A New Way for Babies to be Fri and Clear

By Vatisha Smith Sometimes the simplest solutions come from the most direct channels. Kaisa Levine can attest to that. Her company, Fridababy, sells the Nosefrida and the Windi. Made for babies, both products are manufactured in Sweden and are enjoying increasing popularity in the United States. The Nosefrida, (otherwise known as the snotsucker) is a non-invasive nose aspirator that removes excess mucus from your child's nose. The snotsucker has been profiled everywhere from the Rachael Ray Show to the Tonight Show. The Windi is a catheter that relieves babies' excess gas. Fridababy was founded by Levine and Sarah Perilli. Levine, originally from Sweden, immigrated to the United States, married and had children. She and her family take annual trips to Sweden to visit her family. Ten years ago, during one of those trips, her 6-month-old developed a cold and nothing they tried could relieve his stuffy nose. "All of my Swedish friends asked, 'Why don't you have a Nosefrida?' My husband frantically ran to the pharmacy to pick one up, and it saved our trip," Levine said. With the Nosefrida, one end of the unit is placed on the child's upper lip directly under the nostril, while the other end containing the sucking mechanism goes into the parent's mouth. A long tube connects the two ends. The airflow causes the mucus to discharge out of the child's nose without causing discomfort or mess. Levine was so impressed with the contraption that she brought several back with her to the States. Friends and neighbors began seeking her out to get one of the snotsuckers and for more information. From that, the idea of Fridababy was born. "Anyone who tries it swears by it. It's the only nasal aspirator I've ever tried that actually works. Doctors like that it's non-invasive, and parents love how much they can get out-and quickly! It's also easy to clean and made of the safest plastics," Levine said. Levine says her relationship with Nosefrida, the company that manufactures the nose aspirator in Sweden, has been smooth sailing, with a slight learning curve regarding customs. The Windi, Fridababy's most recent product, is "a natural solution to colic, constipation and other gas-related problems." As an entrepreneur, Kaisa has discovered that juggling motherhood requires a lot of dedication, especially with two children ages 10 and 8. "When you are a mother of young children and have your own business, I think it's important to give each your full attention; to be focused on work when you are at the office, and then to let go of that and focus on the children when you are with them. Trying to type emails at the same time as helping your kids with homework doesn't really work at all." Europeans have been using the Nosefrida and the Windi for years, but now you can get both products from your nearby pharmacy or sites such a BuyBuyBaby.com. Fridababy is one of the featured exhibitors at the New York Baby Show, taking place May 19 and 20 at Pier 92. For more information, visit newyorkbabyshow.com.