The Top Nasal Aspirators to Clear Baby's Stuffed Nose (2025)

Our Top Picks

• 

  Best Overall Nasal Aspirator NoseFrida Baby Nasal Aspirator

  $11.97 See at Amazon

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• 

  Best Bulb Nasal Aspirator BoogieBulb Nasal Aspirator

  $19 See at Amazon

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• 

  Best Electric Nasal Aspirator Grownsy Baby Nasal Aspirator

  $33.99 See at Amazon

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• 

  Best Clear Nasal Aspirator Innovo Silicone Twister Bulb Nasal Aspirator

  $16.99 See at Amazon

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• 

  Best Nasal Aspirator and Cleaner Set Oogiebear The Bear Pair

  $21.99 See at Amazon

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• 

  Best Budget Nasal Aspirator Briggs Baby Nasal Aspirator

  $3 See at Amazon

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Because infants and toddlers can’t blow their own noses, caregivers need to take matters into their own hands (and sometimes mouth) to help baby breathe easier. Using a baby nasal aspirator will allow you to clear all that mucus out of your little one’s nose — and it’s an item you’ll want to have in your medicine cabinet at all times, just in case.

Although there are many benefits of a baby snot sucker, sticking something up your little one’s nose can be terrifying and harder to do than the product images make it look.

How We Chose the Best Baby Nasal Aspirators

• We consulted four experts, including Jesil Pazhayampallil, M.D., pediatrician in Los Angeles, California, and a medical reviewer for What to Expect, Shannon Godsil, M.D., pediatrician at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha, and Christine Kingsley, APRN, health and wellness director of the Lung Institute in Connecticut and Brian Clark BSN, MSNA, founder of United Medical Education. They provided advice on how to use a nasal aspirator on a baby and guidance as to what to look for when buying a nasal aspirator, focusing on what styles and features will help suck up the most mucus in an easy, efficient and safe way.

• We combed through feedback in the online What to Expect community which consists of millions of parents who have used a wide range of nasal aspirators. We looked for a consensus among parents as to what snot suckers met the following criteria:

• Easy to use

• Sucked up the most amount of mucus

• Easy to clean

• We consulted with six staff members on the What to Expect editorial team who have tested a majority of nasal aspirators on this list to see which were the easiest to use and clean.

• Per guidance from our experts, each nasal aspirator on the list is made of medical-grade and non-toxic materials.

Other Factors To Consider When Buying Baby Nasal Aspirators

Choosing the best nasal aspirator will depend on personal preference as well as product performance. Here are points to consider when selecting what’s best for you and your baby.

• Manual vs. Electric: There are two types of nose suckers on the market: manual and electric. Both work well, with the cost being higher for electric nasal aspirators. There are, however, convenient advantages such as multiple tip sizes that allow use for a wider range of ages, and literal bells and whistles, like music and lights, to distract your child during the process. Manual aspirators, on the other hand, are simple, but can be just as effective. Most models are the bulb-style that’s used to clean baby’s airways after birth. To use this type of nose sucker, caregivers simply squeeze the bulb first, then insert it into baby’s nostril and release pressure on the bulb to suck out the snot. Another type of manual sucker is one that features a tube for parents to literally suck the snot out with their mouth. It’s not for everyone, but parents find that these aspirators are less intimidating and invasive to baby and therefore, easy to use.

• Ease of cleaning: Nasal aspirators need to be cleaned well after each use. Those that can easily be pulled apart to clean and dry are ideal and reduce the risk of bacterial build up. You may want to look for one that has the least amount of parts and no small nooks or crannies to avoid buildup. Some nasal aspirators are dishwasher-safe while others are hand-wash only, so look for whichever type works best for your lifestyle.

• Age appropriateness: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that nasal aspirators are most commonly used for babies under 6 months, but not every snot sucker will be suitable for all babies. Check the manufacturer's age recommendations before purchasing a nasal aspirator to ensure it’s the correct range for your child. “It's important to go with an age- and size-appropriate aspirator, otherwise it may cause no improvements or even result in greater harm,” says Kingsley. Having the right size will make the experience more comfortable for baby and avoid damaging their nostrils.

What age can I use a nasal aspirator?

“The great news is that you can use a nasal aspirator as soon as you come home with your baby,” says Dr. Godsil. Typically, babies under 6 months of age need a snot sucker because they can’t blow their nose. You can use one on older babies and toddlers, but know that they might be more likely to fight the sucker.

Depending on the size of your child’s nostrils, you may need to experiment with different sized nose tips of the aspirator. Bulb aspirators can vary in size and are recommended based on your child’s age, so be sure to read the product’s description before making a final choice. For electronic nasal aspirators, look for products that offer different nose tips so that you can be sure you get the right size for the age of your child. Some products can be used from infant to toddler ages, but others are designed specifically for toddlers.

How do I use a nasal aspirator?

First, you’ll want to lay baby on his back before using the aspirator. Dr. Pazhayampallil suggests adding a couple drops of saline before using a nasal aspirator to thin out mucus, limit nasal irritation and prevent damage to the inside of the nostril. Make sure the air is out of the bulb, or chamber if you are using an electric one, by squeezing the bulb. Next, place the tip inside baby’s nostril, and release the bulb or activate the suction on an electric model. Once you’ve sucked up the mucus, you can discard it and repeat on the other nostril.

Dr. Pazhayampallil advises using a nasal aspirator before your child feeds, as clearing out the mucus may help him drink and eat better. And if you notice their nostrils becoming irritated, she suggests suctioning their nose less frequently.

Is it safe to use a nasal aspirator on a baby?

It’s safe to use a nasal aspirator on an infant — just be sure to use one designed for your child’s age. If using an electric aspirator, start with the lowest suction and work your way up if necessary to not irritate baby’s nostrils. “Using a nasal aspirator on a baby with a dry nose can really irritate their skin,” explains Clark. “This is why it is a good idea to combine a saline spray or drops for babies when using a nasal aspirator. You want to use the aspirator no more than three to five times a day for your baby.”

However, if the nasal congestion doesn’t seem to be bothering your child, leave it alone. You don’t need to suction out their nose just because they “sound” congested. Instead, remove mucus if they aren’t feeding or sleeping well, or if the congestion is affecting their breathing. And always clean the nasal aspirator after each use.

How do I clean a nasal aspirator?

“Choosing a device that is easy to clean and sanitize is crucial as it is important to prevent the spread of germs and infection,” says Kingsley. “Consider a disposable aspirator or one with removable parts over the traditional ones as they are easier to clean thoroughly after each use.” When cleaning a nasal aspirator, following instructions according to the manufacturer recommendations as each device is a little different. Some can be cleaned in the dishwasher or can be sterilized. Others are cleaned with soapy water and left to air dry.

Here are our picks for the best baby nasal aspirators.

Why Trust Us?

What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.

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