With a congested nose, it’s hard for your baby to eat, sleep, and even breathe. An electric nasal aspirator from the new generation represents an effective and quick solution for parents in such situations. However, the device features varied suction force levels, raising the questions of which level to opt for and why the choice of the suction force level matters for the device’s effectiveness as well as the baby’s comfort and health.
GROWNSY offers a range of high-quality baby care products designed to help parents with these challenges.
Why Do Modern Nasal Aspirators Have Multiple Suction Levels?
One size doesn’t fit all children, and manufacturers of nasal aspirators understand this fact. The varied suction powers are designed for the increasing needs of the growing child. Requirements for a baby’s suction needs vary greatly depending on the baby’s age, the type of illness, and the consistency of the mucus.
Newborns’ nostrils are small and easily damaged, so great care must be taken when suctioning them. A toddler’s nostrils are larger and allow the use of greater force. In addition, the thin, watery mucus associated with teething is distinct from the thick, sticky mucus associated with the bad cold. The ability to choose the level of power you are using makes it possible to tailor the suction device to the task at hand. This ensures you are able to effectively remove the congestion and at the same time are not using so much force that it causes pain or irritation.
The "Low" Setting: For Newborns and Everyday Loosening
Your first choice will be the lowest suction power setting. You can consider this as "Daily Cleaning," which is for the most sensitive babies and situations.
Ideal for Newborns (0-6 Months)
A newborn’s nostrils are quite narrow and sensitive. A low speed will provide the amount of power required to remove the thin mucus. This will be sufficient until the child is six months old. However, it's important to note that some experts suggest babies may require stronger suction levels as they approach six months old. It is powerful enough to remove the watery mucus in the nostrils, yet gentle on the small nostrils. Understanding the common causes of newborn congestion can provide additional peace of mind for new parents.
Perfect for Daily Maintenance and First-Time Use
Your baby’s nose can get a little bit of mucus or dust inside even when they are not sick. A quick use of the low setting can keep their nose clear. This stops small blockages from turning into bigger problems. If you are using a nasal aspirator for the first time, always start on the lowest setting. This helps your baby get used to the feeling and sound of the device, so it will be less stressful later. It's a great way to make them feel comfortable with the process.
The "Medium" Setting: Tackling Thicker Mucus from a Common Cold
Your baby will grow, or maybe the illness will progress. You will possibly find that the lowest speed is not powerful enough. A stronger congestion, as in a common cold, calls for the medium speed setting. This speed setting has greater pulling power, making it suited for a more viscid mucus discharge. Recognizing the key symptoms of congestion can help you decide when it's time to use a nasal aspirator.
This is more suited to babies over six months old, as they will already have more developed nasal passages. You can consider the use of the medium setting if you notice that the mucus is no longer thin and watery in consistency, as this is a sign that the mucus is thick rather than a translucent consistency. It gives the extra pull needed to get this sticky mucus out. This offers real relief and helps your baby breathe more easily. It has a good balance of being strong but not too harsh for their nose.
The "High" Setting: For Stubborn Congestion and Post-Saline Use
You will only need the greatest level of suction power in extreme cases of congestion. This is what I consider to be your "strong" setting. It is not what I recommend as a first choice, overall, but rather a secondary option if the lower settings will not help. It is a powerful device that will remove thick mucus from high in the nasal passages that refuses to budge in a sinus infection or during the peak of a nasty cold.
However, there is a certain rule that needs to be followed in these circumstances, which needs to be kept in mind at all times. The first thing that needs to be done is the usage of the saline spray or saline drops. High suction power will not help in this situation of dry mucus, as well as causing irritation in the nostrils. Saline spray/drops help in making the mucus loose. After the use of the saline spray/drops, one needs to wait for approximately 30 to 60 seconds to see the result of the saline spray/drops. After that, the device needs to be used on high suction power only for a few seconds in both nostrils.
A Pro-Tip: Mastering the Technique for Better Results
Using the nasal aspirator properly may be very important in effectively and safely clearing the nose. Doing it right may allow you to fully utilize the power of suction while keeping your baby comfortable at the same time.
It’s very hard to suction the nose of the baby if he/she lies flat on the back. The mucus may then go to the throat of the baby. On the other hand, what you should do is try to elevate the head of your baby. To do this for small babies, you may need to hold the baby inside your arm so the baby’s body will be in an elevated position. On the other hand, for older babies and toddlers, the best thing for you to do is to sit the baby on your lap so the baby will be sitting up. This position uses gravity to help the mucus move to the front of the nose. Then it can be suctioned out easily.
To function effectively, its silicone tip needs to make a gentle seal on the outside of your baby’s nostril. Try not to insert the shaft very far up the nostril. Rather, press the shaft gently against the opening of the nostril to seal it off. In this manner, the suction pressure will be easily established to remove the mucus from the nostril effectively. You may have to maneuver the shaft slowly from side to side to locate the right spot to remove the mucus effectively.
Safety First: Golden Rules for Using Any Suction Level
Your baby's safety is most important, no matter which power level you use. Follow these basic rules to make sure every use is gentle, safe, and effective.
- Always Use a Soft Silicone Tip: The tip that enters the nostrils of the baby must be made from soft, medical-grade silicone to prevent it from scratching or hurting the delicate interior of their nose.
- Keep suctioning brief: Do not suction one nostril for more than a few seconds at a time; try for 3-5 seconds. Suctioning for too long can cause irritation.
- Give Breaks In Between: After suctioning one nostril, give your baby a short break to breathe and relax. Then you can move to the other side or try again.
- Angle the Tip Carefully: The tip should point toward the side or back of the nostril. Keep it away from the middle part of the nose, or septum.
- Clean the Device Thoroughly After Every Use: You have to do this. Mucus carries germs and viruses. After use, take it apart and wash all the removable parts with warm, soapy water. This prevents mold and your baby from getting sick again.
When to Call a Doctor
A nasal aspirator is a great tool for normal stuffiness, but it does not replace a doctor’s advice. You should know the signs that mean your baby might need to see a doctor. If you see any of these things, call your doctor:
- High or Prolonged Fever: A fever in a newborn (less than 3 months) or a high fever in an older baby is a call-the-doctor reason.
- Labored Breathing Signs: The wide opening of nostrils, quick breathing, or when the skin pulls in around their ribs or neck.
- Refusal to Eat or Drink: Your baby might become dehydrated if their nose is so congested that they can't nurse or bottle-feed for several feedings.
- Too Much Irritability or Lethargy: If the baby is much fussier than usual and can't be soothed, or if the baby is unusually sleepy and hard to awaken.
- Symptoms of an Ear Infection: Pulling at the ears can be a sign of an ear infection, especially with a fever and a stuffy nose.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Nasal Aspirator Suction Level for Your Baby's Needs
Choosing the appropriate power of the nasal aspirator for your baby means paying attention to their needs. For a comprehensive approach, consider exploring an ultimate baby care set that includes all the essentials for your little one. Use the lowest setting for newborns and daily care, medium for a common cold, and the high setting only after saline for very bad stuffiness. Once you learn the right power level to use in conjunction with safe methods, you can give your little one fast and good relief. This helps them get back to what is important: breathing easy, sleeping well, and feeling better.