Unlike adults, babies don’t have the option of blowing their nose when they get a cold. This can lead to cranky babies and sleepless nights for the entire family.
Thankfully, baby nasal aspirators can provide some much-needed relief to your little one.
Baby nasal aspirators come in many sizes and shapes, but the one thing they all do is clear your baby’s nasal passages so that she can breathe properly.
This is especially important for infants younger than 2 or 3 months, who don’t know how to use their mouth to breathe just yet and need some help clearing their nasal passageways.
Deciding on an aspirator depends on your and your baby’s needs, preferences, and budget. In some cases, a simple nasal bulb aspirator will be enough, while some parents will invest in electric aspirators.
Another popular option is an oral baby nasal aspirator, where the mom or dad uses their mouth to control the suction power, and these aspirators have proven themselves to be very effective!
To help speed up your decision-making process, I’ve put together a list of recommendations you can refer to as you weigh the pros and cons of each one.
I have also made sure to provide you with a helpful guide so you can make an even more informed choice! In the end, I’m sure you will find the right baby nasal aspirator for your little one.
1. NeilMed Naspira Plus Nasal Oral Aspirator
- Transparent design, Sterilizable, Safe for babies and toddlers
- Contains in-line disposable filters to reduce contamination risk
- 2-in-1 design allows for use as both a bulb and an aspirator
- Easy twist-off ampoules
- Sterile sale, preservative free
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Naspira Plus Nasal Oral Aspirator by NeilMed is an affordable and versatile solution for your baby’s breathing difficulties.
The pack comes with vials containing saline, which I definitely recommend using before sucking the mucus out of your baby’s nose.
Since the mucus can sometimes become hard, the saline will help soften it so it will be easier to suck out and more comfortable for the baby.
All that you need to do is pop the top of the vial off and squeeze a little bit of the liquid into your baby’s nostril. She might squirm around a bit and protest, but this is completely normal!
Another reason why I always recommend Naspira Plus as one of my first choices is that it’s actually two devices in one, allowing you to use the aspirator in more than one way.
One way is to remove the aspirator tube that goes into your mouth and just use the bulb to treat your baby. If you’d like to go back to using the complete aspirator, you can simply place the tube back in its place and you will be good to go.
Depending on how stuffed up your baby’s nose is, you’re going to need to suck for a few seconds on both nostrils, and repeat the process if necessary.
What’s more, the see-through material allows you to see how much snot is coming out, so you know that it’s working!
When it comes to cleaning, the great news is that the entire aspirator can be washed in the dishwasher.
For an extra level of cleanliness, you can sterilize the parts by boiling them in a pot of water for a few seconds or in a sterilizer (if you have one, of course).
The only piece which has to be replaced every seven days or so is the blue filter. But you will get 7 disposable filters in the pack and when you run out, you can order more online.
2. BabySmile Nasal Aspirator
- No more fighting with mouth suction nasal aspirators
- Quickly and effectively clears all types of mucus
- Hospital grade nasal aspirator for home use
- Easy to clean with minimum parts
- FDA approved and BPA free
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The BabySmile Nasal Aspirator S-503 is the first electric nasal aspirator on my list, and as such is not as budget-friendly as oral suction aspirators, such as the Naspira model above.
But the good thing is that you don’t need to use your mouth to clear your little one’s nasal passages because the electric aspirator will do that for you!
The BabySmile model is a hospital-grade aspirator that has three levels of suction, so you can adjust it to your baby based on how congested she is. Another bonus is that it’s BPA-free!
Before using the aspirator, you need to plug it into an electrical outlet and get some water for the device to suck in first.
This will prevent the baby’s mucus from getting stuck to the inside of the silicone tube and make for easier cleaning later on.
After placing the silicone tip on the tube, seat your baby in a comfortable position on your lap.
The best position is to hold her like you’re about to feed her, but I know this is not always possible with squirming babies, so try and see what works best for your little one.
Take the silicone tip and press it against the baby’s nostril, slowly rotating it in different directions to make sure to get all the mucus out.
Remember not to use the aspirator for more than 5 seconds in each nostril at a time.
When you’re done, make sure to aspirate some water to wash out the rest of the mucus in the tube.
In my opinion, one of the downsides of this aspirator is that you have to wash all the removable parts by hand, which doesn’t make cleaning as easy as it could be.
On the other hand, the fact that it comes with a soft silicone tip means that it will be really gentle against your baby’s sensitive skin and won’t scratch it.
Plus, the device is small and won’t take up much space – no matter where you store it.
Since it weighs just a little over a pound, transporting it is not going to be difficult either.
3. Briggs Baby Nasal Aspirator
- Blue
- 2 Oz
- (3 Pack)
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Briggs Baby Nasal Aspirator is a traditional bulb aspirator that tends to be the first choice of many moms. Usually, if a bulb aspirator doesn’t work, then parents move onto oral or electric devices.
This bulb syringe aspirator should only be washed by hand with some dish soap and warm water. It also comes with a tip which is gentle and bendy so it shouldn’t be too uncomfortable for your baby.
In addition to being a nasal aspirator, the Briggs bulb aspirator can also be used to clean your baby’s ears.
4. Innovo Hospital Grade Silicone Twister Bulb Baby Ear Syringe and Nasal Aspirator
- RECOMMENDED HOSPITAL GRADE SILICONE EAR SYRINGE & NASAL ASPIRATOR - Made of 100% SILICONE that is hypoallergenic and naturally resistant to the growth of bacteria, molds and fungus. Not only is it BPA, Phthalate & Latex free, there isn’t even plastic to worry about!
- REVOLUTIONARY TWISTER DESIGN – Designed in USA. Bulb twists apart for easy cleaning and drying to prevent germs or mold built-up. Soft Silicone and Narrow Tip make it easy to suck earwax or snot and mucus out of babys nose. Perfect for your newborn baby.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Even though there are few differences between most bulb aspirators, I’ve decided to also include the Innovo because it doubles as a silicone cotton swab to keep the baby’s ears clean.
Because it’s made out of silicone, it comes with benefits you simply can’t find in plastic models. For example, silicone can be sterilized so you can be 100 percent sure that the germs are gone.
Plus, it’s see-through so you can see for yourself whether or not the aspirator is working properly. It’s also softer than plastic which is ideal for babies.
The top of the Innovo bulb aspirator is also removable so you can thoroughly wash every nook of the aspirator.
Along with the bulb, you’ll get a small bag so you can take it with you everywhere you go.
5. OCCObaby Baby Nasal Aspirator
- Three sizes of silicone tips
- Professional medical-grade quality - Safe for newborns and toddlers
- Waterproof and easy to clean
- 100% money-back guarantee - Backed by the manufacturers warranty.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If rubber bulb aspirators aren’t your cup of tea and you also don’t like aspirators like the FridaBaby NoseFrida where you constantly need to replace the hygiene filters, here’s an alternative for you.
The OCCObaby aspirator is battery-powered and includes 3 different nasal tips to relieve your baby’s stuffy nose.
It’s hygienic and easy to wash – simply clean the collection cup using soap and hot water.
The manufacturer recommends using a couple of drops of saline solution prior to using the device, which helps with getting all the snot out.
6. Nuby, Breathe-eez Infant Nasal Aspirator
- SIMPLE TO USE - You have control over the suction, ensuring your baby is safe and comfortable.
- BREATHE EASY - Designed to provide gentle, immediate, and effective relief from nasal congestion. Help your little one get back to feeling their best.
- SAFE AND HYGIENIC - Make your baby feel clear and comfortable. Comes with four filters to provide a clean use each time.
- EASY TO CLEAN - Just hand wash with warm soapy water and it is ready to be stored or used again.
- TRAVEL CASE - Comes with a handy travel case to take on-the-go and in diaper bags.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you’re going on holiday or are planning to hit the road for a longer period of time, I always recommend moms pack a baby nasal aspirator.
The Nuby oral aspirator makes that a lot easier since it comes with a case for storage.
You can just pack the aspirator in the case and put the case in your purse or diaper bag, without having to worry about it getting dirty in the process.
But if we’re going to compare baby nasal aspirators, then I would say that this one is quite similar to my first recommendation, the Naspira Plus.
The biggest difference between the two is that you cannot use it as a bulb aspirator. And it also comes with only 4 disposable filters to stop the mucus from getting to your mouth.
That said, I know plenty of moms who rely on the Nuby baby nasal aspirator to help their little ones breathe better and they’re really happy with the results they’ve been getting!
When you need to clean it, washing it by hand as you would do with dishes will do the trick.
7. The Original Boogie Buster
- The No1 selling pediatric nasal aspirator in Europe
- Gently and safely removes excessive nasal secretions allowing your child to breathe comfortably
- Disposable filter prevents transfer of mucus and germs
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
When it comes to oral aspirators, the Boogie Buster baby nasal aspirator is a favorite of many of the moms that I know thanks to its compact design that means it is easy to take everywhere they go.
The center part is a small cup where the mucous gets collected, while you control the suction with your own breath.
It is connected to the tube that goes into the parent’s mouth and a tube that is gently placed at the baby’s nostril.
8. BABY-VAC Nasal Aspirator
- Pediatricians First Choice Parents Favorite Clinicaly Tested Approved
- Fits any vacuum cleaner whit hose. Hose diameter between 0.90 inches to 1.22 inches
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Baby-Vac aspirator introduces a really new concept for keeping your baby’s nasal passages clean. I have to admit that when I came across this aspirator for the very first time, I was a little hesitant.
Attaching a baby nasal aspirator to a vacuum cleaner seemed like a pretty crazy idea to me at first. I thought the suction would be too strong for an adult, let alone an infant, but I admit that I was wrong.
So many moms have been raving about this and calling it a game-changer that really ends their baby’s nasal congestion like no other aspirator out there! It’s also registered with the United States FDA.
Hygienically speaking, you basically clean this aspirator with a bit of soapy, warm water and that’s it.
What I would consider to be a significant downside is the fact that you actually need to turn on the vacuum cleaner for the device to work.
They are loud and most babies get very upset by loud noises. This will then just add to the discomfort of using a baby nasal aspirator in the first place.
This is why I’ve heard from some moms that using the Baby-Vac requires both parents to get involved since the babies wriggle too much for only one parent to manage.
However, this can sometimes be the case with other aspirators that don’t involve vacuums, so it really depends on your little one as well.
Also, using it during the night could be a little tricky, especially if you’ve got sensitive neighbors. And you would still need another portable nose sucker for when you’re on the go.
Before you order, make sure that you have a vacuum cleaner that is compatible with this aspirator so you don’t have to go through the hassle of returning the product.
9. BabyComfy Nasal Aspirator – The Snotsucker
- SAFELY REMOVE NASAL MUCUS — The BabyComfy Nasal Aspirator uses your own suction to remove nasal mucus safely and hygienically. The suction power is limited only by the suction you can draw. Always safe for the parent and the child because you control the suction.
- MORE EFFECTIVE — The parent-powered suction provides astonishingly effective mucus removal for your child’s congested nose. It is significantly more effective than bulb and battery-powered nasal aspirators.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
At first glance, the Snotsucker baby nasal aspirator looks like any other aspirator you control with your mouth. However, it has some key differences that set it apart from the rest!
First off, the disposable plastic or rubber filters that are a staple of other oral aspirators out there are not needed here.
In fact, they’ve been replaced by regular tissue paper, which makes sure that the mucous doesn’t reach your mouth.
You just stuff the compartment where the snot goes with a little bit of tissue and throw it out when you’re done.
What’s more, you won’t need to purchase additional filters every time you run out, so the BabyComfy Snotsucker is budget-friendly too.
I also know that a lot of parents are worried that the nasal aspirator they get for their baby will be too big for her little nose.
This is why the Snotsucker tips come in two nose sizes, one that’s small enough for newborns, and a little larger one.
10. Baby Nasal Aspirator NoseFrida the Snotsucker by Frida Baby
- HYGIENIC: Disposable filters are clinically proven to prevent the transfer of mucus or bacterial germs to the snot sucker when clearing stuffy noses. Replace filter after every use.
- COMFORTABLE + NON-INVASIVE: NoseFrida creates a seal with the outside of the baby’s nostril for gentle snotsucking.
- DISHWASHER SAFE: The blue nasal tube, red mouthpiece, and filter cap are top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- PEDIATRICIAN RECOMMENDED: BPA + Phthalate-free. Suitable for ages 0 to 9 years
- BABY REGISTRY ESSENTIAL: Includes 1 NoseFrida and 4 Hygiene Filters
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
When it comes to the best baby nasal aspirators, the NoseFrida is probably among the most popular and budget-friendly options out there. The NoseFrida also doesn’t contain phthalates or BPA!
So many moms swear by its efficacy and simple design. It consists of a small, pen-shaped tube which you place against your baby’s nostril.
The other part with the red filter goes into your mouth and as you suck, so your baby’s snot comes out.
There are 4 filters that come with the pack. As in the case of the other aspirators, these filters are disposable and should be thrown out every time you use the NoseFrida.
11. Electric Baby Nasal Aspirator
- *** For thick snot, we highly recommend using a NoseFrida Saline Snot Spray to soften stubborn boogies. After apply snot spray, please wait for 30 seconds to one minute, and then suck away with our Electric Nasal Aspirator.
- CLEAN YOUR BABY’S NOSE EASILY. The nasal aspirator comes in baby-friendly designs that are easy to work with infants and toddlers. It’s the least hassle and damage-free baby nose technology available.
- ADJUSTABLE OPERATION SETTINGS. The baby booger sucker comes with 3 levels of suction power fit for different users and preferences.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
When I talk to moms about what features they’re looking for in the best baby nasal aspirator, many say that electric models are easier to use, but that many aren’t portable and can only be used at home.
As a result, they usually need to get a second one that can be transported around, such as the NoseFrida nasal aspirator.
This electric nasal aspirator for babies is different because it’s portable and small enough to fit in your diaper bag. Since it’s shaped like a pen, parents find it easy to hold and use, even with a squirmy baby in their arms.
When it comes to design, I think it’s similar to the nasal aspirator by Graco.
But this aspirator really stands out from the rest in one particular area — it comes with both music and lights!
I know that this might seem like an unnecessary, over-the-top feature, but many moms have found that the music really helps calm their baby down and distract her long enough to finish sucking the mucus out.
There are different ways of customizing this aspirator to your baby’s liking. First, you can adjust the power of the suctioning in 3 ways.
Then, there are 2 nose tips which have different shapes, in case your little one’s nostrils don’t adjust to one of the tips.
They can be washed and used time and time again, so you don’t have to think about buying additional tips.
12. Nosiboo Pro Nasal Aspirator
- DEVELOPED WITH THE HELP OF ENTS: In the product development phase, we had been working closely with ENT specialists to create a nasal aspirator that takes all medical factors into account.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Our engineers had been working hard to create a device that makes the lives of mothers and their little ones easier. That is how the Colibri head was created. The head is the only part of the device that needs cleaning after a nose cleaning session. It can be taken apart and simply washed under running water.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
To wrap up my reviews and recommendations, I’ve got another electric nasal aspirator for you to consider.
Most moms and dads notice the design of this aspirator first — it’s shaped like a green toy bear head and wouldn’t look out of place in the baby’s nursery!
But before I get into all the reasons why parents really like this aspirator, I should mention one thing.
The Nosiboo creates a bit of noise and this might upset some babies. Then again, this is something that should be expected with an electrical device.
Looking at this aspirator, there are two main parts it consists of — the larger, bear-shaped “head” which is connected to a smaller collection cup via a tube.
The collection cup itself has a small tip that goes inside the baby’s nose and sucks all the mucus out, which stays inside the cup.
That’s great news when it comes to cleaning since all you need to wash is this cup, which can be taken apart, too.
The cup is also transparent, so you can see how much snot is coming out and whether you need to rotate the nose tip to get a better suctioning angle.
The Nosiboo also has several levels when it comes to suctioning intensity, so you can adjust that according to different factors, such as how congested your baby is.
But all of this functionality does come at a higher price, which is an important thing to consider.
In any case, I would definitely recommend the Nosiboo to any parent who is a little tired of the “manual” nasal aspirators, finds them ineffective for their little one, or simply wants a high-quality aspirator where they don’t have to do any sucking.
A Guide To Baby Nasal Aspirators
Before I give you a few pieces of advice on how to treat your baby’s congestion in addition to using a nasal aspirator, let’s take a deeper look at all the different kinds of aspirators you’ll come across while online shopping and what they can and can’t do.
Bulb aspirator
Bulb aspirators have been around for a very long time! They are very simple, both in design and how you use them.
Basically, you squeeze the bulb until all the air is gone and then you place the tip at the baby’s nostril.
Releasing the bulb will cause snot from the baby’s nose to be sucked into the bulb, cleaning the nasal passages.
Usually, they are made from rubber but there are newer models made from silicone which is very easy to clean and use since you can see how much snot is actually coming out of your baby’s nose.
So, what are the cons? For one, they are not as quick when it comes to sucking mucus out.
For example, when you use it on one nostril, you first have to squeeze out the mucus from the bulb before using it again and this is pretty inconvenient, especially if your baby is very upset.
Also, you need to be careful not to place the nose tip too far up the baby’s nose, since this could hurt the baby and cause her to develop an aversion to the aspirator.
Oral aspirator
Some of the most popular nasal aspirators for a baby are based on oral suction, where the mom or dad controls the suctioning speed with their own breath.
They’re not popular for no reason, either — moms like the fact that they’re pretty affordable while being efficient at the same time.
Usually, they consist of two tubes, one of which goes inside the baby’s nostril while the other goes in the parent’s mouth. The snot is collected into a chamber or cup of sorts, which can be cleaned after use.
The most important part is that the snot never reaches the parent’s mouth, which is why most oral aspirators come with disposable filters that stop it from leaving the collection cup. (Although, there are new models that don’t need them.)
One of the downsides is the fact that using your breath to increase the suctioning power can leave you feeling very lightheaded.
Plus, running out of disposable filters can be a really big inconvenience, especially when your baby suddenly gets a cold.
The nose tips of oral aspirators are usually very small, however, so there’s no danger of accidentally inserting them too far up the baby’s nose.
Some models even come with different sized tips, so you can continue using the same aspirator from the time your baby is an infant all the way into toddlerhood.
Electric aspirators
The electric aspirators are the easiest to use as “booger suckers”, in my opinion, and they are some of the best nasal aspirators for babies.
Whether they’re powered by batteries or need to be plugged in, you don’t need to worry about getting lightheaded or losing your breath as you’re trying to help your baby breathe more easily.
Another bonus is that the electric models usually come with different levels of suctioning power. This is important because a stronger suction is not a good idea for little babies, but can work wonders with toddlers.
On the other hand, not all of the electric models are portable, which can be inconvenient if you’re traveling or want to have an aspirator on you when you’re taking a walk or running errands with your baby.
But the main reason why moms take longer to consider an electric nasal aspirator is the price, of course.
They’re usually less budget-friendly, but with the pros that they come with, I think they’re an option that’s definitely worth considering.
More Tips On Dealing With Nasal Congestion
Using a nasal aspirator to help your baby breathe better is the first and most important step to putting an end to nasal congestion.
But if you would like to make this process more quick and efficient, here are some additional tips to consider!
First, saline drops can help loosen mucus that has become solid and can’t get sucked up by an aspirator. I recommend using them before the nasal aspirator, so you can make sure you get all of the boogers out.
Keep in mind, though, that saline drops for babies usually shouldn’t be used more than 3 times in one day because it could lead to soreness inside the nose, although it’s always best to follow the individual brand instructions.
Since dry air can be another cause of a runny nose, it’s not a bad idea to get a humidifier for your baby’s room.
I also always recommend moms give their little ones warm baths, because the steam can naturally clear the nasal passageways.
As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t use a nasal aspirator more than three times in one day, so a bath is a great solution for when you’ve maxed out on your aspirator use for the day but your baby still needs some relief.
Plus, a warm bath usually has a calming effect on the baby so it can help her relax before bedtime and make falling asleep with a clear nose much easier.
Wrapping Up Nasal Aspirators For Babies
Before the baby arrives, most first-time parents don’t really consider purchasing a baby nasal aspirator. That’s no surprise, since they have a seemingly endless list of baby items to take care of before their new arrival.
But suddenly, the baby gets a cold or has allergies, can’t breathe properly and is just miserable.
Sadly, blowing their little noses is out of the picture, so parents turn to nasal aspirators for babies to provide their little ones with some relief.
Thankfully, there are many different kinds of aspirators to choose from — from the really simple ones that remind me of Christmas tree baubles to high-tech electronic aspirators where you don’t need to do any of the heavy lifting.
But baby nasal aspirators won’t just help your baby breathe more easily, they will also make sure that the nasal congestion doesn’t lead to more serious infections that will cause a lot of trouble in the long run.
That’s why you just can’t overestimate the importance of using a nasal aspirator.
Combining an aspirator with some of the tips I’ve given you, such as using saline drops or a humidifier, will lead to excellent results in no time.
No matter which model you pick in the end, I hope that it provides your baby with the relief she needs to breathe easily and sleep through the night!
Like this article? Please share or pin it for later. You can also stay in the loop and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
We love honesty! Find Your Mom Tribe is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please see our full Amazon Affiliate disclosure for more information.