The nasal aspirator

Choosing a good nasal aspirator is trickier than it seems. All the more so as this purchase is essential, given that a child can have nearly 10 colds a year — right up until the age of 2. While there are several ways to clear your baby's nose, having this accessory remains very practical and easy to use.

Nasal aspirators: the different models

As with many other baby care accessories, nasal aspirators come in a range of different models. Choosing from the multitude of available options can therefore be rather difficult. Here are the main ones:

• The bulb syringe: a nozzle and a silicone bulb to suction out the mucus. A simple system that has stood the test of time.

• Electric nasal aspirator: you either love it or hate it. But regardless, this type of baby nasal device is rather handy for those who don't want to exert themselves.

• The manual type: the classic, indispensable manual nasal aspirator is simple to use. All you need to do is create suction by inhaling through your mouth.

How to use a nasal aspirator?

Whether you use a manual or electric device, the procedure remains the same:

1. Place some saline solution in one nostril;
2. Then position the nasal tip in the nostril that received the saline solution;
3. Suction using the device, your mouth, or the bulb;
4. Finally, do the same with the other nostril.

Afterwards, it is necessary to clean all washable parts after each use. In addition, the device should be used in moderation, so as not to irritate your little one's nasal lining.

And without a nasal aspirator?

Without an accessory to clear your baby's nose, you can simply use saline solution — along with a bit of technique.

1. First, turn your little one onto one side and apply a little saline solution to the nostril facing you;
2. Then wait for an out-breath and close your child's mouth with a finger, whilst blocking the nostril that has just received the liquid;
3. Your child will then be able to blow the secretions out through the free nostril.

And what about you — which type of nasal aspirator do you use?