The Grownsy is electric with music and lights. The Frida NoseFrida is manual mouth-suction with no batteries needed. After using both through multiple cold seasons, here's our honest take on which is actually better.
⚡ Quick Comparison
| Feature | Grownsy Electric | Frida NoseFrida |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$30 | ~$15 |
| Type | Electric, rechargeable | Manual, mouth-suction |
| Power Source | USB-C battery | Your lungs |
| Suction Control | 3 preset levels | You control it |
| Best For | Dry & wet congestion | Wet/runny congestion |
| Distraction Features | ✅ Music + lights | ❌ None |
| Cleaning | Rinse chamber | Replace filters |
| Portability | Good (with case) | ✅ Excellent |
| Gross Factor | ✅ None | Mouth-sucking |
🏆 The Winner Depends on Your Situation
Choose Grownsy if:
- Baby has frequent dry/crusty boogers
- You want hands-free suction control
- Baby needs distraction (music/lights help a lot)
- You hate the idea of mouth-suction
- You don't mind spending $30
Choose NoseFrida if:
- Budget is tight ($15 vs $30)
- Baby mostly has wet/runny congestion
- You want ultimate suction control
- You need something tiny for travel
🔌 Grownsy Electric: The Full Review
What We Love
1. Handles dry boogers like a champ. The electric suction on level 2-3 pulls out crusty, stuck boogers that the NoseFrida simply can't touch. This alone makes it worth the upgrade.
2. The music actually helps. We were skeptical, but "Twinkle Little Star" genuinely distracts baby long enough to clear both nostrils. The lights add to the effect.
3. USB-C charging is clutch. No hunting for batteries at 2am. One charge lasts about 3 weeks of daily use.
4. Less gross. You're not putting your mouth anywhere near baby snot.
What We Don't Love
1. Bulkier than NoseFrida. Takes up more space in the diaper bag, though the included case helps.
2. Battery can die at bad times. Happened once during a bad cold. Keep it charged.
💨 Frida NoseFrida: The Full Review
What We Love
1. Unbeatable for runny noses. When baby has a wet, snotty cold, nothing clears it faster. You control exactly how hard you suck.
2. Tiny and portable. Fits in your pocket. No charging needed.
3. Cheap. At $15, you can have one at home, one at grandma's, one in the car.
4. Hospital nurses love it. There's a reason pediatric nurses recommend this one.
What We Don't Love
1. Gross factor is real. Yes, there's a filter. No, snot doesn't reach your mouth. But you're still sucking boogers. Some parents (especially dads) can't get past it.
2. Struggles with dry boogers. If mucus has dried and crusted, mouth suction alone won't cut it. You'll need saline drops first.
3. No baby distraction. Just you shoving a tube in their nose. Some babies fight harder.
📝 Our Real Testing Notes
Cold #1: Runny Nose (October)
NoseFrida: Cleared everything in 30 seconds. Winner.
Grownsy: Worked but took longer. Suction less effective on liquid.
Cold #2: Thick/Crusty Congestion (January)
NoseFrida: Struggled. Needed saline + multiple attempts.
Grownsy: Level 3 pulled out stuck boogers instantly. Winner.
Cold #3: Mixed Congestion + Fussy Baby (March)
NoseFrida: Baby screamed and fought.
Grownsy: Music calmed baby enough to clear both nostrils. Winner.
Overall Score: Grownsy 2, NoseFrida 1. Both have their place.
🤔 Can You Use Both?
Yes! Many parents (including us) keep both:
- NoseFrida for quick, wet nose clearing and travel
- Grownsy for stubborn dry congestion and fussy babies
They complement each other well. Total investment: ~$45 for both.
❓ FAQs
Is the Grownsy powerful enough?
Yes. Level 3 matches or exceeds manual suction for dry boogers. Level 1-2 is gentler for sensitive babies.
Does the NoseFrida really not get snot in your mouth?
Correct. The filter blocks everything. We've used it hundreds of times—zero snot transfer.
Which is easier to clean?
Grownsy - just rinse the chamber with soapy water.
NoseFrida - needs filter replacement plus tube cleaning.
📋 The Verdict
For most parents: Get the Grownsy Electric. The $15 premium over NoseFrida is worth it for the dry-booger capability and distraction features. You'll use it more often and with less drama.
On a tight budget: The Frida NoseFrida is still excellent—especially for newborns and wet congestion. Just know you'll probably want an electric option eventually.
Best of both worlds: Get both. ~$45 total covers every congestion scenario your baby will throw at you.