The Best Humidifiers for Baby to Ease Stuffy Noses and Dry Skin
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With gentle yet effective mist, these devices can help clear nasal passages and hydrate skin so your baby feels more comfortable.
Parents / Dera Burreson
Humidifiers are useful for easing several health issues made worse by dry air, from nosebleeds and congestion to dry, itchy skin or atopic dermatitis flare-ups. For parents, improving respiratory symptoms is one of the biggest benefits of a humidifier. Helping your baby breathe and sleep better when they have a cold can be difficult—especially since they can’t take cold medicine. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a cool-mist humidifier as a way to help treat a baby’s cold symptoms because it puts moisture in the air, which can help clear a stuffy nose. If you can help your baby breathe better, chances are they will sleep better—which means more rest for you, too. “I used a humidifier for my children, especially when they had colds, coughs, or croup,” says Steven Abelowitz, M.D. FAAP, medical director of Coastal Kids pediatrics group. “We found it not only helped with the symptoms, but it also helped them recover quicker from illnesses and sleep better, too.” To find the best humidifiers for your baby’s room, we first spoke with multiple experts to find out what to look for and how to use them safely around children. Next, we tested over a dozen models in our lab and at home to find out how they performed in real life. Home testers continued giving us feedback after several months of use. We rated each humidifier based on its effectiveness, design, features, ease of setup and cleaning, and overall value. In our testing, these 10 humidifiers came out on top.Are Humidifiers Safe for Babies? When used correctly, humidifiers are safe for babies. Proper use includes out-of-reach placement, use of distilled water, and regular cleaning every other day. In addition, you should not use hot water, fragrances, or essential oils in a baby’s humidifier. Our Favorite Humidifiers for Babies Best Overall: Vicks EasyCare+ Top Fill Ultrasonic Cool Mist HumidifierBest With Nightlight: Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime HumidifierBest Budget: Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool Mist HumidifierBest Dishwasher Safe: Honeywell Cool Moisture HumidifierBest Warm and Cool: Vicks Dual Comfort Cool Warm Mist HumidifierBest Smart Humidifier (Large): Levoit LV600S Smart Hybrid Ultrasonic HumidifierBest Smart Humidifier (Compact): Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifier Quietest: Crane 1.2 Gal. Warm & Cool Mist Top Fill HumidifierMost Stylish: Homedics TotalComfort Deluxe Large Room Ultrasonic HumidifierCutest: Crane Adorables Cool Mist HumidifierBest Overall: Vicks EasyCare+ Top Fill Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Amazon
$65
$58
Buy on Amazon
$58
Buy on Walgreens
Why We Like It This pick outshined the others in our lab test in terms of effectiveness, ease of use, and noise level and had all the features we were looking for in a humidifier. Within 30 minutes of running it at the high setting, the air around us felt less dry, and one tester said her congestion had notably improved. After running on high for three hours, the humidity in our 186-square-foot room increased from 26% to 37%, which, according to Omar Waqar, M.D., a board-certified allergist and immunologist, is within the ideal range to relieve dry skin and throat and nasal passages. We also love that it opens from the top, has built-in carrying handles, and a removable cord, making it convenient to fill and clean. This humidifier doesn't require a filter, which saves time and money. Its soft whirring noise is barely audible, even when you stand right next to it. It's almost like a white noise machine, which is a bonus if you plan to run it in your baby’s room at night. But Take Note The low setting on this humidifier isn’t the most effective. After three hours, the humidity in our room only increased from 23% to 25%, which wasn’t very noticeable. The Details:Type: UltrasonicRecommended room size: Up to 400 sq. ft.Tank capacity: 0.6 gallonsRun time: Up to 24 hoursFilter: No Best With Nightlight: Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Humidifier
Amazon
$50
$33
Buy on Amazon
$33
Buy on Target
Why We Like It Having a humidifier with a built-in colored nightlight can be helpful for the whole family. In addition to soothing your baby, it provides just enough light for parents to see if they need to enter their baby’s room in the middle of the night. One of our testers loved that you can choose between seven different nightlight colors and thought this humidifier’s cute design would enhance the ambiance of any child’s bedroom.Aside from being pretty adorable, this little humidifier packed quite a punch during our lab testing. After several hours on the high setting, it raised the humidity in our 186-square-foot room from 31% to 47%. Given its size, we were impressed that its mist extends out about 3 feet. We also appreciated that parents can rotate the nozzle 180 degrees to control where the mist goes. But Take Note One tester reported that this humidifier ran out of water after about eight hours of use and felt its highest setting was too intense, making the air around her feel thick and heavy. The Details:Type: UltrasonicRecommended room size: Up to 300 sq. ft.Tank capacity: 0.6 gallonsRun time: Up to 24 hoursFilter: No Best Budget: Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Amazon
$44
$39
Buy on levoit.com
$44
Buy on Amazon
Why We Like ItAt just $44, this humidifier is one of the least expensive on our list but performs like a dream. It has a wide-top opening that makes it easier to fill and clean and a nozzle that rotates 360 degrees, giving parents the option to choose exactly where the mist goes. Its sound output is less than 28 decibels (dB)—quieter than a whisper.We had a mom test this humidifier in her home at the height of winter when the air was very dry. Even with the heater constantly running, she reported that it increased the humidity in her 25 x 15 foot bedroom from 25% to around 40%. As a result, she noticed that her mouth and throat didn’t feel as dry, especially when she ran the humidifier on a nightly basis. She liked that its 3-liter tank held enough water to last a few nights, and its simple, modern design wasn’t an eyesore in her home. But Take NoteThis humidifier requires a filter that needs to be changed monthly. The Details:Type: UltrasonicRecommended room size: Up to 290 sq. ft. Tank capacity: 0.79 gallonsRun time: Up to 25 hoursFilter: Yes
Related: As a Nurse and Mom of 5, These Are the Products I Always Reach for During Cold and Flu Season—All Under $30
Best Dishwasher Safe: Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier
Amazon
$80
Buy on Amazon
$80
Buy on Walmart
Why We Like ItOne of the challenges with humidifiers is upkeep, so we love that you can save time and effort by putting this one in the dishwasher. One mom who tested this humidifier put the water tank and tray in her dishwasher once a week and wiped down the remaining parts. This humidifier uses a filter to capture minerals commonly found in tap water and an internal ultraviolet (UV) light that can kill up to 99.99% of germs, fungi, and mold in the water. All of this means a cleaner mist circulating through your child’s room. We also appreciated that this humidifier has a handle on its removable jug, which one mom declared “super easy” to fill. After running it for only a few hours in her sons' room, she saw the humidity jump from 30% to nearly 50%, which, over time, has improved their seasonal allergies and nasal passages.
What Parents Say“Seeing my kids get fewer nosebleeds at night is really encouraging and has me planning to use this humidifier in the future." —Jessica, mom of four.
But Take NoteOur tester wished this humidifier was a bit sturdier given the price tag. It’s also on the bigger side (18 x 9.5 x 11 inches) and weighs nearly 8.5 pounds without water. Plus, its filter must be flipped over often and changed every 30-60 days. The Details:Type: EvaporativeRecommended room size: Up to 500 sq. ft. Tank capacity: 1.1 gallonsRun time: Up to 24 hoursFilter: YesBest Warm and Cool: Vicks Dual Comfort Cool Warm Mist Humidifier
Amazon
$93
Buy on Amazon
Why We Like ItDuring our lab test, we found that the warm mist option on this Vicks humidifier made the room feel toasty, which was a very pleasant sensation during the cold winter weather. The humidity was much more noticeable on the warm setting, increasing the humidity from 31% to 41% in just one hour, as opposed to 28% to 31% in one hour on the cool setting. Our tester reported that filling the tank was simple, and apart from some gurgling, the unit was very quiet while in operation. She immediately noticed a reduction in static around the house, and after two months of use, her hair, skin, and sinuses felt much more hydrated. But Take Note Warm mist humidifiers can pose a burn risk because they boil water to create mist. To keep children and pets safe, you should only use the cool mist option in children’s bedrooms or ensure the unit is securely out of reach. The Details:Type: EvaporativeRecommended room size: “Medium”Tank capacity: 1.2 gallonsRun time: Up to 36 hoursFilter: NoBest Smart Humidifier (Large): Levoit LV600S Smart Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier
Amazon
$110
Buy on levoit.com
$110
Buy on Amazon
Why We Like ItImagine being out on a date and realizing you forgot to turn on the humidifier in your baby’s room. This Levoit Smart Humidifier solves that problem by allowing you to remotely control and monitor its activity with the VeSync app, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. Our tester was particularly impressed by all of its bells and whistles, including the warm or cool mist option, timer, and built-in hygrometer that continually monitors the humidity in your baby’s room. She also liked that this humidifier is “super duper quiet”—less than 28 dB in sleep mode—and that it has two spouts that point in different directions to provide a wider range of humidity. Best of all, this humidifier can run for up to 50 hours straight and covers up to 753 square feet. But Take NoteAccording to one tester, this humidifier is moderately challenging to clean because it has several narrow openings and small pieces that require a specific brush. From start to finish, it took her about 30 minutes to disassemble and fully clean this humidifier. The Details:Type: Ultrasonic Recommended room size: 753 sq. ft.Tank capacity: 1.6 gallonsRun time: Up to 50 hoursFilter: NoBest Smart Humidifier (Compact): Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifier
Amazon
$90
Buy on levoit.com
$90
$80
Buy on Amazon
Why We Like ItOur tester’s favorite feature of this humidifier was the user-friendly control panel. She likes that it’s more than just an on/off switch and gives parents the option to choose between warm or cool mist, set a timer, and switch from sleep to auto mode, which keeps the humidity in your baby’s room at a consistent level. During our lab test, this humidifier created a 25% increase in humidity when run on the highest setting for eight hours. Our tester said that she could immediately feel the difference when she walked into the room. Similar to the larger Levoit model above, this humidifier can also be controlled remotely by the VeSync app, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. But Take NoteWhen obtaining a culture from this humidifier, we found that it contained the most bacteria out of any of the others tested. To help prevent bacteria growth in your humidifier, use distilled water because it contains fewer minerals than tap water, which can cause scale and microorganisms to build up. The Details:Type: Ultrasonic Recommended room size: 430 sq. ft.Tank capacity: 1.19 gallonsRun time: Up to 45 hoursFilter: NoQuietest: Crane 1.2 Gal. Warm & Cool Mist Top Fill Humidifier
Amazon
$88
Buy on Amazon
$88
Buy on Walmart
Why We Like ItIf you’re looking for a humidifier that’s whisper quiet, this is the unit for you. One of our testers reported that it’s the quietest humidifier she’s ever used, even on its highest setting. It also has an impressive array of features, including a remote control, a nozzle that rotates 360 degrees, UV ionizing light, and a “night mode” to dim the light the unit emits. Our testers called this one a standout. They appreciated its effectiveness, aesthetics, features, and intuitive controls. This humidifier has a “baby mode” that will maintain a humidity level of 55%. Most experts suggest the ideal range for indoor humidity is 30% to 50%, and should not exceed 60%.But Take NoteYou must clean the filter before use, which is a lengthy process: You soak it in vinegar for five minutes, rinse it, and then let it air dry for 4-6 hours. The humidifier’s tank isn’t transparent so you can’t see how much water is left, but it has a low-water indicator light and automatic shutoff. The Details:Type: Ultrasonic Recommended room size: 500 sq. ft.Tank capacity: 1.2 gallonsRun time: Up to 24 hoursFilter: YesMost Stylish: Homedics TotalComfort Deluxe Large Room Ultrasonic Humidifier
Amazon
$120
$100
Buy on homedics.com
$120
$85
Buy on Amazon
Why We Like ItThis Homedics humidifier has a sleek, minimalist design that will look great in any nursery. We love that it has a built-in nightlight, touchscreen control panel, and wood accents—all of which give it a modern flair. One of our testers called it a “design win.” In our tests, room humidity went from 24% to 35% in three hours on a high setting. Our tester appreciated the nightlight feature but wished she could choose from more colors than white. Best of all, its large 1.47-gallon tank can run for up to 70 hours straight, giving you the freedom to go days without adding water. But Take Note This unit must be cleaned and dried weekly to prevent pink mold and limescale buildup. You have to fill it from the bottom while holding it upside down, which can be a messy process. The Details:Type: Ultrasonic Recommended room size: 426 sq. ft.Tank capacity: 1.47 gallonsRun time: Up to 70 hoursFilter: No Cutest: Crane Adorables Cool Mist Humidifier
Walmart
$60
$30
Buy on Amazon
$35
Buy on Walmart
Why We Like ItParents can choose from 10 different kid-friendly designs from the Crane Adorables line of humidifiers, including a smiling monkey, a silly fox, and a sweet unicorn, as well as a happy hippo and a wise owl. Our tester loved the elephant humidifier’s cute little feet and how the mist came out of its trunk. It has a 1-gallon tank that runs for up to 24 hours and comes with a detachable cord, which makes cleaning and filling easier. Our tester noticed a difference in the room’s humidity right away and was pleased by how quiet the unit was. Although it doesn’t have any special features, it has a straightforward dial that adjusts the intensity and a red light that indicates when the tank is out of water. But Take NoteAlthough it gets a 10/10 in cuteness, the bulky design of this humidifier can make it challenging to place and store. The Details:Type: Ultrasonic Recommended room size: 500 sq. ft.Tank capacity: 1 gallonRun time: 24 hoursFilter: NoOther Notable HumidifiersDreo HM713S Smart Humidifier: We like that this humidifier is quiet, has an attractive design, and creates a noticeable increase in humidity. However, it’s confusing to disassemble and the inside of the base needs time to cool off if run on the warm mist setting before it would be considered safe to touch and clean. Fridababy 3-in-1 Humidifier, Diffuser + Nightlight: This little humidifier is small enough to fit on a shelf or nightstand. It comes assembled right out of the box and doesn’t have too many parts, making it easy to clean. However, the cord is relatively short and the tank is on the smaller side (0.5 gallons), meaning parents would need to refill it more often than other humidifiers on our list.
Parents / Dera Burreson
Our Testing Process We tested over a dozen products in our homes and in the Parents Lab to find the best humidifiers for a baby's room. Many home testers continued reporting back on the performance and effects of the humidifiers over several months. Each humidifier was scored based on the following attributes: Setup: We began our testing process by setting a timer to determine how long it took to assemble each humidifier according to the manufacturer's instructions. Effectiveness: Before using the humidifier, we used a hygrometer to measure the humidity and a thermostat to measure the temperature in the room. Next, we filled the humidifier with water, chose the cool mist setting, and turned it on to “low.” Over one hour, we recorded how the humidity changed in the room and how much vapor was released when running. After three hours, we measured how much water was left in the tank and the change in the room’s humidity. We then repeated this process to test the “high” and warm mist settings, if applicable. Design: We assessed each unit’s ease of use, noise level, and tank capacity. We considered the humidifier’s interface, features, whether it released a visible vapor cloud, and if we could see the water level. Finally, we rated its aesthetics. Ease of Cleaning: After using each humidifier, we examined the tank and base for pink mold, limescale, or white dust buildup. We removed the filter (if applicable) to record how dirty it looked. We used white vinegar, a scrub brush, and a microfiber cloth to clean the humidifier (unless the manufacturer recommended a different process). We considered how long it took to clean each unit and how difficult it was to reach every crevice. Value: The humidifiers we tested had a median price of around $60, but value isn’t only about cost. We considered the cost against each unit’s capacity, effectiveness, features, and quality.
Parents / Dera Burreson
Our ExpertsTo help us understand what parents should consider when purchasing a humidifier and the safety measures they should follow when using one for their baby, we spoke to several experts, including an allergist, a dermatologist, and two pediatricians:Omar Waqar, MD, an allergist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Brooklyn, New York. Alison Ehrlich, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at Foxhall Dermatology in Washington, D.C., and a nationally recognized expert in allergic contact dermatitis, patch testing, and psoriasis.Steven Abelowitz, MD, a dad, pediatrician, and medical director of Coastal Kids, a pediatric medical group with eight locations across Southern California.Lyndsey Garbi, MD, a mom, pediatrician, and co-founder/chief medical officer of Blueberry Pediatrics, an online healthcare service.Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Humidifier for a BabyType of Humidifier: There are two types of humidifiers, warm mist and cool mist. Warm mist humidifiers create hot steam and then cool it down before vaporizing it into the air, but pose a burn risk. Experts generally agree that cool mist humidifiers are best for babies.Room Size: Before you purchase a humidifier, it’s important to measure the size of your baby’s bedroom, since humidifiers are designed for a specific square footage of space. If your humidifier produces too much mist for your room size, it can make the air too humid, which can cause mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow. Most experts suggest the optimal humidity level for indoor spaces is 30% to 50%, and should not exceed 60%.Noise Level: When you have a sick baby who is trying to sleep, the last thing you want is a noisy humidifier. In our lab, we assessed each humidifier with a decibel meter, a tool that measures the sound level, to ensure they were not loud enough to disturb sleep or harm tiny ears. Ease of Cleaning: Humidifiers are high-maintenance machines that must be cleaned regularly (think two times a week). Look for humidifiers with parts that are dishwasher safe or have a detachable cord, which makes transporting to and from the sink much easier. No matter which humidifier you choose, be sure you have the right cleaning supplies on hand—3% hydrogen peroxide or distilled white vinegar and a small scrubbing brush—before you power it on. Extra Features: Some humidifiers come with perks parents find particularly useful. For example, a built-in nightlight comes in handy during middle-of-the-night feedings or diaper changes. A smart unit you can control remotely is also great for when you need to turn the unit on/off or make adjustments without waking a sleeping baby.Price: No matter your budget, you’ll want a humidifier that’s a good value for money. The humidifiers we tested ranged from $30 to $180, with most of our picks coming in around the $60 to $100 mark. Consider the product’s quality, durability, and features to assess whether it’s a good investment.How to Use Baby Humidifiers SafelySeveral safety precautions should be taken when using a humidifier for your baby. First, a humidifier should be placed out of reach so your baby can’t tip it over or pull on its cord. Also important is the type of water you use. Dr. Abelowitz recommends distilled water because it's less likely than tap water to cause mold and bacteria to grow inside the humidifier. If you don’t have any distilled water on hand, boiled water that has been cooled works just as well. Empty the humidifier and base daily and let them air dry to help prevent pink mold and limescale from building up inside. Then, every three days, clean and disinfect the humidifier according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. The EPA suggests using a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide to clean all surfaces that come in contact with water. If using any cleaning or disinfecting solution, be sure to rinse the tank several times to prevent chemicals from entering the air. Although a warm mist humidifier can be comforting in the cold winter months, the AAP recommends sticking to cool-mist humidifiers since the hot water can present a burn risk for young children. And while it’s OK for adults to use essential oils in a humidifier, Dr. Abelowitz does not recommend using them in a baby’s humidifier. “This is especially true for infants younger than 6 months,” Dr. Abelowitz says. “Plus, essential oils can damage an ultrasonic humidifier over time since the oils can’t be broken down enough to be emitted with the mist.” Lastly, parents should invest in a hygrometer to monitor the humidity level in the baby’s room. “The ideal humidity range is somewhere between 30% to 40%,” says Dr. Waqar. “Anything higher than this can actually cause a proliferation of dust mites and mold, which thrive in humid environments.”
Parents / Dera Burreson
Is a Warm or Cool Mist Humidifier Better for a Newborn?Dr. Abelowitz says the AAP recommends only cool mist humidifiers for young babies. “Warm mist humidifiers or vaporizers can cause burns, especially if the baby gets too close to the steam or accidentally knocks over the device filled with hot water.” Can Humidifiers Really Help a Baby Breathe and Sleep Better?The AAP recommends humidifiers as one of the best ways to clear a stuffy nose and congestion because they help moisten the air and clear your child’s nasal passages so they can breathe and sleep better. Who We AreLaura Lu, MS, is a mom of two and a writer with a Master of Science in Health Communication. She relies on humidifiers to help her kiddos breathe and sleep better when they have a cold and has her own bedside humidifier to keep her skin dewy and hydrated. In addition to her own research and medical expert interviews, she used her experience owning four different humidifiers over the past six years to write this article. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
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