How do I use a nasal aspirator on my baby?

“Nasal aspirators are very simple little devices for clearing mucus from babies’ noses. They basically have a tiny nozzle that goes in the nostrils, and some suction is applied that very simply sucks the mucus—wet and dry—from the nostril,” explains. Dr. Lavin. “Now, it turns out that it is very unusual for a baby to need this help. The one time in life it is very helpful is right after birth, and maybe the next one to two days, because at birth, we all are fresh from soaking underwater for months, and our noses, throats, and lungs are still very wet. But within 24 to 72 hours, all that amniotic fluid clears, and the need to suck fluid from the nose of babies essentially disappears.” With manual nasal aspirators, you will typically either stick the tip inside your child’s nose and suck from a tube or press on a bulb-like syringe to help pull out any snot. As for electric nasal aspirators, simply stick the tip inside your child’s nostril and press a button. If you’re ever concerned you’re doing it wrong or are unsure of how to properly use the product, contact the manufacturer.

How do I properly clean a nasal aspirator?

Soap and warm water will be your best friends when it comes to cleaning a nasal aspirator. You want to fully take apart the aspirator before washing to ensure every piece gets clean. If there are spots left dirty, it’s possible for mold to grow. Once you’ve taken apart the nasal aspirator, simply use warm water and soap to wash it. You can let the pieces soak and then wash, or some are even dishwasher/sterilizer safe. Your nasal aspirator should come with proper cleaning instructions if you’re unsure.

The 8 Best Baby Nasal Aspirators of 2023

Sucking snot from your baby's nostrils probably isn’t your idea of fun, but it's necessary to keep your little one’s nasal passages clear. Allergies, teething, or a cold can all make a baby's nose runny, and it's your job to clear those fluids out to keep your baby feeding and sleeping well. That job is often easier with a nasal aspirator, otherwise known as a snot sucker.

This handy device allows you to suck out the snot from your baby's nose when they're not able to blow it yet. “It makes great sense to wipe our babies’ noses when the mucus rolls out but is it a good idea to stick a nozzle in their noses? Sometimes, but not always,” explains Arthur Lavin, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio. Dr. Lavin doesn't advise using an aspirator if the mucus (wet or dry) isn't bothering your little one. “Pushing a nozzle into any nose is irritating and usually leads to the nose making more mucus in response,” he says.

When your baby is bothered and having trouble breathing and eating, a high-quality nasal aspirator will make the experience less distressing for both of you. It will help clear out any mucus from your child’s nasal cavity, relieving any congestion. Before cleaning out the nose, use saline drops to break up the mucus and make the suction easier and more comfortable for your little one. We evaluated aspirators from the top brands, paying close attention to how easy (and quick!) they are to use, how easy they are to clean, value, and more.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

FridaBaby NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best with Multiple Tips:

Grownsy Electric Nasal Aspirator for Baby at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Electric:

Nosiboo Pro Baby Electric Nasal Aspirator at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Bulb:

BoogieBulb Baby Nasal Aspirator at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Battery-Powered:

Watolt Baby Nasal Aspirator at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Green Sprouts Nasal Aspirator at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Infants:

Ravifun Baby Nasal Aspirator at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Toddlers:

Bubzi Co Baby Nasal Aspirator at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.9

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Smallflower.com

Pros

Washable reservoir
Disposable filters
BPA and phthalate free

Cons

No case included
Method of snot removal may gross some parents/caregivers out

The Nose Frida is the hands-down winner when it comes to the best baby nasal aspirator. This little miracle was invented by a Swedish doctor and allows you to suck the mucus right out of baby’s nose with your mouth. We know: It sounds gross. But never fear—the mucus is collected in a washable reservoir, and a filter connects the reservoir to the tube. It traps not only the mucus but the associated germs as well.

Price at time of publication: $21

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: Not listed | Suction Type: Mnaual | Battery Type: N/A}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Three tips
Adjustable suction levels
Light and music functions

Cons

No volume control for music

Baby nasal aspirators aren't one-size-fits-all, which is why we love the Grownsy Electric Nasal Aspirator. It includes three various tip sizes made of soft, flexible silicone material and has adjustable suction levels to ensure the aspirator feels gentle and comfortable in a baby's nose. In addition, the ergonomic shape and LCD display make it user-friendly for adults trying to wrangle a squirmy child.

An included storage case allows parents and caregivers to pack the aspirator for on-the-go use, while a rechargeable battery lasts 30 days on a full charge. Bonus? This nasal aspirator includes a light and music for children to enjoy during a not-so-enjoyable experience.

Price at time of publication: $67

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: Not listed | Suction Type: Electric | Battery Type: USB Type-C rechargeable}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Adjustable nose suction power
Easy to clean

Cons

Loud

The Nosiboo electric nasal aspirator can clean your baby's nose for you! It has a nasal bulb attached to an electric motor. Once you turn it on, it's effective at removing mucus from deep in those small nasal passages. This machine may come with a hefty price tag, but it’s worth every penny if your little one is dealing with recurring ear and sinus infections.

Price at time of publication: $159

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 6.1 inches tall | Suction Type: Electric | Battery Type: Outlet}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Easy to clean
BPA-, phthalate-, and latex-free

Cons

Not recommended for babies under 8 pounds

As parents, we’re all too familiar with the iconic blue nasal bulb that often comes home from the hospital along with a new baby. While it works decently, it gets downright disgusting on the inside. If you’re a devotee of traditional bulb-style nasal aspirators, the BoogieBulb is a great solution. It’s just like the hospital model, but it’s designed to come apart in the middle for easy cleaning with soap and warm water.

Price at time of publication: $19

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 3 x 7 x 5.5 inches | Suction Type: Manual | Battery Type: N/A}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Colorful light and music
Storage box
Three suction strengths

Cons

Needs stronger suction

The Watolt Baby Nasal Aspirator only requires two AA batteries to get the job done. This electric nasal aspirator uses gentle suctioning to remove mucus from tiny nasal passages, with three suction strengths to choose from. Two reusable tips in different shapes, like funnel and gourd-shaped, help parents and caregivers reach odd angles.

One of our favorite features of this nasal aspirator is the color-changing light and music function. A durable storage case was the icing on the cake, with separated compartments to hold pieces for easy portability.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: ‎6.81 x 4.13 x 2.32 inches | Suction Type: Electric | Battery Type: 2 AAs}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Budget-friendly
Vent valve

Cons

Plant-plastic parts cannot be sterilized

This nasal aspirator is perfect for parents and caregivers on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice efficiency. Made from plant-based plastic and silicone, it's eco-friendly and safe for newborns and toddlers who need a little help cleaning out their noses.

It comes with a vent valve on the side to decrease air backflow for optimum suction. There’s also a travel cap to keep the tip clean while out and about.

Price at time of publication: $6

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: Not listed | Suction Type: Manual | Battery Type: N/A}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sears.com

Pros

Quiet
Different sized tips

Cons

Must be charged

Many of the best baby nasal aspirators on the market today aren’t quite small enough for the tiniest babies. If you’re looking for the best option for infants, you may want to try the Ravifun electric model. It comes with two different-sized tips—one for infants and a bigger one for kids over 2 years old. It’s a reliable, effective way to clean baby’s nose. It’s even quiet enough to use while baby is sleeping.

Price at time of publication: $18

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 7.8 x 1.5 inches | Suction Type: Electric | Battery Type: USB rechargeable}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Bubzico.com

Pros

Soft silicone tip
Budget-friendly

Cons

No filters
Angle matters to prevent from sucking in snot

This nasal aspirator is similar in nature to the Nose Frida in that it’s designed so you can suck baby’s snot out with your own wind power. With a soft silicone tip, this model is a great choice for toddlers who tend to be a bit pickier about what goes in their noses than babies are. With a screw-off top, the Bubzi is pretty easy to clean, too.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: Approximately 3 inches tall | Suction Type: Manual | Battery Type: N/A}

How We Selected the Best Baby Nasal Aspirators

We chose the best baby nasal aspirators by researching reviews from customers and competitors, as well as studying the features of more than 20 products on the market. We considered price, design, ease of cleaning, age recommendations, and material when deciding our picks. We also consulted with Arthur Lavin, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio, for safety guidance and how a nasal aspirator works.

What to Look for in a Baby Nasal Aspirator

Method

With so many snot-sucking devices on the market, giving you a lot to think about before you get down to the business of clearing Baby's nose. It’s hard for some parents and caregivers to imagine using a product that requires them to suck the snot out of a child’s nose. While some methods feel gross to some, these nasal aspirators are effective.

Some nasal aspirators require a parent or caregiver to use their mouths to suck the snot out of the child’s nose through a tube. Depending on your comfort, this method isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. There are other nasal aspirators, like electric snot suckers or bulbs, that do the work for you instead.

Comfortable for Baby’s Age

Not all snot suckers are one-age-fits-all, so it’s important to make sure the one you choose will be comfortable for your baby’s age. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendation for age on the nasal aspirator you’re looking at before purchasing.

For example, some nasal aspirators are designed for children of all ages (who cannot blow their own nose), while others are made more specifically for toddlers. Checking the age recommendation will ensure your child is most comfortable while their nose gets cleaned out.

While Dr. Lavin doesn’t have a preferred type of nasal aspirator, he explains, “Just use it [nasal aspirator] judiciously—only when the mucus really is bothering the baby, not the parent.”

Easy to Clean

It’s no secret that cleaning out a child’s nose can be downright gross, so to make your life easier, find a nasal aspirator that’s easy to clean after use. You want to ensure the snot sucker stays clean and sanitized before and after every use to avoid mold buildup inside.

You’ll also find that some nasal aspirators are dishwasher or sterilizer safe while others are hand-wash only. Determine which cleaning method will work best for your lifestyle and stick with that.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use a nasal aspirator on my baby?

“Nasal aspirators are very simple little devices for clearing mucus from babies’ noses. They basically have a tiny nozzle that goes in the nostrils, and some suction is applied that very simply sucks the mucus—wet and dry—from the nostril,” explains. Dr. Lavin. “Now, it turns out that it is very unusual for a baby to need this help. The one time in life it is very helpful is right after birth, and maybe the next one to two days, because at birth, we all are fresh from soaking underwater for months, and our noses, throats, and lungs are still very wet. But within 24 to 72 hours, all that amniotic fluid clears, and the need to suck fluid from the nose of babies essentially disappears.”
With manual nasal aspirators, you will typically either stick the tip inside your child’s nose and suck from a tube or press on a bulb-like syringe to help pull out any snot. As for electric nasal aspirators, simply stick the tip inside your child’s nostril and press a button. If you’re ever concerned you’re doing it wrong or are unsure of how to properly use the product, contact the manufacturer.
How do I properly clean a nasal aspirator?

Soap and warm water will be your best friends when it comes to cleaning a nasal aspirator. You want to fully take apart the aspirator before washing to ensure every piece gets clean. If there are spots left dirty, it’s possible for mold to grow.
Once you’ve taken apart the nasal aspirator, simply use warm water and soap to wash it. You can let the pieces soak and then wash, or some are even dishwasher/sterilizer safe. Your nasal aspirator should come with proper cleaning instructions if you’re unsure.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of writing experience. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She used the FridaBaby NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator for her son's stuffy nose and thought it was easy to use, clean, and effective.