Help your baby breathe easier

  What a relief it is when your toddler learns to blow his or her nose. Before this skill is mastered, babies and toddlers suffer with a plugged nose and all of the accompanying discomforts. Recent warnings about the possible fatal or damaging effects of over-the-counter children’s cold medicines given to children under the age of two, have parents looking for alternative forms of relief.
That’s where the Nosefrida nasal aspirator comes in. Unlike bulb aspirators, which can irritate the nasal lining when inserted or can result in little relief, this aspirator is placed at against the nostril, forming a seal. A 15-inch clear plastic hose attaches to the nasal nozzle. You provide the suction needed to extract the mucus – don’t worry, there’s a filter that keeps you clear of the icky stuff. The disposable filters will also protect you from catching your child’s cold.
‘‘Nosefrida gives the parents a chance to help babies blow their nose and clear their airway so they can sleep and eat,’’ says pediatrician Cheryl E. Perkins.
The device, manufactured in Sweden, is easy to clean, dishwasher safe and made of non-allergenic, latex-free polypropylene. Nosefrida retails for $15 and is available at www.Nosefrida.com.