Young girl with pigtails holding the rechargeable nasal aspirator

Nasal Aspirators for Babies: Benefits, How to Use and Safety Tips

Updated October 2026 · Reviewed for safety and accuracy by the Lively Living team

Babies breathe mostly through their noses for the first few months, and they can't blow their noses for themselves. So when a cold arrives, even a little mucus can make feeding and sleeping hard work. A nasal aspirator lets you gently clear your baby's nose for them. This guide covers how aspirators work, the different types, how to use one safely, the most common myths, and when to call your GP. Our tips on clearing a congested baby's nose for feeding can make mealtimes easier.

What is a nasal aspirator?

A nasal aspirator, often called a snot sucker, is a small device that uses gentle suction to draw mucus out of your baby's nostrils. It has a soft tip that sits at the opening of the nostril (never pushed deep inside), and a chamber or bulb that collects the mucus so you can wash it away afterwards.

Lively Living USB rechargeable nasal aspirator

Why clear a baby's nose?

Young babies are natural nose breathers, which is what lets them breathe and feed at the same time. When their nose is blocked, they may:

pull off the breast or bottle often, or take smaller feeds
wake more at night or struggle to settle
sound snuffly, snorty or noisy when they breathe
become unsettled and grizzly

Clearing the nose before feeds and sleep can make your baby more comfortable while their body gets over a cold. Most colds in babies and young children clear up on their own within 7 to 10 days. Raising Children Network has more on colds in little ones.

Types of nasal aspirators

Bulb syringe. A rubber bulb with a narrow tip. You squeeze the air out, place the tip at the nostril and release to create suction. They're inexpensive, but the suction can be hard to control and the inside of the bulb is difficult to clean and dry properly.

Parent-powered (oral) aspirator. A tube with a soft tip for your baby and a mouthpiece for you. You control the suction with your own breath, and a filter sits between your baby and you. They're effective and easy to wash, but the filters need replacing.

Electric aspirator. A battery or rechargeable device that provides steady suction at the touch of a button. They're the quickest and easiest to use, especially in the middle of the night with a wriggly baby, and they're a popular choice for families who deal with lots of runny noses.

If you're weighing up which type suits your family, our guide to choosing the best nasal aspirator compares them side by side.

How to use a nasal aspirator, step by step

Step 1. Wash your hands and make sure the aspirator is clean and dry.

Step 2. Loosen the mucus. Lay your baby on their back and put 1 to 2 drops of saline (salt water) nasal drops into each nostril. Saline drops are available from pharmacies. Wait 30 to 60 seconds so the drops can soften dry or sticky mucus.

Step 3. Position your baby. Hold them with their head slightly tilted back, either lying down or sitting upright on your lap. Having a second pair of hands to keep little arms still can help.

Step 4. Gently place the soft tip at the opening of one nostril. Don't push it into the nose.

Step 5. Apply suction for a few seconds, then remove the tip. Repeat on the other side.

Step 6. Wipe your baby's nose with a soft tissue, give them a cuddle, and wash the aspirator straight away.

Many parents find just before a feed and before sleep are the most helpful times to clear the nose.

How often can you use one?

Use an aspirator only when your baby's nose is blocked and it's bothering them. For most babies, that's before feeds and before sleep, and generally no more than 3 to 4 times a day. Suctioning too often can irritate the delicate lining of the nose and make it swell, which can make the stuffiness worse. If you find you need it much more than this, have a chat with your GP or child health nurse.

Cleaning and care

Take the aspirator apart and wash the tip and collection parts in warm soapy water after every use.
Rinse well and let every part air dry completely before putting it back together. Moisture left inside is where mould and bacteria grow.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for sterilising, and never put electrical parts in water.
Give each child their own tip, and replace tips or filters that look worn, cracked or discoloured.

Nasal aspirator myths

Myth: Aspirators hurt babies. Used gently, with the tip at the opening of the nostril, an aspirator shouldn't hurt. Many babies dislike having their face touched and will protest, but that's not the same as pain. Saline drops first and a calm, quick approach make it easier.

Myth: Aspirators spread germs. A clean aspirator doesn't cause infections. Hygiene is what matters: wash it after every use, dry it fully and don't share tips between children.

Myth: The more you use it, the better. More isn't better. Clearing the nose when it's needed is helpful, but frequent suction can irritate the nose.

Myth: You should push the tip in deep to get everything out. Never. The tip should only sit at the entrance of the nostril. You only need to clear the mucus near the front of the nose.

Myth: All aspirators are the same. They vary a lot in suction control, comfort and how easy they are to clean, so it's worth choosing carefully.

Other ways to keep a congested baby comfortable

Offer feeds often. Smaller, more frequent feeds are easier when your baby has a blocked nose and keep them well hydrated.
Add moisture to the air. A cool mist humidifier in the nursery can make dry air more comfortable. Keep it out of reach and clean it regularly. Our Aroma-Snooze Plus is a cool mist humidifier, night light and sound machine in one.
Keep sleep safe. Always put your baby to sleep on their back on a firm, flat mattress. Don't raise the head of the cot or use pillows or wedges, even when your baby is congested. Red Nose has the full safe sleeping guidelines.
Skip the medicines unless advised. Cough and cold medicines aren't recommended for young children. Speak with your pharmacist or GP before giving your baby anything.

When to see a doctor

See your GP if your baby:

is under 3 months old and has a fever of 38°C or more
is feeding much less than usual or has fewer wet nappies
has congestion that lasts longer than 10 days or keeps getting worse
is pulling at their ears, has a high fever, or seems more unwell than you'd expect with a cold

Call 000 straight away if your baby is working hard to breathe (fast breathing, the skin sucking in between or under the ribs, or grunting), has pale or blue lips, is very drowsy or floppy, or stops breathing for any time. You can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 any time for advice from a registered nurse. Learn more about the signs of serious illness in babies and children.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a nasal aspirator on a newborn?

Yes. Aspirators are made for babies from birth. Be extra gentle, use saline drops first and keep the tip at the opening of the nostril.

Do I have to use saline drops?

Not always, but saline softens thick or dry mucus, which makes it easier to remove and more comfortable for your baby.

Can I use a nasal aspirator while my baby is asleep?

It's better to clear your baby's nose just before sleep. Using it on a sleeping baby will usually wake them, and a startled baby is harder to hold still.

Is it normal for my baby to cry when I use it?

Yes. Most babies don't like it, even though it's not painful. Keep it quick, stay calm and follow up with a cuddle or a feed.

Is a nasal aspirator good for toddlers too?

Yes. Aspirators are handy until your child learns to blow their own nose, usually somewhere between 2 and 4 years of age.

Our nasal aspirator

Our USB Rechargeable Nasal Aspirator is quiet, has simple one-touch operation with two suction levels (start on low for newborns), and comes with two soft, flexible silicone tips. It's listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods as a medical device, charges by USB so there are no batteries to buy, and its washable parts make cleaning easy. For the full sniffle kit, our nasal aspirator bundles pair it with the Aroma-Snooze Plus humidifier and organic oils.

Lively Living nasal aspirator bundles

Getting ready for cold season? Our Sniffle Survival Bundle brings together the rechargeable nasal aspirator, the Aroma-Snooze Plus cool mist humidifier and organic oils for when your little one is older.

A blocked nose is one of the most common parts of baby life. With a gentle aspirator, saline drops and plenty of cuddles, you can help your little one feed and rest more comfortably until they're back to their happy selves.