Welcome to Parenthood: These Snot Suckers Are Your New BFFs for Relieving Baby’s Congestion & Runny Nose (2025)

Sucking snot from your baby's nostrils isn’t the most glamorous job, but it helps keep your little one’s nasal passages clear when they’re suffering from congestion or a runny nose. Allergies, a cold, or viral and bacterial infections can all make a baby's nose runny, and clearing those fluids can make it easier for them to suck, eat, and breathe. That job is often smoother with a baby nasal aspirator, sometimes known as a “snot sucker,” a handy device that allows you to suck the snot from your baby’s nose when they’re unable to blow it yet.

Before cleaning out the nose, use saline drops or spray to break up the mucus and make the suction easier and more comfortable for your little one. An important note: Suction a child’s nose before feeding, as doing so afterward may cause them to vomit.

There are various types of baby nasal aspirators, such as manual options and electric nasal aspirators, that do the work for you. To help caregivers find the best baby nasal aspirators for clearing mucus, we spoke with a number of experienced parents and with Arthur Lavin, a pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on colds and suctioning a baby’s nose. Our list includes a variety of brands and different types of nasal aspirators for every budget.

Our Favorite Baby Nasal Aspirators

• Best Overall:FridaBaby NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator
• Best With Multiple Tips:Grownsy Electric Nasal Aspirator for Baby
• Best Electric:Nosiboo Pro Baby Electric Nasal Aspirator
• Best Hospital Grade: Dr. Noze Best NozeBot Electric Nasal Aspirator
  
• Best Battery-Powered:Watolt Baby Nasal Aspirator
• Best Budget:Green Sprouts Nasal Aspirator
• Best for Infants:Ravifun Baby Nasal Aspirator
• Best Easy to Clean: Innovo Silicone Twister Bulb Baby Ear Syringe and Nasal Aspirator

How to Use a Baby Nasal Aspirator Safely

Incorrectly using a baby nasal aspirator can wreak more havoc on your child's already-tender nose. “Pushing a nozzle into any nose is irritating and usually leads to the nose making more mucus in response,” says. Dr. Lavin. To ensure you use a baby nasal aspirator safely, here are some more expert-recommended guidelines:

• When to Use:The most important step to take before suctioning your child’s nose is to determine if they really need it. “It makes great sense to wipe our babies’ noses when the mucus rolls out, but is it a good idea to stick a nozzle in their noses? Sometimes, but not always,” explains Dr. Lavin. He doesn't advise using an aspirator if the mucus (wet or dry) isn't bothering your little one.
• Saline Spray or Drops:If your child’s runny nose appears bothersome, spray their nose with saline spray or use saline drops to thin the mucus before suctioning.With manual nasal aspirators, you will typically either stick the tip inside your child’s nose and suck from a tube or press on a bulb-like syringe to help pull out any snot. As for electric nasal aspirators, simply stick the tip inside your child’s nostril and press a button. If you’re ever concerned you’re doing it wrong or are unsure of how to properly use the product, contact the manufacturer.

Why We Like It

The Nose Frida is the hands-down winner when it comes to the best baby nasal aspirator forcongestion. A Swedish doctor invented this little miracle, which allows you tosuck the mucus right out of a baby’s nosewith your mouth. We know: It sounds gross. But never fear—the mucus is collected in a reservoir, and a filter connects the reservoir to the tube.The filter traps not only the mucus but also the associated germs, according to one of our writers who used this with her son when he was a newborn. The best part? The red mouthpiece, blue nasal tube, and filter cap are all safe to wash in a dishwasher on the top rack.

But Take Note

While this method may gross some parents out, it's effective, and your mouth never touches your baby's snot, thanks to thedisposable filtersthe company includes. We wish the company included a special case to store everything, but with how well this snot sucker works, we don't mind finding an alternative storage solution. In fact, one of our writers says she stores hers in one of thesereusable silicone bags.

The Details:

• Suction type:Manual
• Battery type:N/A
• Dimensions:Not listed

Why We Like It

Baby nasal aspirators aren't one-size-fits-all, which is why we love the Grownsy Electric Nasal Aspirator. It includesthree tip sizesmade of soft, flexible silicone, and it hasadjustable suction levelsto ensure the aspirator feels gentle and comfortable in a baby's nose. In addition, the ergonomic shape and LCD display make it user-friendly for adults trying to wrangle a squirmy child.

An included storage case allows parents and caregivers to pack the aspirator for on-the-go use, while a rechargeable battery lasts 30 days on a full charge. Bonus? This nasal aspirator includes alight and musicdisplay for children to enjoy during a not-so-enjoyable experience.

But Take Note

There's no volume control for the music on the Grownsy Electric Nasal Aspirator. However, we don't think babies (or parents) will mind thesoft and calming lullaby tunesthe device plays. Plus, the music—and the multi-color light—are optional.

The Details:

• Suction type:Electric
• Battery type:USB Type-C rechargeable
• Dimensions:Not listed
  

Why We Like It

The Nosiboo Pro Electric Nasal Aspirator has anasal bulb attached to an electric motor. Once you turn it on, it effectively removes mucus from deep in those small nasal passages. This machine may come with a hefty price tag, but it’s worth every penny if your little one is dealing with recurring sinus or ear infections.

But Take Note

The electric motor on the Nosiboo Pro only works if you plug it into an outlet. Moreover, it can be loud to some sensitive ears, so we recommend letting kids explore and familiarize themselves with the device (under supervision) before using it.

The Details:

• Suction type:Electric
• Battery type:Outlet
• Dimensions:6.10 inches tall
  

Why We Like It

The NozeBot Nasal Aspirator is a hospital-grade device with three levels of suction. A very unique design feature is its two-finger hold for the nose piece (you use your index and ring fingers). This leaves your other hand and thumb free to help hold and position your baby's head—it may seem like a small thing, but it makes a world of difference when you're dealing with a sick, wiggly baby. We also appreciate that this pick is HSA/FSA eligible. The nose piece and tubing are dishwasher-safe

But Take Note

The NozeBot is a portable device that is rechargeable and cordless. One thing to note is that it's not designed to operate while charging, so you'll need to charge it before you can use it, which isn't always convenient. The kit includes a micro-USB cable, but you'll need your own power adapter.

The Details:

• Suction type:Electric
• Battery type:Rechargeable
• Dimensions:3.7 x 3.7 x 2.4 inches

Why We Like It

The Watolt Baby Nasal Aspirator only requires two AA batteries to get the job done. This electric nasal aspirator uses gentle suctioning to remove mucus from tiny nasal passages, with three suction strengths to choose from.Two reusable tipsin different shapes, like funnel and gourd-shaped, help parents and caregivers reach odd angles.

One of our favorite features of this nasal aspirator is thecolor-changing light and music function. A durable storage case was the icing on the cake, with separate compartments to hold pieces for easy portability.

But Take Note

Kids will appreciate the gentle suctioning, but parents may wish for a stronger suction. Another note: The company recommends saline spray to soften boogies; wait 30 seconds to one minute and then use the device.

The Details:

• Suction type:Electric
  
• Battery type:2 AA
• Dimensions:‎6.81 x 4.13 x 2.32 inches
  

Why We Like It

This nasal aspirator is perfect for parents and caregivers on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice efficiency. Made from plant-based plastic and silicone, the Green Sprouts Nasal Aspirator is eco-friendly and safe for newborns and toddlers who need help cleaning their noses.

It has aside vent valve to decrease air backflow for optimum suction. There’s also a travel cap to keep the tip clean while out and about.

But Take Note

Hand washing is the best way to clean this nasal aspirator, as plant-plastic parts cannot be sterilized. Keep this pick out of the dishwasher because heat during the drying process may damage it.

The Details:

• Suction type:Manual
• Battery type:N/A
• Dimensions:Not listed
  

Why We Like It

Many of the best baby nasal aspirators on the market today aren’t quite small enough for the tiniest babies. If you’re looking for the best option for infants, you may want to try the Ravifun electric model. It comes withtwo different-sized tips—one for infants and a bigger one for kids over 2 years old. It’s a reliable, effective way to clean a baby’s nose. It’s even quiet enough to use while the baby is sleeping.

But Take Note

A USB cable charging design makes the device simple to use. But note that while a charging cord is included, the charging block is not.

The Details:

• Suction type:Electric
• Battery type:USB rechargeable
• Dimensions:7.8 x 1.5 inches
  

Why We Like It

As parents, we’re all too familiar with the iconic blue nasal bulb that often comes home from the hospital with a new baby. While it works decently, it gets downright disgusting on the inside. The Innovo Twister Bulb fixes that problem. It uses the same bulb design, but it comes apart for easy cleaningwith soap and warm water (and it's also dishwasher- and sterilizer-safe!). Made of soft silicone, its see-through design allows you to examine how much of the gross stuff you got out and also make sure it's clean before and after use.

But Take Note

We appreciate that it comes apart for easy cleaning, but depending on how you grip the device, suctioning can be challenging. The key is to push from the top of the bulb, not the sides.

The Details:

• Suction type:Manual
• Battery type:N/A
• Dimensions:N/A
  

Our Review Process and Experts

To select the best baby nasal aspirators, we researched and reviewed more than two dozen nasal aspirators and spoke to experts, including a pediatrician and parents, about their favorite picks. We carefully considered design, material, ease of cleaning, size, battery type, age recommendations, and value when reviewing products.

For more information on what to look for in baby nasal aspirators, we spoke toArthur Lavin, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio. Dr. Lavin explained when to use a baby nasal aspirator (and when not to).

Factors to Consider When Buying a Baby Nasal Aspirator

• Method: Some nasal aspirators, like the FridaBaby NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator, require a parent or caregiver to use their mouths to suck the snot out of the child’s nose through a tube. Depending on your comfort, this method isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. There are other nasal aspirators, like electric snot suckers or bulbs, that do the work for you instead or don't require using your mouth.If you prefer these methods, check out the Grownsy Baby Nasal Aspirator or Nosiboo Pro Electric Nasal Aspirator.
• Comfortable: Not all snot suckers are one-age-fits-all, so it’s important to make sure the one you choose will be comfortable for your baby’s age. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s age recommendation.For example, some nasal aspirators are designed for children of all ages (who cannot blow their nose), while others are made more specifically for toddlers. Checking the age recommendation will ensure your child is most comfortable while their nose gets cleaned out.While Dr. Lavin doesn’t have a preferred type of nasal aspirator, he explains, “Just use it [nasal aspirator] judiciously—only when the mucus really is bothering the baby, not the parent.”
• Easy to Clean: You want to ensure the snot sucker stays clean and sanitized before and after every use to avoid mold buildup inside. Some nasal aspirators are dishwasher or sterilizer-safe, while others are hand-wash only. Determine which cleaning method will work best for your lifestyle and stick with that.

How Do I Properly Clean a Nasal Aspirator?

You want to fully take apart the aspirator before washing to ensure every piece gets clean. If there are spots left dirty, it’s possible for mold to grow.Once you’ve taken apart the nasal aspirator, simply use warm water and soap to wash it, unless the manufacturer states otherwise. For example, you can't wash an electric nasal aspirator, but you may be able to let some pieces soak and then wash. Additionally, some pieces may even be dishwasher or sterilizer safe. Your nasal aspirator should come with proper cleaning instructions if you’re unsure.

Who We Are

Katrina Cossey is a writer for Parents, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son.Katrina used the FridaBaby NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator for her son's stuffy nose and thought it was easy to use, clean, and effective.