As a parent, you deal will all the parts of child rearing, the glam and all the gross stuff too. Dirty diapers, spit-up, vomit, and snot. Whether your little one is sick or suffering from allergies, babies always seem to have a runny nose. To keep them from being cranky and ease the discomfort of nasal congestion, you have to clear their airways. This is where aspirators come in.
What is a Nasal Aspirator?
This is a suction device that is used to remove the mucosal blockage from your baby’s nasal passage. They are used when the congestion affects the child’s ability to breathe, eat and sleep. As grown-ups, we blow our noses when we are stuffed up. Since infants cannot do that, their mucus must be removed in another way.
These devices come in three main designs.
Bulb syringe
It is the classic mucus sucking tool also called a bulb aspirator. It is made of rubber with one end in a ball shape, and the other tapers into a tip. To use it, squeeze on the ball end to let the air out and place the tip into the nostril and release. This is the easiest option to use. These aspirators can come as one piece or as a two-piece set.
Electric aspirators
These are often battery-powered and require minimal user intervention. A small motor attached to a suction device removes the snot for you.
Oral suction aspirators
These devices are designed to use oral suction to remove mucus and boogers. A nozzle goes into the baby’s nose, and the other end goes into the caregiver’s mouth. The device contains filters to keep you from ingesting the mucus and germs.
But how do you pick the best one? How do they differ from the one you get at the hospital? When choosing an aspirator, certain factors like the material it is made of; can it be cleaned easily? The size of the nasal tip and the suction strength should be kept in mind. Don’t worry, here are some of the best nasal aspirators in the market and all you need to know about them.
NoseFrida The Snotsucker Nasal Aspirator by Fridababy
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The NoseFrida is the original oral suction aspirator and has been quite popular since its release. It is hands down the best overall aspirator for newborns and can be used on older kids too. What makes the NoseFrida so great is, it lets you control the amount of suction you are using. The device has removable filters to prevent you from swallowing boogers, something many users often worry about during treatment. It is dishwasher safe and also BPA and phthalate-free, which are potentially harmful to you and baby. However, some pieces can disconnect during use and only one size available.
To use the aspirator, lay your baby down and place the mouthpiece in your mouth. Next place the large end of the tube into the nostril. Gently start sucking and increase suction when needed. The filter will keep snot out of your mouth, and only a little bit of mucus may be drawn out. If the mucus is thick and crusty, use saline solution first to thin it out and then suck out the mucus.
To clean the NoseFrida aspirator, disassemble the device and discard the filter. Wash it with warm and soapy water, rinse thoroughly and let it dry. Replace the filter and reassemble it, ready for use.
BabyBubz Booger Remover
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This is another oral suction device and also the best budget aspirator in the market. You are in complete control of the suction pressure, so it can be as strong or gentle as needed. The collection cup traps the mucus preventing it from travelling up the tube. There no added costs from buying filters or batteries. The clear design lets you see if the suction you are using is enough. It also doesn’t go deep into the nasal cavity, keeping inflammation and irritation to a minimum. The only drawbacks are there a lot of parts to clean and let dry, and it comes in a one size fits all.
To use the BabyBubz Booger Remover, place nose piece on baby’s nostril and the mouthpiece in your mouth. Gently suck to apply enough suction to remove the mucus. It will be collected in the collection chamber.
To clean the device, take it apart and thoroughly clean all the parts with warm soapy water and let it dry. Reassemble it ready for its next use.
Nosiboo Pro Nasal Aspirator
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This is the best electric aspirator in the market. It was designed with the help of ENT specialists, who came up with a functional, unique design. The Nosiboo is easy to clean as it comes apart easily and has fewer parts that need cleaning. You have full control over the suction with the multiple settings available for all ages and mucus thickness. It is scientifically designed that even the highest suction won’t harm your child’s sensitive nasal passage. The design also works to distract the child and keep them calm during the process. It is also BPA-free. The only drawback is the noise from the device is loud and can startle the baby.
To use the device place lay or sit your baby in a stable position and hold their head through the process. Place the nozzle in the nostril and turn the device on. Mucus cannot get into the connecting tube because of the specially designed head. It also contains a mesh that prevents solids and dust from entering the device.
Only the patented Colibri head needs to be cleaned after use. It can be removed and washed under running water. You can wipe the connecting tube with a cloth if necessary.
It is important to note that the device has safety features such as turning itself off after fifteen minutes of continuous use. You can restart it to continue using it. In case of failure, a thermal switch turns the device off and prevents use for about an hour.
Boogiebulb Baby Nasal Aspirator
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This is a two-part bulb syringe-type nasal aspirator similar to the one offered at hospitals. The bulb opens up, allowing for easier cleaning and complete drying. It is made of hospital-grade latex which is clinically proven to prevent build up and germ transfer. It is also dishwasher safe. It comes in various sizes which can be bought separately. They have a lifetime warranty, so you have peace of mind when using the Boogiebulb. It, however, offers no control over the suction and can come apart during use if the bulb is not screwed on well.
To use the Boogiebulb, squeeze the bulb to expel the air and create a vacuum. Place the tip into the baby’s nostril and release the bulb. The mucus will be drawn into the device. After you are done, open up the bulb and wash it with warm soapy water. Leave it to dry completely and reassemble it.
I know dealing with snot is gross and pretty unpleasant for both of you, but as a mum, these are the things you do for your kids. Using a nasal aspirator can bring relief to a congested baby and let them breathe better.