Best Humidifier for Baby Nurseries: 5 Top Options to Keep Your Little One Comfortable and Healthy
As a parent, finding the right humidifier for your baby can be an important decision. Not only can a humidifier help to improve your baby's respiratory health and comfort, but it can also provide a sense of peace and tranquility in their environment.
By considering factors such as size, type and additional features, you can choose the best humidifier for a baby that meets your needs and helps to create a healthy and soothing environment for your little one.
Many high-quality humidifiers on the market can support your baby's well-being and improve its overall quality of life. To make your search easier, we have compiled a list of the best humidifiers for babies, featuring a range of designs and special features to suit different preferences and budgets.
Whether you are looking for a chic and sophisticated humidifier or a playful and fun option, you can find a humidifier that meets your needs and fits your style.
Top Picks for the Best Humidifier for a Baby
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Best Overall: Canopy
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Best Two-in-One Baby Humidifier: Afloia
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Cutest Design: Paris Rhone
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Best for Small Spaces: Multitasky
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Best Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier: Pure Enrichment
1. Best Overall: Canopy
The Canopy Humidifier was completely reimagined specifically for babies. This baby humidifier is the only mold-inhibiting kind with a unique design engineered so that water passes through UV light and filters before evaporating via a fan. This powerful baby humidifier provides highly filtered moist air for a room of up to 500 sq ft.
With this intelligent design, there is no visible mist or steam. All you get is filtered, moist air. It’s equipped with smart sensors that keep running until it’s totally dry inside. Since there’s never any water left over, mold can’t grow.
This baby humidifier uses paper filters, and it has an auto mode that increases humidity overnight when your baby can benefit from it the most. You can purchase a filter subscription with the Canopy humidifier that incorporates the filter and an aroma kit. All of the parts are easy to take apart and pop into your dishwasher for easy cleaning.
If you pick up the aroma kit, all you have to do is place the aroma puck on the very top of the humidifier and then add the fragrance oil to create more of a sensory experience for your baby.
Your baby gets to sleep better, especially if they are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms. Additionally, you’ll notice soft and healthy skin, which is especially important if your baby has skin conditions like eczema. It’s available in different colors, including white, blue, green, pink, lilac, blush, and moonstruck.
Pros:
- Ideal for rooms up to 500 square feet
- Optimal moisture sensors
- Mold-inhibiting design
- Built-in essential oil diffuser
Cons:
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You need to change the filter occasionally
What Customers Love:
Many customers comment that they notice a huge difference in their throats upon waking. One mom shares that she added this to her daughter’s room and she is so much less congested now. She wakes up without a sore throat, making mornings that much more wonderful for her. Another customer purchased this baby humidifier for her newborn grandson. She noticed that he started getting very stuffy because of the heat running throughout the home. Now they keep this humidifier running in the bedroom and no longer have to clear his nose multiple times a day.
Specs:
- This humidifier has a 2.5-liter water tank which allows up to 36 hours of running time.
- It weighs three pounds and measures 10 x 7 x 8.5 inches.
- It’s ideal for rooms up to 500 square feet.
- It includes a USB-C power cord.
- This baby humidifier has dishwasher-safe parts.
2. Best Two-in-One Baby Humidifier: Afloia
This baby humidifier is slightly different because it’s a two-in-one design. It has an air purification base and a humidifier top. There are three purification modes that you can use and three layers of high-efficiency filtration, so the moist air it sends into the room is as pure as it can be and safe for your baby. This isn’t a cool mist humidifier—the high tech of this vaporizer humidifier means no water mist is spread into the air.
This design is modular—you can remove the top humidifier portion and leave the air purifier to do its work. Whenever you need the humidifier back on, just attach it again, and it starts hydrating the air.
The maximum output of this baby humidifier is 23W. It’s also a very convenient design because you can add water from the top even as it's running. Regarding the filters, it uses three-in-one HEPA filtration, a pre-filter, and an activated filter. Each of these layers works to keep your air clean.
Additionally, it’s extremely quiet. Your baby can sleep easier, breathe easier, and wake up with clearer sinuses. If your baby needs a night light, this baby humidifier can either keep it on or turn it off.
Pros:
- High-efficiency filtration
- Two-in-one design
- No water mist humidification
- Three purification modes
Cons:
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Not suitable for larger rooms; coverage area maxes out at 270 square feet
What Customers Love:
One of the things that customers appreciate about this baby humidifier is its quiet operation. They also note that it has strong performance, as evidenced by the condition of the filters before and after use.
One customer shared that she loves the timer and nightlight functions. She was afraid she’d forget to turn it off when the water ran out at night, so using the timer helps her feel more at ease. She noticed the difference between not having a humidifier and incorporating this one. Another customer shares that it’s really easy to set up, doesn’t take up much space and is easy to use.
Specs:
- This humidifier measures 7.67 x 7.67 x 21.77 inches.
- It weighs 5.73 pounds and is ideal for rooms up to 270 square feet.
- When you use it in low-speed mode, it’s less than 30 dB.
3. Cutest Design: Paris Rhone
This cute whale-shaped humidifier is an excellent choice for a baby's room thanks to its adorable design and versatility as both a humidifier and aroma diffuser. This cool mist humidifier releases a soothing mist into your baby’s room.
It also quietly hydrates your nursery without any jarring sounds like beeps. With its patented noise reduction technology, there isn’t even any dripping water sound or fan running. It’s super quiet and allows your baby to enjoy a restful sleep.
You can add your favorite essential oils to infuse the air with a sweet fragrance. Aside from the aroma diffuser function, this cool mist humidifier also serves as a dimmable nightlight. It emits a warm glow that’s soothing for your baby and you whenever you have to check in or breastfeed.
Cool mist humidifiers can be hard to clean if the design isn’t intuitive. But in this case, you can sanitize it. There’s a 3.6-inch wide opening that allows you to reach in and wipe it down to keep it clean and sanitized. It runs for up to 30 hours.
Pros:
- Cool mist humidifier design
- Includes an essential oils diffuser
- Whisper quiet operation
- Gentle night light for a warm glow
- Easy to clean and sanitize
Cons:
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This is a tiny baby humidifier that can cover a 107 to 269 square feet room only.
What Customers Love:
One of the reasons customers appreciate this humidifier is its multi-functionality as a diffuser, nightlight, and cool mist humidifier. In addition, it operates quietly and effectively, further enhancing its appeal. One mom shares that she purchased this for her newborn‘s room because she lives in a very dry area. She says the night light is dim, but it still offers enough light and allows her to see around the room.
Another customer says she only fills this once a day and she has a pretty big bedroom for her baby. She’s a bit of a clean freak and couldn’t quite decide on the right cool mist humidifier. For her, reaching in and thoroughly cleaning out this baby humidifier was the biggest selling point.
Specs:
- This cool mist humidifier has a 2.5-liter water tank, and it’s made from BPA-free materials.
- Since you can add essential oils, it’s made with anti-corrosive PP materials.
- The coverage is 107-269 square feet.
- The working time is 12-30 hours.
- There’s an adjustable mist output of 60-160 ml/hr.
- Your purchase comes with the cool mist humidifier, a user guide, and a DC power adapter.
4. Best for Small Spaces: Multitasky
This cool mist humidifier is an awesome option if you are looking for a more compact and neutral design that fits in with any aesthetic. It’s not clunky; you can leave it out because it has such an elegant design and complements any room you put it in.
This compact and lightweight humidifier is suitable for use as both a personal humidifier and a baby humidifier. It features a built-in lamp that provides a gentle ambient light, and its versatility allows you to move it easily between rooms or place it next to your baby's crib or bed or on your workstation.
This cool mist humidifier is also rechargeable and can stay on for up to four hours. Note that if you like adding essential oil to a cool mist humidifier, this is not the one for you. The manufacturer does not recommend adding any essential oil to this particular model.
Pros:
- Neutral, elegant design
- Built-in lamp
- Easy portability
- Female-owned company
Cons:
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Not suitable for use with essential oils
What Customers Love:
Customers love this design. It upgrades any room that they place it in. Some of them like it so much that they’ve purchased one for their desks and their baby’s room. Some cool mist humidifiers don’t have an elegant appearance and are mainly for functional use. Still, this is a great find if you’re looking for something that incorporates functionality with a bit of design flair. Additionally, customers appreciate that it has a built-in lamp. It emits a cool mist that keeps the air moist around their baby, and it has a warm glow to it as well, which perfectly fits any nursery.
Specs:
- This baby humidifier has a 780 mL water capacity and measures 5.2 x 5.2 x 4.09 inches.
- It only weighs 0.73 pounds.
- The working time is 4 hours (rechargeable wireless battery).
- The battery capacity is 2000 mAh, and the voltage is DC5V-0.8 A 2W.
5. Best Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier: Pure Enrichment
The PureBaby® Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier by Pure Enrichment is an ultrasonic humidifier that also serves as a night lamp. Its quiet operation and soft night light help create a soothing environment for your child to sleep peacefully. Thanks to its thoughtful and elegant design, this two-in-one humidifier and night lamp is an excellent addition to any child's room.
It has been rigorously tested as an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier for babies to make it safe and easy to use. This cool mist humidifier can be beneficial for children experiencing common cold symptoms, dry skin, dry throat, or coughing. Adding moisture to the air can help improve your child's sleep and overall comfort.
PureBaby® Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier also has an auto shut-off feature for safety. This gives you some peace of mind when you leave it on overnight. It has two cool mist settings and a 360° mist nozzle that helps direct humidity where you need it the most. If you use the low setting, it can run for up to 25 hours. If you use the high setting, it can run for up to 12 hours.
The nightlight delivers a comforting, soft, blue glow. This ultrasonic cool mist humidifier also comes with a five-year warranty. This ensures your complete satisfaction.
Pros:
- Two mist settings
- Lasts up to 25 hours
- Soft glow night light
- 360° nozzle
- Automatic shut off
Cons:
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Near silent operation, which is a bummer for customers who appreciate white noise
What Customers Love:
This ultrasonic cool mist humidifier has been a hit with customers who have purchased multiple units for use in different rooms of their homes. It operates quietly and efficiently, and many customers have reported that their babies no longer wake up with dry or sore throats after using it.
According to one customer, this humidifier has been particularly effective in improving the comfort of her son in a dry condo environment. After starting to use it, she observed immediate benefits.
Specs:
- This ultrasonic cool mist humidifier measures 7.9” x 5.7” x 8.1.”
- It weighs 1.3 pounds, and the water tank capacity is 1.5 L.
- It’s ideal for use in rooms up to 250 square feet.
- The working time is up to 25 hours.
- The cool mist output is up to four ounces every hour on high and up to two ounces every hour on low.
- Your purchase comes with an AC power adapter, a disk cleaning brush, and a user manual.
Learn more at pureenrichment.com
How We Made This List
To create this list of the best humidifiers for babies, we considered a range of factors, including variety, additional features, price, and customer feedback. We reviewed several options to identify the top choices for parents.
Design Variety
Each of the humidifiers we highlight in this list has a different design. Some are much more compact and elegant, while others are a bit more fun and whimsical, which is perfect for a baby’s nursery.
You’ll notice that some humidifiers are shorter and take up less space on a tabletop, while others are taller and have a more cylindrical design. Some have a clear water tank that allows you to check the water levels, while others have more of a discreet appearance.
There’s something for every taste on this list in terms of design. We also make sure to select options that offer different color variations as well. When you’re going for a certain aesthetic, being able to choose a specific color to complement your baby’s room is important.
Customer Reviews
Online shopping has made it easier to access a wide range of products without visiting a store in person. However, it can be challenging to determine the quality of a product without seeing it in person. Reading reviews from other customers can help you make a decision and determine whether a product is likely to meet your needs.
To find the best humidifiers for babies, whether in the cool mist baby humidifier or evaporator category, we've only considered the products that have many positive reviews among users.
Other parents, like you, are looking for the best humidifier they can possibly find for their baby’s room. Once they receive it, they don’t hesitate to rate the product on a five-star rating system and give you a few more details about what they love (and maybe don’t like so much) about it.
By considering the experiences of multiple users, you can gain a better understanding of the strengths and potential drawbacks of a product. To provide a well-rounded perspective, we included only those humidifiers in this list that have received positive feedback from satisfied customers. This approach is more comprehensive than simply reading the product description and looking at a few product photos.
Extra Features
Yes, you’re looking for a baby humidifier, but there are also some extra features to consider. For example, some humidifiers work by evaporating moist air into the room, while others emit a cool mist. Additionally, you may want an aroma diffuser as part of your cool mist humidifier to fill your baby’s room with the comforting scent of lavender or bergamot essential oils.
When selecting a humidifier, consider additional features such as a night light. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the humidifier can be easily cleaned and sanitized, either by having a large enough opening to allow for manual cleaning or by having removable parts that can be washed in a dishwasher. These factors can help ensure that the humidifier remains hygienic and in good working condition.
We selected a variety of humidifiers that have all these different features, even one with three-in-one HEPA filtration to both purify and hydrate the air in your nursery!
Affordability
The best humidifier for a baby does not have to be too expensive. Everyone is working with a different budget. Sometimes, you’re ready to splurge on the highest-quality humidifier. You want the one with all the bells and whistles. Other times, you’re working with a tighter budget and still need your baby’s room to have higher humidity levels.
With this list of the best humidifiers for babies, you have many options—the price points range from super affordable to a bit more expensive. You get to decide which one fits your budget and preferences the best.
What Does a Baby Humidifier Do?
Baby humidifiers work by releasing water vapor into the air to increase the overall moisture levels in your baby’s room. Some humidifiers release steam, but these aren’t the best humidifiers for babies. The most common two are a warm mist humidifier and a cool mist humidifier.
A warm mist humidifier contains a heating element that heats the water inside to the point of releasing steam. Due to the risk of burns or accidents, it is generally not recommended to use warm mist humidifiers in a baby's nursery.
Cool mist humidifiers, which do not have a heating element and release a cool mist instead of steam, are safer for babies. In fact, the American Association of Pediatrics recommends a cool mist humidifier design as the best humidifier for babies.
The way most baby humidifiers work is through a couple of steps. First, water flows out of the water tank and into a tray. Then the filter then absorbs the water and gets evaporated by a fan within the unit. What you experience is hydrated and clean air. Some baby humidifiers release a cool mist but some only work with a quiet fan system that spreads moisture into the room.
People use baby humidifiers for a variety of reasons. If you live in a dry climate or it gets really dry during winter, adding moisture to the air helps your baby feel more comfortable. Some babies have skin issues or respiratory symptoms that can worsen in dry environments.
A cool mist humidifier can make a huge difference if your baby has irritated eyes, frequent coughs, bloody noses, dry throat, or cracked lips. For example, if your baby is already coughing, baby humidifiers can make that cough a lot more productive. The humidity in the air delivers a lot more moisture into your baby’s airways so that they can then release any uncomfortable phlegm.
In addition to helping alleviate cold and flu symptoms, baby humidifiers can also promote healthy skin and hair. Dry air can be harsh, causing dryness and irritation, particularly for babies with sensitive skin. Increasing the humidity levels can help moisturize the skin, especially in dry environments or during the winter. While topical moisturizers can be helpful, adding moisture to the air can have a more long-lasting effect.
How to Choose the Best Humidifier for Your Baby
When looking at the best humidifiers for babies, it is important to consider your budget, the size of the room where the humidifier will be used, and the ease of use. Other factors to consider may include the type of humidifier (cool mist or evaporation), additional features such as a night light or essential oil diffuser, a filtering system, and the size and portability of the unit.
Below, we expand a little more on how to choose the best humidifier for your little one.
Cool Mist Options
Remember, purchasing a humidifier that releases a warm mist is not a good idea. Warm mist for babies is never recommended. Stick with either a cool mist humidifier or one that does not release mist. These are the safest to have in your nursery or around your baby who might already be standing, crawling, or moving around.
Quiet Function
Most humidifiers for babies have a whisper-quiet function—they are not equipped to make any loud beeping sounds or to be too disruptive. Some of them have a mild white noise, which may be soothing for your baby. However, if your baby needs it to be completely quiet to get a full night’s sleep, it’s best to pick up a humidifier with special technology to reduce noise.
Table Top Designs
It’s best to pick up a humidifier that you can store off the floor. These designs are more compact, and you can place them on top of a table at a safe distance from your baby’s crib.
Special Features
Additional features, such as a night light, can be a useful and enjoyable addition to a baby humidifier. A night light can provide a warm, gentle glow in the room, making it easier for you to check on your baby during the night. It can also help to create a calming atmosphere for your baby.
Other special features include automatic shut off so you don’t have to worry about turning the unit off. Some go so far as to incorporate an air purification system as well. Consider which special features are most attractive to you and decide based on something that fits your budget.
When to Use a Humidifier?
Using a humidifier in a baby's nursery can be especially helpful during periods of dry air, which are often experienced during the winter months. At this time of year, dry air can lead to dehydrated skin, dull hair, dry hands, and crusty noses. Incorporating a humidifier into your baby's nursery in winter can help to alleviate some of these issues and improve overall comfort.
When those months roll around, it’s a good idea to incorporate a humidifier so that the dryness doesn’t affect your baby’s nose, throat, or skin health. Additionally, a humidifier can help when you notice that your baby has signs of nasal congestion. The humidifier can help break up the mucus and clear it out so your baby feels some relief.
Regarding babies specifically, nasal congestion is a part of their development. They may still have some amniotic fluid trapped in their noses or may be experiencing some kind of blockage due to formula or breast milk. If you notice that your baby has nasal congestion, a humidifier can really help. However, if the nasal congestion is combined with other symptoms like a fever or difficulty breathing, you need to get your baby to a doctor immediately.
How to Clean a Humidifier
The way you clean your humidifier is dependent on the design. Some humidifiers have removable parts that you break apart and toss into your dishwasher. Others require you to get a little more creative.
A good tool when cleaning your baby's humidifier is distilled white vinegar. This helps remove any buildup of minerals and limescale that can get stuck inside your humidifier without using harsh chemicals. You also need a good brush or a sponge that helps break up little stubborn particles.
Some people use bleach or hydrogen peroxide, but those may not be necessary. Especially if you’re using bleach, be extremely careful to clear it out, so it doesn’t get pushed out into the air. You’ll also need some water to rinse it out and remove any cleaning agents you use.
After you’re done scrubbing and rinsing, leave your unit out to completely air dry. Once you’re ready to use it again, you can refill your baby humidifier's water tank with some distilled water.
FAQ
Is a humidifier good for a congested baby?
Yes, since humidifiers hydrate the air, the best humidifier for baby can help relieve your little one’s congestion.
Where should a humidifier be placed in a baby’s nursery?
Keep it at least three feet and up to six feet away from your baby’s crib for the most optimal experience. Placing a humidifier too close to your baby may dampen your baby’s clothes and bedding.
What is an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier?
An ultrasonic cool mist humidifier is a type of humidifier that uses ultrasonic technology to produce a fine mist of cool water that is dispersed into the air. An ultrasonic humidifier vibrates a metal diaphragm at a high frequency, which causes the water in the humidifier's reservoir to be turned into a mist. This mist is then released into the air, increasing the humidity in the room. An ultrasonic humidifier operates quietly and produces a fine, even mist. This type of baby humidifier is often used in small spaces such as bedrooms or offices.
Can you use tap water in a humidifier?
Tap water contains minerals that build up in a humidifier. It’s better to use distilled water for humidifiers.
Is boiled water the same as distilled water?
Distilled water is completely stripped of all impurities, whereas boiled water only kills any bacteria.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the top 5 best humidifiers for babies! We hope this list has been helpful in your search for the perfect humidifier. Remember to consider the room size, the humidity level you want to achieve, and any additional features that might be helpful when making your decision. And don't forget to check out the customer reviews – they can be a valuable resource in helping you determine which humidifier is the best fit for you and your baby. Good luck and happy shopping!
