Last Updated: February 27, 2024
As a parent, you want the best for your kids, and it’s awful when your little one is not feeling well. You feel helpless and want to do everything to relieve their discomfort. Relying on medicine is not ideal as it has its side effects, and also, some medications are not available for kids below one year.
Breathing in dry air isn’t pleasant for anyone, so imagine how it feels for your baby while they’re sleeping or have a cold in dry, frigid months. Cold and its symptoms, such as cough, running nose, difficulty breathing, and congestion, can make your baby feel discomfort. Constantly breathing in dry air makes it even worse!
What is Humidity? How does it affect babies?
Humidity describes the amount of moisture present in the air. When the sun comes out after heavy rain, the air feels “muggy” and uncomfortable due to the extra moisture present in the air. Similarly, in dry climates and during winter, the air feels dry. Relative humidity is a measure of humidity at a given temperature. The average humidity level in the atmosphere should be between 40 to 60%.
High humidity is generally prevalent in environments close to the coasts or water bodies. Babies are more sensitive to hardships like higher temperatures, humidity problems, and air quality difficulties than adults. High humidity conditions prevent babies from cooling themselves and find it difficult to sleep as they perspire and keep rolling, crying, or moving body parts to show discomfort.
Low humidity is also terrible for infants. In dry conditions, the body stops providing the mucous, preventing dirt from getting into the airways, which may help prevent congestion or avoid common coughs and colds. Since babies breathe primarily through their noses, sinus congestion can be extra frustrating. Low humidity causes several unpleasant effects for babies, including skin dryness, sinuses, respiratory issues, allergic symptoms like coughs, nosebleeds, difficulty sleeping, long sickness recovery, etc.
Babies have a growing immune system that is not as strong as adults, making them susceptible to certain diseases, pathogens, and health problems. Lack of humidity can create thriving conditions for viruses and other pathogens. To create an optimally healthy environment, it is imperative to maintain the moisture balance in your baby’s room.
How a Humidifier Helps in Maintaining Optimal Conditions for Babies
A humidifier adds humidity into dry air and also aids in relieving babies from dry, irritable skin, especially when the air becomes dry due to climate and cranked-up heating. A humidifier prevents the transmission of airborne infections, flu, and colds, and provides relief from stuffy or runny nose.
Humidifiers help keep moisture in the air, prevent it from becoming too dry and prevent mold or bacteria build-up, allowing your little one to breathe comfortably and sleep better at night. A humidifier also helps ease the symptoms when your baby has a cold by thinning the mucus to be easily expelled. They also help in soothing dry throats to reduce cough severity by moistening nasal passages to promote faster healing.
The right amount of humidity hinders the capability of airborne viruses to travel; hence keeping the right humidity levels can help prevent your baby from catching a cold, flu, and other infections prevalent during winter. Some humidifiers also make a slight sound, similar to white noise in the background that may be comforting for some infants as it is reminiscent of the womb. When babies sleep during the night, their immune system gets the chance to fight infections and clear up these symptoms. Hence, it is ideal to use the humidifier to add some moisture to your baby’s room at that time.
Types of Humidifiers for Babies
Warm mist humidifiers
Warm mist humidifiers produce fine mist by heating water, increasing humidity, and relieving cold and sinus congestion. Steam has been used for cold and congestion relief forever and is still recommended today by medical experts. A warm mist humidifier doesn’t just relieve dryness for your child; they also help in clearing congested sinuses and throat problems.
Cool mist humidifiers
Cool mist humidifiers use electromechanical technology like ultrasonic vibration to turn room temperature water into a fine mist released into the air.
These types are an excellent match for dry climates as they won’t add temperature to a room. They’re also beneficial for relief from typical dry air symptoms like dry skin, difficulty sleeping, and greater sensitivity to allergens. Healthcare providers typically recommend cool mist humidifiers for children as the hot water or steam in warm mist humidifiers can pose a burn risk if knocked over.
Things to Look for in Humidifiers for babies
Price: Humidifiers come in different price ranges depending upon the manufacturers and their distinct features. Check whether the humidifier fits your requirement, has the bells and whistles you need, and is according to your budget.
Tank Capacity: Humidifiers have varying tank capacities, and they are designed for different room sizes. Consider the area you want to cover and choose the humidifier accordingly. If you buy a small humidifier for a large room, it will not maintain the humidity levels.
Anti-bacterial: With a water tank, the bacteria may likely build up, and you don’t want to surround your baby with bacteria. Ensure that the humidifier you are getting must have anti-bacterial properties so that the bacteria can stay away from your baby.
Leak-free and odor-free: The humidifier must be leak-free; otherwise, it will leak on any surface it is placed on. The machine should be odor-free, as the stale water in the tank might emanate a foul. Ensure to empty the tank when it is not in use.
Easy to clean: Keeping your humidifier clean and free from mold ensures that the moisture it generates is safe for your little one to breathe. Some humidifiers can be difficult to disassemble, which makes them difficult to clean. It would help to make sure that the humidifier is easy to clean to prevent any smells or foul odors and have a clean water tank. Ensure that you clean the tank regularly to avoid the growth of odors or germs.
Filters: Some humidifiers are filter-free, so you can just put them to work without the hassle of replacing filters. On the other hand, some humidifiers come with filters for the purification of the air. If you don’t have trouble replacing the filters, you can surely get the humidifiers with which you can get the air purifier and maintain humidity levels.
Automatic shut-off feature: Most models include an automatic shut-off function that kicks in when the water tank becomes empty. If you plan to use the machine during the night when the baby is sleeping, this feature will shut down the device without worrying about waking up in the middle of the night.
Room size: It’s essential to choose a humidifier that can cover the square footage of the room you’ll be outfitting. Consider the machine’s tank capacity and coverage to avoid over-humidification as it can promote harmful bacteria or mold growth. If you put it in a much smaller room than it is meant for, it will end up putting condensation on surfaces, which can be a breeding ground for microorganisms.
Run time: A humidifier’s run time depends on its tank size and discharge rate. Some machines can last for a few hours, while others can deliver a whole night of operation without a refill.
Tank design: Since humidifier requires refilling, it is essential to check for the tank design and its convenience. Consider options with large openings to make refills easier. You can also look for translucent options as it allows you to have an eye on water levels.
Built-In Diffuser: Depending on your choice, you could get a humidifier that allows you to add oils or scents, giving the room a pleasing aroma.
How we selected our top Picks
To select the best humidifier for babies, we have considered the AAP guidelines and the expert suggestions. In addition, we have considered the room size coverage because not all humidifiers are suitable for larger rooms. We have also considered the humidifier’s design and whether they can be stored neatly on a shelf or a table. Finally, we have considered how quick and easy the appliance is to use and whether it has flexible controls such as a one-dial control that turns the humidifiers on and off and controls the level of mist? Alternatively, appliances that let you control the direction and degree of moisture or give the ability to set it and forget it through a timer.
Best Humidifiers for Baby Congestion
1. Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier for Baby and Kids Rooms
Best suitable for: Light Up Display, Works with Vicks VapoPads
The Vicks Sweet Dreams humidifier allows for a good night’s sleep when your baby is sick, during allergy season or when the air is dry. The cool mist humidifier is ideal for bedroom, baby nursery, kids room, and beyond to add necessary moisture to the air and help ensure proper humidity levels in your home.
With a translucent 1 gallon tank, the Vicks Sweet Dreams humidifier allows you to enjoy invisible cool mist for up to 24 hours on the lowest setting. The cool mist humidifier doesn’t require filters, is quick and easy to use with an ultra-quiet operation, and has a large tank opening for easy filling and cleaning. Variable output settings allow you to set output at any level. Automatically shuts off when empty.
The Vicks Sweet Dreams humidifier comes with a night light, and a projection feature transforms your child’s room. The baby humidifier has a choice of 3 theme projections, each with three dream-inspired images, allowing your child to sleep under a sea, safari, or star-filled sky. While the projections lull children to sleep, the humidifier quietly releases cool mist into the air for added comfort and relief from nasal and chest congestion.
The Vicks Sweet Dreams humidifier features a scent pad door that fits Vicks VapoPads, for long-lasting and soothing menthol vapors. You can put up to 2 Vicks VapoPads in the machine to get the ultimate relaxing vapor experience.
Pros
- 24-hours run time
- Starry Night Projections
- Compatible with Vicks Vapo Pad
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- Fan is noisy and often whirls
2. Levoit 6L Smart Wi-Fi Top Fill Cool Mist Air Ultrasonic Vaporizer
Best suitable for: Quiet, Filterless, Easy to Clean, Work with Alexa
The Levoit Classic 300S humidifier allows you to enjoy a soothing mist and offer relief from coughing & nasal congestion and allergies. The cool mist humidifier covers up to 515 sq. ft. and is ideal for rooms, offices, nurseries, and plant environments and provides a run time of up to 60 hours without refilling, thanks to the compact 6-liter tank.
The Levoit Classic 300S can be connected to the VeSync app to provide hands-free control and connect to third-party voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The machine’s built-in sensor automatically adjusts mist output based on your selected target humidity level. You can also add your favorite essential oils to the aroma box to create a fragrant, soothing experience.
The Levoit Classic 300S’ top fill design does cleaning and refilling quickly and spill-free. The cool mist humidifier’s transparent tank allows you to see current water levels easily. The machine provides whisper-quiet operation throughout the night with noise levels lower than 30dB. Its 360° rotating nozzle will enable you to control the direction of the mist output easily. The cool mist ultrasonic humidifier refreshes your space quickly with a mist height of over 2 ft. and mist particles 5-6 microns in size.
Pros
- Easy to set up and pair with Bluetooth
- Display is bright and easy to see, even from across the room
- Large capacity tank
- Quiet Operation
Cons
- Some users have complained about leaks
3. Frida Baby 3-in-1 Humidifier
Best suitable for: Use humidifier, diffuser and nightlight all together, or individually.
The Fridababy humidifier 3-in-1 can be used as a humidifier, diffuser, and nightlight all together or individually. The machine can cover up to 320 square feet and is ideal for winter months when you need extra moisture.
The Fridababy humidifier uses ultrasonic vibration to turn water into a cool hydrating mist that runs for 12 hours. You can use the knob on the mist adjuster to change the mist output from gentle mist to a tropical rainforest with a twist of the knob. The machine’s water tank is BPA-free.
The Fridababy humidifier works as a diffuser. You can add Breath Frida Vapor Drops or any aromatherapy-grade essential oil for easier breathing. The machine is also equipped with a range of nightlight colors for even more control over the dreamy ambiance. The night light provides enough light that is visible but not bright enough to keep your baby awake. The Fridababy humidifier comes with an auto-stop feature that automatically turns off when the water runs out, or the tank is removed.
Pros
- Powerful Mist Release
- Easy to use
- Very Quiet Operation
Cons
- The opening to the water reservoir makes it difficult to dry or clean properly
4. Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier for Baby and Kids Rooms
Best suitable for: Medium to Large Rooms
The Vicks warm mist humidifier provides soothing, warm moisture and a calming environment. The kids and baby humidifier is ideal for medium to large rooms, adds necessary moisture to the air, and helps ensure proper humidity levels in your home.
The Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier releases up to 95% bacteria-free, visible, warm mist to help temporarily relieve cough and congestion. The baby humidifier’s wide tank opening offers easy filling and cleaning. The machine’s filter-free 1 gallon tank provides warm mist for up to 24 hours. The device also has an auto shut-off feature that allows you to sleep worry-free. It’s quiet, and its large night light makes it ideal for a nursery or kids’ room.
You can use the warm mist humidifier with Vicks VapoSteam for medicated vapors. The kids’ humidifier comes with two output settings; on the high setting, you can run it for around 8-9 hours which will last you the whole night; on the lower setting, it will last for approximately 24 hours on average. It also features a medicine cup that you can use with liquid inhalants. The humidifier comes with a tank handle for easy carrying and filling. The machine comes with a three-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros
- Whisper-quiet operation won’t disturb your sleep
- Filter Free operation
- Translucent tank shows water level
- Auto shut off when empty
- Long warranty
Cons
- Calcium builds up on the heating element
5. Cool Mist Humidifier 2.2L For Bedroom, Baby, Nursery
Best suitable for: Auto Shut Off, whisper Quiet Operation, LED Night Light
The Cool mist humidifier from T Yong Tong restores healthy moisture levels in the mist. It may help keep mucus flowing, reducing the chances of experiencing a stuffy nose or breathing troubles. The kids’ humidifier can dish out up to 200ml/h of cool mist, cover 30 to 50 sq. /m of floor space, and has a running time of 6 hours.
By regulating humidity in your home, the cool mist humidifier may help hydrate and moisturize your skin. The humidifier has a 2.2L capacity and has a double mist output and a 360° moving nozzle. You can place the compact humidifier in your living room, office lounge, yoga studio, or kid’s bedroom. The water tank is made from leak-proof construction, and it is easy to use and refill.
The cool mist humidifier comes with a sleep-friendly seven-color LED that makes it ideal for placing in kids’ rooms. At 28db at the lowest setting, the cool mist humidifier delivers a whisper-quiet operation enabling you to study, meditate, read, sleep, care for your baby, or do any activity with zero noise distractions. This personal mist humidifier uses an automatic water shortage protection feature, which automatically shuts down the humidifier once it detects low water levels in its tank.
Pros
- Easy to clean and refill
- Night Light
- Dual Operation
- Value for Money
Cons
- The plastic body is thin
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Humidifiers Safe for Babies?
While humidifiers are beneficial to babies, few things should be kept in mind while using them.
Burn Risk: Warm mist humidifiers are hygienic as they boil to water to disperse steam. However, they also pose a burn risk for children if accidentally knocked over. This also applies if you have pets in the house. Ensure that you place the machine out of reach for children. If you choose a warm mist humidifier, look for those that automatically shut down when knocked over.
Cleanliness: If your humidifier has a filter, clean or replace it periodically, as the water tank holds water and may lead to mold and mildew growth if not cleaned regularly.
Over-Moisturizing: If you add too much moisture into the air, it can lead to the growth of mold and other allergens in your child’s room. Some humidifiers are equipped with a hygrometer, and if yours is not, you can buy it outside to monitor the moisture level in the room and maintain it within 40-60% for the right amount of moisture in the air and prevent airborne bacteria and viruses.
Best place to put a humidifier in the baby’s room?
As a rule of thumb, put the humidifier in an area where the mist disperses equivalently through the air but does not accumulate moisture on surfaces such as the crib or ceiling, as it can encourage mold growth. Do not place the machine on an elevated surface where your baby might pull it down on themselves. Ensure that the humidifier and its part are out of reach from your baby.
You want to place it somewhere in your baby’s room where they will not accidentally knock it over or be able to reach any wires.
How Close Can A Humidifier Be To Your Baby?
You should ideally place the humidifier 3 to 4 feet away from your baby’s crib. However, for your baby’s best results and safety, putting the humidifier in the center of the room is ideal. Ensure that you don’t put the machine on a table, dresser, or chair. Just keep it off the floor, as you don’t want your baby accidentally knocking over the humidifier.
What to put in a humidifier for congestion
Some warm mist humidifiers allow add-in liquids or pads to give added cold and congestion relief. Some humidifiers also have an option to add medicated vapor liquids or solid pads. The humidifier then fills the air with the soothing combination, which helps your baby’s congestion even more. Ensure to check if your humidifier is compatible with these liquids before putting them in the machine, as it can spoil its workings and void the warranty.
Can I put Tap water in the humidifier?
Use filtered water in your humidifier to give it a longer lifespan. Tap water is rich in minerals that can deposit in the machine as is often released into the air, as white dust, and your baby might breathe some minerals released into the air. Tap water can also cause mineral build-up inside the machine, making cleaning more difficult and causing unnecessary wear and tear over time.
Are there any medical contraindications to using a humidifier for a baby?
FDA recommends humidifiers as a safer alternative to over-the-counter cough medicine in babies below two years of age. Increasing moisture levels loosens mucus, unclogs the stuffy nose, and lubricates the throat to improve breathing and alleviate cough and cold symptoms. However, ensure you select a humidifier with an appropriate coverage area to avoid too much moisture in the air as it can lead to mold and bacteria growth.
Will humidifiers ease allergies or coughs for babies?
Dry air can lead to dry coughs, red eyes, and cracked skin, while high humidity can become a fertile breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and other allergens. A humidifier helps you maintain moisture at an optimal level between 40% and 60%, making it ideal for a baby with a stuffy nose by lubricating the throat and loosening the mucus.
Which humidifier is best for babies – warm or cool?
The AAP recommends using a cool-mist humidifier over a warm mist one as they do not use heat to generate and spread mist. Warm mist humidifiers or heat water emit steam that may lead to accidental burns if the device is knocked over near your child. Nevertheless, if you make sure to place a warm mist humidifier in a safe place, that won’t be too much of an issue.
Should I use a humidifier for my baby?
The short answer is that it depends. While humidifiers are not a must for babies, they can be helpful in certain climates and situations. For example, a humidifier can help your baby if they have a cold, and they also protect your child’s skin from drying out and decreasing nasal congestion by helping loosen mucus. Humidifiers could also help keep skin moist if your child has eczema and could help keep nosebleeds at bay.