A Short Guide For Using The Manual Nasal Aspirator
Nasal aspirators combined with saline nasal drops is the recommended remedy for nasal congestion , by pediatricians worldwide.
The two types of aspirators available are the bulb syringes and the manual aspirator types like Nasobuddy, Nosefrida, Narhinel. We saw earlier about the limitations of bulb syringes.
Manual aspirator is the most gentle and most effective way to clear tiny stuffed noses and to improve breathing.
- It solves the bulb aspirators problems of inadequate suction . You can control the amount of suction generated. A low , steady and continuous suction can clear out the hardest of mucus.
- The aspirators tips are designed to stay outside the nostrils, virtually eliminating the risk of injury.
- They are easy to dismantle and clean. Just warm water and soap is sufficient. No risks of molds and infections.
Simple two step process :
Keep the aspirator at the opening of baby’s nostril.
Suck in air through the mouthpiece.
The mucus will collect inside the aspirator. The filter inside the aspirator stops the mucus from going higher up.
Tips & Tricks
- Always use a few drops of saline before starting to aspirate. Hard mucus gets liquefied by saline. This will make it easy for you to clear it.
- Before using it on your baby, practice sucking in a couple of times and feel the suction from the aspirator tip on your palm. This will help you adjust the suction depending on the need.
- The position : Be comfortably seated and put your baby down on your lap, with the baby’s neck slightly tilted upwards. Gently hold both the baby’s hand down with your left arm. Keeping the other arm free , to place the aspirator tip on the opening of baby’s nostril.
- Fussy baby ? Do not despair, some babies are naturally averse to any meddling. You can use the following tricks (shared by parents) to make him comfortable.
- Familiarize the object . Allow the baby to hold it in his hands. But only under your supervision, prevent them from taking it to their mouth.
- Play with him. Before using the aspirator, blowing the air through the mouthpiece produces a whistling sound , something that would grab your little one’s interest.
- Before you use it on the nose Suck in and keep the aspirator tip on his tummy, hands, cheek . He will find it as a ticklish fun rather than as a object to dread.
When to use it ?
Use it before feeding the baby and putting him to sleep. This will help the baby feed and sleep better.
Most babies accept the aspiration meddling immediately, some don’t. Be patient with him, take it slowly, he will accept it once he gets familiar with it.