Best Baby Nasal Aspirators

Is there anything more heartbreaking than listening to an infant struggle to breathe? When they’re exposed to dry air, smoke, or viruses, their bodies can produce too much mucus. As a result, their nasal passages get congested and their breathing becomes rapid and noisy. Nasal congestion isn’t usually a problem for older kids, but for infants, the best way to deal with it is to use a baby nasal aspirator.

A nasal aspirator is a small device that suctions mucus a.k.a. snot from baby’s nasal passages. As adults, we’re familiar with how uncomfortable congestion can be. It could become difficult to breathe, eat, and sleep. However, we know that blowing our nose can relieve this discomfort, albeit temporarily. Babies haven’t learned how to do that yet, so imagine how they must feel!

Aspirators are available in a wide range of designs, from old-school manual ones to electric units with lots of bells and whistles. In this article, we’ll discuss the different options to help you choose the best to meet your baby’s and your needs, as well as some tips on how to use them properly.

7 Best Baby Nasal Aspirators

There are three types of nasal aspirator in the market today. The bulb syringe, shaped like a balloon, is the oldest and most basic design. Oral aspirators, on the other hand, have two long tubes connected to a receptacle for the mucus. Finally, there are electric ones which are the simplest to operate. The products on this list cover all three types.

How to Use a Baby Nasal Aspirator

Now that you know about the different types of aspirator, here are some tips to make sure that you’re using them correctly:

• Choose the correct nasal tip size. Obviously, younger kids have smaller nostrils. Their skin is more delicate, too. Nasal tips usually come in two sizes and shapes—gourd-shaped for 0 to 12 months and funnel-shaped for older—so make sure that you’re using the right one.
• Make sure the tip and reservoir have been sterilized. You want to avoid cross-contamination, so cleaning after each use is mandatory. Additionally, these items should be made of food-grade materials that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. They shouldn’t contain harmful chemicals like BPAs and they must be resistant to mold that could worsen congestion.
• Be gentle. To check the sucking power, test the product against your palm. This will give you an idea of its strength. This applies to manual, oral, and electric aspirators. Aspiration can be an uncomfortable process, and your baby’s pain tolerance should be considered. It’s best to start with the lowest setting and work your way up.
• Use saline drops. If baby’s mucus is thick or hardened, a few drops of saline solution before using the aspirator could help. A good preservative-free brand is NeilMed Naspira Drops which can soothe and moisturize, and at the same time, soften baby’s boogers.

A Nasal Aspirator is a Baby Essential

A stuffed-up nose is no fun, both for babies and parents. Congestion makes it harder to for your darling to breathe, eat, and sleep, and the whole household suffers as a result. To keep everyone happy and comfortable, a nasal aspirator is a vital piece in your childcare arsenal. These mucus suckers come in different designs and price ranges to suit your needs. Whichever one you choose, proper and prompt aspiration will ensure that baby will feel their best—and you will, too.