Clearing Baby's Stuffed Nose

A long, long time ago, when a baby with a stuffed up nose needed help “clearing the way” his or her mother or father would bravely step up to the challenge. Parents were known to selflessly take their babies noses into their own mouths so that they could suck out whatever – erm… obstruction was hidden up there. 

Today’s mama, while still selfless enough to take on this unpleasant task, has (thankfully!) more sophisticated options at her disposal.

Many parents will probably receive or buy a bulb aspirator, which has a little tube meant to sit against baby’s nostril, the tube attached to a rubber bulb. Squeezing the air from the bulb, applying the tube to the nostril, upon release of the bulb the vacuum force created by the expanding bulb will pull mucus into the tube. The trick is to hold the pre-squeezed bulb steady and efficiently release before baby notices and moves her head.

The bulb aspirator was better than any option we had before, but now pales when compared to the NoseFrida, a non-invasive “snot sucker” out of Sweden. Designed by a doctor and highly recommended by Matraea Mamas we had to share this awesome product with you!

NoseFrida is non-invasive – instead of going inside the nose like the bulb, it forms a seal with the outside of the baby’s nostril, and prepares the NoseFrida forparent-powered (mouth) suction–much stronger and more effective than the static suction of the manual bulb or battery-powered aspirators. NoseFrida is also easy to clean.

How to Use the NoseFrida

The disposable filter should be in place to prevent mucus or bacterial transfer.

1. Place the large tube against the child’s nostril, creating a seal.

2. Use the red mouthpiece to SUCK out the snot.

TIPS: Move the tube in a circular motion against the nostril – you will hear and see the mucus coming out of the nose. A few drops of saline solution in each nostril will help loosen thick mucus before using NoseFrida.

To clean, detach all of the pieces, and dispose of the filter. All pieces EXCEPT for the long thin tube should be cleaned with hot water and dish soap (they are also top-rack dishwasher safe). The long thin tube should be cleaned with a few drops of rubbing alcohol and shaken out to dry.

So onward brave Mamas… Go forth with your clean nosed babies and conquer the playground, the car ride or nap time with confidence!