Colder months can have a negative effect on your baby’s health, and the use of heaters typically only makes the problem worse. According to studies on indoor humidity levels, controlling air moisture can reduce the amount and effect of viruses while also allowing your family to breathe easier.
Investing in a humidifier for your baby will offer a variety of benefits such as preventing itchy, dry skin and chapped lips, relieving blocked sinuses, preventing a sore throat, and helping to lessen the symptoms of colds and the flu.
Not only will maintaining the humidity levels in your home help protect your family against bacteria, it can also protect your furniture and keep your pets healthy. It’s not hard to see the benefits of a humidifier. However, when shopping for one, you’ll soon realize there are tons of options available.
New moms can easily find themselves overwhelmed when trying to decide which product is right for you. Here are a few tips to help you select the right humidifier for your baby.
- Features to Consider When Purchasing a Baby Humidifier
- Top 10 Best Baby Humidifiers 2023
- 1. Best Overall Baby Humidifier: Honeywell HCM350W Cool Mist Humidifier
- 2. Best Menthol-Infused Humidifier: Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
- 3. Pure Enriched MistAire Ultrasonic Humidifier
- 4. Best Premium Baby Humidifier: LEVOIT LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier
- 5. LEVOIT Ultrasonic Cool Mist Air Vaporizer for Babies
- 6. Cutest Baby Dehumidifier: Crane USA Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier for Kids
- 7. Best High-Capacity Baby Humidifier: Homech Quiet Ultrasonic Humidifier
- 8. LEVOIT Humidifier and Essential Oil Diffuser
- 9. Best Nighttime Baby Humidifier: TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier for Babies
- 10. Best Budget Baby Humidifier: Homasay Cool Mist Humidifier/Diffuser
- Complete Guide to Baby Humidifiers
- Do You Need a Humidifier?
- Why Does Winter Influence Health?
- How Does a Humidifier Help to Combat Flu Symptoms?
- Health Problems Connected to Dirty Humidifiers
- How to Maintain a Hygienic Environment
- The Importance of Correct Humidity Levels
- How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home
- Price Differences
- Do You Need More Than One Humidifier?
- Humidifiers & Aromatherapy Oils
- Aromatherapy Oils That Are Safe to Use Around Your Baby
- Final Words
Features to Consider When Purchasing a Baby Humidifier
Before you jump in and buy a humidifier, take a second to think about why you’re purchasing a humidifier. Consider the factors listed below:
Running Costs
When selecting a cool-mist humidifier you’ll be saving on electricity usage, as the water doesn’t need boiling before being dispersed. Warm humidifiers will be more expensive to operate, but more efficiently distribute water.
Health Concerns
Warm mist humidifiers disperse fewer bacteria and fungi into the air compared to cold mist humidifiers. The boiling process in warm mist humidifiers kills waterborne bacteria.
If you’re getting a humidifier for treating allergies or asthma, it’s advisable to select a warm mist humidifier. Alternatively, only use distilled water in the cold humidifier.
Coverage Area
Cold humidifiers will add moisture to larger areas, depending on the water tank size. Warm humidifiers usually work better in smaller areas such as nurseries.
Maintenance & Cleaning
All types of humidifiers have to be cleaned relatively frequently to perform optimally. Mold can grow in water tanks, nozzles and tubes can suffer from hard water deposits. Typically, warm humidifiers have to be cleaned more often, as mold is more likely to build up in warm environments.
Noise
Different humidifiers create different levels of noise. If you’re purchasing a humidifier for a garage or basement, noise isn’t a big deal, but noisier humidifiers can disrupt children’s sleeping patterns when placed in a bedroom or nursery. Ultrasonic technology is expensive but nearly silent.
Safety
Warm mist humidifiers can be dangerous to curious children that risk burning themselves when they come too close to the warm steam or accidentally spill the hot water. Cold mist humidifiers are generally less preferable for other reasons but pose no risk for burns.
Top 10 Best Baby Humidifiers 2023
1. Best Overall Baby Humidifier: Honeywell HCM350W Cool Mist Humidifier
Editor’s Rating:
The Honeywell Germ-Free Humidifier kills up to 99.9% of mold, bacteria, and spores in water with the newest patented germ killing technology.
It also has an automatic moisture balance system. You can get additional accessories for this humidifier such as a humidity monitor & Protec cleaning ball, adding value to your humidifier.
It’s perfectly sized for medium and small rooms.
Unique Features
This humidifier is different from the rest because of features such as its germ-killing chamber technology, an antimicrobial treated filter with an automatic moisture balance system, and three speed settings that adjust sound level & moisture output.
Usage & Capacity
It runs up to 24 hours per filling. It has a one-gallon tank capacity.
Treatment Specifics
Works great for coughs, colds, and congestion.
Safety Features
There’s no danger of burns.
Noise
Because this is a cold mist humidifier, there might be some noise involved, but the Honeywell HCM350W comes with three settings to adjust the sound level.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Easy to carry.
- Break resistant.
- The water tank & tray are both dishwasher safe.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- You must purchase wicking filters for this humidifier making it more costly.
- Only suitable for medium sized rooms.
- Can be slightly noisy on the highest setting.
2. Best Menthol-Infused Humidifier: Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Editor’s Rating:
The Vicks filter-free cool mist humidifier produces a cool mist. It provides relief from cough & congestion with the use of aromatic vapors. There are different VapoPads available, including pads with soothing menthol for congestion and Sleepytime VapoPads with rosemary & lavender for a relaxing effect.
Unique Features
This humidifier provides soothing relief and treats cold symptoms. By using the scented pads filled with eucalyptus oil, menthol, cedar leaf oil and more you get the extra benefit of aromatherapy whilst using the humidifier.
Usage & Capacity
It contains a 1.2 gallon tank and can run for up to 30 hours. It’s ideal for any small- to medium-sized room.
Treatment Specifics
Treat symptoms such as stuffy nose, coughs, and sleeplessness.
Safety Features
There will be no danger of hot water spillage or burns.
Noise
It has a fairly quiet operation.
Pros
- Has aromatherapy benefits
- Translucent tank to show water levels.
- Fairly quiet operation.
- Variable humidity control.
- Large tank opening for easy usage.
- No filters needed.
Cons
- Not for larger areas.
- As there’s no filter you need to use filtered water.
- Vapor pads can be expensive .
3. Pure Enriched MistAire Ultrasonic Humidifier
Editor’s Rating:
The Pure Enrichment MistAire is the perfect addition to your baby’s room with ultrasonic cool mist technology. You’ll have moisturized air for up to 16 hours. Your baby will be able to breathe easily and comfortably.
It’s designed to be small enough to fit in anywhere, with a simple yet stylish look.
Unique Features
The humidifier comes with extra details such as an optional night light offers a relaxing glow and ultrasonic cool mist technology with high and low-speed settings.
Usage & Capacity
With a 1.5-liter water tank, this humidifier is ideal for any medium-sized room. It delivers a moisture output of 150 milliliters per hour & offers 16 hours of continuous operation when used on the low setting.
Treatment Specifics
It works best to treat symptoms associated with dry air such as a stuffy nose, viral infections, and cracked skin
Safety Features
You won’t have to be worried about spillage or burns with this cold mist humidifier.
Noise
There might be slight noise while using the humidifier but nothing extreme.
The Pure Enrichment MistAire humidifier has the added benefit of automatic shut down when the water runs on empty. This will prevent loud gulping sounds in the middle of the night.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Inexpensive.
- LED light features.
- Quiet operation.
Cons
- Easy to spill water inside the apparatus.
- Only suitable for small to medium sized rooms.
- Doesn’t clean the air but only adds moisture to the air.
- Not easy enough to clean with some parts not being able to detach from one another.
Editor’s Rating:
This modern, translucent humidifier comes with a six-liter tank and can easily be used in larger spaces. It’s a warm & cool mist humidifier offering you the best of both worlds. You can add aromatherapy oils to the aroma box for extra relaxation benefits.
Unique Features
The LEVOIT Hybrid Ultrasonic humidifier offers you romatherapy benefits through its warm & cool mist settings. It’s incredibly convenient to use, with its auto shut-off, remote control, humidity level reader, and mist diffuser capable of working in both a smart mode and automatically.
Usage & Capacity
It has a large six-liter tank to allow 20-36 hours of continuous use.
Treatment Specifics
It’s able to treat a variety of symptoms such as dry skin, colds, flus, and symptoms of stress.
Safety Features
There’s some danger of hot water spillage or burns when you use the warm mist option.
Noise
Quiet operation produces less than 36db.
Pros
- Remote control access.
- Auto shut off.
- Smart auto mode.
- CE & ETL certified.
- Warm & cool mist.
- Can be used in large areas.
Cons
- Aromatherapy oils can be expensive.
- Expensive compared to some other humidifiers.
- Not very portable because of its size.
5. LEVOIT Ultrasonic Cool Mist Air Vaporizer for Babies
Editor’s Rating:
LEVOIT makes another entry on our list with an inexpensive humidifier that contains most of the features seen on premium models, notably the certifications and test specifications LEVOIT is known for. BPA-free, ROHS Certified, and tested to CA65 standards to be free of harmful substances, you can be confident that this product is safe for you and your family.
While it doesn’t have the ultra-high-end bells and whistles, or a huge tank capacity, it’s a great pick for those looking for a humidifier with cutting edge environmental and safety certifications.
Unique Features
This LEVOIT humidifier has a full host of features, especially at an economical price point. With three ultrasonic mist-levels you’ll be able to fine-tune the humidity perfectly, and with its attention to safety, nightlight, and easy-to-clean build, it’ll run for hours and hours for years to come.
Usage & Capacity
2.4 liters can operate for 24 hours at the lowest setting, but under 10 hours at the highest rate of humidification.
Treatment Specifics
This LEVOIT model is great at decreasing airborne allergens, preventing worsening of asthma, and purifying household odors
Safety Features
With a cold-water reservoir and a lightweight construction, the only safety feature this needs is its hard-to-tip construction.
Noise
LEVOIT pays close attention to noise levels of their humidifiers, producing a best-in-class 24db of sound.
Pros
- Three mist levels
- 24 hours of water capacity
- Purifies household odors
- Advanced ultrasonic technology produces only 24db
Cons
- Capacity of the reservoir is only 10 hours at the highest setting
- No high-end bells and whistles
6. Cutest Baby Dehumidifier: Crane USA Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier for Kids
Editor’s Rating:
The adorable penguin design is fun to look at & easy to use. It’s BPA free thus offering your child a safe environment. Ultrasonic technology is used to add moisture to the air.
Unique Features
The Crane humidifier offers ultrasonic technology with filter-free operation, and it’s easy for kids of any age to use—not to mention safe.
Usage & Capacity
It has a one-gallon tank to allow 24 hours of continuous use.
Treatment Specifics
This humidifier will treat symptoms such as nose bleeds, coughs, dry skin, and the flu.
Safety Features
This cold mist humidifier is safe to use with no danger of hot water spillage or burns.
Noise
It offers a whisper-quiet operation.
Pros
- Child-friendly design
- Auto shut off
- No filter required
- Clean control
- Large tank
Cons
- Tap water might cause build-up, so it’s advisable to use filtered water
- Can’t be used with aromatherapy oils
7. Best High-Capacity Baby Humidifier: Homech Quiet Ultrasonic Humidifier
Editor’s Rating:
This ultrasonic humidifier uses quiet technology to distribute ultra-small water particles throughout the air, while a dustproof sponge ensures water quality. While other humidifiers improve air quality during the day, this quiet humidifier isn’t an issue to use at night due to its near-silent operation
Unique Features
This Homech Quiet Ultrasonic Humidifier offers premium features for a relatively low price, including automatic shut-off, a mist tube for even humidification, and several features for easy cleaning like an anti-mold fan, a wide opening, and a dustproof sponge that keeps the aquifer clean.
Usage & Capacity
The four-liter tank operates for 12 hours on the highest setting and up to 60 hours on the lowest setting.
Price
This Hometech design comes in an about-average price point for the category.
Treatment Specifics
A cold-water humidifier isn’t perfect for ultra-cold weather, but it works well year-round. This Hometech model can treat runny noses, dry skin, dry face (including mucus membranes), coughs, and can even reduce the transmission of viruses.
Safety Features
As a non-heated, cold water humidifier, the risk of danger is incredibly low.
Noise
The ultrasonic design keeps this humidifier to well under 26 decibels.
Pros
- Helps prevent and treat common ailments
- Operates up to 60 hours
- Cold-water design is safe for children
- Anti-mold fan
- Dustproof sponge
Cons
- Heated humidifiers are optimal for the winter
8. LEVOIT Humidifier and Essential Oil Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
With an intelligent sleep mode, a non-ultrasonic but quiet operation, and a minimalistic design, this LEVOIT is great for those with a $50-plus budget. A BPA-free tank and CA65 compliance show that LEVOIT is dedicated to the safety of all of your family members
Unique Features
The LEVOIT humidifier incorporates several smart and premium features, such as an intelligent sleep mode, effective spiral air duct technology and a top-fill aquifer with an essential oil diffuser—all while managing to run at under 28 dB.
Usage & Capacity
A 1.8-liter tank can stay running for between eight and 20 hours.
Treatment Specifics
Focused on general wellness, this humidifier can soothe babies and infants, offer relief from seasonal allergies, help pull particulates out of the air, and improve sleep quality.
Safety Features
With cold-water operation, no safety features are necessary, although a wide base makes this design hard to tip over.
Noise
Under 28db of noise is almost as quiet as ultrasonic humidifier designs.
Pros
- Whisper quiet
- Soothes babies and infants
- Offers relief from seasonal allergies
- Intelligent sleep mode
- Cold-water operation
- BPA-free and CA65 compliancy eliminate potential carcinogens
Cons
- Shortish run time of up to 20 hours
- Slightly expensive
9. Best Nighttime Baby Humidifier: TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier for Babies
Editor’s Rating:
The TaoTronics Humidifier is thoughtfully designed with a cute, gently curved, whale shape that’s playful and will match the aesthetic of your baby’s bedroom. It’s quiet, too, and the 3-in-1 design incorporates a humidifier, essential oil diffuser, and a night light into a single design.
Unique Features
The most interesting feature for mothers is an essential oil diffuser that can be used to distribute calming and healing scents like lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus that can help babies sleep soundly. It’s also whisper-quiet and includes a night light, making it perfect for bedtime.
Usage & Capacity
A 2.5-liter tank gives a run time of up to 30 hours.
Treatment Specifics
Along with the traditional benefits of humidifiers like moisturized skin and easier breathing, this humidifier can:
- Provide temporary relief from coughing
- Help clear congestion
- Reduce airborne allergens
Safety Features
A wide base makes this humidifier difficult to tip over, but this TaoTronics model requires no additional safety features due to its use of cold water.
Noise
TaoTronics uses a patented noise-reduction technology that keeps this humidifier at an almost inaudible 26db. There are no beeping, fan, or water-dripping sounds.
Pros
- Patented noise-reduction technology
- Reduces airborne allergens
- Aesthetic great for a baby bedroom
- Includes essential oil diffuser
- Also serves as a night light
Cons
- Only runs up to 30 hours
- Small reservoir
10. Best Budget Baby Humidifier: Homasay Cool Mist Humidifier/Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
This Asia-manufactured humidifier doesn’t have the large tank or complex screens of other designs, but at a budget price point, it’s a steal for the features it does have. A reliable design and aquifer serve for about 30 continuous hours, the humidifier incorporates automatic shut-off, multiple humidity modes, and an essential oil diffuser, packing value into a small package.
Unique Features
This Homasay design features multiple design attributes that pack value into a budget price point. It’s 360-degree operation and multiple-level mister distributes mist evenly, the essential oil diffuser keeps everything smelling nice, and the auto-shut-off and top-fill design keeps everything safe and clean.
Usage & Capacity
2.5 liters of water capacity works for up to 30 hours.
Treatment Specifics
Along with the normal benefits of keeping a room properly humidified, this humidifier can help keep skin moisturized and improve sleep.
Safety Features
A cold-water reservoir is safe to use for family members of all ages.
Noise
Although inexpensive, this baby humidifier doesn’t skimp on noise reduction technology at under 28db.
Pros
- Inexpensive price for a fully featured humidifier
- Quiet 28db humidification
- Keeps skin moisturized
- Help improve sleep
- 2.5-liter tank runs for up to 30 hours
Cons
- Lower build quality
- No premium touches
Complete Guide to Baby Humidifiers
When it comes to your children you want the best & even more so when it comes to his or her health. For the first 4 – 6 months your baby will only be breathing through his or her nose so it’s important to make it easy for them to breathe.
Do You Need a Humidifier?
50% of all children suffer from sinus problems. Sinus symptoms only worsen if not treated correctly or during harsh weather conditions. Climate changes can take a toll on your family’s health, especially during the winter season.
Does your family often deal with some of these symptoms?
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Congestion
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Poor sleeping patterns
If so, a humidifier can be a great way to alleviate these symptoms.
Why Does Winter Influence Health?
Viruses will jump from one person to the next when the air is cold & dry. Rates spike when temperature and humidity are both low. Low humidity comes with winter mainly because cold air holds less water. Trying to heat up the room won’t make a difference unless you do so in combination with a humidifier.
How Does a Humidifier Help to Combat Flu Symptoms?
Moisture is forced into the air in the form of invisible or visible mist. Mist humidifiers distribute moisture into the room, thus alleviating the symptoms that come with dry air.
A humidifier is an important part of your baby’s nursery, especially if you want to treat flu-like symptoms without medicine.
Warm & cold mist humidifiers are the most popular, but other types are also available:
- Evaporators: A fan is used to blow air through a filter or belt.
- Central humidifiers: These humidifiers are built into home air conditioning systems to humidify the whole house.
- Impeller humidifiers: Features a rotating disk to spread cool mist.
- Ultrasonic humidifiers: Produce cool mist with a rotating disk.
Health Problems Connected to Dirty Humidifiers
Humidifiers are used for the health benefits they offer. However, they can also cause mild flu-like symptoms if your humidifiers aren’t cleaned properly.
Filters & reservoirs that aren’t cleaned often enough will breed mold and bacteria. The effect will be contaminated mist dispersed into the air and breathed in by your family.
How to Maintain a Hygienic Environment
You can prevent mold and bacteria build-up by following these tips:
Replace Old Humidifiers
Flowing mineralized water can often cause build up over time that can’t be removed. Invest in a new humidifier if you have a very old one to avoid bacteria from polluting the air.
Follow Instructions
The manufacturers add specific cleaning instructions for a reason. Read through the cleaning guide and clean the humidifier accordingly.
Use Distilled Water
Minerals in tap water can cause deposits to build up and promote bacterial growth. As a result, white dust can appear on your furniture. The low mineral levels in distilled water will be a safer alternative for your health.
Refill Your Humidifier With Clean Water Daily
It’s important to keep the water in your humidifier clean at all times to avoid deposits from forming. After emptying the tank, dry it thoroughly & refill with clean water.
Deep Clean Every 2-3 Days
Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, chlorine bleach or 10% vinegar solution to clean the tank and inside of the humidifier.
Change Filters Regularly
Follow manufacturers’ instructions on how often the filter should be changed or do it even more often if you deem it necessary.
Storage
Before you store your humidifier make sure to do a deep cleanse & dry it properly. Follow the same routine when you want to use it again to make sure it’s clean from any dust or deposits that accumulated during the storage time.
Keep the Area Dry
If the area around the humidifier becomes wet you should reduce the number of times you use it or select a lower setting on the device.
The Importance of Correct Humidity Levels
The perfect humidity levels for optimal health are between 30 and 50 percent. Adding humidity to the air can be beneficial; however, adding too much can cause health problems.
When the humidity levels are too high, it can worsen asthma and cause an increase in:
- Dust mites
- Bacteria
- Mold
How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home
- Use a dehumidifier
- Replace filters of humidifiers & air conditioning
- Avoid the use of a tumble dryer
- Open a window
- Place plants outside instead of inside
- Use fans
Tip: Test the humidity levels in your home daily with a hygrometer to make sure your child is benefiting from the humidifier. If your humidifier doesn’t come with a built-in hygrometer, you can easily get one at most hardware stores.
Price Differences
When it comes to the price tags on humidifiers, it can really range from being extremely inexpensive to being overly expensive for more or less the same features. Why such a significant difference in price?
Here are a few of the reasons:
Quality
As always you’ll pay for brand names. This might not always be necessary as there are plenty of yet unknown brands that produce quality products. Do some research and read reviews of buyers before you purchase any humidifier. This will give you great insight on how long the humidifiers worked before giving problems or if the consumers experienced any problems at all.
Multifunctioning
Warm & cold mist combined humidifiers might be more expensive than ordinary humidifiers with only one setting. Decide beforehand whether you’ll need both settings or just one.
Extras
Some extras are only listed in the fine print, for instance ‘no filter necessary’ or a built-in hygrometer. It might be worth paying more for these features in the long run.
Design
Some brands will sell their humidifiers for more because of the creative designs available, for instance, an added LED light display. You’ll be able to get affordable humidifiers with the same features. Just keep in mind you’d want the light functions to work longer than just a few uses, so it’s important to pick a quality product based on some research & comparing the brands.
Safety
You might have to pay more for extra safety features such as auto switch off functions. This will be necessary when buying the humidifier to put in your child’s room especially with hot mist humidifiers so it’s worth the extra money you’ll pay.
Do You Need More Than One Humidifier?
If you’re getting a humidifier for your baby you need to place it in the rooms where he or she will mostly be spending time.
When you’re looking at a smaller sized humidifier you have to take into consideration that it’ll only be able to be effective in one room. You might want to think about getting more than one to make sure all the areas your baby comes into contact with are covered.
It can be beneficial to purchase a larger humidifier in the case of smaller apartments or if living rooms are close to your baby’s nursery so all areas can be covered at once.
Humidifiers & Aromatherapy Oils
Some humidifiers allow you to add aromatherapy oils. This is a great way to treat specific problems & to help your child relax. However, you need to take caution when you’re combining essential oils with your humidifier. Here are a few tips:
Check Your Humidifier
This is important because you can damage your device if it’s not made to disperse oils. Essential oils can clog the nebulizer & cause the water tank to crack. If your warm mist nebulizer is not specifically designed for using aromatherapy oils the heat can remove any therapeutic properties of the oils.
Use the Right Amount
Using too much essential oil in the humidifier can be harmful to your baby’s health. The amount of oil you use will depend on the water tank size & also what oils you plan on using. Ask a professional aromatherapist how many drops of each oil is safe to use for your children.
Use Baby-Safe Essential Oils
While some oils might be safe to inhale for adults, there are numerous oils that can’t be used near your infant. Familiarize yourself with oils that are safe to use & know the benefits of each oil.
Aromatherapy Oils That Are Safe to Use Around Your Baby
Let’s have a look at some essential oils that are safe to use in your humidifier & the benefits they offer:
- Roman & German Chamomile: Relieves anxiety and treats muscle cramps
- Dill: Fights free radicals and purifies the body
- Lavender: Improves sleep and relaxation
Tip: there are different opinions on when the safest age is to start with essential oils. Ask for your healthcare practitioner’s advice. A wider variety of oils can be used on older babies and children.
Final Words
Humidifiers come in all shapes and sizes, but in the end, it’s important to invest in the right one for your child. They’re a great health investment with a list of advantages when used correctly. Somewhere in your child’s life he or she will most definitely be in need of a humidifier, so don’t hesitate to put one on your baby shower registry or go out and buy one today.