Humidifiers help sick babies sleep more comfortably by loosening the mucus in their nose. Humidifiers can also hydrate your baby’s dry skin. They are a great addition to your baby’s nursery to keep your baby comfortable and happy. Be sure to add a humidifier to your shopping list!
Benefits of Using a Humidifier for Your Baby
A humidifier’s purpose is to add more moisture to the air. If the air is too dry, your baby may have dry skin. Adding more moisture to the air can help to prevent dry skin and may even help with eczema.
Also, a humidifier helps to loosen mucus in the nasal passages if your child is sick. Humidifiers are a great way to relieve stuffy noses.
If your child gets frequent nose bleeds, a humidifier can help. Nose bleeds can be a result of dry air.
The great thing about humidifiers is that they are safe for people of all ages. When your baby is young, it can be challenging to find safe products to use if they have a cold. In many cases, a humidifier may be your only option. It’s an effective one, though, so it’s worth the purchase.
What Humidity Level is the Best for Babies?
The recommendations for indoor humidity levels are between 30 to 60% for babies. You can buy a humidity gauge to determine the humidity level in your home or baby’s room.
Types of Humidifiers
There are several types of humidifiers to choose from, take a look at the options below!
Cool Mist Humidifiers
Cool mist humidifiers are one of the most popular types of humidifiers. They produce a cool, invisible mist. Cool mist may be easier to breathe in than warm mist.
Warm Mist Humidifiers
A warm mist humidifier is just as it sounds. They produce a warm mist rather than a cool mist. They are quieter than cool mist humidifiers too.
Ultrasonic Humidifiers
Ultrasonic humidifiers feature a metal diaphragm. The diaphragm vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency to produce water droplets. Then, a fan sends them out into the room. The Safety 1st ultrasonic humidifier is an excellent choice, as it has a 360-degree rotation.
Whole house Humidifiers
Whole house humidifiers are much larger and designed to provide moisture to a greater area, such as a whole home. They can hold several gallons of water in the tank and run for several days.
Cool Mist vs. Warm Mist Humidifier
There are two types of mist that humidifiers can produce. Most humidifiers produce either one or the other, not both.
Cool mist humidifiers are the safest option if you have little ones in the home. This is because children could burn themselves on a warm mist humidifier. Even if you keep a warm mist out of your child’s reach, your child could pull the cord, or it could fall off of a shelf and harm your child.
Both types of humidifiers have the same function and work similarly. If you’re worried about keeping your little one safe from hot steam, I would suggest purchasing a cool-mist humidifier.
Cool mist humidifiers can help with all of the same concerns that warm mist ones can. Some users feel that cool mist humidifiers are more effective anyway. Cool mist humidifiers are also easier to clean.
What Type of Water Should You Use in a Humidifier?
Part of keeping your humidifier clean includes using the correct type of water. Some humidifiers’ instructions will expressly state which kind of water is recommended.
Mineral Deposits from Tap Water
In general, tap water is not the best option as it can create mineral deposits or calcium build-up in the humidifier.
This can then lead to bacterial growth or cause the humidifier not to work as efficiently. If you do use tap water, you will have to clean the humidifier more frequently.
Distilled Water
It’s best to use demineralized or distilled water. Minerals are less likely to be dispersed into the air when you use distilled water.
Water Temperature
You can use cool or room temperature water in the humidifier. Typically, the recommendation is that you do not use hot water to avoid your little one touching the hot water or pouring the hot water on their skin.
This is also the same reason why a warm mist humidifier may not be the best option.
Humidifiers with Additional Features
When you’re shopping for a humidifier, you will find that they offer a variety of features. Some have built-in night lights, while others may have larger water tanks.
Figure out what’s most important to you and look for a humidifier with those functions. Most humidifiers have the same essential functions, but the added features will vary by the humidifier.
Multi-purpose
To help your baby sleep, you can look for a humidifier with a built-in white noise machine.
For some babies, the sound of the humidifier works similarly to a white noise machine. The sound of the humidifier alone may be enough to help your baby fall asleep.
Built-in Filters
It can be helpful to get a humidifier with a filter. Humidifiers with filters can be easier to clean. Additionally, they can help to cut back on the likelihood of mold growth.
Where to Place a Humidifier
If you’re using a humidifier to help relieve your baby’s cold symptoms, it’s a good idea to place it in their bedroom overnight.
When you place a humidifier in your baby’s room, make sure you put it somewhere where your baby or any kids in the home cannot reach it.
They could also pull the cord and knock it over. Make sure it’s on a stable surface.
You should also ensure that it’s not too close to your child’s crib. The mist shouldn’t hit your baby’s face directly. It should simply add more moisture to the room.
Keep Room Size in Mind
When shopping for a humidifier, look for one that’s designed for the size of the space you’re going to put it in. A humidifier that’s too big for a room can cause mold or bacteria to grow.
Alternatively, a humidifier that’s too small for a space won’t be large enough to add adequate moisture into the room.
If you want to, you could buy a large humidifier for the main area in your home. Then, have a smaller one for your baby’s nursery. Running a humidifier for 24 hours helps to add plenty of moisture to the room.
Shopping for a Humidifier
When you begin shopping for a humidifier, you will find many options to choose from.
Easy to Clean
As a busy parent, you will likely be happier with a humidifier that’s easy to clean. Typically, humidifiers need to be cleaned every few days. You can also read buyer reviews about the product and see if anyone mentions how to keep the humidifier clean.
Be Prepared for the Inevitable Stuffy Nose
If possible, purchase a humidifier before your baby is sick. It is much more enjoyable to take your time reading reviews and selecting the best one.
If your baby is sick and you don’t have a humidifier yet, you can find one from your local drugstore if you’re in a pinch. While this will still work, it may not be the ideal option.
Automatic Shut-offs
You might look for a model that has an automatic shut-off. When the tank is empty, the humidifier will automatically turn off. Otherwise, it will continue making noise throughout the night, even if the tank is empty.
Should You Only Use a Humidifier When Your Baby is Sick?
Most parents begin using a humidifier when their baby is sick, but it’s safe to use at any time. Make sure you buy a humidifier that’s kid-safe, as mentioned.
Closing
Using a humidifier is a great way to add moisture to your baby’s environment. This is especially useful if your baby has a cold or has dry skin.
You can safely use a humidifier at any point in time. Be sure to use a cool-mist humidifier, which is the safest option for your baby and any little ones in the home.
