Best Humidifier for Baby in 2023

After you finished preparing your baby’s nursery, you might take a step back and think, “What else can I add?” As a parent, you want to make sure that you got everything ready from day to night. And what else can make the room safer and more pleasant than having a clean, moist air?

A humidifier is something that not only adults can benefit from. It works against the effects of dry air, which is a culprit for worsening certain illnesses in the much more vulnerable young ones. From relieving dry skin to respiratory problems, you’d be surprised with the number of positive effects a humidifier can do.

You don’t have to open multiple tabs and get overwhelmed with various information. We are one step ahead of you. We wrote a comprehensive buyer’s guide to answer the questions that are now probably in your mind. We even reviewed the 10 best humidifiers not only suitable for babies, but each has its own quality suitable for every need. So without further ado, here are the models and our opinion about each of them.

Best Humidifier for Baby Comparison Table

Best Baby Humidifier Reviews

Miro NR07G – Best Easy to Clean Humidifier

Our first model might look a bit odd, not quite compact, and almost reminiscent of a swan. But the Miro NR07G is more than just a unique-looking humidifier. Right off the box, you won’t have any trouble assembling the pieces together. And of course, pulling the whole machine apart afterward is just as easy. This is why we chose Miro as the best baby humidifier if you want a fuss-free clean-up.

Easy to Assemble and Disassemble

While you can’t put the pieces in the dishwasher, hand-washing them with some soap and water is not going to take half of your day. A child can even dismantle the whole humidifier because the parts simply fit to each other.

Because you can take each piece off, you can wash them with confidence and reach every possible mold and bacteria hiding place. In fact, you can also clean both the ultrasonic mist maker and fan to make sure you’re not moistening your baby’s room with contaminated mist.

Two Vapor Caps for Stationary and Movable Mist Positions

Upon purchase, you’ll get two types of vapor caps which are called the tea kettle and volcano cap. You can switch between the two, depending on your desired mist position. For example, the tea kettle cap points sidewards and allows you to position the mist anywhere because it rotates 360 degrees. The volcano cap, on the other hand, points upward for a more traditional approach of spraying mist. And to keep the unit stable, you’ll also notice that Miro included a stand that adds to the overall aesthetic of the device.

Easy to Refill

For the operation, you’ll fill the NR07G at its top. Compared to other humidifiers that fill upside down, this design makes it possible for you to refill ahead of time without turning the humidifier off. If you have assembled the model, you’ll also know that it’s mist-maker floats inside the bowl. And this exact bowl is actually the one acting as the water reservoir, so technically, this model is tankless.

Naturally, this overall design of the humidifier can make you assume that it’s at risk for overflowing. However, we’re glad this issue never arise during usage. You can even adjust its intensity to get to your desired humidity level.

Where is the knob? Well, instead of integrating it to the machine, Miro designed its control to be separate. But sadly, you’ll need to purchase your own hygrometer to measure the room’s humidity, as well as a humidistat to regulate the RH for you.

Auto Shut-Off

Worried about noise? The good news is Miro NR07G operates fairly quietly. And you can safely leave it in the nursery as well because it will automatically shut off when the tank becomes empty. For us, having an auto shut-off function is a must-have feature for all humidifiers because it means you’re not putting the device at risk for overheating. And another “signal” that this device does to remind you that it needs refilling is that its controller’s green light will turn red.

Honeywell HCM350B – Best Cool Mist Humidifier for Baby

When you started looking for humidifiers for your baby, you have probably stumbled upon cool mist and warm mist humidifiers. From the name themselves, they differ from the temperature of the mist they produce. But if you want a comparison between the two, we suggest visiting our buyer’s guide.

While all but one of the products in this review are cool mist types, our top cool mist model is the HCM350B from Honeywell. This humidifier is very popular, and we think it deserves its recognition.

First, we all know that a risk from humidifier involves the fact that its water reservoir is prone to nasty build-ups. If owners fail to maintain them correctly, it can harbor mold and bacteria. And if you’re using that device specifically for your baby, it might deter you away into getting one.

Antibacterial UV Technology

Self-Regulating Evaporative System

But other than being germ-free, another feature that makes this device our favorite cool mist humidifier is its self-regulating evaporative system. It might be a mouthful term but to help you understand, what it does is leave your furniture free from white dust.

If you’re using water with high mineral content, you’ll end up seeing these by-products which can be annoying to clean. As we have mentioned earlier, the water goes through a wicking filter. This will evaporate the water which, in turn, not only removes contaminants, but it will also remove the minerals.

Another advantage that you’ll get with this evaporative system is it makes it impossible for you to over-humidify the room. Why? Because you won’t be able to add moisture to the air more than the amount that it can hold. Therefore, the end result is a mold, white dust, and germ-free room.

The Drawback

As for the clean-up, the dishwasher-safe water tank has a handle and a pretty wide opening. If you’re looking for some features to consider, having a wide tank opening makes it easier for you to reach inside and thoroughly clean your unit. You’ll also dry its interior faster and avoid mold growth. However, even though the handle is useful, especially for water refilling, you have to be extra diligent in cleaning the area surrounding it.

We should also mention that you will have to soak the humidifier’s wicking filter in vinegar before cleaning it with water at least once a week. More than the tank itself, this filter is also prone to build-up. Sadly, even though this maintenance can extend its lifespan, after some time it will harden so you’ll need to replace it eventually.

Honeywell sells replacement filters that they treat with Protec Antimicrobial. According to them, this will prohibit mold growth. However, these filters can get pricey. And because the humidifier needs filter replacement every one to two months, this can be a turn-off for practicality reasons.

Some other accessories that you can purchase for your unit is a humidity monitor and a Protec cleaning ball. The monitor will show you the room’s relative humidity and temperature, while the cleaning ball keeps your unit clean for longer.

QuietCare Technology

Lastly, Honeywell uses QuietCare technology. This feature makes the unit 30% quieter compared to other evaporative models. However, in a very quiet environment, you’ll still notice some noise, although, we can treat this as white noise. Some babies might even find this relaxing, particularly for sleep and nap time.

Pure Enrichment MistAire XL – Top Baby Humidifier

Our next humidifier is the Pure Enrichment MistAire XL, which also happens to be our top pick. It only measures 13 x 10 x 8 inches and weighs 1.1 pounds, making it compact and easily portable. We think the overall design and size of this unit is perfect for most nurseries. And because it is lightweight, you won’t have a problem transferring it around the room. You can even place it anywhere that is leveled without worries because the model’s base is non-slip.

Two Moisture Output Options

To get a better, customized moisture output direction, Pure Enrichment includes two mist nozzles similar to Miro. The single-direction mist nozzle is a great option for those in a confined, smaller space. And if the only place available for the unit is near the wall, you don’t have to worry about the vapor spraying directly onto your wall.

Adjustable Output Levels

Other than the mist direction, MistAire XL also has a control knob at the front for controlling the output levels. You can adjust it at either low or high, which we think is great in correlation with the room’s relative humidity. However, the humidifier offers no medium setting. Some users can find the low and high settings too extreme, so getting a middle option would’ve made the experience more personalized.

Looking at the MistAire XL, you’ll only see one front knob. And sadly, this knob controls all of the device’s settings. The device has a night light, which we will discuss later, and the knob also controls this feature. For example, you will set your device with low or high mist settings with the knob, as well as low with backlight and high with backlight.

Auto Shut-Off

To fill the water tank, you’ll need to flip the device upside down. We don’t have any problems with leaks, and because the device is see-through, you’ll know when it’s time to refill. And as for your safety, this humidifier will automatically shut off once the water level gets low. In fact, it will do the same thing once you remove the water tank.

What about the unit’s maintenance? Depending on your preference, you might think of it being filter-free as an advantage or disadvantage. Because it doesn’t need filters, you won’t have to buy replacements, nor do an extra cleaning. There are really no hard-to-reach spaces with this model, and the manufacturer even includes its own cleaning brush upon purchase.

However, you can completely turn this feature off if your little one prefers no lights for sleeping. The device looks lowkey at night time, except for the small green light that always stays on. This light will turn red once you get to a low water level, but nonetheless, it is not too distracting for light sleepers.

Everlasting Comfort – Best Large Capacity Humidifier

One of the things that come with using a humidifier is refilling it before it dries out. So naturally, you’d want something with a large capacity that can last you without running towards the faucet every hour.

Large Capacity Tank

Everlasting Comfort uses a 1.6-gallon tank that has an output of 9 fl oz/hour. What’s more impressive is that depending on your usage, it can even last you 50 hours before refilling. This is very useful for busy parents, and you can just tend to your baby without checking on the humidifier’s water level throughout the day.

Controls for Mist Direction and Mist Output Level

Similar to our previous models, Everlasting Comfort allows you to customize the mist direction and mist out level. You can turn the nozzle in any direction thanks to its 360 rotation and the dial at the front gives you control on the mist output level.

Quiet with Optional Blue night light

And while we’re talking about this dial, yes, you can press that button at the top to activate the blue LED night light. Along with the fairly quiet usage, the blue light gives off a relaxing ambiance for your little one.

Auto Shut-Off

While it does have a large capacity tank, it still uses an auto shut-off feature when it runs out of water. Along with the extended usage duration, you also don’t have to worry about the device overheating.

Filter-Free

Another unique thing with this humidifier is that the manufacturer advertises the model as a filter-free unit that you can use with regular tap water. As you have seen on the previous filter-free models, the lack of filter is beneficial for maintenance and budget. But as for Everlasting Comfort’s claim with tap water, we think that it’s better for you to stick with distilled water. If you’re not sure with the mineral content of your tap water, it is best not risk it.

For cleaning, be mindful of the grooves in the model. The opening on the reservoir is also not as wide as would’ve liked and the lack of handle makes it less ergonomic to hold.

Use with Essential Oils

Lastly, this unit doubles as a diffuser. Have you heard of people putting essential oils in their humidifier? Sounds like a logical idea, right? And if your baby has trouble sleeping or if you want to accelerate the decongestion effect of the mist, certain oils can help. However, as we have mentioned in our buyer’s guide, not all units allow this feature.

Overall, with some diligent scrubbing and towel at the base, this humidifier and diffuser in one is a great choice for your baby. It has a large water reservoir, and you can even take advantage of its essential oil tray and blue night light to create a more soothing ambiance.

Crane Humidifier – Best Quiet Humidifier

One of the most popular brands of humidifiers is Crane. We reviewed two very different-looking models from them, but first, let us focus on this quiet, tear-drop shaped device. For a baby room, this humidifier will not look out of place. It is nicely compact and does not require a large space. It even comes in 7 colors which are: aqua, blue white, clear and white, gray, orange, pink, and white to match any theme.

Even though it doesn’t look bulky, this humidifier has a capacity of one gallon similar to most of the units in this review. The size makes it easy to refill, but the handle at the top feels awkward. The opening itself looks standard and targeting it with the water stream is easy, but then again, some users feel like the handle makes the unit prone to slippage.

Quiet and Distraction-Free

While all of the units in this review doesn’t sound like drilling and blending combined, the quietest unit is this model from Crane. However, even though it looks like it’s going to have a nightlight, all it has is a subtle indicator light. This stays on and will turn red when the model needs refilling.

Mist Direction and Output Control

The humidifier also comes with a lid capable of rotating 360 degrees. But the unit does not only gives you control over the mist direction. The knob at the front also offers multiple mist output levels.

Auto Shut-Off

Another feature that we love seeing in all humidifiers is the auto shut-off feature. The model will turn off by itself once its water level gets low.

Filter-Free

The Crane Humidifier works without filters, but if you can’t stick to distilled water, you can purchase their demineralization filters. These filters are for those with hard water at home. But of course, like with all humidifiers, maintenance to prevent build-up is non-negotiable.

Antimicrobial Base

Crane boasts that their model uses an antimicrobial material for its base. As a parent, we are incredibly meticulous when it comes to humidifiers because they are prone to nasty build-ups. More than the maintenance, it does help that the model itself can “resist” bacterial growth.

TaoTronics – Best Humidifier with Built-in Humidistat

The next humidifier we have from TaoTronics may not be the most compact in this review, but it has one distinguishing feature that makes it stand out. This model has a built-in humidistat at the front. Although we don’t require all models to have this feature, having the ability to show you the current room RH can make a significant difference.

Built-In Adjustable Humidistat

As we have mentioned in our buyer’s guide, most children’s hospitals maintain their RH at around 55%. And with TaoTronics, you can choose from 40% to 95%. This means you can set the machine to adopt with the moisture level distinct to your baby’s room.

Mist Direction and Output Controls

Besides the humidistat, there are also different buttons at the front. You can point the mist at any direction because its nozzle can do a full 360-degree rotation. And as you can see, there’s a button that allows you to increase or decrease the mist level as well. TaoTronics have three mist levels in total, with the highest at 300 mL/hour.

Auto Shut-Off

It is also worth noting that TaoTronics will automatically shut off once the water runs out. But as for the clean-up afterward, we wish the tank has a wider opening. We don’t have many issues with this model, but the ease of clean-up is an essential factor for a humidifier. Our advice is to use a brush to scrub the inside efficiently.

Sleep/Nightlight and Timer Buttons

This model also has labeled buttons for sleep/nightlight and timer function. The sleep mode turns the device’s light off (including the whole LED screen) and cancels out all the noise output. And if you choose to turn the night light on, the small green light of the half-moon will stay illuminated. The timer button, on the other hand, allows you to choose from 1 hour to 24 hours to keep the humidifier on. And depending on your chosen setting, the LCD screen will illuminate its corresponding symbol to let you know which one is turned on.

Microporous Cartridge Filters

Lastly, you should know that TaoTronics uses filters. In particular, the model uses microporous cartridge filters. You’ll need to change them every 4 to 6 months, but they are excellent in keeping the water safe from microorganisms and odor formation.

Crane Filter-Free – Best Humidifier for Baby Room

Our next humidifier is our second one from Crane. However, this particular unit looks so playful and very fitting for a nursery. If your baby has a favorite animal, we’re sure that you can select from Crane’s 14 character designs.

These choices include a cow, bumblebee, dragon, duck, elephant, hello kitty, hippo, ladybug, monkey, owl, panda, penguin, pig, sheep, and even a non-animal character that is a train. Other than the fact that it releases mist and has a front knob, this humidifier can pass off as a cute toy display.

Filter-Free and Antimicrobial Reservoir

Like the previous Crane humidifier, this model doesn’t use a filter. But then again, you can purchase demineralization filters if you have hard water at home. Another similar characteristic it has with the previous Crane model is that its reservoir is made from antimicrobial material.

Controllable Mist Direction and Output

As for the usage, you can control the mist direction and output of this humidifier. But as you can see at the front, there are no buttons for a nightlight. The only light that you’ll see from this model would be its green indicator that’ll turn red when the model needs refilling.

Auto Shut-Off

However, even if this cute-looking machine lacks interesting functions like the previous TaoTronics, as a humidifier, it is pretty impressive. It can humidify up to 500 square feet of a room depending on the place’s RH. And once it runs out of the water, it will automatically shut off as well.

Vicks – Best Warm Mist Humidifier for Baby

Parents who are placing humidifiers in their nurseries usually stray away from warm mist models. Compared to cool mist humidifiers, these type uses a heating element to produce warm mist and thus, can cause a potential scalding hazard. However, these models guarantee you that the mist they emit is bacteria-free.

While the majority of the models in this review are cool mist types, we included one warm mist humidifier. For us, this unit from Vicks is the best warm mist model that you can find in the market.

Auto Shut-Off with Two Mist Output Levels

The Vicks warm mist humidifier has a see-through tank which means you can quickly keep track on your water level. And even if it happens to run out of water, it will automatically shut off to avoid overheating.

Dim and Quiet

You’ll also see a dial at its side which allows you to control the mist output (i.e., two output levels.) The water level indicator light surrounds this dial, but the light green color is not too intense, especially in a dark room. Now, upon usage, you’ll only hear a subtle bubbling sound. It isn’t too distracting for a sleeping baby, so overall, this humidifier is lowkey for night time usage.

Filter-Free with 3-Year Warranty

The humidifier works without filter, and it is also fairly easy to disassemble for cleaning. The parts also feel durable, and the fact that the company backs it with a 3-year warranty ensures us that they trust this model to last. But as for its footprint, you can expect it to be a tad bulky.

Heater Replacement

Medicine Cup

The humidifier has a dedicated medicine cup where you can put in Vicks Vaposteam. This particular inhalant can relieve coughs and irritated breathing passages. But besides the Vaposteam, some users even mention using essential oils with the humidifier’s medicine cup.

And similar to Honeywell HCM350B, you can purchase a Protec cleaning ball to keep your unit cleaner for longer. According to the manufacturer, this ball uses a patented antimicrobial Aquastat that can kill odor-causing bacteria.

And besides the cleaning ball, Vicks also has a humidity monitor that you can add to your humidifier. This device shows the room’s RH as well as the temperature. We think this addition is a useful purchase if you want to quickly know if you’ve reached your ideal RH for the nursery.

VicTsing – Best Humidifier for Baby Congestion

Our previous humidifier can hasten relief from congestion thanks to its warm mist and medicated vapor option. However, if you want to stick with cool mist models for your baby, VicTsing is also an excellent option for congestion relief.

Mist Output Control

Surprisingly, even though its water capacity is only slightly under a gallon, VicTsing can last you up to 24 hours. We also found that even though you don’t put the mist output control knob in the highest setting, the humidifier still works for reducing congestion.

While VicTsing doesn’t allow for usage with essential oils, the fact that it can keep the air from drying out helps in draining mucus and relieving congestion.

Stationary/Rotating Mist Nozzle

You can rotate the mist nozzle in any direction, but you can also keep it tilted at 45 degrees if you want a continuous mist output. And for a more comfortable sleep, the unit works quietly as well without any beeping noises.

Filter-Free

On the bright side, this humidifier is filter-free. This makes cleaning faster and easier. But also, it’s more economical than those models which will need filter replacement eventually. The tank’s opening of the device is also large, making it easy to reach inside and keep nasty contaminants away. The lid cap is even nicely wide that even those with a weak grip can turn easily.

We all know that if your humidifier’s tank is dirty, then chances are you’re going to worsen your baby’s symptoms. For us, the fact that VicTsing is easy to clean adds to the factor of why it works best for relieving baby congestion.

URPower – Best Affordable Humidifier

Compact and Easy to Use

Our last model comes from URPower, and it is also the best humidifier for baby that you can get without breaking the bank. It only measures 3.1 x 5.5 and even reminds us of a typical night light that you’d put in a baby room.

7-Color Night Light

URPower has two buttons, which are very straightforward to use. On the left is the button for the nightlight that will trigger a light show of seven colors. You can also manually change the colors by pressing the button again. However, for a nightlight, we think the model’s brightness should’ve been lower.

If you think the lights would be too distracting for a sleeping baby, you could turn them off, and only the mist indicator will stay on. This button is green during the intermittent mist setting and red for the continuous mist setting.

Intermittent and Continuous Mist Setting

The right button is for the mist setting, and again, a second press will change the mode. As we have mentioned earlier, you will get two mist settings. The intermittent setting sprays mist every 30 seconds and can give you a total of 6 hours of usage. The continuous setting, on the other hand, can give you 2 to 3 hours of usage before it automatically turns off. Sadly, you can only control the mist output but not its direction with this unit.

Quiet, Auto Shut-Off, and Filter-Free

The humidifier works quietly, and you’ll also feel more at ease because it also has an auto shut-off feature. If you put it in continuous mist mode, it will automatically turn off if it runs out of water. And you can also leave it during night time for your baby because it makes no distracting noise.

Oil Diffuser

Lastly, did you know that at this price point, you’d also get an oil diffuser? You can opt to use only water but adding 2 or 3 drops of essential oil will not destroy the unit. The model does have a smaller water capacity compared to our other models, but it can keep your baby’s room aromatic for 6 hours.

Best Humidifier for Baby Buyer’s Guide

When to Use a Humidifier for Baby

Before you venture into finding the best baby humidifier, there is a question that first comes to mind. When can you use this device for your baby? Well, the straightforward answer is any time. But before you scroll down, let us mention some important details.

Oftentimes, parents start using this device to make their baby more comfortable when he/she is sick. As we will discuss below, this device can help in relieving allergies, asthma, coughs, and colds. The reason for this is that dry air can worsen the symptoms (e.g., congestion) associated with such diseases.

Types of Humidifiers

Base on How They Work

• Ultrasonic Humidifiers

Ultrasonic humidifiers can produce either warm or cool mist. They create water droplets using a ceramic or metal diaphragm which vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency, hence, the name.

• Evaporative Humidifiers

Compared to the previous type, evaporative humidifiers produce cool mist. They sometimes recirculate the water using a pump or filter the air.

• Impeller Humidifiers

Another humidifier that produces cool mist is the impeller type. A diffuser receives water from a high-speed spinning disc. This mechanism will then produce smaller water droplets for faster air diffusion.

• Steam Vaporizers

Don’t be confused, but yes, we consider vaporizers as a type of humidifier. Steam vaporizers or warm mist humidifiers boil water to produce steam. However, there are also vaporizers that mix the warm vapor with cool air beforehand.

• Air Washers

To put it simply, air washers are humidifiers that also function as air purifiers. Rotating discs with water will retain airborne impurities and then release a cleaner cool mist back into the room.

As a Model

• Tabletop Humidifier

We can consider all portable units as a tabletop humidifier. This type is compact, and because they don’t take too much room, they are the most popular humidifier. However, their coverage is not going to be as large as the next types.

• Console Humidifier

In expense of space, you can humidify your entire home using a console humidifier. Don’t be fooled by the name because these units can hold up to 9 gallons of water depending on the model.

• In-Duct Humidifier

If a budget does not limits you, consider an in-duct humidifier. From the name itself, you install this device right into your home’s air ducts. This placement eliminates the need for maintenance familiar with the previous humidifiers. And at the same time, it guarantees that the air inside your home has good humidity.

Vaporizer vs Humidifier for Baby

When you research about the use of humidifiers for babies, you might stumble upon vaporizers as well. But don’t worry, understanding the difference between the two is easy.

What is a vaporizer?

As we have mentioned earlier, vaporizers are also known as warm mist humidifiers. The steam from boiling water is going to be hot which leads to two main advantages:

1. Because vaporizers produce warm air, naturally you’d think that this can kill the bacteria or germs present in the air; and you are correct. We all know that babies are more vulnerable to diseases and infections, which means that the air they breathe should be free from any impurities.
2. The heat from the condensed steam can act as a heat source. Consequently, a vaporizer can replace the heater during the winter months. This rids you of the dry air (produced by the heater), which is a no-no, especially for babies with existing congestion or other respiratory diseases.

The Drawbacks of a Vaporizer

Another drawback with this device is its maintenance. You may have to clean your unit depending on the manufacturer’s instructions if you want to avoid nasty build-up of germs, mold, and lint.

What is a Humidifier?

Compared to vaporizers, humidifiers are capable of producing either warm or cool mist. The humidifier is quite similar to vaporizers, in such a way that it heats up inside too. However, the mist that it’ll produce is cooler due to the fan that it has inside. Of course, this cool mist also eliminates the safety concerns that come with hot steam.

Can cool mist alleviate congested breathing passages? The answer is yes, particularly if you use an ultrasonic humidifier. The microscopic water vapor particles it produces means better penetration compared to other cool mist units.

The Drawback of a Humidifier

Similar to the vaporizer, you will need proper maintenance to avoid mold and bacteria build-up with this device. And if you happen to have a unit without a filter, you will need to clean the model’s tank more often.

Air Purifier vs Humidifier for Baby

Another common device that parents usually put up against humidifiers comes in the form of air purifiers. Here is a rundown between the two:

Air Purifier

• Purifies the air from dust, contaminants, and allergens
• Control mold and odors
• Makes the air quality safer and free from different particles
• Machine runs constantly
• Filter will need a replacement after some time

Humidifier

• Balances the humidity level in the room
• Controls mold
• The moisture in the air can be beneficial for congestion and dry skin
• Machine does not run constantly
• Sometimes uses a filter, otherwise, the device itself will need maintenance continuously

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Humidifier for Baby

Do You Need a Humidifier for Baby?

First of all, does every nursery needs a humidifier? And can you only use this device if you want to alleviate your baby’s congestion? Well, humidifiers are packed with benefits, but you’re not going to be a bad parent if you haven’t purchased one yet. You also don’t need to wait for your child to get sick before you get one.

But did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) includes this nifty device as a nursery essential? And if you need another reason to go get one, the association does recommend using humidifiers, particularly the cool mist type, to relieve a stuffy nose.

During winter months, you will need to use a heater. However, the lack of moisture in the air can make you susceptible to sore throat, congested noses, and dry sinuses. Sadly, babies are even more at risk with these symptoms. And using a humidifier in the nursery helps protect against dry air.

The air moisture provided by these devices can ease these uncomfortable symptoms. It can loosen the mucus build-up, which in turn, relieve sinus congestion. But more than these beneficial effects on the respiratory system, humidifiers can also alleviate the dryness caused by, well, dry air.

Skin moisture evaporation causes eye itchiness, dry skin, and chapped lips. Consequently, you can just imagine how this loss of moisture can exacerbate eczema. As you can see in this article, babies normally get eczema in their early years, and it is a very irritating skin condition.

Overall, using a humidifier can cause a big difference when it comes to comfort.

Is There a Risk for Using Humidifiers?

We don’t want to seem redundant, but we have already familiarized you earlier with the risks associated with humidifiers. Because they use a water reservoir, you will need proper cleaning and maintenance. Otherwise, you’re putting your family at risk with bacteria and mold-contaminated mist, gross!

You will also want to keep your baby’s room in the ideal humidity level. According to AskDrSears, 40 to 60 percent is healthy for the body, and children’s hospitals usually keep their level at 55 percent. You can purchase a humidity measuring device to avoid going higher than the ideal level, which can cause mold growth.

Warm or Cool Mist Humidifier for Baby

Earlier, we may have already given away our answer for this battle. Both humidifiers add moisture to the air and alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms caused by dry air. And when choosing a baby humidifier, the choice between the two depends on their strengths and weaknesses.

Warm Mist Humidifiers

Cool Mist Humidifiers

Essential Oils in Humidifier for Baby

Humidifiers produce mist to give moisture to the air. That is why you can assume that some people thought of adding essential oils in these devices. If we are talking about essential oils themselves, you can consider them safe for babies older than three months old. However, adding them in humidifiers, is a different story.

Unlike water, when you put essential oil in the humidifier, the unit will not turn it into fine particles. This means the mist from the water vapor will not include the essential oil. But what if you use them on warm mist humidifiers? We’re sorry to say, but it is also a no-no. Heating essential oils will change its therapeutic properties, so you’ll just lose what you wanted all along.

Another thing that you should avoid is putting essential oils in your water tank and hope for the best. You might end up clogging your device or cause your tank to erode. Some essential oils are even “strong” enough (e.g., citrus oils, those with alcohol content) to damage your humidifier and cause it to crack and leak.

However, before you get discouraged, there are humidifiers on the market that are meant to use essential oils. A good example is the model we reviewed from Everlasting Comfort. But if you want, you can also purchase a device like a diffuser or a nebulizer that can efficiently break the oils into fine particles. This way, you’ll be sure that your baby can benefit from the therapeutic properties of the oils without damaging the device itself.

What Water Should You Use for the Humidifier

If you live in an area with hard water, you can avoid mineral build-up by simply switching to distilled water. Although using distilled water is not necessary for the unit to operate, you will notice a more efficient performance with the humidifier. And best of all, you’ll have no minerals in the air.

Features to Look for in a Humidifier for Baby

Now that we tackled some FAQs and considerations when buying a baby humidifier, let us make a quick wrap on what to look for in the device itself. It should:

1. Be easy to clean and dry
2. Be easy to install
3. Has a large water capacity to last long before refilling
4. Has the right output strength to combat dry air/provide consistent humidity in the area
5. Be quiet enough to not distract a sleeping baby
6. Has the right size for the nursery
7. Has auto shut-off function

Optional Features:

1. Gives you control with the humidity level/moisture level
2. Is self-monitoring with built-in humidistat
3. Has oil diffuser

Conclusion

To wrap things up, choosing a humidifier for your baby is not as complicated as it seems. Sure, there are different terminologies that come with this device, but it all comes down to safety and effectiveness.

All of the models in this review have auto shut-off function, quietly operates, and offer mist output settings. However, our top favorite is the Pure Enrichment MistAire XL. It is compact, gives you control on both mist output and directions, and is even easy to clean.

But if you’re looking for certain models such as a warm mist humidifier, or something that’ll look fitting for a nursery, we also have models from Vicks and Crane.

Got any questions? Don’t hesitate to leave them below!