When your little one develops cold-like symptoms, allergies, and/or asthma you want to use something that’ll actually help make them get better, right? Well, that’s what having a good nursery humidifier will do for your baby and/or toddler.
Having a humidifier in your little one’s nursery will keep their throats and nasal passages hydrated, temporarily relieving cough, congestion, dry nose, itchy skin, and chapped lips.
This guide will make things super easy by helping you choose from this list of the top best humidifiers for your child.
Side note: I’ve actually tried these myself or have received rave reviews from other moms looking to soothe their little one and make them more comfortable.
How do I choose a humidifier for my baby, you ask?
To be honest, it’s really gonna come down to your preference, the child’s needs, and budget. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to choosing the right nursery humidifier so I’ve listed a few things to think about that’ll make the process so much easier for you.
Take a minute to think which of these options are essential. . .
When choosing the best nursery humidifier for your baby or toddler consider these features:
- The size of the room where it will be used – depending on the room size will determine the capacity of the humidifier you choose. Be sure to choose one that will accommodate the size of the nursery [or any room].
- The actual size of the humidifier – they come in all different sizes and shapes. Some of them are designed better than others. I personally like small to medium-sized nursery humidifiers. I actually use to travel with this one.
- Is it cool-mist or warm-mist? Do you mostly live in a cold or hot environment? Do you really want to use a cool-mist humidifier during colder weather?
- Easy to clean – Being able to clean your humidifier is a MUST so keep that in mind when you choose one.
- Diffuser – this is optional. Using aromatherapy essential oils or vapor drops is a must-have feature for some moms.
- Lights – be mindful having a light shining could cause the baby or toddler to wake or stay awake. I personally like a pitch dark room but really it boils down to preference.
- Sound – I typically don’t choose products based on if they offer sounds or music. We prefer to use a sound machine but it really depends.
- Clock – most of us use our phones or watches nowadays so this feature will depend on your need.
- Auto shut off – this is a great feature because you don’t have to worry about when to turn it off [if you don’t want to]. This will automatically shut it off if the tank is removed, after the water runs out or if you may have the option to set a specific time to shut it off.
- Directional flow – you may want a humidifier that allows the direction the mist flows to be moved.
- How long does it run? You want to verify how long it will run without being refilled. . . Depending on the setting and your humidity levels in the room.
- Does it require a filter? If you have to use a filter, how much are the filters are how often do you have to replace them? The filters have to be replaced accordingly to prevent algae and mold build-up.
- Can the mist level be adjusted? This is a cool feature to have because there are times you may want a gentle flow of mist and there are times you want it to be more like the rain forest up in there. Ha!
Within This Article [Quick Navaigation]
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Dual Humidifiers
- This humidifier is super convenient that comes with an App. The App is free and allows you to control settings, create schedules, and connect to a third-party smart voice assistant to free your hands.
What moms like...
- Ultrasonic cool mist & warm mist
- Diffuser
- 2 Gallon water tank
- Covers area up to 600 sq ft
- Runs up to 120 hours
- Auto shut off
- Timer
- Digital control buttons
- Silver clean protection
- Night light
- Low water indicator light
- 3-speed mist settings
What moms don't like...
- The cap on the tank must not be too tight otherwise the water may not flow properly into the humidifier base resulting in the empty light being illuminated and the humidifier may stop.
The Pure Guardian ultrasonic warm and cool mist humidifier guards against problems caused by dry air in the home. Unlike other humidifiers that grow slimy mold on the water tank surface, Silver Clean Protection is embedded in the tank to fight the growth of mold and mildew on the surface of the water tank. Thanks to ultrasonic technology, it disperses a fine mist into the air and is ultra-quiet making it ideal to have on while the baby sleeps in the nursery.
What moms like...
- Ultrasonic cool mist & warm mist
- Diffuser
- 2 Gallon water tank
- Covers area up to 600 sq ft
- Runs up to 120 hours
- Auto shut off
- Timer
- Digital control buttons
- Silver clean protection
- Night light
- Low water indicator light
- 3-speed mist settings
What moms don't like...
- The cap on the tank must not be too tight otherwise the water may not flow properly into the humidifier base resulting in the empty light being illuminated and the humidifier may stop.
Warm Mist Humidifiers
Honeywell Warm Mist humidifier delivers a soothing warm mist to provide relief from dry air discomforts. The quiet, filter-free operation allows long-lasting use without the costs of replacing a filter. Essential oil feature allows use with your favorite essential oils or with liquid inhalants.
What moms like...
- Warm mist
- Quiet
- Filter-free
- Easy to Clean
- Diffuser
- 2-speed mist settings
- Auto shut-off
- Available in black or white
- 1 Gallon water tank
- Runs for up to 24 hours
- Designed for medium-sized rooms
What moms don't like...
- The steam that comes out may not be visible
Honeywell Warm Mist humidifier delivers a soothing warm mist to provide relief from dry air discomforts. The quiet, filter-free operation allows long-lasting use without the costs of replacing a filter. Essential oil feature allows use with your favorite essential oils or with liquid inhalants.
What moms like...
- Warm mist
- Quiet
- Filter-free
- Easy to Clean
- Diffuser
- 2-speed mist settings
- Available in black or white
- 1 Gallon water tank
- Runs for up to 24 hours
- Designed for medium-sized rooms
What moms don't like...
- The steam that comes out may not be visible
Evaporative Cool-Mist Humidifiers
The Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier is an excellent addition for those searching to help establish a pristine breathing environment. Providing the height of convenience and efficiency, this cool moisture humidifier features a quiet operation and a break-resistant water tank. Accessibility has also been addressed with the utilization of a wide tank opening that allows for easy filling and cleaning. The HEV320B discharges invisible cool moisture in 2 moisture output settings. This cool moisture humidifier is an ideal fit for smaller to medium-sized rooms and is capable of running for 18 uninterrupted hours per filling.
What moms like...
- Evaporative cool mist
- Break-resistant water tank
- 2-speed mist settings
- .8 Gallons water tank
- Runs up to 18 hours [ on low setting]
- Covers medium-sized rooms
- 360-degree directional flow
- Ultra-quiet
- Wide tank opening
- 1 filter is included
What moms don't like...
- Uses a filter - Wicking filter captures minerals from the water and helps prevent white dust in areas with hard water. [typically needs to be replaced every 30-60 days]
- Basic design
Starting at $49.99
Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifiers
This is a great option if you’re looking for a small but functional humidifier. This was the very first humidifier that I purchased years ago. I used it and loved it. It’s small but it’ll still run throughout the night while your little one sleeps and/or during nap time.
What moms like...
- Evaporative cool mist
- 0.2 Gallon water tank
- Easy to clean
- Runs up to 8 hours
- Filter-free
- 360-degree directional flow
- Auto shut off
- Clean control antimicrobial material in the base
- Compact size
What moms don't like...
- It’s somewhat quiet however you can hear the water bubbling when it’s on
Starting at $27
Some of us love love love Frida baby products. Frida is the brand that gets parents. That means you. We are not a lifestyle. Far from it. We are a solution-based brand. The 411 of parenting. The who-do-I-call-in-the-middle-of-the-night-cause-my-baby-won’t-stop-screaming brand.
What moms like...
- Ultrasonic cool mist
- Diffuser
- Nightlight
- Quiet
- Sleek
- Cover areas up to 320 sq ft
- Runs up to 12 hours
- Filter-free
- 0.5 Gallon tank
- Auto shut off
- The mist level can be adjusted
What moms don't like...
- Hard to clean
- Basic design
Starting at $44.65
As a mom, there’s always something to do and something to clean. . . So much so that it can get to be too much at times.
This humidifier comes equipped with Vyv’s antimicrobial LED technology [that kills* 99.9% of viruses & bacteria and prevents mold growth*] which is said to help keep it clean.
What moms like...
- Ultrasonic cool mist
- 24/7 Sanitization using advanced LED technology
- 1 Gallon water tank
- Filter-free
- Auto shut off
- Easy to clean
- Covers areas up to about 400 sq ft
- Runs 12-24 hours
What moms don't like...
- The LED light prevents it from being completely dark in the room. This may serve as a nightlight to some.
Starting at $59.99
Mommy Tip: Always establish a cleaning routine with your humidifiers – regardless of what cleaning features it comes with.
If you’re concerned with keeping your humidifier clean and you want the option to throw some of the components in the dishwasher, then it is a great option.
What moms like...
- Ultrasonic cool mist
- Super easy to clean
- 1.2 Gallon water tank
- Filter-free
- Color changing Nightlight [optional]
- Covers area up to 500 sq ft
- Runs up to 24 hours
- Dishwasher safe removable parts
- Diffuser
- Whisper Quiet
- Sleek design
What moms don't like...
- You may have issues with the max water fill line. It’s possibly listed incorrectly. Filling the water tank about an inch under the line is optimal. If not can flat out stop pumping moisture if you fill it to the max line. About an inch under is optimal.
While this one is super cute, it’s also functional. They come in 15+ different animal design options – an elephant, pig, penguin, unicorn, train, cow, pig, etc. Now, it doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles but it still helps your little one sleep better and . . . longer.
Side note: Depending on the animal you choose, they can be kinda big.
What moms like...
- Ultrasonic cool mist
- Super cute design
- 1 Gallon water tank
- Filter-free
- Auto shut off
- 360-degree directional flow mist nozzle
- Cover areas up to 320 sq ft
- Runs 24 hours
- Comes in 15+ animals designs
- The mist level can be adjusted
What moms don't like...
- Difficult to clean
Moisturize the dry air in your home or office in minutes with the MistAire™ Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier from Pure Enrichment®. This powerful and aesthetically pleasing tabletop ultrasonic humidifier is packed with smart features that make it the perfect solution for improving the air quality in medium-sized rooms. With an ample 1.5-liter tank, feel moisturizing relief for up to 25 hours of continuous and safe operation. The MistAire™ Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is backed by Pure Enrichment’s industry-leading 5 Year Warranty so your satisfaction is guaranteed.
What moms like...
- Ultrasonic cool mist
- Super quiet operation
- 1.5 Liter water tank
- Filter-free
- Auto shut off
- 360-degree directional flow mist nozzle
- Cover areas up to 245 sq ft
- Runs up to 24 hours
- Night light
- Comes with a cleaning brush
- 5-year warranty
What moms don't like...
- Doesn't have a traditional power/operation button
The Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier helps you create a relaxing, comforting environment. Experience better breathing and a night of more comfortable sleep. You can get temporary relief from coughing and congestion, plus the soothing scent you love from Vicks VapoPads. Designed to be easy to use, this humidifier has no filters to replace. All you have to do is relax in the cool-mist comfort.
What moms like...
- Ultrasonic cool mist
- 1.2 Gallon water tank
- Accepts up to 2 Vicks VapoPads
- Easy to clean
- Filter-free
- Runs up to 30 hours
- Cover areas up to 245 sq ft
- Runs up to 24 hours
- Night light
- Comes with a cleaning brush
- 5-year warranty
What moms don't like...
- Doesn’t come with auto shut off
With the Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier, you can say goodbye to dry skin, nasal irritation, and scratchy throats once and for all. The cost-effective, filterless design eliminates the need for replacements, unlike other cool mist humidifiers. An optional essential oil tray transforms this humidifier for a large room into a fragrance diffuser for an optimal aromatherapy experience. Works great as a baby humidifier and vaporizer for the bedroom.
What moms like...
- Ultrasonic cool mist
- Extremely quiet
- Great for larger rooms
- Runs up to 50 hours
- Filter-free
- 1.6 Gallon water tank
- Covers area up to 500 sq ft
- 360-degree directional flow nozzle
What moms don't like...
- Not the easy to fill
This Humidifier was created with YOU in mind. Your environment, your needs, and your preferences! Designed with a super simple control dial and 360° rotating nozzle so that you can fully control and customize the mist output and mist flow direction.
What moms like...
- Ultrasonic cool mist
- Ultra-quiet
- Auto shut-off
- The mist level can be adjusted
- Covers areas up to 400 sq ft
- Can run 24 hours
- Comes with a cleaning brush
- 360-degree directional flow nozzle
What moms don't like...
- Hard to clean
- Because it’s on the smaller side, you will need to refill it multiple times if it runs for a long period
Most Commonly Asked Questions From Other Moms About Nursery Humidifiers
When should you use a nursery humidifier for the baby, you ask?
Well, using a good humidifier for your baby and/or toddler can be a game-changer with how well your little one sleeps. You can start using a humidifier from birth up until you feel they no longer need it. I have a one-year-old and a five-year-old and I still use it with both of them – especially when I sense any kind of congestion or cold-like symptoms coming up.
Because humidifiers can reduce congestion and other respiratory issues, they usually will help them [and you] sleep better [and longer].
And what mom doesn’t want a good night’s rest?
Using a humidifier in your child’s room or nursery is actually recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
If you wanna avoid giving newborns, babies, or toddlers medicine then a humidifier is a safe alternative and way to help your little one to relieve cold-like symptoms, breathe much better at night or even during daytime naps. The moisture that the humidifier releases in the air helps thin out the baby’s congestion and reduce coughing.
Who should use a humidifier?
- Newborns
- Babies
- Toddlers
- Anyone with repository issues or cold-like/flu-like symptoms
- Dealing with eczema
Humidifiers are great to use for the entire family – not just for the nursery. I honestly feel they are a necessity if you have small kids and/or have anyone in the family that could benefit from using one.
What can I use if my baby or toddler is congested?
- Keep baby/toddler hydrated
- Give your child a warm bath
- Saline drops or saline spray (perfectly safe for newborns)
- Nasal aspirator (electric or manual)
- Chest Rub
- Humidifier (warm mist or cool mist)
- Aromatherapy essential oils, FridaBaby Vapor Drops, Vicks VapoSteam, or Vicks VapoPads (optional)
- Digital Thermometer
- Infant Tylenol (consider consulting your pediatrician if he/she has a fever)
What type of humidifier is best for a baby's room?
Humidifiers are categorized by how they work. There are mainly two ways in how they work . . .
- cool-mist humidifiers use a fan to produce tiny cool water droplets.
- warm-mist humidifiers [actually known as vaporizers] use heat to boil the water and release steam.
Which one you choose will depend on the climate where you live, your preference, and your budget.
We live in South Florida so it’s mostly hot year-round. Because of this, I like using a cool-mist humidifier however when the weather is a lil cooler and one of my little ones’ is sick, I don’t like using a cool-mist humidifier. I prefer a warm mist or room temperature mist.
There are options that offer both cool and warm mist but most do not. You’ll have to decide which one is a better fit. If you can’t decide . . . You could buy both a cool mist and a warm mist humidifier – it’s completely up to you and your family’s needs.
What's the difference between cool-mist and warm-mist humidifiers?
A warm mist humidifier heats water to produce steam that humidifies the air – which is better for killing bacteria and germs. It also usually makes the room a little warmer as well. Also, if you decide to use a warm mist humidifier, be sure to always keep it out of the reach of your kids [and pets] because the humidifier itself and the mist tend to get really hot.
Warm Mist Humidifiers
Pros
- A better option when it comes to reducing bacteria and germs
- Warms the air
- Tend to make less noise than some cool-mist humidifiers
Cons
- The heating element is unsafe for babies, toddlers, and pets.
- Typically will require more electricity [than the cool mist one] to operate
- Because of the heat/warmth, you will want to clean your humidifier if not every day, every other day.
Cool-Mist Humidifiers
A cool-mist humidifier uses a fan to release tiny cool water droplets into the air. There are two different ways this happens:
- Evaporative [Method #1] uses a fan to draw air through a wet wick (or wick filters) and then release the vapor into the air. FYI- You’ll typically hear a gurgling sound with this method. Since they don’t lead to over-condensation on floors or surfaces, this method is less likely to promote mold or mildew growing in your room.
- the fan in the unit evaporates the water directly into the air. The way this unit works is: The wicking filter soaks the water up from the tray that it is sitting in. The fan then pulls the water off of the filter and evaporates it into the surrounding air. Since the air is being perfectly balanced and not oversaturated, you will not feel or see the moisture.
- Ultrasonic [Method #2] uses a high-speed vibrating plate to turn water into a fine mist. Since this method uses a smaller fan and then you don’t have to
Unlike warm mist humidifiers, these will cool a room down.
The American Academy of Pediatrics actually recommends cool-mist humidifiers for babies and toddlers. Mostly, because cool-mist humidifiers produce and send a cool mist into the air, they’re much safer for kids [and pets] than warm-mist humidifiers [which are actually considered vaporizers].
Cool-Mist Humidifiers [cont…]
Pros
- Release cool droplets that can be refreshing
- Safest to use around kids
- Easy to clean
- Energy-efficient
- Function better in warmer climates
Cons
- If not well cleaned and maintained, they can easily accumulate the growth of bacteria
- Can be noisier than warm mist humidifiers
- If you don’t understand how to make ultrasonic humidifiers safe, they could cause you harm since they aerosolize everything in the water, including bacteria.
Where to place a humidifier in the nursery?
You’ll want to place your humidifier at least 3-4 away from where your child sleeps and make sure the mist is not flowing directly on them. This will allow the moisture to be evenly distributed around the room.
Is distilled water good for humidifiers?
If you want to keep your humidifier clean and free of mold, then using distilled water is definitely the way to go. Using tap water can cause you to have issues that you want to avoid at all costs.
As a first-time mom and someone who had never used a humidifier before, I had no clue that the type of water you use would make a big difference. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way.
Both the CPSC and the EPA recommend filling your humidifier with distilled water—not water from the faucet —to keep potentially harmful microorganisms out of the air you breathe.
How often should you clean the baby’s humidifier?
Keeping your nursery humidifier clean is VERY important [another lesson I learned the hard way]. Using distilled water and cleaning it every 1-2 times that it’s being used is a MUST!
If the humidifier isn’t cleaned enough and/or you don’t use distilled water, this will cause bacteria [that you won’t see] and mold to build. Because dirty humidifiers release contaminated mist or steam into the air, it could cause problems for anyone – especially those that have asthma and/or allergies. Humidifiers that aren’t maintained properly can trigger flu or cold-like symptoms and possibly lung infections.
If you choose to get a warm mist humidifier, be sure that you clean it OFTEN and keep it dry. These tend to accumulate bacteria faster if the humidifier is not maintained well enough. So, get in the habit of cleaning it DAILY!
I’m gonna say it again for anyone that missed that. . .
To prevent bacteria and mold from growing rapidly, clean your warm mist humidifiers DAILY!
How do you clean your humidifier?
- Unplug it.
- Pour a good amount of undiluted white vinegar into the part where the water is normally stored. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Be sure to clean the base as well but DON’T submerge the base into water.
- After it has sat for 20 minutes, remove any residue or build-up by gently scrubbing by using a soft bristle brush/ soft cloth. Do not scrub or scrape any fragile parts. Rinse thoroughly.
- If there is a leftover smell [ from the undiluted white vinegar] rinse thoroughly using 1 Tbsp of hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup of water.
- Gently spot clean the other parts and dry all components before placing them back together.
Mommy Pro Tip: Also, be sure to empty the water when it is not being used [for any length of time] and allow it to dry completely. If you are going to store your humidifier, be sure to thoroughly clean and dry the unit before storing it. If you are using a humidifier after storing it for any length of time, thoroughly clean it before use.
Is it OK to run a humidifier all night?
Absolutely! Running your humidifier in your nursery all night is great because it not only moistens your throat and mouth but also your skin. If you want the option to turn it off after a certain amount of time, you’ll want to invest in a humidifier that has that feature and/or an auto shut-off option. I usually fill ours and then it cuts off after the water runs out.
Side note: Just make sure that the room is ventilated. Air needs to move in and out of the room freely.
How much do nursery humidifiers cost?
It really depends but they usually range everywhere from about $30 and up. I think I paid about $45 for mine.
Side note: I’m usually all for buying products that are gently used [if I can] however this is something I would not buy used. Mostly because you don’t know how well the humidifier was maintained . . . no one wants to breathe in contaminated air.
Next Steps
Once you have used this guide to determine which nursery humidifier is the best fit for your baby or toddler, comment below and let me know which one you picked.
Shalona London
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