Baby nasal aspirators help to remove mucous and congestion, something that, while helpful, infants rarely enjoy or tolerate. You may recall that a nurse used a bulb-shaped nasal aspirator after your baby was born. This very simple device helped to remove any birth fluid from the nose. Now that your baby is at home, there may be times that he or she sounds “congested” after feedings, or when suffering from an upper respiratory infection. Babies are not mature enough to understand how to breathe through their mouths, so even a small amount of nasal mucous can make breathing difficult. This is especially true during feedings or while sleeping (source). Using a nasal aspirator to remove some of this mucous can provide some much-needed relief (source).
Best Nasal Aspirators
If you’d rather not suck boogies out of your baby’s nose, avoid the FridaBaby NoseFrida and NeilMed Naspira Nasal-Oral Aspirator and go for the BoogieBulb or Oogiebear. The BoogieBulb manually sucks boogies out compared to the Oogiebear, which helps pull boogers (and earwax) out.
Fridababy NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator
The Fridababy NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator is the most highly reviewed nasal aspirator on the market. Similar to the previously mentioned device, the Frida only uses one tube. However, this device lacks a mucous collection chamber. Instead, it uses little disposable filters to collect it.
After sealing the nasal hose around your baby’s nose, you suck on the other end of the tube remove mucous from the nasal passages. There is a filter to block mucus aspiration into your mouth, keeping you from ingesting your baby’s germs. The device can be taken apart in seconds for easy washing.
Made in Sweden by an ear, nose, and throat doctor. Use saline first for harder nasal secretions.
Issues
Some parents found its style uncomfortable to use. Every family is different, and what works for one may not work for another.
Overall, the product works well for most babies that can lie still. For wiggly babies, it may be difficult to use because you must form a seal around the nose in order to create enough suction.
With no collection tube, you may also need to clean this device during each session. This may, however, be ideal for babies who need to take a break.
oogiebear Nasal Booger Cleaner
Okay, so the oogiebearisn’t your average nasal aspirator. But sometimes, you just need to get in there and get those crusties out before you can really suck out the mucous. Sometimes, it’s just a two-tool job. That’s why the oogiebear works well; you don’t have to fight against the hard “boogies” in order to remove the mucous. For this task, this tool works beautifully!
This nasal cleaner eliminates worry about mold or having to put your mouth next to baby’s nose in order to suck out a single boogie. This BPA-free stick has one end that helps with bigger, dryer boogers, and another looped end that can get the moist ones. The bear-shaped head prevents it from going too far and hurting baby’s nose. And, babies that usually resist other aspirators often like the cute little bear shape.
As an added bonus, this tool can be used to clean ear wax too! This is awesome because cotton swabs are not recommended for cleaning wax from the ears (source). Just wash well in between ear and nose uses!
Issues
This device won’t unclog baby’s nose. It’s not (or should I say, it snot) going to remove a ton of mucous. It works better for “crusties” or for lone boogers.
This nose cleaner becomes less effective for larger noses. It’s probably best used on babies and toddlers under about 18 months.
In addition, it’s kind of expensive for a glorified nose cleaner… just saying.
NeilMed Naspira Nasal-Oral Aspirator
The NeilMed Naspira Nasal-Oral Aspirator falls into the “parent sucking mucous out of the baby’s nose” category, but with a majorly different design. This aspirator uses one tube instead of two to get the job done.
This hospital-grade device skips the nasal tube and attaches the nasal portion directly onto the collection container. Mom still uses a hose to inhale air through the aspirator, but it requires less effort.
The design includes extra silicone so you can wash the used ones.
Not only will this device clean your baby’s nose, it only takes thirty seconds. The non-stick surface makes it easy to clean. It also includes a storage case for sanitary storage.
It even comes with a lifetime warranty and the parts are dishwasher safe too.
Issues
A few parents ended up with their baby’s mucus in their own mouths, extremely annoying! Be sure to use a tissue to prevent this problem! Mucous will stick to the tissue instead of going to your mouth.
Boogiebulb Baby Nasal Aspirator
Let’s take a look at this tried and true nasal aspirator. The Boogiebulb Baby Nasal Aspirator is free of BPA, phthalate, and latex to guarantee no boogers or toxic chemicals. This bulb aspirator, frequently used in hospitals, has a few other benefits as well.
First, the soft bulb is made of a thick, flexible rubber which is best for getting a strong suction. A bulb that is too soft doesn’t allow for that tight squeeze. Although the bulb isn’t transparent, it does have a twist-off base that helps to keep the bulb nice and clean. This prevents nasty mold or “old” boogers on the inside! The base twists back on easily, so it still offers great suction.
You will see a lot of new-fangled nasal aspirators with many claims of their advantages. However, if you prefer a simple product, try this slightly upgraded nasal bulb. Just make sure to clean after each use.
This aspirator is designed to be safe for use in newborns, but also comes in sizes specific for preemies, older infants, and toddlers.
In addition, this aspirator reduces contamination risk. A gentle squeeze can remove all of the bad so that your baby can breathe well again.
Issues
Nasal bulbs do not offer as much suction as the other devices on this list. While effective, you need to work harder for optimal results. Also, the top occasionally pops off.
Just be aware: very few babies tolerate any mucous-removal session, no matter which tool you use.
Nasal Aspirator by BabyBubz
When you first discovered that you were pregnant, it probably never crossed your mind that you need to handle someone else’s nasal mucous. The Nasal Aspirator by BabyBubz generates enough suction through one tube to remove mucous from your baby’s nose via the other.
First, in the picture above, notice the little cup with the yellow lid that separates the two sections of tubing. One tube has a specially shaped end to a place near, but not fully into, the baby’s nose. The other tube has a mouthpiece for you to create suction. The safety lid twists onto the collection chamber.
This device is a safe, BPA and phthalate-free solution for congested baby noses. The greatest advantage, however, is the ability to control how hard or soft you extract mucous.
Thanks to the collection chamber, there is no accidental mucous ingestion, definitely a key point. You can also see how much mucous is removed with the clear tubes and collection chamber.
Removing mucus allows your baby to sleep better, and keep your baby’s face and clothes clean. Use the aspirator without any nasal sprays or other medicines. The company guarantees its product for life.
Issues
Because this product has several different components, you must remove all of them in order to clean it. Some parents may find this annoying.
A few customers claimed to have become ill because this aspirator has no filter to block germs from spreading from mom to baby.
Also, the nasal piece is rather small, but, then again, so is your baby’s nose!
Best Electric Nose Suckers
The Nosiboo Aspirator features a child-friendly design compared to the BabySmile and OCCObaby Aspirator.
BabySmile Nasal Aspirator S-503
BabySmile’s Nasal Aspirator S-503 is by far the most expensive option on this list, and for good reason. It removes mucous without exposing mom. That’s right. There is no tube to stick into your mouth, so no chance of getting your baby’s mucous into it.
Even better, this device takes up very little space, and stores easily in a closet or cabinet. The collection container is so large that it could hold elephant mucus! Just put the nasal tube up to your little one’s nose, turn the machine on, and allow the gentle yet effective electric sucking action to clean out the nasal passages.
This unit is easy to clean because it’s designed with large compartments. It can be used for newborns, and until toddlers learn how to blow their noses. It’s a fabulous option for cleaning out your baby’s nose, and helping her sleep and eat comfortably when ill, without making yourself sick too!
Issues
A few customers ended up with defective units as can happen with any electronic device. The vast majority of customers were beyond satisfied. Other customers did not receive all of the pieces, but this can be resolves by contacting the company.
Also, the price may be prohibitive for families with limited budgets.
OCCObaby Baby Nasal Aspirator
The OCCObaby Baby Nasal Aspirator is electric, but has a much smaller price tag than the aspirator above. The unit not only includes three sizes of nasal tips but is also handheld with a powerful sucking motion. The device even comes with a bonus manual nasal aspirator for use on smaller babies.
This unit, although electric, can still be cleaned in order to prevent mold growth. It dismantles in minutes and washes easily in hot water.
It requires two AA batteries. Don’t underestimate the power of this thing! It can suck up even the most stubborn boogers despite its compact size.
Finally, because the device is electric, there is no need to use your mouth to extract your baby’s mucous. This means less of a chance to spread infection.
Issues
Because the device is battery-operated, you will need to buy and sometimes replace batteries. Only one customer had an issue with the unit not working properly.
Overall, this is the best option on the market if you do not want to be the source of suction for cleaning your baby’s nose.
Nosiboo Pro Nasal Aspirator
When an ENT helps to design something, it’s no wonder that it wins several international awards. The Nosiboo Pro Nasal Aspirator has all the features that you’d want to safely suction your baby’s nose. Even if they have a pre-existing health condition, the Nosiboo is safe to use in the “fight against boogies.”
This cute and small machine has a great amount of suction. The knob on the machine allows you to adjust the level of suction depending on the baby’s age and the severity of the congestion. Even at the maximum suction level, it will not harm a baby’s still-maturing respiratory system. And, at a maximum of 62 decibels, it’s about as loud as a normal conversation.
The easy-to-clean and BPA-free design is amazing. Much like a breast pump, the mucous catcher is the only part that ever becomes dirty. There is no need to clean the tubing or anything; just detach the bulb, clean, dry well, and put it away.
Issues
Many parents wish the nasal suction head were bigger so that it could create a better seal against baby’s nose, thus doing a better job.
For the amount of noise this machine makes (which isn’t that bad, by the way), it should be a little more powerful. While designed with safety in mind, it is not as effective as some of the other devices discussed here (namely the Nose Frida).
The Best Nasal Aspirator Comparison
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Nosiboo Pro Nasal Aspirator | 9.4 | 8.8 | 165.00 |
| BabySmile Nasal Aspirator S-503 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 159.99 |
| OCCObaby Baby Nasal Aspirator | 9.3 | 8.0 | 39.99 |
| Boogiebulb Baby Nasal Aspirator | 8.2 | 8.4 | 19.97 |
| NeilMed Naspira Nasal-Oral Aspirator | 9.0 | 9.2 | 15.39 |
| oogiebear Nasal Booger Cleaner | 9.9 | 9.4 | 11.31 |
| Fridababy NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator | 9.9 | 9.6 | 5.99 |
| Nasal Aspirator by BabyBubz | 3.9 | 8.8 | - |
FAQs – Baby Nasal Aspirators
Why does my baby’s nose keep getting congested?
The reason nasal congestion develops can vary. Infants who have lots of “spit-ups,” often sound congested due to milk that gets into their nasal cavity. Nasal mucous is common with respiratory viral or bacterial infections. Other infants may be born with a congenital facial malformation that creates excessive nasal mucous (source).
Initially, newborn noses may simply still be processing amniotic fluid, and their tiny noses are becoming acquainted with the outside world.
If congestion becomes a daily problem, try a cool-mist humidifier in your baby’s room.
How often can I aspirate my baby’s nose?
Try to use saline drops before aspirating your baby’s nose to loosen the mucus. Also, dry noses are more likely to become irritated or even bleed during aspiration.
If used properly and safely, you can aspirate the nose as often as needed to keep your baby comfortable. What you do not want to do is irritate the inner lining of the nose to the point that it becomes swollen, making the congestion worse.
When my children were really stuffy and irritated, I would use a q-tip dipped in olive oil around their noses to safely moisturize the area.
Check the skin around your baby’s nose before aspirating to see if it is irritated. If so, apply a little Aquaphor as gently as possible.
Also, avoid using too much force while aspirating the mucous to prevent further irritation and annoyance.
My baby hates when I clean out his nose. Is there anything I can do to make him hate it less?
Not really. Babies do not like anything in their noses or ears. It takes time for them to get used to this practice. The only way to ensure that the process is less traumatizing is to first moisturize any irritated skin around the nose and to be as gentle as possible during the aspiration.
Your baby will appreciate the ability to breathe, even if they scream all through the process. Sometimes, it helps to enlist the help of another adult to prevent your baby from moving while you are cleaning the nose.
