We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.
We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.
There’s nothing more miserable for a parent than a baby with a cold. While your baby may not like a nasal aspirator, it gives you a way to clear their nasal passages so your baby can breathe easier. It’s usually worth those few seconds of discomfort to give your baby several hours of relief.
But there are several types of nasal aspirators from which to choose. If you’re not sure what type you need, you’ve come to the right place. Our shopping guide will take you through the different types and features you’ll come across as you’re searching for a nasal aspirator.
Bulb aspirators
Bulb aspirators are the most basic models, and you may have been sent home with one when you left the hospital with your baby. They feature a single-piece squeezable bulb with an extended piece that ends in a nose top. Though simple to use, these models aren’t the most effective and may require several tries to remove an adequate amount of mucus to help your baby breathe. They must be carefully sanitized after each use as they create the perfect atmosphere for growing bacteria. However, some manufacturers have gotten around this issue by creating a bulb that can be opened for easier cleaning.
Oral suction
Oral suction aspirators have a nose tip that’s connected by a hose to a filter and mouthpiece. The nose tip goes in the baby’s nose while an adult provides suction via the mouthpiece. While this manual method might make you squeamish at first, it’s incredibly effective and lets you adjust the suction level manually. We’d like to stress that there is a filter between the nose tip and the mouthpiece to prevent the transfer of bacteria.
Battery-powered
Battery-powered nasal aspirators look similar to a digital thermometer. They often come with several nose tip sizes and multiple suction settings so they can be used for children of different ages. These models are not as hands-on as a bulb or oral suction nasal aspirator and, usually, better contain the mess of removing mucus. However, depending on the model, they don’t always provide adequate suction for thick mucus.
Electric
Electric nasal aspirators are efficient, clean, and gentle. The nose tip goes in the child’s nose while the motor provides suction. These machines typically have several suction settings to accommodate children of different ages. They’re also the most expensive option by far. However, if you have a baby who struggles with frequent colds or can’t clear their own nasal passages due to a medical condition, this type of nasal aspirator may be worth the investment.
Sometimes you just can’t stay home while your baby is sick. A nasal aspirator that can be tucked away in your diaper bag can be a lifesaver. Oral suction, bulb, and even some battery-powered models are fairly portable. Electric models, however, may be too bulky to carry with you.
Inexpensive: Bulb aspirators are the entry-level models and start around $5 for a pack of three. That’s a pretty good deal, but these inexpensive aspirators may be only designed for one use.
Mid-range: Bulb nasal aspirators intended for long-term use start at $12. Oral suction models run anywhere from $14 to $20. There’s a wider price range amongst the battery-powered models as they can have a few extra features like several suction levels and a digital display. In general, these models cost between $20 to $35.
Expensive: Electric nasal aspirators are another story altogether. The big jump in price, think $120 to $150, comes from the use of a pump to create suction.
Q: How can I help loosen the mucus in my baby’s nose?
A: There are a number of ways to loosen mucus. Take your baby into a steamy bathroom or try having them breathe the vapors from a humidifier. You can also try a saline spray or nose drops before using the nasal aspirator. Some manufacturers even recommend using a saline spray before each use anyway.
Q: How often should I use a nasal aspirator?
A: You can use a nasal aspirator as much as your baby needs it to breathe. However, over the course of a few days, a nasal aspirator can cause nasal irritation. Try to be as gentle as possible. As your baby starts to feel better, you should taper the use of the nasal aspirator and save your baby’s nose from irritation.
Q: Does the aspirator hurt my baby?
A: Nasal aspirators may cause discomfort, but they don’t hurt your baby. Expect some crying and, from older babies, some resistance. If blood starts to come out in the mucus, your baby’s nostrils may have become irritated by using the nasal aspirator too much. In this case, stop using the aspirator unless absolutely necessary, to give your baby’s nose a chance to heal.
BestReviews wants to be better. Please take our 3-minute survey,
and give us feedback about your visit today.