How to use a baby nasal aspirator safely

Used gently and according to its instructions, a baby nasal aspirator may remove some mucus at the nostril. It is not needed for every blocked nose, and it does not diagnose or treat the reason for the congestion, guarantee relief or prove that your baby is well.

Before you start, wash and dry your hands, check the instructions and parts for your exact device, and support your baby without forcing a position. Ready-made saline nasal drops or spray without medicine may help loosen mucus when suitable for your baby and the aspirator, but they are optional. Stop rather than using more force or repeating an attempt if your baby becomes distressed or the nose is irritated.

Suction is not a substitute for medical help. Feeding much less than usual, nappies much drier than usual, worsening symptoms or concern about a very young or medically vulnerable baby need professional advice, even if some mucus comes out.

Before using a nasal aspirator: decide and prepare

Check whether suction is the right next step

Consider suction only when there is mucus at the nostril and a practical reason to try. Do not try it if your baby's breathing, feeding, hydration or alertness is concerning.

Contact a GP urgently or call NHS 111 if your baby is feeding much less than usual or struggling to feed normally, has nappies much drier than usual, has had a dry nappy for 12 hours, seems dehydrated, is getting worse or seems seriously unwell. If you remain worried, ask for help rather than relying on another suction attempt.

Babies under 6 months can be difficult to assess over the phone. If you are very worried, seek an in-person assessment. Ask for advice earlier if your baby was born very prematurely or has a heart or lung condition, a weakened immune system or another relevant underlying condition.

Check your hands, your baby and the exact device

Before handling the aspirator:

•Wash and dry your hands.

•Read the instructions for the exact model.

•Check that the correct parts, tip and any filter required by that model are fitted.

•Support your baby so you can keep their head steady without forcing or restraining them.

•Stop if you cannot position your baby safely or they are becoming more distressed.

Wash and dry your hands, then check the instructions and fit only the parts or filter required by your exact device.

Is saline needed first?

Saline is optional, not a required first step. If it is suitable for your baby and the device, ready-made saline nasal drops or spray without medicine may help loosen mucus. Follow both the saline pack and aspirator instructions. Do not use a homemade recipe, add medicine, or guess a quantity or waiting time.

How to use each aspirator type gently

Shared gentleness rules

Use the device only for mucus that is accessible at the nose and follow the exact instructions for its tip and method. Never force the tip deeper, and do not assume that stronger suction, a longer attempt or repeated passes will work better.

The mechanics are not interchangeable. A bulb, a mouth-operated tube and an electric aspirator may require different parts, placement, filters, settings and cleaning.

Bulb aspirators

For a bulb aspirator, squeeze the air out of the bulb before bringing the tip to the nostril. Place the tip gently as that bulb's instructions direct, without forcing it deeper, then release the bulb slowly to create suction. There is no universal depth, seal, pressure, number of passes or session length.

Mouth-operated tube aspirators

For a mouth-operated design, fit a new, clean filter when its instructions require one. Rest the large tip at or against the nostril edge only as the device directs, without forcing it into the nose, and use gentle mouth suction. Do not apply this filter or placement method to a different design.

Electric aspirators

Electric aspirators vary by model. Use only the tip and setting in the instructions for your exact device, and follow its directions for each attempt. Stop if your baby becomes distressed or the nose is irritated rather than increasing the setting or continuing.

Clean the device after use

Clean reusable parts after each use as the exact device instructions direct. Follow those instructions for disassembly, washing, rinsing, drying, sterilising, filters and replacement parts. Do not immerse an electric unit or use a cleaning chemical unless its instructions explicitly allow it.

How often to try and when to stop

There is no universal daily number

There is no single number that is safe for every aspirator and every baby. Use the device only when there is mucus at the nostril and a practical reason to try, then follow its own instructions. Avoid advice that says to use it “as often as needed” or gives a daily figure without reference to your exact model.

Stop rather than force or repeat

If little or nothing comes out, it is appropriate to stop. Complete clearance is not the goal. Do not increase the force, insert the tip more deeply, lengthen the attempt or keep repeating it.

It is appropriate to stop rather than use more force or keep repeating an attempt. Seek advice if any of the warning signs in this article apply.

When irritation or injury needs advice

Contact a GP or NHS 111 if bleeding, pain or irritation persists, or if you suspect the aspirator caused an injury. Do not wait for a particular amount of bleeding or a set length of time before stopping. If breathing or alertness is affected, follow the emergency guidance below.

When to call 999, NHS 111 or a GP

Removing mucus does not identify the cause of a blocked nose or treat an illness. A nose that looks clearer does not change when you should seek help for any of the signs below.

Call 999 now

Call 999 now if your baby:

•Is struggling to breathe, including grunting, very fast breathing or their tummy sucking in under the ribs.

•Has pauses in breathing or stops breathing.

•Has blue or grey lips, tongue or skin.

•Is floppy, will not wake or will not stay awake.

Do not try suction or saline first.

Contact a GP urgently or call NHS 111

Seek urgent advice if your baby:

•Is feeding much less than usual or struggling to feed normally.

•Has nappies much drier than usual, has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or has other signs of dehydration.

•Is getting worse, seems seriously unwell or you remain worried.

•Has persistent bleeding, pain or irritation after suction, or you suspect an injury.

Seek advice earlier for a young or medically vulnerable baby

If you are very worried about a baby under 6 months, an in-person assessment may be needed because babies this young can be difficult to assess by phone. Seek advice sooner if your baby was born very prematurely or has a heart or lung condition, a weakened immune system or another relevant underlying condition.

Frequently asked questions