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Put a few saline drops in each nostril, wait a minute, then gently suction the loosened mucus out. Do it before feeds and before sleep, when a clear nose matters most. That's the routine Canadian children's health sources recommend. A nasal aspirator is just the tool for the second step, and the type you choose is mostly about what you find easiest to use and clean.
Babies breathe mainly through their noses, especially while feeding, so even a little congestion can make them fussy at the breast or bottle. In newborns, a stuffy nose in the first days is often leftover fluid from birth and clears on its own.
How to clear your baby's nose, step by step
- Lay your baby on their back.
- Put 2 or 3 saline drops in each nostril. Saline loosens dried or sticky mucus so it comes out more easily.
- Wait 30 to 60 seconds.
- Suction gently, one nostril at a time, with a bulb or nasal aspirator. Keep the tip at the opening of the nostril. Don't push it in deep.
- Wipe away what drains out with a tissue or soft wipe. Never put a cotton swab inside your baby's nose.
- Clean the aspirator after each use, following its instructions.
You can repeat this several times a day, especially before feeding and sleep. If your baby fights it, stop and try again later. A calm baby is easier to help than an upset one.
Types of nasal aspirators
| Type | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber bulb | Squeeze, place at the nostril, release | Inexpensive and simple. You can't see inside, so rinse it well with fresh water before and after each use and let it dry. |
| Mouth-suction tube, like the NoseFrida ($26.99) | You suck gently through a tube; a disposable filter keeps mucus away from you | You control the strength exactly. Needs a fresh filter each time. Some parents don't like the idea, even with the filter. |
| Hand pump, like the Chiboji Nasal Aspirator ($39.99) | You squeeze a hand pump; mucus collects in a cup | No mouth contact and no batteries, and it's silent. Takes apart for washing in warm, soapy water. |
| Electric | A battery motor does the suction at set levels | Steady suction without effort from you. Costs more, and there are more parts to clean and keep charged. |
Prices are in CAD and were current when we wrote this.
Which one to choose
- You want the most control over how strong the suction is: a mouth-suction tube.
- You'd rather not use your mouth, and want something quiet for a sleeping baby: a hand pump like the Chiboji.
- You want the cheapest backup for the diaper bag: a rubber bulb, as long as you'll rinse and dry it properly.
Whatever you choose, buy it before the first cold. Working out a new tool at 2 a.m. with a congested baby is harder than it needs to be. Soft wipes like Aleva Nose 'n' Blows Wipes ($5.99) are useful for the drips around the nose afterwards.
Does a humidifier help?
It can loosen mucus, but Canadian sources are cautious. The Canadian Paediatric Society doesn't recommend cool-mist humidifiers for colds because bacteria and mould can grow in them, and says to disinfect one daily if you use it. Hot-water vaporizers can cause burns. Our guide to cool-mist and warm-mist humidifiers covers what to know first.
When to call a doctor
Colds have no cure and usually clear up in about a week. Call your doctor or go to the emergency department if your baby:
- is under 3 months old and has a fever, or isn't feeding, or is vomiting
- can't drink enough because their nose is too blocked
- is breathing fast or seems to be working hard to breathe
- has thick yellow or green mucus for more than 10 to 14 days, or ear pain
Call 9-1-1 if your baby has severe trouble breathing, has blue lips, is limp, or is hard to wake.
Not sure? In BC, call 8-1-1 any time to talk to a nurse, with interpreters available in more than 130 languages. In Ontario, call Health811. If this is your first winter in Canada, our checklist for newcomer families covers the rest of the season.
Want to see the aspirators before you buy? Call our Richmond, Burnaby or Ottawa store ahead of your visit and we'll let you know what we have on hand.
