Nuby
Nasal Aspirator
5.2/10 overall£19.99
A manual, parent-controlled nasal aspirator for gently clearing a congested baby's nose.
Manual, mouth-controlled nasal aspirators like this one give the parent direct, gentle control over suction strength via their own breath through a filtered tube, which most health visitors consider gentler and more controllable than an electric or squeeze-bulb aspirator, particularly for very young infants who can't blow their own nose.
Against an electric nasal aspirator, the manual version is quieter (electric motors can startle or upset an already-uncomfortable baby), cheaper, and gives more tactile feedback on suction strength, but it requires the parent to be comfortable with the mechanism, and hygiene depends on properly cleaning and replacing the filter between uses.
Used alongside saline nasal drops (which the NHS recommends to loosen mucus before suction), this is a genuinely effective, low-cost tool for the common newborn congestion that makes feeding and sleep harder — it doesn't treat any underlying illness, just clears the physical blockage.
What we liked
- Gentle, parent-controlled suction strength
- Quieter than an electric aspirator
- Inexpensive with replaceable filters
Where it falls short
- Requires the parent to be comfortable with mouth-suction mechanism
- Hygiene depends on correct filter cleaning and replacement
- Best used alongside saline drops, not alone
Specs
- Method
- Manual, mouth-controlled suction
- Included
- Reusable filters
- Sterilising
- Boil, steam or dishwasher safe (parts)
- Suitable from
- Birth
How we scored it
Measurement Accuracy
How consistent and clinically reliable the readings are.
Not a measurement device — scored low on this criterion by design, included for first-aid relevance.
Ease of Use on a Squirming Baby
How quickly and calmly it can be used on an uncooperative baby.
Straightforward once a parent is comfortable with the mechanism.
Value for Money
Cost relative to accuracy and build quality.
Very low cost with reusable, replaceable filters.
Weighted by importance for this category — see our editorial policy for how we test.
The alternative
Calpol
Calpol Infant Suspension (Sugar Free)
A paracetamol-based liquid medicine for reducing fever and mild-to-moderate pain from 2 months.