There is nothing like seeing your little one in misery with a stuffy nose. It is heartbreaking, as a parent! It is especially hard, when they can’t even talk to you about it, yet. Using an aspirator is wonderful for the babes too small for blowing their noses. It even helps the little ones who can blow their nose, but it’s just not helping. Aspirators can really help to clear things out. Thankfully- there are a wide array of nasal aspirators out there that will help your tiny tot be able to breathe a little better.
7 Best Nasal Aspirators for Babies (2025 Reviews)
Best Nasal Aspirators
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1. The First Years American Red Cross Nasal Aspirator
(Best value — $)
Why it’s great: This aspirator is very simple. Insert, squeeze, and free your child’s nose of congestion. It has an over-insertion guard, which is great to help you make sure you don’t go too far. A big bonus is that it is easy to clean! There is a plug at the end to open when it is time to clean. It has great suction for one that is manual!
Keep in mind: The nozzle is opaque, so you are not able to see everything you got out. Although, that CAN be a good thing, too, since you can normally hear it anyways.
Good for: Keeping in your diaper bag for a surprise stuffy nose on the road.
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2. Bubzi Co Baby Nasal Aspirator
(Most portable — $)
Why it’s great: This aspirator comes with a little carrying case, which is perfect for diaper bag storage. That is also great storage- in general. The tip of this is quite soft. There are no sounds to alarm baby, and no batteries/chargers to worry about. The unique mouthpiece will stop snot and germs from getting into your mouth.
Keep in mind: If your tiny tot’s nose is super full of mucus, the video actually suggests putting in a bit of tissue for good measure. Otherwise, it is good for everyday mucus removal.
Good for: Those who want to aspirate a babe’s nose without anything electric.
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3. FridaBaby NoseFrida The Snotsucker, 24 Hygiene Filters
(Best manual control — $$)
Why it’s great: The suction on this aspirator is as strong as or gentle as YOU make it. The red mouthpiece, blue lid, and blue nasal tube are top-rack dishwasher safe. It does come with replacement filters. These keep mucus from getting into the nose hose. They also keep germs and snot from getting into your mouth, which is quite a great thing!
Keep in mind: While most parts of this aspirator are safe for the top rack of the dishwasher, the nose hose is not. However, you can just use a couple of drops of alcohol, which should clean it and dry up quickly.
Good for: Those times when a bulb aspirator just isn’t cutting it for you and your babe.
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4. BABY-VAC Nasal Aspirator
(Most original — $$)
Why it’s great: This one has a whole different concept than the others because you can use it with your vacuum cleaner! It fits any vacuum hose with a diameter between 0.90 inches to 1.22 inches. It is STILL gentle and STILL helps your little one! It is literally the only aspirator of its kind. The device itself ensures that the suction of the vacuum is strong enough to get the job done but gentle on your baby.
Keep in mind: Since this requires the use of a vacuum cleaner, it is best used during the day and BEFORE bedtime.
Good for: Day-time use.
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5. OCCObaby Baby Nasal Aspriator
(Best packaged deal — $$)
Why it’s great: This aspirator comes with three different-sized silicone tips. There are no filters involved. It is gentle enough for your baby or toddler, but strong enough to get all of the yucky mucus out of your little one’s nose. Something super awesome about this product is that it comes with batteries, BUT also a separate oral “snot sucker,” in case you’ve run out of battery power. No one should have to worry about running off battery power AND batteries in the middle of the night- this fixes that problem!
Keep in mind: The battery-powered aspirator will make some sound. However, many parents have said that their children get used to it and don’t mind it.
Good for: Giving and receiving as a baby shower gift, since it has both battery-powered and oral aspirators included. It is truly a packaged deal!
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6. Watolt Baby Nasal Aspirator
(Most musical — $$)
Why it’s great: This one comes with two choices of reusable tips. It has an LCD display screen. It comes with a portable carrying case, which makes it handy for taking on the road. The suction can be increased with 3 different levels. This was unique and comforting- it plays music! The music should help soothe (and distract) your tiny tot, as you clear their nose to help them breathe better!
Keep in mind: If suction weakens, ensure that the pieces are all on tightly. This creates a stronger suction to get the stubborn ones out of there.
Good for: Little ones who are soothed by music.
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7. BabySmile Aspirator S-503
(Most high powered — $$$)
Why it’s great: This is the mother of all aspirators. It is hospital grade, with a suction power of 83kPa. In other words- it is strong. It is easy to take apart and clean, which is always a great thing! While this aspirator is strong, it is still gentle on your little one.
Keep in mind: If the suction starts to get weaker, try disconnecting and reconnecting the parts. This should do the trick!
Good for: Serious amounts of mucus.
The First Years American Red Cross Nasal Aspirator
FAQs about Nasal Aspirators
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1. Why use an aspirator over nose blowing?
A nasal aspirator can get to stubborn boogies that may be too difficult to blow into a tissue. Also, babies and young toddlers have a difficult time understanding how to blow, so this takes care of it for them (and you).
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2. What’s the earliest age that you can use a nasal aspirator?
Most nasal aspirators are safe to use even on a newborn. Just make sure you read the instructions before you purchase the aspirator to make sure you have the right one for you.
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3. Is it better to use a battery-operated aspirator or oral?
It is pretty much a matter of preference and situation. Some parents can make it through until a child can blow their own nose with a bulb aspirator. Some parents prefer a battery-operated aspirator. Other parents prefer controlling the suction themselves by using an oral aspirator.
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4. Should I use nasal spray before I use the aspirator?
Using a nasal spray (that is safe for babies- do double-check this) can prove to be helpful. However, it is not always necessary to use the spray before using the aspirator. If you do choose to use the nasal spray- make sure to give it 30 seconds to a minute before starting to aspirate. This will allow the spray to soak into those boogies, making them easier to get.
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5. How often should you use a nasal aspirator?
Baby and toddler noses are delicate, but you can probably do up to 3 times a day, when necessary. Just don’t forget to clean it (and lay out wet pieces to dry) in between uses!
Conclusion
It is a horrible feeling to see your babe congested. Not to worry because nasal aspirators are there to save the day! Think about what you feel would get the job done (all little ones… and their noses… are different). There are bulb, oral, and battery-powered aspirators. Some of them sing some of them have varying levels of suction, and some have different tip sizes that come with it. These are several good choices that will help you get those nasty boogies!
Just use your choice of nasal aspirators, along with liquids, nasal spray, and TLC, and your little one should be feeling better in no time! You will, too!