When your baby is first born, it depends upon you for everything in life including the ability to clear its nasal passages. Not only are newborn babies more likely to get sick or have serious congestion of the nose, they also lack the ability to get rid of that congestion themselves. That’s why a nasal aspirator for your baby is so important. A nasal aspirator removes congestion by drawing fluids out through the baby’s nostrils. It immediately makes it easier for the baby to breathe. There are many different brands, some of which are appropriate for different ages. If you are looking for a nasal aspirator for baby, read on!
How to Use a Nasal Aspirator
Learning how to use a nasal aspirator
- Start by laying the infant down on its back. You might want to break up the secretions with a saline solution–this is especially helpful if the child is very congested with thick mucus that must be removed. To use the saline solution, follow the instructions on the package.
- Squeeze the bulb of the aspirator, then press it gently into the child’s nostril. Slowly release the pressure on the bulb. You should see the secretions being sucked up into the nasal aspirator.
- When the pressure has been released completely from the bulb, remove it from your child’s nostril and clean it by squeezing the mucus out over a tissue.
- Repeat the above steps until your baby’s nostrils are clean and he or she can breathe normally through them again. When you are done, squeeze the bulb in a sink of warm water, pulling water into it and squeezing it out again to drain it well. Lay the aspirator on a towel or tissue and let it dry thoroughly.
Here’s a good example of nasal aspirator for baby being used in an appropriate way:
What Types of Nasal Aspirator Can I Use for My Baby?
There are numerous types of nasal aspirators that will work just fine for your baby. Some of these might be more comfortable to use than others, and might be easier to clean. Here is a list of the top nasal aspirators that parents use for their infants.
|
Types |
Descriptions |
|---|---|
|
BabyVac Nasal Aspirator |
This is a very unusual aspirator that works when hooked up to a vacuum cleaner. A filtering device regulates the suction so that the aspirator never pulls more than it should do. Some parents find this a great deal, but others are a little worried about using a vacuum cleaner in this way. |
|
NoseFrida the Snotsucker Nasal Aspirator |
The name says it all: This aspirator gets the nose clean. In this aspirator, a tube goes into the baby’s nose, and the suction is created by the parent sucking on the other end of the tube. The mucus goes into a filter that prevents the parent from sucking it too far. |
|
Graco BebeSounds NasalClear Nasal Aspirator |
This is a battery-operated suction device that offers continuous suction of the baby’s nose, but some parents say it isn’t strong enough to be truly effective. It works best for thin mucus. It can be put into the dishwasher for disinfecting. |
|
BabyComfyNose Nasal Aspirator |
This nasal aspirator also uses parental suction to work, but instead of having a filter that must be discarded and replaced, it allows parents to use simple household tissue to catch the mucus. This means that it can save money. It is dishwasher safe. |
|
Hospital's Choice Nasal Aspirator |
This is the most common nasal aspirator, and one that has been on the market for many decades under various names. It works by simply squeezing the bulb of the aspirator, as described in the directions above. It also happens to be the least expensive option. However, this one can also be pressed too deeply into the baby’s nose if you aren’t careful, so be aware of the depth when you use it. |
What Else Can I Do to Clear My Baby’s Nose?
Sometimes using a nasal aspirator just isn’t enough. This is especially true when your baby is truly sick with a cold and congestion, and needs something more than a little suction to clear out the airways.
1. A Saline Nose Spray
Using a saline nose spray can help clear up the mucus and make suctioning easier. Most saline sprays or drops can be purchased over the counter and are very easy to use. One to two drops are usually plenty. The baby is likely to sneeze when you use the saline, and that’s good–it helps to loosen up the mucus so that you can clear it out easier.
2. Steaming up the Room
Steaming up the room can also help. Turn the shower on with very hot water and close the door. When the room is filled with steam, go into it and sit down with your baby. As they breathe in the humid air, the mucus will likely break up a bit. Just be sure not to get your baby in contact with the hot water!
3. A Cool Air Humidifier
A cool air humidifier kept in the baby’s room is also a great way to avoid problems with congestion during the winter months. When the air gets too dry, the baby’s nasal passages can get clogged with icky stuff. The cool air humidifier keeps the baby’s room at a good humidity to prevent this problem.
4. Lift Your Baby’s Head a Bit
Finally, remember that if the baby’s head is lifted just a bit during sleep, it can mean the difference between a stuffy nose and a peaceful rest. To make this happen, put something firm underneath the head of the baby’s mattress. Never use a pillow or rolled blanket directly under the baby’s head, as this can lead to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. When the baby’s head is elevated, he or she is much less likely to deal with the awful feeling of waking up stuffed with all that mucus.
