14 Best Humidifiers For Babies In 2022 For The Sweetest Dreams (2024)

When we talk about the best humidifiers for babies, we’re not necessarily only going to focus on those that look like a typical baby product.

In fact, some of the best humidifiers for babies are made with universal use in mind, although there are models that are designed to be a perfect fit for your nursery.

In any case, a humidifier is a key device to have in your home, especially during the winter.

When your baby has a cold, for example, a humidifier can relieve stuffiness and help him or her breathe better.

What’s more, it creates a more comfortable environment to sleep in and can help with dry skin.

In the colder months, heating can suck most of the moisture from the air inside your home, which is why it’s so important to have a humidifier on hand.

Armed with my personal experience and hours of online research, I’ve come up with the 14 best humidifiers for babies for you to consider!

Plus, I’ve prepared a useful little guide for you to read through so you know exactly what to look for. Enjoy!

1. Cool Mist Humidifier – Humidifier for Baby Bedroom

This Ucareair humidifier is a cool mist model only, making it a great choice for your baby’s nursery.

As a rule of thumb, the best baby humidifiers spray cool mist, but we will get into the specifics a little further down.

It’s a good choice for smaller spaces, as it can cover up to 200 square feet. The tank can also hold up to a half a gallon of water.

To put this into context, if you set the humidifier to its lowest setting, it will be able to run for around 10 hours, so it will be roughly enough for one night’s sleep.

But there is also a high setting, so you can increase the speed by which mist is released.

I also like that it has an auto shut-off feature, as this adds an extra layer of safety for when there’s not enough water left to keep it running.

To let you know that it has turned itself off automatically, the humidifier will switch on an LED light in red, so you’ll be reminded to add more water.

What makes this model a great addition to the nursery is that it can double as a night light, which is especially great for toddlers.

Overall, this is a really affordable choice if you’re looking for a basic humidifier that gets the job done without a lot of bells and whistles! It doesn’t hurt that it comes in a lovely shade of pink, either.

2. Geniani Top Fill Cool Mist Humidifiers for Bedroom & Essential Oil Diffuser

Now, this is a slightly pricier (yet still pretty affordable) humidifier than can also double as a diffuser for essential oils.

If you’re not too familiar with them, no need to worry, as we will dive a little deeper into how they can be used later on.

In any case, a diffuser comes in really handy if your baby is feeling fussy, has trouble sleeping, or needs some extra help with decongesting their nose.

As for the humidifier, there are three different ways of adjusting the speed of the mist, so you have more freedom with modifying the humidifier to your family’s preferences.

This model also fits a lot more water in its tank than the two I’ve mentioned above – a little over a gallon (or 4 liters) – that’s 18 hours of running time.

And this is when it’s adjusted to its highest mist speed, so it will run for even longer at the lower settings.

One of its downsides is that it’s slightly louder, though not by much (only 38 decibels). Still, this is definitely something to consider, especially if your baby boy or girl is a light sleeper.

When it comes to colors, you can pick between white and black, but both models come with a small light that kids will enjoy having in their room at night.

3. Mooka Humidifier

Sometimes you’ve got to go big or go home, right? With this humidifier that fits more than a gallon of water (it has a 1.05-gallon tank to be precise), you’ll definitely go big.

When it comes to coverage, it will work for spaces as big as 484 square feet, so it goes a really long way!

As it has a significantly bigger tank capacity than smaller models, it can run for as long as 24 hours when turned to its lowest mist speed.

Naturally, I thought that a humidifier of this capacity would be a lot louder than its smaller counterparts. Turns out, I was very wrong, as it emits less than 24 decibels of noise!

All of this comes with a very budget-friendly price tag, so this is definitely one of the best humidifiers for babies!

4. Frida Baby 3-in-1 Humidifier with Diffuser and Nightlight

Compared to other humidifiers that usually don’t offer a whole lot in terms of aesthetic appeal, this Frida Baby humidifier is very aesthetically appealing, making it a really beautiful addition to your baby’s room.

While it doesn’t have a large capacity when it comes to the water tank, as it only fits 0.5 gallons, there are other features that make up for it.

For example, it can double as an infant nightlight for the nursery! Also, it functions as a diffuser, so you can add oils to the mix as well.

5. Asakuki Essential Oil Diffuser And Humidifier

As far as looks go, it’s really hard to beat this humidifier and diffusing device. Plus, it’s also one of the quietest humidifiers you could get your hands on as it emits only 25 decibels of noise, so you can be 100 percent positive that no one will even hear it’s on!

Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t offer much in terms of capacity, because it can be filled with only 10.1 fluid ounces or 300 milliliters of water.

On the other hand, it does have an automatic shut-off feature that turns the device off when all the water vaporizes.

You can also switch between different shades and even adjust how bright it is, so there’s a fair amount of room for flexibility when it comes to how you would like to use it.

All in all, I think this model is perfect if the humidity level in your home isn’t too low yet you would still benefit from a humidifier from time to time, especially during winter when the heating robs air moisture.

6. Safety 1st Filter Free Cool Mist Humidifier

When you do purchase a humidifier, you will see that cleaning it is the most important part of its maintenance.

A device that hasn’t been scrubbed in a long time can be troublesome and lead to the growth of bacteria and mold.

What’s more, a humidifier should be cleaned often (on a weekly basis at the very least), so you should definitely consider a model that makes cleaning simple and easy.

Luckily, this humidifier by Safety 1st is designed in a way that allows you to clean it easily – this is a giant plus in my book!

Plus, it makes refills super easy, too.

It’s available in pink and blue at a price most parents will find budget-friendly!

7. Vicks Mini Filter Free Cool Mist Humidifier

The Vicks humidifier is actually one of the first humidifiers that was recommended to me and I can definitely see why a lot of other moms love it!

It’s durable and comes in three colors – green, pink, and blue.

It’s also compact, with a capacity of 0.5 gallons, so it won’t run as long as other models. But on the plus side, it’s quiet.

8. Crane Adorables Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

So far, all of the models that I’ve talked about aren’t specifically designed with a kid’s room in mind, although they work perfectly well for both kids and adults.

This Crane humidifier, however, was created to complement a nursery or toddler’s room. You can pick between 17 different designs that include friendly animals such as frogs, penguins, sheep, and ladybugs.

The water level has a limit of one gallon, so even though this is a kid-friendly humidifier, it still comes with features similar to those of models with a universal design.

You can also modify the mist level depending on how dry the air in your home is.

Since humidifiers are prone to mineral and bacterial buildup, this model was created with an antimicrobial substance that is not as prone to mold, for example, when compared to other humidifiers.

9. AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier

The AquaOasis humidifier is another budget-friendly option you’ll want to look into if you’re not interested in a heavy-duty model.

It has a capacity of 2.2 liters, and you can control the direction of the mist as well as its intensity.

Design-wise, it’s unisex and doesn’t look like a baby product, so you can put it anywhere in your house where the air is a little dry.

10. LittleHippo WISPI Humidifier

The LittleHippo humidifier is adorable and will look very cute in your baby’s nursery. It’s also an all-in-one product as it contains a night light as well as a diffuser, in addition to the humidifying feature.

It comes with a humidistat that measures the level of humidity in the room, allowing the device to adjust the mist accordingly.

The buttons are designed to glow during the night so you can easily use the device even when the lights aren’t on.

11. Deerma 5L Top Fill Ultrasonic Cool Mist Air Humidifier for Home

The Deerma humidifier looks very similar to the one above (both remind me of smoothie blenders, does anyone else agree?) but it has a bigger tank since it can fit 1.2 gallons of water.

In addition to humidifying your home, this model can be used to diffuse oils for some extra health benefits.

Plus, it features a light that will turn on if the device auto-offs as a result of not having enough water. It’s also able to reduce unpleasant odors inside your room, which is always a good thing.

As is the case with many other humidifiers, you can also adjust the speed of the mist to perfectly humidify your home.

12. URPOWER 500ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier

This Urpower humidifier allows you and your little one to enjoy 7 soothing colors that make nighttime more comfortable and cozy.

Unfortunately, though, it only has a capacity for 16.9 fluid ounces (or half a liter), so you will need to refill it quite often, especially if you are planning on using it throughout the night.

It comes with a useful timer to help you use it for shorter periods of time, along with an auto-off function that kicks in once all the water has evaporated. Plus, you can use it as an oil diffuser, too!

13. Geniani Portable Small Cool Mist Humidifier

A portable humidifier might be just what you’re looking for! This one by Geniani is USB-powered so you can take it anywhere, even when you’re visiting family or going on vacation.

The nightlight function creates a soothing sleeping environment for your infant as well.

But if you’re looking for a device that could double as a diffuser as well, unfortunately, this model doesn’t support the use of oils. Then again, I don’t consider this to be key and I’m sure many moms feel the same.

14. Pure Enrichment MistAire Cloud

I must admit that I’m absolutely crazy about this adorable cloud-shaped humidifier by Pure Enrichment! It’s a perfect fit for a nursery yet doesn’t scream baby gear. Plus, it can change colors, too!

As far as tank capacity goes, it goes up to almost a half a gallon, which is not surprising considering its compact size.

However, it shuts off automatically when it runs out of water, which is one of the most important criteria when it comes to the best humidifier options for babies. Of course, you are able to adjust the speed of the mist as well.

Why Does My Baby Need A Humidifier?

Life would be so much easier if babies never got sick!

We wouldn’t have to worry about getting all the snot out of their little noses so they can breathe better, or them not getting enough sleep as a result of a cold.

Unfortunately, there’s nothing much that parents can do to prevent their babies from getting sick, but there are fortunately products that can significantly reduce the symptoms of a cold, for example.

A humidifier is right at the top of that list, and for several reasons.

When a room has dry air, that can really make the symptoms of a cold worse (like a stuffy nose), especially if your baby is sleeping in that room.

Another common symptom of a cold is having a sore throat.

In this case, a humidifier can be of help as well. Also, it’s just much more comfortable to sleep in a humidified room than in a room with really dry air.

During winter it’s especially important to have a humidifier in the baby’s room because the heat from the AC can make the air even dryer than usual.

If you couple that with the fact that most of us get sick during the winter, you can understand why humidifiers are pretty much a must in the colder months.

In addition, a humidifier can help with mucus that builds up in the baby’s nose, softening it so that your baby boy or girl can breathe better.

Since babies’ skin is super sensitive, a humidifier can also prevent dry skin, which is very helpful especially if your little one already has some trouble with their skin.

Another thing babies really seem to like about these devices is the fact that they usually produce a steady, white noise that they find really comforting.

It helps them fall asleep, too, so that’s another bonus point!

But a humidifier is great for adults too!

Especially if you have a skin condition such as eczema, it can really help soothe some of the symptoms, such as itchiness.

What’s more, it can help prevent nosebleeds, too.

Make sure to also check whether you live in a very dry climate, as some parts of the world are less humid than others.

If you do, you can rest assured that a humidifier will be a very beneficial addition to your home!

To measure just how humid (or not) your home is, you can purchase a hygrometer.

The perfect range for humidity is between 30 percent to 50 percent – anything higher than that could cause trouble as well.

For example, mold and all sorts of bad bacteria could start growing inside the home, and that can be an even bigger nuisance than dry air.

Cool Mist Vs. Warm Mist Humidifiers

I’m sure that by now you have noticed that there are two main types of humidifiers – warm mist and cool mist.

But there are also models that combine both, so you can pick and choose how you would like them to operate.

In any case, if you’re getting a humidifier for the nursery, you should know that the best choice is a cool mist humidifier.

The reason, of course, is safety. A cool mist model releases air that’s not hot, so there is no steam or any other kind of heat that could hurt your baby or toddler.

Even if you place the device on a surface where you are 100 percent sure that your tot won’t be able to reach, somehow some kids still find a way to surpass their parents’ expectations.

So, a cool mist model is the best option to go with and pediatricians tend to agree, too.

You might think that a warm mist device could be more effective when it comes to soothing symptoms of a cold, for example, but that’s not exactly the case.

All that matters is that there is some type of humidity in the room, whether it be warm or room temperature.

Another thing you might not have considered is using a warm mist model during the summer.

If you live in an area with very hot, dry summers, the last thing you would want to do is add more heat to your home through a humidifier.

On the other hand, a cool mist device requires more cleaning, since it’s more susceptible to bacteria, mold, and so on. There are also two subtypes of cool mist humidifiers:

• ultrasonic humidifiers
• evaporative humidifiers

Ultrasonic models can be either warm or cool mist. They are equipped with a diaphragm or plate that can vibrate at very high frequencies.

As a result, the water turns into mist and gets released, providing moisture to the room.

Evaporative models, on the other hand, don’t use such modern technologies to run but are still widely used despite being older. To provide moisture to the room, these models contain a wick filter that gets soaked in water.

Before a fan blows the water into the room, the filter gets rid of any minerals or harmful substances that could be in it, so none of that stuff reaches your baby.

But no matter which option you go with, I definitely recommend using distilled water instead of regular tap water to fill up the tank.

Here’s why: Water from the tap might contain all sorts of minerals that might make it harder for you to keep the humidifier clean.

What’s more, it’s likely to cause bacteria to grow as well. Sometimes, it might even lead to white dust appearing in your home that the entire family could end up breathing in.

Distilled water usually doesn’t contain any of these minerals, so it’s much better to use with a humidifier (although different brands might require different kinds of water).

Keeping Your Humidifier Clean

No matter which kind of humidifier you end up purchasing, I can’t possibly overemphasize the importance of keeping it clean and regularly washing it.

If the model you’re using contains a filter, it’s important to change them frequently and refer to the specific instructions provided with the device.

The wicking filter should only be cleaned with water, so don’t use any chemicals or cleaning solutions on it. If it has gotten too dirty to clean, then it’s time for a new one.

Also, make sure to change the water inside the tank regularly. It’s best to do this on a daily basis, or at least every other day, if possible.

Before adding fresh water, make sure to throw out any remaining water in the tank and unplug the device as a safety precaution.

Changing the water as frequently as possible will prevent the forming of a favorable environment for the growth of all sorts of bacteria, so it’s very important.

When it comes to cleaning, there are different methods of doing it, and you will probably get more specific instructions with the model you purchase.

Generally, though, you can clean a humidifier using vinegar which will help you scrub away any film or buildup inside the tank.

Make sure to allow the vinegar to work its magic for at least an hour before emptying it out and cleaning it.

Another way of cleaning it is by using water and a little bit of bleach and allowing it to set for an hour. Afterward, you should rinse it out thoroughly as bleach is a very dangerous chemical.

You can also clean the tank by mixing hydrogen peroxide with water and leaving it inside the tank for a half-hour to an hour.

Follow it up with a rinse and then you can tackle any dirt or buildup with a cleaning brush or just an old toothbrush to really clean out all the little nooks and crannies.

Regardless of which chemicals or solutions you end up using, this process should be repeated every 3 days.

I know, that’s pretty frequent, but a dirty humidifier with lots of grime can lead to some pretty bad consequences.

A dirty humidifier in the baby’s nursery can aggravate allergies or cause an infection of the lungs or sinuses.

Furthermore, if you have asthma, it can cause you to experience a flare-up or lead you to have symptoms that are similar to those of flu.

After thoroughly cleaning and rinsing the device, make sure to leave it out to dry completely before plugging it in again.

Unfortunately, some models can’t be effectively cleaned after some time, so you would need to replace them with a new one.

How To Decide On Tank Capacity

Tank capacity basically refers to how much water the humidifier can fit at one time, and you will find that there is an entire range of capacities.

While you might naturally gravitate towards tanks with bigger capacities since they can run for longer periods of time without needing a water change, you might not necessarily need a bigger model – it all depends on the size of the room.

In small rooms, such as a baby’s nursery, you might be perfectly fine with a smaller model.

Also, most models allow you to adjust how much moisture they release, so you can lower or increase it according to your own needs.

What About Essential Oils?

With so many humidifiers available on the market that also have an option to be used as a diffuser, it’s important to know which essential oils are safe to use with little babies.

But before I go any further, here’s an important heads up – essential oils shouldn’t be used with babies who aren’t older than 3 months.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, here’s a few oils that are baby-friendly! First off, there’s chamomile that works like a charm with babies who seem particularly averse to sleep.

It’s helpful if you have a colicky baby on your hands, too, and overall great when it comes to soothing fussiness.

Eucalyptus, or more specifically Eucalpytus radiata, is a perfect choice for when your little one has a cold.

It helps with softening mucus and unclogging breathing passages, which will help your baby get more sleep when they’re feeling under the weather.

Lavender is another great choice for babies who have colic or have trouble falling asleep, as well as mandarin that has similar calming effects.

Of course, before you try any of these out, you should talk to a medical professional as there might be reasons specific to your baby that could make essential oils a bad choice.

Also, make sure to properly dilute the oil to make it safe for kids.

Some oils, though, such as menthol, aren’t recommended by experts at all for kids under the age of 3, so it’s really important to do as much research as you can.

Noise Level

It’s true that some babies find the white noise created by a humidifier soothing, but there are many ways in which a humidifier can also be irritating and too noisy.

For example, you might hear drops of water falling down or humming.

Since you’re most likely to use it at night, it’s crucial that it’s as quiet as possible, especially if you are a family of light sleepers!

A lot of models market themselves as being whisper-quiet, but to really get to the bottom of things, you need to take a look at how many decibels of noise the model in question emits.

Usually, anything that’s louder than 30 decibels is louder than a whisper, so if a brand’s noise level is louder than that yet they are still describing the humidifier as being whisper-quiet, know that there is some bending of the truth going on.

With some humidifiers, you won’t find the noise level explicitly stated in the product description, so you can either reach out to the manufacturer directly and inquire about how loud it is, or simply opt for one where you know exactly how loud it’s going to be.

All In All

The importance of a good humidifier shouldn’t be understated! In fact, the best humidifiers for babies can make your life a lot easier, especially during the winter months when viruses run rampant.

Babies have extremely sensitive immune systems, so they’re even more prone to getting sick than the parents!

Nasal congestion is especially hard on younger babies, who haven’t learned how to breathe through their mouth yet.

Luckily, a humidifier can significantly reduce these symptoms and allow your little munchkin to sleep more comfortably – and this equals happy parents!

Plus, getting a humidifier is great for moms too, as it helps keep the skin moisturized, especially during the winter.

So really, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have at least one humidifier in your home!

Hopefully, I was able to make this decision easier for you. I promise that you won’t be able to believe how you ever lived without it!

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