Best baby nasal aspirators to help your baby breathe easily

Soothing a baby or toddler with a cold or a stuffy nose is one of the more testing and frustrating parenting challenges.

Your child’s nasal passages are at their narrowest when they’re a baby, but they’re too little to understand nose-blowing, and their age means they’re always coming into contact with new viruses and allergens, especially if they go to nursery, making them more susceptible to nasal congestion.

After you've taken precautions and checked their temperature is at a safe level with your baby thermometer to ensure they're not running a fever, you'll want to find an effective way to ease their discomfort.

Older babies learn to breathe through their mouths when their nose is blocked, but for a baby younger than three months this is a tricky thing to master, particularly when they’re feeding so regularly.

When tricks of the trade such as saline drops, a warm bath with a fun bath toy or a humidifier aren't helping to unblock that tiny, snotty nose, fear not - there are handy tools out there to help do just that.

The best nasal aspirator - a baby essential for many parents - will help you clear your little one’s nasal passages from mucus, and relieve nasal congestion so that they can breathe, eat and sleep more easily.

How we chose the best baby nasal aspirators

Mumsnet is the largest network of parents in the UK. We have been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in those years, we’ve tested and reviewed thousands of baby products. Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations.

• Recommendations from real parents: Before we recommend new products, we always see what brands our trusted Mumsnet users rate and which products they have tried and tested themselves. We scoured the Mumsnet forums for honest, unbiased and up-to-date nasal aspirator reviews from thousands of parents.

• Expert guidance: To ensure each nasal aspirator we recommend has been approved by medical experts, we consulted the latest lab test results from reputable sources such as consumer watchdog Which?. All the baby nasal aspirators on our list are made from medical-grade, non-toxic materials.

• Consumer feedback: To round out our in-depth research process, we then looked at wider consumer sentiment on retailer websites and beyond.

• Celebrated best products: Finally, we cross-referenced all of the above to create a longlist of the best baby nasal aspirators currently on the market. We then narrowed this list down to bring you our shortlist of the safest and most high-performing nasal aspirators, as recommended and rated by real parents and experts. As well as safety, we also considered design, functionality and price point to ensure there was something for every family in our round-up.

While using one of these nasal aspirators won't make your baby's cold go away any faster, it will help to relieve their symptoms so they'll be back to exploring or toddling in no time.

Here are the best baby nasal aspirators to buy right now.

Best baby nasal aspirators at a glance

• Best overall baby nasal aspirator: Nosefrida the Snotsucker and Filters | £8

• Best budget baby nasal aspirator: John Lewis ANYDAY Baby Nasal Aspirator | £3

• Best electric baby nasal aspirator: Braun Healthcare Electrical Nasal Aspirator | £25

• Best nasal aspirator for newborns: Snufflebabe Nasal Aspirator | £9

• Best nasal aspirator for toddlers: NUK Nasal Decongester | £5

1. Best overall baby nasal aspirator: NoseFrida the Snotsucker

Price on writing: £8 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Age suitability: Newborn+ | Batteries: None

What we like

• Thousands of parents rate it as the most effective aspirator out there

• Fantastic value for money

What we don't like

• You do need to be able to suck hard to make the aspirator work effectively – its power is only as good as you make it

• Some parents say that it’s more effective on visible runny noses rather than very bunged-up, hard-to-reach nasal passages

What Mumsnet users say

“I use a NoseFrida and it works well. You don't need to shove it up the baby's nose! Just sits at the end of the nostril and you suck without risk of getting snot in your mouth.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user RegalRags)

“I've found a NoseFrida best along with the Calpol saline spray. Then just pluck any visible boogers out with either your finger or a safety cotton bud.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter LucaFritz)

“We've got a NoseFrida and it's brilliant. We seem to get pints of snot out of my daughter with it. You do have to suck quite hard, but there's no danger of getting any snot in your mouth!” (Rated by Mumsnet user KitMarlowesCodpieceOfthigh)

Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full NoseFrida the Snotsucker review

Suitable for use even on newborns, the NoseFrida Baby Nasal Aspirator (lovingly referred to as 'the snot sucker') is a BPA-free nasal aspirator that’s designed to remove mucus and nasal congestion from your baby's airways without damaging their delicate mucus membranes.

Simply pop the tube into your baby’s nostril, suck the mouthpiece and watch the magic happen! Parents report that it works best when used in conjunction with a saline nasal spray to help loosen the mucus first, so you might want to consider buying one of these too.

Each NoseFrida 'snot sucker' includes four replacement hygiene filters, plus an additional 20 hygiene filters, which we think is enough to get you through at least two or three colds.

Read next: The best baby bouncers for newborns and toddlers

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2. Best budget baby nasal aspirator: John Lewis ANYDAY Baby Nasal Aspirator

Price on writing: £3 | Buy now from John Lewis

Key specs

Age suitability: Newborn+ | Batteries: None

What we like

• Affordable

• Easy to clean

What we don't like

• Some parents say bulb aspirators lack the power of manual or electric alternatives

• Not dishwasher-safe

Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full John Lewis ANYDAY Baby Nasal Aspirator review

If you are looking for an affordable aspirator (or even a backup in case your go-to snot sucker is ever out of action) then you could do worse than invest in this budget option from John Lewis & Partners.

This silicone bulb aspirator is suitable from birth and helps when your little one has a cold, which could mean you both end up getting a good night’s sleep. The care instructions are straightforward, just clean inside and outside the aspirator with warm soapy water and rinse well. Job done.

Unlike the Nosefrida Baby Nasal Aspirator, the ANYDAY does not use disposable filters, saving you even more money while also reducing your carbon footprint.

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3. Best electric baby nasal aspirator: Braun Healthcare Electrical Nasal Aspirator

Price on writing: £25 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Age suitability: Newborn+ | Batteries: 2x AA

What we like

• Easy to use

• Very easy to keep clean

• Comes with batteries included

What we don't like

• A bit on the pricey side

• Only two suction levels - you may find they aren’t strong enough for really stubborn bogies

Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Braun Healthcare Electrical Nasal Aspirator review

If the mere thought of using a manual nasal aspirator gives you the ick, then this battery-operated offering from healthcare giant Braun is a great alternative.

Quiet and comfortable, the Braun Electric Nasal Aspirator carefully removes horrible blockages using two gentle suction speeds. It comes with two different-sized tips to ensure the right fit for little nostrils. A handy storage bag ensures all the pieces are kept in one place. Both tips and the collection cup can be popped into the dishwasher for easy cleaning too.

The only real downside is the Braun costs quite a bit more than the ANYDAY and the Nosefrida. But for convenience, ease of use and easy cleaning, these pennies will be well spent.

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5. Best nasal aspirator for newborns: Snufflebabe Nasal Aspirator

Price on writing: £9 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Age suitability: Newborn+ | Batteries: None

What we like

• Less invasive than some

• Silent to use

• Doesn’t require batteries

What we don't like

• You have to power the device yourself which some users may find difficult

• Not dishwasher safe - wash with warm soapy water only

What Mumsnet users say

“I use the Snufflebabe one. Got it off amazon. Works well!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter CJ1990)

“I used a Snufflebabe and it was brilliant.” (Rated by Mumsnetter SaucyTrout2k)

Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Snufflebabe Nasal Aspirator review

The only nasal aspirator available on prescription from your doctor, the award-winning Snufflebabe Nasal Aspirator is great for use on a newborn.

It works in the same way as the Nosefrida in that you power it with your own suction, and there’s also a Snufflebabe Nasal Saline Solution you can buy separately to help with softening the mucus before use.

Unlike other nasal aspirators, the design of this device means that you don’t need to place it actually inside your baby’s nostril, making it that little bit less invasive and an all-round easier experience for everyone. A special built-in filter prevents any nasty gunk getting into your mouth too. They'll be back to playing with their baby toys in no time.

Read next: The best sensory toys for babies

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6. Best nasal aspirator for toddlers: NUK Nasal Decongester

Price on writing: £5 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Age suitability: Not specified | Batteries: None

What we like

• Great value - you get change from a fiver!

• Easy to use

What we don't like

• Can’t be cleaned in the dishwasher

• Some parents say it is a bit on the large size for tiny babies - but great for toddlers

Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full NUK Nasal Decongester review

Say bye bye bogies with this simple snot sucker from NUK. It’s pretty straightforward to use, just hold the decongester up to one nostril, pump the ball gently to extract the mucus. Quick, easy and great for wriggly toddlers.

Unlike the nozzles and collection cup on the Braun Healthcare Nasal Aspirator 1, the NUK Nasal Decongester is not suitable for dishwasher cleaning. However, the NUK decongester comes with a replacement nozzle and the whole thing can be cleaned with warm, soapy water.

The manufacturer also warns against sterilising the decongester in a microwave or steam steriliser as it may cause it to explode. Which obviously isn’t ideal.

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How do baby nasal aspirators work?

Most nasal aspirators work by using suction to remove mucus from your child’s nasal passages. They are particularly useful when your child is still too young to blow their nose, which is a skill they usually acquire at around three or four years old.

There are several different types of aspirator on the market. Each requires a tip to be placed in or around the entrance to your child’s nostril. The suction then draws the mucus out.

Some nasal aspirators use the suction from your own mouth, some use a hand pump, some are electric and some attach to your vacuum cleaner. There are merits and disadvantages to each type of nasal aspirator. For hygiene purposes, they usually come with removable parts or filters so that you can dispose of any mucus after use.

Read next: The best baby toys for your baby's first year

Are nasal aspirators good for babies?

Nasal aspirators are good for babies, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s directions and don’t overuse them. Nasal aspirators help to clear the airways and nasal passages, allowing stuffy babies to sleep and feed more comfortably.

Are nasal aspirators safe for babies?

Nasal aspirators are considered a safe and effective method of easing congestion in a baby’s nose, when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Most manufacturers recommend that their nasal aspirators should only be used up to three times a day, as excessive use may lead to further nasal irritation.

A nasal aspirator should be cleaned after each use to prevent a build-up of bacteria which could lead to infection.

Read next: The best baby toys for 9-month-olds

What age can you use a nasa aspirator on a baby?

You can usually use a paediatrician-recommended baby nasal aspirator on your baby from birth, however some are more comfortable for newborns than others. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for age and safety guidance.

Can a nasal aspirator hurt my baby?

When used correctly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, a nasal aspirator should not be able to hurt a baby. Certain types of nasal aspirator, such as a bulb suction device, have been known to harm baby’s nostrils when not used carefully.

How often should you suction a baby’s nose?

Most manufacturers recommend that their nasal aspirators should only be used up to three times a day, as excessive use could lead to further nasal irritation and even nose bleeds.

How can I unblock my baby's nose naturally?

If you are unsure about using a nasal aspirator, then you could always try saline solution to thin out the mucus and wipe it away. Some parents find that particularly stubborn snot can be shifted by using saline solution and a nasal aspirator together.

What should I look for when buying a baby nasal aspirator?

• Manual vs electric: There are two types of baby nasal aspirator you can use. Electric baby nasal aspirators can be quicker and more effective, and usually come with multiple tip sizes. Some even feature lights and music. Manual baby nasal aspirators are cheaper to buy and most are a bulb style, however you'll also find snot suckers with a tube which enable you to, quite literally, suck the snot out of your baby's nose.

• Baby's age: Most baby nasal aspirators are suitable from birth as you're most likely to use one in the first six months, but always check the manufacturer's age guidance before you buy.

• Ease of cleaning: You'll need to clean and dry your baby nasal aspirator properly after each use. Look for models with removable parts and as few parts as possible to minimise the risk of bacteria building up. Some baby nasal aspirators are handwash-only while others can be put in the dishwasher or even a baby bottle steriliser for cleaning.

• Portability: Most nasal aspirators are small in size, but consider whether your chosen device will fit easily into your changing bag for use on the go.

How to clean your baby’s noise with a baby nasal aspirator: step-by-step guide

• Start by cuddling your baby to make sure they feel relaxed and settled

• Use a saline solution or saline drops if required to help thin out and loosen hard dried snot

• Choose a manual, bulb or battery-operated nasal aspirator and hold it by the affected nostril

• Suck out the snot

• Repeat the process on the other nostril

As you can see from our list, all nasal aspirators are slightly different. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully.

What is the best baby nasal aspirator?

We recommend the Nosefrida Baby Nasal Aspirator as the best nasal aspirator on the market right now. It comes recommended by thousands of parents who rate it as the most effective nasal aspirator for both babies and toddlers.

About the author

Laura Martin is a writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, producing content for a wide range of publications with a focus on product reviews and round-ups. She's a permanently exhausted single mum to two children and a small, bossy dog. Laura’s main passion is good mental health and, in addition to writing, she's also training to become a counsellor, which she hopes to achieve before it's time to retire.

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