The Best Nasal Aspirators to Buy

Is your baby’s congestion interfering with her ability to nurse, sleep, and breathe? Well, I’ve got some good (if slightly gross!) news; there are baby products available that can help de-snot your kiddo’s nasal passage.

There are nasal aspirators on the market that can work wonders at gently removing mucus from your baby’s nose. But how to choose the best nasal aspirators? Fear not, fellow parent, I’m here to make you an expert!

Children often form excess mucus when sick, have allergies or are teething.

Basically, if you have a baby, you will need an aspirator at some point. Pro tip: best be prepared by having one on hand, rather than scrambling to find one when your child’s inconsolable with a stuffy nose. So let’s have that crash course on what you should be looking for.

Types of nasal aspirators

There are three main designs of aspirators on the market. While each has its pros and cons, remember that, at the end of the day, the ‘best’ nasal aspirator is the one that works for you and your baby.

Bulb nasal aspirators

Vaguely resembling a lightbulb or turkey baster, this design is almost as old as time. Easy to use, it sports no techno ‘bells and whistles’, and is usually the least expensive option.

Having said that, bulb aspirators can be tricky to clean, and you can’t control the level of suction as well as you can with others.

Electric nasal aspirators

These tend to be more costly, though it’s not impossible to track down a good deal on one of these gadgets. They’re easy to use, can adjust their level of suction in accordance with the density of mucus causing the blockage, and can even squirt a measure of saline into the nasal passages, loosening the mucus. Some even play music to make the experience more pleasant.

A downside of electronic models is that some can be a little noisy, possibly startling your little one. Another issue with them is that the mucus can build up in the areas of a device that are hard to clean, possibly resulting in bacterial contamination. 

Oral suction nasal aspirators

Okay, this is way less gross than it sounds, I promise! These aspirators involve placing one end of the tube in your child’s nose and taking the other end in your mouth. While gently sucking out the mucus, you’ll be relieved to know there’s a filter that prevents any being imbibed at your end while you control the strength of the suction. They are also quiet, so won’t alarm your baby with motorized noises.

These models have a slightly higher upkeep cost than most others, as they come with filters that need regular replacing. And, trust me, you won’t want to skimp on that expense!

Editor’s Note: Whatever nasal aspirator you choose for your baby – classic bulb, electric, or oral suction – make sure you always keep it clean to prevent bacterial growth. If you opt for an electric one, make sure to use a minimum amount of suction to clear your kid’s nose.

Important considerations

Multiple vs. single-use

Some nasal aspirators, notably the bulb models, are inexpensive enough to be used just once or twice before being replaced without financial discomfort. However, if looking for one you can use for multiple stuffy noses over time, you’ll want to look for designs that:

• Can be taken apart for easy cleaning.
• Have multiple tips to accommodate your child’s growing facial features.
• Are economic to maintain.
• Have a good warranty; especially for more expensive electronic models.
• Have adjustable suction settings so you can use the same device for both mild and severe nose clogs.

Cleanability

As mentioned above, the ability to clean a nasal aspirator is vital if intending to reuse it. Check that the products you are looking at:

• Are made from materials that don’t foster the growth of mold or bacteria (e.g. silicone).
• Can be taken apart.
• Have dishwasher-safe parts or can be cleaned with conventional cleaning products.
• Don’t have lots of nooks and crannies where germs or mold thrive.

Ease of use

You don’t want to spend a fortune on a nasal aspirator only to find that it’s overly complicated. Just remember that this is a mission where your primary objective is to get in and out quickly. Look for simple models that don’t take long to do the job.

Also, familiarize yourself with the model you’ve chosen till you can operate it in your sleep, because, sooner or later, you’ll be draining your kiddo’s nose in the middle of the night. Parenthood, huh?

Safe use

Provided you use these products responsibly, you shouldn’t harm your little one. Be sure not to insert nozzles too far into your kiddo’s nose, use saline, and avoid suctioning dry, packed-in mucus.

While you should always read the instructions that come with your aspirator, here is an overview of how to use the various designs.

How to use nasal aspirators correctly

Bulb nasal aspirator

• Apply two or three drops of saline into the nose and wait a few seconds.
• Compress the bulb end of the aspirator.
• Insert nozzle into one nostril while gently plugging the other one with your finger.
• Release the bulb end for suction to occur while gently moving the tip around.
• Squeeze out mucus into a tissue.
• Repeat steps on the other nostril.

Electric nasal aspirator

• Fit the appropriate tip on the nozzle and adjust applicable suction settings.
• Administer two or three drops of saline into one side of the nose and let it sit for a few seconds.
• Gently insert the nozzle into one nostril while plugging the other.
• Turn the device on.
• Gently move the nozzle around in your child’s nose.
• Repeat steps on the opposite nostril.

Oral suction nose aspirator

• Administer two or three drops of saline into one side of the nose and wait a few seconds for it to set.
• Place the tip of the nozzle into your baby’s nostril while holding the other side of their nose shut.
• Place the other end in your mouth and suck, keeping in mind that the amount of suction is based on how hard you suck.
• Move the nozzle gently around in your baby’s nose as you suck.
• Repeat with the other nostril.

Pretty simple, right? If you’re still a little nervous about suctioning your little one’s nose, check out Dr. Amy Seery’s video for a demonstration on how to use all three of these nasal aspirator designs.

Do not suction your child’s nasal cavities more than 3-4 times a day to avoid irritating the inside of their nose. If your child spikes a fever, hold off on using a nasal aspirator, and contact your child’s pediatrician. *

And the winner is…

Congestion is no fun for anyone, but it’s especially difficult for babies to cope with, and, when your baby is miserable, everyone in the house is along for the ride.

While all of these aspirators will help clear your kiddo’s nasal canals, my personal favorite is hands down the NoseFrida Snotsucker (check price on Amazon). I love that it was invented by a doctor who specializes in ear, nose, and throat issues and that it works on babies of all ages without invading their nasal passages. I know for a fact that it’s constructed from safe materials. It’s easy to use, my little ones having tolerated it with hardly any fuss. Furthermore, its filters are great for protecting me against germs, while replacing them is a cinch. The final selling point? It’s such a fun name!

Hey, when your baby’s sick, you need to laugh whenever you can.

Whichever nasal aspirator you choose, I wish you and your baby good health and clear noses.