As a new parent, you may not think a humidifier is a particularly exciting item for your baby registry but come winter, it could be a game-changer. As the heat gets cranked up, the air inside can get dry, making it tough for your little one to breathe comfortably and causing their skin to dry out. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), using a cool mist humidifier in your baby’s room may help them breathe easier and feel more comfortable when they have a cold (1).
Adding moisture to the air in your baby’s room during the dry winter months can help treat dry skin, coughs, and colds. It can also be especially helpful for newborns who may struggle with respiratory issues. However, it’s important to note that not all humidifiers are created equal, and some may even pose a risk in your baby’s room. For instance, if a room is already too humid, using a humidifier could make it worse.
To help you choose the best humidifier for your little one’s nursery, we’ve put together a list of our top 10 picks. So, whether you’re looking to alleviate congestion or simply keep the air moist and comfortable for your baby, we’ve got you covered.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Humidifier For Baby: Crane Adorables
- Best Budget-Friendly Humidifier For Baby: Safety 1st 360 Degree
- Best Humidifier For Baby Congestion: Vicks Mini Filter
- Best Cool Mist Humidifier For Baby: Honeywell Humidifier
- Best Baby Humidifier For Large Bedrooms: LEVOIT Humidifier
- Best Humidifier For Baby Easy To Clean: Safety 1st Stay Clean Humidifier
- Best Baby Humidifier And Diffuser: Frida Baby 3-in-1 Humidifier
- Longest Lasting Baby Humidifier: Pure Guardian H965AR Ultrasonic
- Best Smart Baby Humidifier: LEVOIT Smart Humidifier
- Most Quiet Baby Humidifier: raydrop Cool Mist Humidifiers
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Humidifiers For Babies Picks
Crane Adorables – Best Overall Humidifier For Baby
- Cold mist has no risk of burns
- The night light is a soft light & can be shut off to conserve the bulb
- The tank has a handle
- It operates fairly quiet
- The oddly shaped tank is hard to empty
The Crane Adorables Ultrasonic Humidifier has a removable bottom fill tank that can store up to one gallon of water, making it perfect for keeping interior rooms up to 500 square feet humid for an entire day. You can easily set the ideal humidity level for your space with the optional filter slot and adjustable settings.
This cute humidifier features a kid-friendly automatic shut-off function that ensures your child sleeps soundly during the night and nap time. The colorful character design blends seamlessly with your child’s bedroom decor.
Safety 1st 360 Degree – Best Budget-Friendly Humidifier For Baby
- Auto shut off when the water runs out
- Dual outputs to cover more area of the room
- Clear tank, so you know exactly how much water is in there
- Quiet
- Gulping noise when water fills up the bottom
This budget-friendly humidifier adds moisture to the air, relieving cold symptoms and reducing dry skin and itchy eyes.
The variable mist control is easy to use and allows you to customize the ideal moisture level for your baby. The large tank provides up to 24 hours of cool, soothing mist in your nursery. With two fully rotating mist outputs, you can simultaneously soothe two kids in separate beds while also controlling the mist’s direction.
This humidifier operates quietly and without the need for filters thanks to ultrasonic technology, which makes it incredibly convenient to use. When it’s time to refill the tank, the humidifier automatically shuts off and has a warning light to let you know.
Vicks Mini Filter – Best Humidifier For Baby Congestion
- Large opening for filling/cleaning
- Does not gurgle loudly
- The water tank holds quite a bit for a “mini” humidifier
- Moisture control setting
- Makes a humming noise that is not quiet
To temporarily alleviate cough and congestion symptoms, the Vicks Mini Filter Free Cool Mist Humidifier provides a clear, cool mist to help with breathing and sleep. This humidifier, which has a 0.5-gallon capacity, is ideal for small spaces and includes adjustable mist control to regulate humidity levels.
The humidifier can run for up to 20 hours on its lowest setting before automatically shutting off when the tank is empty. Plus, the large openings on the tank make it simple to fill and clean.
This Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier features a built-in soft glow nightlight and operates at a whisper-quiet level to avoid disrupting your sleep. You may also use Vicks VapoPads with the Mini Filter Free Cool Mist Humidifier for extra comfort since it does not require filters.
Honeywell Humidifier – Best Cool Mist Humidifier For Baby
- Easy to carry to refill
- No white dust
- It’s pretty quiet on the low setting
- Big water container
- This is recommended for a small bedroom and keep the door closed, as it does not put out as much moisture
The Honeywell Evaporative Cool Moisture Humidifier is an effective solution for adding filtered, invisible moisture to your home and alleviating discomfort caused by dry air. It operates quietly, making it ideal for use in bedrooms.
The detachable 0.8-gallon water tank is break-resistant and features a wide opening for easy filling and cleaning. With two-speed settings, the humidifier can operate on low for up to 18 hours.
The wicking filter in this Honeywell cool mist humidifier removes minerals from the water, reducing white dust in hard water areas and producing clean moisture.
LEVOIT Humidifier – Best Baby Humidifier For Large Bedrooms
- Two adjustable nozzles, the nice output of mist
- It runs very quietly at night
- Easy to clean
- Comes with a remote
- Smaller water tank so requires more frequent filling
This humidifier can quickly increase humidity levels by 4% compared to other models, covering a large area of 753 square feet and lasting up to 50 hours. It offers hands-free operation with its auto mode, allowing you to choose your desired humidity level. In just 20 minutes, it can increase the relative humidity by 10%, providing relief from dry air discomforts. Its quiet operation allows for a peaceful sleep with all lights turned off.
The built-in sensor in the Auto Mode adjusts the mist levels to maintain a healthy humidity level. You can add your favorite essential oils to the fragrance box for a pleasant aroma. Plus, the remote control makes it easy to turn on the humidifier from across the room when needed.
Safety 1st Stay Clean Humidifier – Best Humidifier For Baby Easy To Clean
- It mostly stays clean as advertised
- Does not require a filter
- Does not leak and is easy to refill
- It generates a good cloud of mist and it’s very quiet
- The only downside is how bright it is at night
Keeping up with household tasks can be challenging, but the Safety 1st Stay Clean Humidifier makes it a little easier. This self-cleaning humidifier requires less effort to keep clean.
The product uses advanced LED technology to sanitize itself, with no need for filters or harmful UV lights. The LED lights remain on to keep the humidifier clean. It also has an auto shutoff feature and operates quietly. The humidifier is easy to fill and maintain, with a user-friendly design.
Frida Baby 3-in-1 Humidifier – Best Baby Humidifier And Diffuser
- Small and lightweight
- The nightlight is so soft and relaxing
- The cord can also detach from the base
- Easy to clean
- The night light button beeps when you turn it on
The ultrasonic vibration of this humidifier independently transforms water into a refreshing and long-lasting mist. The mist adjuster knob can switch between a soft mist and a lush rainforest mist, making it suitable for covering up to 320 square feet with its 0.5-gallon tank.
You can choose from a range of night light colors to enhance the ethereal ambiance even more. The humidifier automatically shuts off when the water runs out or when the tank is removed, making it easy to maintain.
Pure Guardian H965AR Ultrasonic – Longest Lasting Baby Humidifier
- The water tank holds enough water to last at least 3 nights when full
- Very compact in size given its reliability and capacity
- Unit is very simple to use
- You can buy a demineralization cartridge that replaces the tank lid which prevents white dust and prevents the release of minerals from your water
- This can be easier to clean if the hole where you insert the water was larger
Compared to other humidifiers that promote slimy mold growth on the surface of the water tank, this humidifier prevents mold formation through its antimicrobial technology. It operates ultra-quietly and disperses fine mist into the air using ultrasonic technology, making it ideal for nighttime use.
By adding a few drops of essential oil to the optional aromatherapy tray, this tabletop humidifier can create a relaxing atmosphere. The humidifier features a low water indicator light, which emits a calming cold mist and alerts you when it’s time to refill the water tank. Additionally, it has a night light function, making it a great addition to children’s rooms.
LEVOIT Smart Humidifier – Best Smart Baby Humidifier
- Auto-off function when empty
- App regulated humidity level
- Can be used with a countertop reverse osmosis device for unlimited white-dust-free water
- Essential oils can be used in the base chamber
- Frequent cleaning (every 3 days to every 2 weeks depending on what water treatment methods you use)
This 3L top-fill cool mist humidifier is designed to provide beneficial moisture for your baby. It swiftly clears nasal congestion, making it ideal for newborns and light sleepers in your bedroom, thanks to its auto mode and whisper-quiet sound level.
With the option to select from several mist settings and activate sleep mode with a single button press, this humidifier offers flexibility and convenience. You can adjust the nozzle for the best configuration and leave the humidifier running at night or while away from home, knowing it will automatically turn off when the water runs out.
raydrop Cool Mist Humidifiers – Most Quiet Baby Humidifier
- Very quiet
- Don’t have to buy filters
- Increases the humidity quickly when turned on max
- Good size water tank
- Cannot see how much water is left
The humidifier is designed to provide moisture to your baby’s nursery, operating quietly with a noise level below 36dB to ensure your baby is comfortable and gets a good night’s sleep. Its cool mist humidification can be used at night without any disruptive noise from fans or water gurgling.
You can easily control the mist output with the dial knob, and the smart indicator and auto shut-off features ensure safe and convenient operation. Additionally, this humidifier can provide clean air and comfortable sleep for up to nine hours.
How To Choose The Best Baby Humidifier?
- Water Capacity: It’s crucial to confirm the water capacity since a humidifier restores moisture to the air in order to function. Determine the size of the area the humidifier will be in and if there is enough water to rehydrate the entire space before you go out and get one.
- Auto Shut-Off: This makes sure the humidifier is shut off both when the required humidity level is attained and in the event that its water supply runs out.
- Size: If it is too small, there will be no benefit; if it is too large, mold development is possible. When buying, have a look at the suggested square footage for the model.
- Cleaning: The tank and any other components that come into contact with water need to be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Depending on the tank, this may be more or less difficult. Some tanks are purposely made to make it easier.
Types Of Humidifiers
Warm mist and cold mist humidifiers are the two primary types. Healthcare professionals frequently advise cool mist humidifiers for children. This is due to the potential safety risk posed by hot water or steam in warm mist humidifiers. There are three types of humidifiers that fall into the cool mist category:
- Evaporation: This type of air conditioner uses a fan to blow air over a cylinder that resembles a sponge that has absorbed the water.
- Impeller: This device uses a revolving disk to create a mist.
- Ultrasonic: Create a mist of water using vibration. This type of humidifier is frequently the quietest.
What Type Of Humidifiers Are Best For Babies?
For infants and young children, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using a cool-mist humidifier. These versions are safer for children than warm-mist humidifiers, often known as vaporizers since they emit a cold mist into the air. Steam is released into the air by warm-mist devices, which can scorch anyone who comes too close.
Is A Humidifier Good For Babies?
Though you might not necessarily need a baby humidifier. Your home’s air could occasionally lack moisture. Your baby may have some pain if the air is excessively dry, especially if she is sick with the flu, a cold, or allergies. A humidifier can help the air become moister, which may lessen certain symptoms your child may be feeling, such as congestion or a sore throat.
Is A Warm Mist Or Cool Mist Humidifier Better For Baby?
Cool water is used by humidifiers to produce a fine mist or spray that is then discharged into the atmosphere. Water is heated in warm-mist (vaporizers) before the steam is released. Although they both work well to increase air humidity, it is better to use a cool mist humidifier. If your child accidentally knocks over a hot water device or comes too near to the steam from a vaporizer, they might get burned (2).
Can You Leave a Humidifier On All Night For My Baby?
The humidifier may be left on safely throughout the night, replenishing the moisture that was lost from your child’s room. A little additional relaxation in the air will improve your baby’s ability to go to sleep. A humidifier’s continuous background hum also produces a white noise effect that will help muffle other home noises.
Where Should I Place Humidifier In Baby’s Room?
In general, you want to put it somewhere where the mist can readily spread through the air without getting wet on things like the crib or ceiling. After all, moisture buildup might promote the formation of mold, which can infect your child. Additionally, you don’t want to set it up on a surface that is raised in case your child pulls it down on themselves.
Can I Use Essential Oils In A Humidifier?
It is advisable to stay away from using essential oils in a humidifier until your kid is 6 months old since their lungs are still maturing. Additionally, different oils raise a range of safety issues and may have a particular effect on your child. Consult your child’s physician before using essential oils on an older infant or toddler to ensure that you do it safely.
Numerous humidifiers contain an essential oil-specific diffuser option. If yours doesn’t, and your doctor has approved using oil, you may often add the oil and water directly to the reservoir.
Do Babies Need A Dehumidifier?
The optimal indoor humidity range is between 30% and 50% (3). A hygrometer, a cheap instrument available at hardware stores, may be used to monitor the humidity level in your child’s room. Or use your senses: If the air seems too heavy or moist, your home may be too humid.
The way dehumidifiers function is by sucking moisture out of the air and storing it in a tank. You can maintain acceptable humidity levels and remove extra moisture by running one in your baby’s room.
