What will happen if I don't use a snot sucker?

[dreambream]

My 7month old has a cold for the first time. She obviously cannot blow her nose etc and has become very snotty. Lots of snot is expelled with almost every sneeze and her coughs are sounding more and more.phlegmy.

I have a snot sucker https://www.boots.com/baby-nasal-aspirator-nosefrida-the-snotsucker-plus-travel-case-by-fridababy-10292823?cm_mmc=bmm-buk-google-ppc--LIAs---_-PMax:+UK_Smart_Shopping_LIAs_Baby&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA0syqBhBxEiwAeNx9N535dOsavL4zoW3BMrZYnVvVw4eV2jV5OPjUq8pMpRLafp8kgp9wShoCC-YQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

But she absolutely hates it. She cries so much when I try to use it. When she's sleeping she wakes up if I try to do it. I've been using saline drops to soften any dried, hard snot beforehand too.

My question is, if I don't use it, will it make her even more congested and her cough even worse? Could it cause some kind of infection?
She is already having trouble feeding and sleeping because of how congested she is.

Any advice is hugely appreciated. Thank you x

Managed to get 2 kids into their teens and never used one yet. If she's snotty and mucusy put something under the legs of one end of her cot so she is sleeping on a slope.

Nothing will happen. They’re gross, just throw it away.

I had one of these and had the same experience as you. They’re gross and pointless. I used it (or tried to, anyway) twice and then chucked it. Both children now out of babyhood without suffering any ill effects.

Nothing terrible will happen if you don’t . We used one because it made it much easier for DD to BF when she had a cold - if we didn’t use it she got very upset as she couldn’t feed so it was worth it.

Nothing will happen. Get some Snufflebabe vapour rub - it's like Vicks but you can use it on babies over 3 months.

Nothing will happen. They don't do much - it's only like blowing your nose really hard when you're full of a cold - you might get a few moments' relief but it doesn't really decongest you and the snot returns almost immediately. Unfortunately you have a rough day or two with her and then she'll be fine. Lots of cuddles and patience required I'm afraid.

Absolutely nothing will happen if you don't use it. I don't think you could even buy them in the UK when my eldest was a baby, and I find them disgusting so never used them for my younger DC.

People on American parenting forums get very very angry if you dare to suggest they aren't necessary. I have no idea why. It makes no sense to me. Surely it's not a good idea to be sucking out all the snot anyway, the body makes snot for a reason. I know adults can blow their noses but if it was dangerous for babies not to be able to clear the snot then nature would have evolved us to only produce it later in life.

We used to put breastmilk up the nose or you can buy saline drops/spray, a warm bath helps loosen the snot, a flannel with some hot water. Snuffle babe on the chest, or Vicks on their clothing (not directly on their skin) can help too.

The snot goes dry and crusty and they sneeze it off.

Thank you so much everyone. That is such a relief! We'll just stick to our saline drops and cuddles in that case!

Had one. Never used it.

Run a very hot shower and sit in the bathroom with her for a few minutes by the side of the shower (NOT UNDER THE WATER). The steam will help clear things.

3 babies and I never used one. In fact, until Mumsnet I didn't even know snot suckers were a thing.