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Does your house feel like a desert? Whether the winter chill, and accompanying heavy heater use, have sucked the moisture out of the air or your home’s norm just isn’t high in humidity, a cool mist humidifier can help!
Your baby’s delicate nasal passages don’t exactly agree with the dry indoor air. Add in sniffles, a sore throat, or an all-out cold, and you have a recipe for an uncomfortable, fussy baby and sleepless nights. This is where a humidifier comes in. These cool mist devices can totally change the moisture level in your kiddo’s room. But not all humidifiers are the same. From adjustable sprays and auto shut-off timers to dancing light shows and soft glow elements that change from hue to hue, the handy home humidifier comes with features galore.
What is a humidifier good for and do you need one?
As the name implies, a humidifier adds humidity to your indoor space. While this isn’t exactly a necessity in the summer months, as the temperatures drop and the air holds less moisture, a humidifier can help to make your home’s interior more comfortable.
There are several types of humidifiers available for home use. Central humidifiers are integrated into the main HVAC system and work throughout the entire interior space. Ultrasonic humidifiers use sound waves to spray cool, moist mist. Evaporators have a fan that blows the air through a filter or wick. Steam vaporizer types of humidifiers use hot water to add moisture to the air. These can cause burns and aren’t suitable for use around an infant or child.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the ideal indoor humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. But the dry fall or winter air may fall below this range. A humidifier can help you to bump this number up, creating a comfortable environment for your baby. This can help to soothe dry skin, sinuses, lips, throats, and noses. It can also make it more comfortable for your sick kiddo to sleep through their cold symptoms.
What to look for in a humidifier
With so many features available, you may not know where to start your infant humidifier search. Like the rest of your baby gear, there are plenty of options. And, this doesn’t always make your job easier. Start with a cool mist device search. Avoid anything that uses heated water or steam around your baby. After narrowing down your humidifier hunt for cool mist options, you can start to think about what features are important to you and your family.
Popular features such as an included nightlight, auto shut-off timer, spray control, easy-clean or wide opening, and noise reduction filter can add to the ease of use and overall convenience of the humidifier. You will also need to consider the amount of space you’ll need to cover. A humidifier with a tank that’s too small, in comparison to the overall room’s square footage, may not do much to moisten the air. But an excessively large device could add too much humidity, leaving baby’s room damp or even moldy.
Along with basic features and room size, you may also want to consider upgrades such as a nightlight, a color-changing light show, a germ-reducing filter, or smartphone/app connectivity. Some humidifiers come with filters that can reduce bacterial, fungal, and viral growth. These can help to keep the device clean, but will also require you to purchase extra parts.
If you’re not sure which model to choose or what features to look for, don’t stress. Here are some of our favorites to get you started.
Levoit Smart Cool Mist Top Fill Humidifier
Best Smart Humidifier
The Levoit Smart Cool Mist humidifier is BPA-free, has a 25-hour runtime, and allows you to control the humidity level via a connected app. The three-liter tank has an easy top fill design for less mess.
- Connected app
- Programmable humidity controls
- NoiseDefender sound reduction
- Not for extra-large spaces
The Levoit Smart Cool Mist Top Fill Humidifier is a high-tech option that can help keep your kiddo comfortable all winter long. This smart device connects to an app, giving you the ability to program it from almost anywhere. Not only can you turn off the humidifier without going into the nursery and waking baby, you can turn it on remotely before you get home! Don’t stress if smart devices aren’t exactly your friend. “The app is super user-friendly and even gives recommended humidity ranges,” according to a happy user.
As if the app connectivity wasn’t enough convenience for you, this top tech-heavy pick works with Alexa and Google Assistant. So, forget about having to juggle diapers, wipes, and humidifier controls. This model provides you with a hands-free way to turn the unit on/off or make adjustments.
The three-liter tank can mist a room up to 290 square feet in size and has a runtime of 25 hours. A 360-degree rotating nozzle adds to the Levoit Smart Cool Mist’s ability to completely cover your tot’s room.
Pure Enrichment PureBaby Cloud Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Best Style
$50 $60 Save $10
The fun cloud design is a stylish complement to your baby’s nursery. The Pure Enrichment PureBaby humidifier has a 24-hour runtime and a soft glow nightlight.
- Nightlight with seven-plus colors
- Cute cloud shape
- Easy to clean
Send your little one off to dreamland on a cloud. That is the cute cloud design of the Pure Enrichment PureBaby Cloud Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. This top pick for style isn’t just all aesthetics. Even though this humidifier has a sweet cloud shape, it’s also a fully functional moisture-making device.
The BPA-free plastic humidifier can fill a floor area up to 250 square feet, has an ultrasonic delivery method with a 24-hour runtime, a 360-degree nozzle, a control knob to adjust the mist, and rotates through seven rainbow nightlight hues with the PureBaby’s Color Choice Technology.
And, if you’re wondering whether this cute cloud is easy to clean or use, take it from this parent, “This humidifier is EASY to clean- no hidden vents or crevices you can’t wipe. It’s simple and holds a lot of water for being so compact. It is user-friendly and it can cycle through colors, stay on the color of your choice or no light at all.”
Pure Enrichment MistAire
Best Value
$40 $50 Save $10
The MistAire holds 1.5 liters of water, has an auto shut-off, and a nightlight. Made from BPA-free plastic, this humidifier’s design has a 360 degree mist nozzle for maximum moisture output.
- Price
- Easy to use
- 360-degree mist nozzle
- Only comes with a blue nightlight
The Pure Enrichment MistAire is a top value for your money. If you’re not interested in a splurge, this ultrasonic moisture-misting machine is a pick to seriously explore. The 1.5-liter tank covers a 250-square foot space and has a 25-hour runtime. With a 360-degree nozzle, this mister can add humidity to every area of your child’s room.
The humidifier also features a blue-hued nightlight, whisper-quiet operation, and an auto shut-off. It’s also filter-free, compact, and easy to use, “I’ve been looking for a smaller, easy to handle humidifier without a filter. It is also super easy to use and set up. This humidifier is the perfect size and will currently stay on my bedside table overnight to help me breathe and hopefully help my dry skin.”
Frida Baby 3-in-1 Humidifier
Best 3-in-1 Option
The Frida baby 3-in-1 Humidifier has a color changing nightlight, an auto-stop feature, and a diffuser to add aromatherapy oils. An adjustable mister allows parents to control how humid baby’s room gets.
- Color changing nightlight
- Auto shut-off
- Mist adjuster
The Frida Baby 3-in-1 Humidifier doesn’t just pull double-duty. While some humidifiers are moisture misters and nightlights, this one goes a step further and adds a diffuser to the mix. The BreatheFrida Vapor drops (sold separately) can help clear baby’s stuffy nose throughout the night as they rest. The BPA-free 0.5-liter tank adjusts to create a gentle mist or a stronger stream. “This is a great humidifier. Bought the drops to go with it to keep baby breathing better at night!”, according to one happy parent.
Your baby will enjoy the color changing nightlight and you’ll like the convenient auto shut-off. With a filter-free design, you won’t have to worry about cleaning teeny tiny crevices or replacing parts often.
Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier
Best Germ-Reducing Humidifier
This Honeywell humidifier uses UV tech and a special wicking filter to reduce germs in the water.
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Large fill tank
- UV light water treatment
You do everything you can to keep your kiddo’s room germ-free. Add the Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier to the list of easy-to-clean nursery gear! Honeywell’s UV technology helps to reduce germs inside of the humidifier and a wicking filter keeps minerals out of the interior air.
If you aren’t sure whether you’re ready to invest your time in a filtered-model or not, just read how easy it is to use IRL, “I run thIs Honeywell humidifier only overnight and have to replace the wick every 6-8 weeks or so. I also clean the entire base and water jug at the same time. Honestly, it’s not that much work.”
The one-gallon tank has a 24-hour runtime, keeping your baby comfortable all day and night long. If your kiddo just can’t sleep in a totally silent room, the gentle hum of this pick has a fan-like white noise sound that can help to lull them off to dreamland.
Vicks Starry Night Filtered Cool Mist Humidifier
Best Light Feature
This Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier features a light show that casts a starry scene on the nursery ceiling. It also comes with a scent pad holder, variable humidity control, and a one-gallon tank.
- Starry night light show
- Adjustable humidity control
- Sample of VapoPads included
The Vicks Starry Night Filtered Cool Mist Humidifier is so much more than just a moisture mister. Yes, this Vicks device will increase the humidity in your baby’s room. The one-gallon tank has a 24-hour runtime, helping your kiddo sleep all night. But that’s not all!
Instead of a plain nightlight, this top pick has a projection feature that casts a starry sky onto the nursery ceiling. This stellar show will entertain your little one as they drift off to sleep with seven color options. And if you don’t want to ditch and switch products as your baby moves into the toddler years, this parent points out just how well the humidifier grows with a child, “Now that my daughter is a toddler she loves the stars and likes to name off all the colors as they appear on the ceiling.”
Add in Vicks VapoPads for extra soothing. The pads (sold separately) give your child eight hours of relief from their uncomfortable stuffy nose.
Crane Adorables Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Best Design Options
$54 $60 Save $6
The Crane Adorables humidifier features your choice of an elephant, monkey, sheep, unicorn, penguin, frog, train, or Hello Kitty shape. You’ll get a one-gallon fill tank that has a 24-hour runtime, an auto shut-off, and a filter-free design.
- Adorable shapes
- Filter-free
- Auto shut-off
Seriously adorable! It’s really all in the name with the Crane Adorables Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. The one-gallon tank can add humidity to a 500-square foot room and has a 24-hour runtime. It also comes with adjustable settings to create a custom comfort level and has an easy-carry tank handle. As for the dryness-combatting pluses, this parent raved, “After just one night of the humidifier in her room we found the dry cough she would get in the morning was gone. We now use ours in our room and found it made a difference for us too.”
While the features are certainly pluses, it’s the shape of this humidifier that sets it apart from other devices. From an elephant to Hello Kitty! the moisture-maker comes in an absolutely adorable array of designs. And if you have a budding train enthusiast, the choo choo style mimics a real engine’s steaming spout!
Safety 1st Easy Clean 3-in-1
Easiest To Keep Clean
$41 $47 Save $6
The extra wide opening makes this Safety 1st humidifier easy for parents to keep clean. The 3-in-1 includes a scent diffuser and lavender scent pads, a handle for easy carrying, and a nightlight with seven color changing choices.
- Wide opening for easy cleaning
- Nightlight with seven color options
- Quiet
- Not as durable as some other options
Anything with the words “easy clean” in the title has to be good, right? The Safety 1st Easy Clean 3-in-1 is just that! The wide opening makes it possible for parents to quickly and conveniently clean the humidifier’s tank. “And having one so easy to clean without having to purchase any filters makes it so worth it,” says one parent who purchased this pick after trying other, more expensive, options. This eliminates the need to spend valuable time fussing with tiny parts. It also means you won’t have to contort your fingers into uncomfortable shapes to wipe down this device.
Along with the easy-clean feature, the Safety 1st 3-in-1 also has a nightlight (with seven color options) and a scent diffuser. Add the brand’s included lavender scent pads to relax and soothe baby as they fall asleep.
How to help baby through flu season
While your kiddo could get the flu at any time of the year, the peak season for this contagious virus is December through February, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This coincides with the dry winter air, making a humidifier a welcome addition to your sick child’s nursery.
Along with the soothing cool mist of a humidifier, you can take other steps to help your baby through the flu season. Prevention is the best way to reduce the risks associated with influenza. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that children under two are at the highest risk for flu complications. Vaccination is one of the top ways to prevent or reduce the severity of the flu. Children ages six to eight months may need two doses, four weeks apart, of the annual vaccine if it’s the first time they’ve received the shot, according to the AAP.
Other preventative steps to take include keeping your baby away from sick people, washing your hands before you hold your kiddo or prepare their food/feed them, and making sure your infant is well-rested. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about what you can do to protect your child and what to do if your child does get sick.
If your child has flu symptoms – such as unusual fussiness, a runny nose, GI upset, a fever, a cough, or poor feeding – contact your family’s medical provider immediately. Only a qualified healthcare professional should diagnose the flu or recommend a specific treatment.
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