Remedies Saline Spray and Drops to help loosen mucus and make suctioning easier. It can used as a dropper when held upside down, or as a spray if squeezed upright. It is drug-free and can be used on kiddos of all ages, even newborns!
The Nose Frida is the hands-down winner when it comes to the best baby nasal aspirator for congestion. A Swedish doctor invented this little miracle, which allows you to suck the mucus right out of a baby’s nose with your mouth. We know: It sounds gross. But never fear—the mucus is collected in a reservoir, and a filter connects the reservoir to the tube. The filter traps not only the mucus but also the associated germs, according to one of our writers who used this with her son when he was a newborn. The best part? The red mouthpiece, blue nasal tube, and filter cap are all safe to wash in a dishwasher on the top rack.
While this method may gross some parents out, it's effective, and your mouth never touches your baby's snot, thanks to the disposable filters the company includes. We wish the company included a special case to store everything, but with how well this snot sucker works, we don't mind finding an alternative storage solution. In fact, one of our writers says she stores hers in one of these reusable silicone bags.
Baby nasal aspirators aren't one-size-fits-all, which is why we love the Grownsy Electric Nasal Aspirator. It includes three tip sizes made of soft, flexible silicone, and it has adjustable suction levels to ensure the aspirator feels gentle and comfortable in a baby's nose. In addition, the ergonomic shape and LCD display make it user-friendly for adults trying to wrangle a squirmy child.
An included storage case allows parents and caregivers to pack the aspirator for on-the-go use, while a rechargeable battery lasts 30 days on a full charge. Bonus? This nasal aspirator includes a light and music display for children to enjoy during a not-so-enjoyable experience.
There's no volume control for the music on the Grownsy Electric Nasal Aspirator. However, we don't think babies (or parents) will mind the soft and calming lullaby tunes the device plays. Plus, the music—and the multi-color light—are optional.
The Nosiboo Pro Electric Nasal Aspirator has a nasal bulb attached to an electric motor. Once you turn it on, it effectively removes mucus from deep in those small nasal passages. This machine may come with a hefty price tag, but it’s worth every penny if your little one is dealing with recurring sinus or ear infections.
The electric motor on the Nosiboo Pro only works if you plug it into an outlet. Moreover, it can be loud to some sensitive ears, so we recommend letting kids explore and familiarize themselves with the device (under supervision) before using it.
The NozeBot Nasal Aspirator is a hospital-grade device with three levels of suction. A very unique design feature is its two-finger hold for the nose piece (you use your index and ring fingers). This leaves your other hand and thumb free to help hold and position your baby's head—it may seem like a small thing, but it makes a world of difference when you're dealing with a sick, wiggly baby. We also appreciate that this pick is HSA/FSA eligible. The nose piece and tubing are dishwasher-safe
The NozeBot is a portable device that is rechargeable and cordless. One thing to note is that it's not designed to operate while charging, so you'll need to charge it before you can use it, which isn't always convenient. The kit includes a micro-USB cable, but you'll need your own power adapter.
The Watolt Baby Nasal Aspirator only requires two AA batteries to get the job done. This electric nasal aspirator uses gentle suctioning to remove mucus from tiny nasal passages, with three suction strengths to choose from. Two reusable tips in different shapes, like funnel and gourd-shaped, help parents and caregivers reach odd angles.
One of our favorite features of this nasal aspirator is the color-changing light and music function. A durable storage case was the icing on the cake, with separate compartments to hold pieces for easy portability.
Kids will appreciate the gentle suctioning, but parents may wish for a stronger suction. Another note: The company recommends saline spray to soften boogies; wait 30 seconds to one minute and then use the device.
This nasal aspirator is perfect for parents and caregivers on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice efficiency. Made from plant-based plastic and silicone, the Green Sprouts Nasal Aspirator is eco-friendly and safe for newborns and toddlers who need help cleaning their noses.
It has a side vent valve to decrease air backflow for optimum suction. There’s also a travel cap to keep the tip clean while out and about.
Hand washing is the best way to clean this nasal aspirator, as plant-plastic parts cannot be sterilized. Keep this pick out of the dishwasher because heat during the drying process may damage it.
Many of the best baby nasal aspirators on the market today aren’t quite small enough for the tiniest babies. If you’re looking for the best option for infants, you may want to try the Ravifun electric model. It comes with two different-sized tips—one for infants and a bigger one for kids over 2 years old. It’s a reliable, effective way to clean a baby’s nose. It’s even quiet enough to use while the baby is sleeping.
A USB cable charging design makes the device simple to use. But note that while a charging cord is included, the charging block is not.
As parents, we’re all too familiar with the iconic blue nasal bulb that often comes home from the hospital with a new baby. While it works decently, it gets downright disgusting on the inside. The Innovo Twister Bulb fixes that problem. It uses the same bulb design, but it comes apart for easy cleaning with soap and warm water (and it's also dishwasher- and sterilizer-safe!). Made of soft silicone, its see-through design allows you to examine how much of the gross stuff you got out and also make sure it's clean before and after use.
We appreciate that it comes apart for easy cleaning, but depending on how you grip the device, suctioning can be challenging. The key is to push from the top of the bulb, not the sides.
To select the best baby nasal aspirators, we researched and reviewed more than two dozen nasal aspirators and spoke to experts, including a pediatrician and parents, about their favorite picks. We carefully considered design, material, ease of cleaning, size, battery type, age recommendations, and value when reviewing products.
For more information on what to look for in baby nasal aspirators, we spoke to Arthur Lavin, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio. Dr. Lavin explained when to use a baby nasal aspirator (and when not to).
You want to fully take apart the aspirator before washing to ensure every piece gets clean. If there are spots left dirty, it’s possible for mold to grow. Once you’ve taken apart the nasal aspirator, simply use warm water and soap to wash it, unless the manufacturer states otherwise. For example, you can't wash an electric nasal aspirator, but you may be able to let some pieces soak and then wash. Additionally, some pieces may even be dishwasher or sterilizer safe. Your nasal aspirator should come with proper cleaning instructions if you’re unsure.
Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. Katrina used the FridaBaby NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator for her son's stuffy nose and thought it was easy to use, clean, and effective.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Symptom Checker.
breastfeeding mom Nationwide Children's Hospital. Suctioning the Nose With a Bulb Syringe.