Best Humidifiers for Babies – the Ultimate Guide

on  Updated: June 4, 2024

Best Humidifiers for Babies

Are you looking for the best humidifiers for babies? If yes, you are in the right place. A baby humidifier is an excellent way to provide children with optimal air to breathe. These devices are used to raise the humidity level of the air, making it less aggressive for the airways. Its operation is very simple: they have a water tank that, through different technologies, comes out in the form of steam or fog. In this article, we are going to talk about the different types that are in the market and our favorite options. Read on!

Quick look of the best humidifiers for babies in 2021:

 
 

What is a baby humidifier for?

The humidifiers for children serve to increase the humidity of the room. It is normal to place it in your room, but it can also be used during the day in the living room or in any other place where the child is.

Humidifiers have many benefits for almost everyone in general, but in the case of babies, they are especially recommended.This is because they still have a very sensitive respiratory system, which can suffer if the air they breathe is very dry.

To prevent this from happening, specialists recommend that the degree of humidity be around 40% and 60%, something that is usually difficult to achieve if it is not with the help of one of these devices.

Benefits of humidifiers for children

Best humidifiers for babies have multiple benefits. Among them, the following stand out:

Relieve nasal congestion: Dry air produces dry sinuses and causes babies’ little noses to become clogged with mucus. Moistening the air is a simple way to facilitate your breathing and prevent congestion.

Avoid irritation and dryness: Prolonged exposure to dry air can also lead to skin problems, such as dryness or itching, and in the mucous membranes: redness of the eyes, dry mouth and lips, and so on.

They help to overcome colds: These devices also reduce the chances of suffering a cold, and in the case of not being able to prevent it, it will help relieve symptoms. This is very important in the case of the smallest of the house, from below two years, the use of medications is not advised. So, using a humidifier is one of the few options we have at our disposal to make them feel better.

They improve the health of the air: Although we do not see them, we are exposed daily to multiple harmful agents that exist in the environment such as bacteria, viruses, and dust mites. Many of them proliferate in dry environments, while in a humid environment their presence will be significantly reduced.

They help sleep: A runny nose or cough, etc. almost always pose difficulties in sleeping for both the little ones and their parents. Therefore, by breathing more easily, your baby will fall asleep better. In addition, many of these devices produce a whispering and regular sound that can help relax children.

For all this, putting a humidifier in your home will not only be beneficial for children, but for the whole family.

Types of humidifiers

In the market,you can find different types of humidifiers, depending on the technology they use to vaporize the water and if it is expelled in the form of cold or hot steam.

Hot steam humidifiers

This type of humidifier has an electrical resistance that heats the water in the tank until it evaporates and spreads through the atmosphere of the room.As a result, the temperature of the room rises slightly: between 1 and 3 degrees, depending on the humidifier model and the size of the room.

This system has its pros and cons. Among the first, we can highlight that warm air is easier for babies to breathe, and that, by heating the water, possible bacteria and viruses that are found in it are eliminated.

As for their disadvantages, the main one is that in order to function, they reach quite high temperatures, so it can pose a danger to the children if they get too close.

Cold steam humidifiers (ultrasonic)

Ultrasonic cold or steam humidifiers are the most popular. In this case, the water does not evaporate by means of heat, but by the action of a membrane that vibrates at high speed, causing waves in the water and causing it to break down into microscopic particles and come out in the form of fog.

Contrary to what it may seem, the temperature does not drop with the use of these humidifiers, but we will notice a cooler and not so dry environment.Its operation is very quiet, and not working with heat, they are safer for children.

Vaporizers

Some people do not consider them authentic humidifiers, but they can be used for the same purpose.This type of apparatus absorbs the air from the environment and makes it pass through a water-soaked filter, to expel it again.

How a humidifier works

As we have explained above, humidifiers can work differently, but they all share the same principle: they have a water tank that is expelled into the air in the form of steam or fog.The humidifiers work with electric power: there are some that are plugged in, and others that have a battery.

In order for them to work in optimal conditions, these devices must be cleaned very frequently, since otherwise bacteria can be generated inside, which would then end up in the air in the room.

The humidifiers are not intended to be working 24 hours a day, but to use it for a few hours, either day or night, while we sleep.Also, not in all cases, its use is recommended. Before buying,you must assess if we really need it: if the air in your home is very dry, if your baby has any respiratory difficulties or has been recommended by the pediatrician, etc.

Best Humidifiers for babies

There are various products available on the market. However, we have created a list of the best products. Continue reading!

 

1. Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

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We start our list of best baby humidifiers with the Crane, a very simple cold humidifier that also occupies very little space. Its small size is directly reflected in the capacity of its tank, only 1 gallon, which gives it an autonomy of about 24 hours.

The only extras that the Crane Humidifier incorporates are its automatic shutdown when the water level is low and company light although for some people it is too bright. Keep in mind that the outlet nozzle of this baby humidifier is somewhat small and that it only has 1 level of vaporization intensity.

So, the space to be humidified should be small if you really want to notice its effects. Crane Humidifier is not suitable for essences, so you cannot add essential oils or aromas.

 

2. Medisana Medibreeze Personal Humidifier

Medisana Medibreeze Personal Humidifier

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Another compact and simple baby humidifier is the Medisana Medibreeze 60002. Its water tank is 0.68 liters, which gives it an autonomy of about 6 hours at maximum power and about 9 hours at minimum power.

Like the Chicco Humi, it turns off automatically when the water tank is low. However, it includes two levels of vaporization intensity, which does not include Chicco. Even so, its power is not too high, so you must use it in small rooms.

It incorporates 6 blue LED lights as a company light that you can turn on or off. However, the buttons have quite intense LED lighting that can be annoying for some people. Some buyers have indicated that it makes some more noise than other humidifiers, especially at maximum speed.

Unlike other humidifiers, Medisana Medibreeze 60002 allows you to use oil-free aromatic essences (not essential oil).

 

3. MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

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Another small humidifier and functional is the Baby Intuitive from Pure Enrichment. If there is something that stands out for this humidifier for babies, it is for its good value for money since it includes many extras at a contained price.

Its tank has a capacity of 1.5 liters, which gives it a range of more than 12 hours with the maximum steam flow. It has an adjustable nozzle that allows humidifying the entire space in a homogeneous way, distributing cold steam evenly throughout the room.

Ideal for rooms up to 15-meter square. This is one of the best humidifiers for babies because it has 4 operating modes: with medium steam jet with company light or without light and with high steam jet with company light or without light. All this is easily controlled with a touch button.

When the water level in the tank is low, a light comes on to let you know that it must be filled. However, when the water level is insufficient, the humidifier switches off automatically. Unlike other humidifiers, this product includes a compartment for essences, which allows you to use all kinds of essences on the market.

 

4. VicTsing Cool Mist Humidifier, Ultrasonic

VicTsing Cool Mist Humidifier, Ultrasonic

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With characteristics very similar to the Baby Humidifier of Miniland, you have the VicTsing humidifier. This humidifier for babies has dimensions of 20.7 x 14.3 x 24 cm and a tank capacity of 1.7 liters, which gives it a range of up to 15 hours at maximum power.

In addition, it has an output humidity of 150 ml/h, so it humidifies small spaces in a short time. Like the Miniland Humidifier, it has 4 operating modes that are controlled with a touch button: low fogging with company light or without light and high fogging with company light or without light.

Likewise, it also warns by means of a light indicator when the water level in the tank is low and is automatically switched off when the water level is insufficient. Like most humidifiers, it cannot be used with natural essences or oils. In addition, according to some buyers, it makes more noise than other humidifiers, so, for some people, it can be annoying.

 

5. TaoTronics TT-AH002 Humidifiers

TaoTronics TT-AH002 Humidifiers

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Another humidifier for babies that stands out for its high humidification capacity is the TaoTronics TT-AH002, reaching 330 ml/h at maximum power. This allows you to humidify spaces of up to 30-meter square.

Likewise, like the Medisana, you can gradually regulate the fogging intensity with a rotary regulator, which allows you to easily adapt the level of humidification to the dimensions of the room.

However, unlike Medisana and most humidifiers, it has two 360 degree rotating nozzles to guide the flow of steam in two different directions at the same time, which allows covering larger areas.

It also has a large capacity water tank (3.5 liters), providing a range of up to 10 hours at maximum power. Like most humidifiers, it turns off automatically when the water level is low.

 

6. Honeywell HCM350 Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier

Honeywell HCM350 Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier

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Honeyweel HCM 350 is a germ free humidifier; its ultra-violet light helps to remove bacteria and germs. It’s very easy to clean and its design makes it very easy to refill the tank and thanks to its dishwasher-safe parts. Honeywell says that one gallon tank runs up to 24 hours on low.

Between 40-60% in your home can make the air feel warmer and improve you sleeping comfort, breathing, dry skin and nasal congestion. Dry air can cause irritate health issues, static electricity, and damage wooden furniture.

 

7. LEVOIT Humidifiers for Large Bedroom

LEVOIT Humidifiers for Large Bedroom

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The best Humidifiers for large room with a mist output up to 500 ml/hr. It has a large 1.5 gallon / 6 liter water tank that allows 36 hours run with the low mist level. You can easily handle this humidifiers, it takes spaces as large as 753 square feet.

It has cold and warm mist settings that offer you distinct benefits round year. This is perfect for winter; it can humidify your room 25% more quickly and kills water germs. Thanks to its built-in sensor, just set it and forget it 🙂 the sensor gauges the level of humidity and instantly take care for you by adjustments.

LV600HH will shut off automatically if the tank runs out of water which is great to protect you and your device. Display-off feature and near-silent noise levels help you to sleep while the humidifier works.

 

8. Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier

Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier

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Vicks Humidifier is for baby nurseries, bedrooms, kid’s bedrooms and it’s an ideal choice if you want to put anyplace. It has one gallon tank that can run up to 24 hours and it can diffuses 95% bacteria free mist in the air. Many men and women find this humidifier for their bedroom use for a good night’s sleep especially when the air is dry, when sick or allergy season.

When you or your baby gets cold, it can be difficult to sleep but humidifiers and vaporizers can provide temporary relief from congestion and coughing, so you can get a god rest. Also humidity and moisture offer temporary relief from congestion and cough due to allergies or colds.

 

9. Miro NR07G Humidifier – Completely Washable

Miro NR07G Humidifier – Completely Washable

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The design of Miro NR07G humidifier is completely washable. It has included volcano cap, noise muffler and tea-kettle cap. Miro NR07G is most powerful with ultrasonic most durable mist-maker. It can run up to 8 hours and maximum power and 24 hours plus at minimum power. It takes 600 sq spaces. The modern and elegant design can blend with any circumstances.

 

10. AIRCARE MA1201 Whole-House Humidifier

AIRCARE MA1201 Whole-House Humidifier

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Whole-House Humidifier can be use up to 3600 square feet so you can use this humidifier for your whole house instead of multiple humidifiers for each room. Thank to it 3.6 gallon water tank to support up to 36 hours. You can set the humidifier to your desired level and when the level is reached it will shut off automatically. This humidifier is very easy to clean.

 

Tips for buying the best humidifiers for babies

If you are not sure which humidifier for children to buy, in this section, you can find the most important aspects you should look for and some buying advice.

Humidifier type

The first thing you have to decide is if you want your child humidifier to release cold or hot steam.As we have explained above, each has its advantages and disadvantages.

In general, we only recommend hot steam if you are sure that they will be out of your son’s or daughter’s reach. Otherwise, you may suffer burns.A cold steam model will give you more peace of mind, although it does not provide such a pleasant air to breathe.

Power

The humidifying power or capacity must be consistent with the size of the room in which you place it.This data can be found in the product specifications, together with the maximum surface indicated.Most humidifiers are enough to cover a room between 25 and 30 square meters.

Steam level regulation

Some models have a function to adjust the density of the ejected fog. In this way, it is possible to increase or decrease the humidity level of the room, and the duration of the deposit.

Noise

The noise level is a basic aspect when choosing any humidifier, but much more if it is one for babies since the little ones are more sensitive to noise than adults.In addition, if we are going to use it during the night, we will need an especially silent model, although some babies sleep better with a slight white noise.

If your little one is among them, you can afford to buy a somewhat louder one, although in general, we do not recommend exceeding 35 dB.

Tank capacity

The larger the water tank, the longer the humidifier will run uninterruptedly.Very different capacities can be found in the market: from 300 ml to 5 liters or more.If you want it to work all night, it is best not to choose one that is too small.

Other functionalities

Apart from the basic characteristics, certain humidifiers offer other options that can be very useful.Most of them are compatible with the use of essential oils, so in addition to humidifying the environment, they also flavor the home.Another interesting function is the self-shutdown when the water in the tank runs out.There are also others with antibacterial technology, with a built-in hygrometer to always know the humidity of the air, with timer

Recommendations for use

When using a humidifier, it is advisable not to lose sight of some tips to get the most out of it and not pose any danger to children or adults.Follow these simple precautions to make sure you use your humidifier safely:

Cleaning: Keeping the appliance clean is essential to prevent the appearance of mold, fungus, and bacteria. You should also let it dry well after cleaning or between use and use.

Beware of burns: If you choose to buy a hot steam humidifier, you must ensure that your child cannot come into direct contact with the device. Some have childish designs that make them look like toys, so children may be attracted to them. To avoid it, place it out of reach or buy a cold steam model.

Use distilled water: Tap water may contain traces of mineral that can reach the air through steam. Therefore, it is usually a good idea to use distilled water instead, although each manufacturer may have different indications. Read the instructions well before using it.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of humidifier is safer?
Both hot and cold humidifiers are safe but many people consider those cold vapors are more convenient if you have children at home. This is due to the fact that the water that is housed in the hot steam tank is at a very high temperature and there may be a risk of burns if it accidentally comes into contact with the skin due to a fall. Therefore, this type of humidifier should be placed with this in mind, out of reach of children.
How often do I have to clean the humidifier?
It is advisable not to allow more than 15 days to clean them and it should be done more often if the water used for its operation is hard. For cleaning, vinegar or neutral cleaning solutions are usually used. Never use abrasive soaps or powdered detergents.
What is the ideal comfort humidity?
The ideal relative humidity is between 40% and 60%. To know it, a measuring instrument called a hygrometer is used.
My cold steam humidifier does not produce steam or mist, is there something wrong?
Many cold steam humidifiers produce an invisible mist. Check the deposit of your device and if it drops the level, there will be no problem. In the instruction or manual book, you will surely find some reference to this.
What autonomy does a humidifier normally have?
Two aspects fundamentally influence the autonomy of a humidifier: the size of the tank and the humidifying capacity or power. An average device with a 4-liter tank and working at an evaporation level of 200 ml/hour will have an approximate autonomy of about 12-14 hours.
 

Conclusions

In this article, you have seen everything that a baby humidifier can do for the well-being of not only your little one but also the rest of the family. If you live in a very dry environment, use heating or your child has difficulty breathing, one of these devices will help you get a more humid and breathable air.

In this way, you will reduce the discomfort caused by colds, keep your skin in better condition, and help you sleep better after an intense day of games. If you have doubts about whether or not you should use a humidifier, or what type to buy, check with your pediatrician. Your pediatrician is better than anyone who will know what is best for your baby’s health. Good Luck with the best humidifiers for babies.