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in collaboration with
Caroline Decré (childcare nurse)
When your baby has a cold, cleaning the nose is essential to eliminate nasal secretions and help him breathe better. But which model of baby nasal aspirator should you buy: manual or electric? When to use it? Should physiological saline be preferred? We take stock with Caroline Decré, nurse-childcare worker.
Blowing your baby’s nose: the basics
” Blowing your nose or washing your nose is an essential gesture when you are a parent of young children. Indeed, babies are not able to free themselves from nasal secretions that clog their airways in the event of a cold. “, explains Caroline Decré, nurse-childcare worker before adding: ” And this can quickly degenerate into bronchiolitis, in particular. A baby with a stuffy nose has more energy to breathe and gets tired more quickly. “. Other consequences of the common cold: babies will have difficulty eating, and a need to split food intake. However, blowing your baby’s nose is a simple gesture for parents, which can be practiced from birth, and proves to be the best prevention against bronchiolitis but also ear infections, and ENT and bronchial superinfections.
There are several ways to clear your baby’s nasal passages, depending on their age and size.
Physiological serum: a basic hygiene product
If there’s one product you’re going to use with your baby, it’s this one: saline! It is used for everything: cleaning your child’s eyes and nose, even his buttocks.
Sneeze to blow your baby’s nose
Our expert has her technique: a twisted compress with a few drops of saline in the nostril will trigger a sneeze. A baby who sneezes, blows his nose, bingo! In the event of a cold with a stuffy or runny nose, effective washing will be essential.
The classic washing with saline solution
To do this, after washing your hands, do not hesitate to lay your baby on his stomach or on his side, head turned to the side. Gently hold his head by placing your hand flat on his skull. Introduce the pipette into the upper nostril by squeezing the pipette to empty its contents. Close your baby’s mouth at the same time to allow saline to come out the other nostril. Let your baby swallow, then give him a big hug and repeat the same process for the other nostril, head turned to the other side. Clean your child’s nostrils with a clean compress or tissue.
” Nose washing can be done seated, back against you for older children. You can also use a device with syringe and nosepiece in this position, still using physiological saline. This is often more accepted by children and just as effective. Finally, a baby nasal aspirator (by oral or electric suction, taking care to use the tips provided) can be used if the secretions are difficult to evacuate despite effective washing. “, advises the nursery nurse.
When to use a baby nasal aspirator?
For our specialist, the baby nasal aspirator (or nasal aspirator) is to be preferred only when your little one is very crowded. It comes in addition, after an effective nose wash with physiological saline, to suck up secretions if the wash is not sufficient. “.
Indeed, it is not recommended to use the baby nasal aspirator, whether manual or electric, in first intention because its effectiveness is more superficial than washing with a pipette. “ I worked in pediatric intensive care and clearly, the best advice that we could give to parents in the prevention of bronchiolitis were to carry out effective nose washes, before meals and each time the child had a congested nose “, wishes to underline the nurse-childcare worker.
It is a system that allows not to wash, but to suck secretions and phlegm. It is made up of the tip on the child side (the tip can be washable or disposable) to be inserted into the baby’s nose and the tip on the suction side, connected to the adult’s mouth in the case of a manual baby nose (or to a pear – often made of silicone – that is pressed), and to the machine for an electric baby nasal aspirator.
Manual or electric baby nasal aspirator?
For Caroline Decré: “it’s above all a story of parental comfort and habit of use”.
The baby nasal aspirator
The manual baby nasal aspirator allows nasal aspiration managed by the parent. It is softer and less impressive for the baby, because it is quieter. In addition, the parent can adapt the suction, depending on the thickness of the mucus. This model is compact and light and is easily transportable in the diaper bag. And its price is very reasonable.
However, some parents will not be comfortable with such a baby aspirator because you have to suck it yourself, while holding the tip in the baby’s nose. And some are also afraid, for a question of hygiene, of being affected by their baby’s secretions… even though there is a filter. Another disadvantage for a manual baby nasal aspirator: the tips are one size, unlike some electric products and mostly disposable, which generates a lot of waste.
The electric baby nasal aspirator
The electric baby nasal aspirator has the advantage of allowing effective and continuous suction. Some allow a variation of the suction, depending on the size of the child. In addition, most models, which are more ergonomic, offer different mouthpiece sizes depending on the age of the baby. Cleaning is simple and, in principle, avoids waste. On the downside, some only work on the mains, which limits outdoor use. The sound of some electric baby nasal aspirators can be overwhelming for toddlers. The price is also to be taken into account because it is a very substantial budget for a non-essential object.
Choosing the right baby nasal aspirator
It is important to choose a reliable model, whether it is a manual or electric baby nasal aspirator. Do not hesitate to seek the advice of your doctor or your nursery nurse before putting this hygiene product on your birth list or buying it in the store. You can also consult reviews on comparison sites. ” But be careful to form your own opinion, because, like many articles in childcare, there is a large part of marketing warns Caroline Decré.
Baby nasal aspirator buying guide: the editor’s selection
Electric baby aspirator, Nosiboo
It is one of the top sellers of baby hygiene products. Praised by parents, its main asset is its suction power, which can be adjusted according to the age of the child and the secretions. Only problem: its price. It is on Amazon that you will find the cheapest price: 129 €.
Electronic baby fly, Dbb Remond
This classic product has several tips. Its difference: melodies to try to distract baby while cleaning the nose for a reasonable price. Count 60 €.
Baby fly, Gifer
A manual, basic model that is easily found in pharmacies. Its advantage: extra-soft, ergonomic disposable tips for small nostrils. The foam filter traps secretions. It is sold with a small storage box and can be taken everywhere for a price accessible to all: 8 €
Baby aspirator, Prorhinel
Another simple “made in France” model. Operating by suction system, it gently clears baby’s congested nose while ensuring perfect hygiene with its absorbent filter. Its ergonomic shape allows a good grip while its soft and comfortable tip is perfectly adapted to your baby’s small nose. The nosepiece is for single use. Its price: 8 €
Electric baby aspirator, Beaba
For parents who prefer electric, without breaking the bank. It accompanies the little one in its growth thanks to its different tips, including a special infant. The tips also vary by size and are silicone for softness. Storage pouch. 3 upgradeable sterilizable tips (therefore economical and ecological). An additional silicone gasket is provided. The price is correct: 50 €.
Manual baby aspirator, Babymoov
This baby nasal aspirator, patented and manufactured in Europe, works by oral aspiration. This technique is gentle and effective for cleaning your infant’s nose. Among its other assets: a flexible morphological nose piece adapted to the smallest nostrils and an integrated sanitizing filter. It comes in a small case with 2 nosepieces. A little more expensive than the other suction models: 13 €
2-in-1 baby nose cleaner, Nuby
It is the most basic and simplest model, after saline. It is a pear, which by sucking helps to eliminate the baby’s nasal congestion. This 2-in-1 model can also be used for the ear canal in older children. It is the baby nasal aspirator at the lowest price: less than 5 €. But, hygiene question, it is not easy to clean it and this technique does not convince everyone.
Baby aspirator, Humer
Another classic! Composed of a suction system and 4 extra-soft disposable tips, it is appreciated for its ease of use. The body of this baby nasal aspirator is ergonomic. A flexible and transparent tubing connected to its mouthpiece allows secretions to be aspirated in complete safety. Good value for money: €6.20, approximately.
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