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Good, better, best: Baby nasal aspirators you can pick up last minute

Lauren Barth
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Babies get stuffy noses for all sorts of reasons. Whether caused by allergies, a cold, virus, dry air, or teething, mucus can collect in a little one’s nose and make it difficult for them to breathe through those tiny little nostrils of theirs. We’ve all experienced congestion, but as adults we’ve got a few ways to cope with the discomfort.

Unfortunately, you can’t tell your newborn or infant to blow it all out, so you’ll have to help. Enter a nasal aspirator. This gadget is sure to become an essential in your medicine kit over the next few months (or maybe even years). It works to suck the buildup out of their nostrils and open up their airways — so your baby can breathe easier. If your sweet congested cutie is having trouble, there are a few options you can easily scoop up from a local pharmacy or big-box store — because you don’t want your baby to suffer the stuffies for another second.

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Here are our top picks for the best baby nasal aspirator options.

Good: Briggs Bulb Syringe Reusable Baby Nasal Aspirator

When you leave the hospital with your new baby in tow, you will probably also take home a few less adorable but nevertheless functional goodies. A bulb syringe nasal aspirator is one item that is usually provided. If you haven’t kept that rubber pump handy, don’t sweat it; you can easily get a replacement at any local drug store or big-box retailer.

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To use, simply squeeze the bulb and gently suction nasal mucus. (Tip: Use a little saline nasal spray first to loosen up congestion.) A bulb syringe aspirator is decisively low-tech and inexpensive, but it’s also effective, and that’s what matters. Fair warning, though: It’s not always the easiest thing to use with squirmy, wormy littles. You’ll want to be quick and deft to get the job done. Also, suck sparingly (i.e., three to five times a day). Excessive use can cause the delicate nasal passages to swell and further exacerbate the issue.

Why we like it: 

  • Inexpensive
  • Low-tech design that gets the job done
  • Easy to clean

Better: FridaBaby NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator

Being a parent isn’t always glamourous. Case in point: There may come a day — sooner than later — that you resort to sucking the snot from your baby’s nose — with your mouth. It sounds gross, but desperate times call for desperate (and super-effective) measures. On one end, the NoseFrida is a tube-like nasal aspirator that creates a seal at your baby’s nostril, and on the other is a mouthpiece to draw out boogies.

Don’t worry, there are filters that prevent any sucked-up mucus from getting into your mouth. What’s more, while slightly awkward at first, it’s super intuitive and really satisfying when you see all the junk you’ve extracted.

In a congested jam? The good news is that you can usually find this dishwasher-safe option at Target (and other large retail stores), and you may even be able to get same-day delivery via Shipt or take advantage of curbside pickup — if your sick sweetheart isn’t up for a Target run!

Why we like it: 

  • Intuitive and easy to use
  • Disposable filters prevent the transfer of mucus and germs
  • Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

Best: Braun Nasal Aspirator

If pumping or squeezing or sucking is not your thing (can’t say we blame you), you can try an electronic aspirator option instead. It takes the guesswork out of suctioning on your own. Safe for newborns, this Braun aspirator features two gentle suction levels and two nozzle sizes for your baby’s comfort. It enables you to suction at the base of the nostril or go a little deeper into the canal, as needed. It also has an automatic shut-off feature for added safety. As it turns out, the best nasal aspiration may just be the one that does the work for you!

You can find this option in stores, or order via Prime for quick delivery — if you can wait two days.

Why we like it: 

  • Electronic design does the work for you
  • Offers two suction levels and two nozzle sizes
  • Has an auto shut-off feature for safety

When your baby is congested and uncomfortable, you will do anything and everything to help them feel better faster — even suck out their snot with your mouth (welcome to new parent life!). It is best to be prepared for sick days and stuffiness in advance by having a nasal aspirator at the ready, but if you don’t, fret not. You can get one in a jiffy to take care of the sniffies. You’ve got this.

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