The 7 Best Baby Humidifiers of 2023
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- Humidifiers work by adding moisture to the air, otherwise known as humidity.
- A baby’s room should be kept somewhere between 30% and 60% humidity.
- Your baby’s humidifier should be cleaned at least once a week.
If you’ve ever been up all night with a sick baby, you know the struggle. You likely tried everything you could think of to make your little one comfortable.
Over the years, I’ve tried essential oils, steam from a hot shower, and holding my babies upright while they slept to help them get a good night’s sleep when they were sick. One of the things I found most helpful was investing in a cool mist humidifier. I found it to be one of the most effective ways to help a congested baby sleep.
Baby humidifiers have been around for quite a while and can be found in many stores. They’re easy to obtain, and as long as you know how to safely use them, there are few risks to your baby. This is why they’re a popular choice for parents looking to help their sick babies.
If you’re looking for the best baby humidifier, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done the research for you, so you can get back to snuggling your little one back to health. Here are the best baby humidifiers of 2023.
Our Choice: Pure Enrichment MistAire Cloud
- COOL MIST HUMIDIFIER FOR CHILDREN: Help your kids breathe easier throughout the night with this whimsical cool mist humidifier and night light. Thoughtfully designed and rigorously tested, this Parent Tested, Parent Approved award winner is perfect for your baby’s nursery, kid’s bedroom, or any space up to 250 sq ft that needs extra humidity.
- INSTANT DRY AIR RELIEF: Quiet enough for bedtime, the large 1.8L tank moisturizes rooms for up to 24 hours to create ideal humidity levels that help ease congestion, cold symptoms, dry skin, coughs, and encourage better sleep. Additionally, customize their comfort using the mist control knob to incrementally adjust the moisture output and rotate the 360° nozzle to direct the humidity wherever you need it.
- SOFT GLOW NIGHT LIGHT: Create a soothing environment for your baby with the optional and independent night light. Rotate through 7+ rainbow-spectrum colors or use Color Choice Technology to select your favorite color to gently lull your little one to sleep during naps or bedtime.
- PLAYFUL CLOUD DESIGN: Our unique patent-pending design is kid-friendly and playful, while the modern, cloud design fits on any nightstand or tabletop while beautifully complementing any nursery, kids bedroom, playroom, or other large space
After reviewing the best humidifiers for babies, we’ve made our top pick. The Pure Enrichment MistAire Cloud baby humidifier is hands-down our favorite. Here’s why:
Warranty. When a company offers a 5-year warranty on a baby humidifier, that says something about their commitment to quality. We love that this brand stands behind its workmanship.
Easy cleaning. No parent has time to sit and scrub nooks and crannies for hours. The easy-to-clean design was a big selling point for us.
Night light options. We love that you can choose from 8 different night light colors. That makes this humidifier more fun and customizable.
Neutral design. This cute humidifier will easily blend into any decor scheme. We appreciated that they made it look like a countertop decoration, rather than a humidifier.
Best Basic: AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier
- IMMEDIATE DRY AIR RELIEF! Want to eliminate the suffering from the terrible effects of dry air? No need to struggle with cheap flimsy and leaky desk humidifiers. This quality ultrasonic humidifier is the one you’re looking for. It pumps relief immediately and effectively! – Feel better in minutes!
- OPERATES IN TOTAL SILENCE – SLEEP LIKE A BABY! No humming, whistling, or crackling as this durable Whole-House Humidifier steadily and efficiently dispenses the soothing cool mist you crave. SLEEP better, BREATHE better, LIVE better! You’ll wish you found this years ago!
- MULTIPLE MIST SETTINGS + 360 DEGREE ROTATING NOZZLE – 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. AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF- No need to babysit this Humidifier. We know you’ll want to shut this off before the tank runs out… Rest assured you can SET IT AND FORGET IT!
- 2.2L LARGE WATER TANK – FILTER FREE- FEATURES A LIFTIME WARRENTY! Made with an impressive 2.2L super large water tank that keeps your Room-Humidifier right on chugging for over 24 hours on a single fill! Designed
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly humidifier, this is for you. The AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier is an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier that’s simple and affordable.
One major draw to this cool mist humidifier is that it doesn’t make a sound. Ultrasonic technology keeps this humidifier from even making a humming noise. The quiet operation makes it a perfect choice for a baby’s room.
Parents will be able to customize the mist level with the turn of a knob. They can also move the nozzle around 360 degrees to change the mist direction. This is perfect for a baby nursery since you might want to change the direction depending on where your baby is playing or sleeping.
The large tank is a nice feature as well. You can let this diffuser run for 24 hours without running out of water. When the water tank starts running low, it will automatically shut off.
Parents will need to regularly clean all parts of the tank with vinegar and water to keep mold from building up. It’s also important to only use distilled or filtered water to prevent build-up.
Capacity: 2.2 liters | Runtime: 24 hours | Dimensions: 8.5″ Dx 6″W x 9.5″H
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Best Combination: Fridababy 3-in-1 Humidifier with Diffuser and Nightlight
- 3-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Enjoy versatile usage by using the baby humidifier, diffuser, and nightlight together for a comprehensive experience or separately based on your needs, providing flexibility and convenience.
- ULTRASONIC COOL MIST HUMIDIFIER: Our baby humidifier converts water into a refreshing mist that runs up to 24 hours. The mist adjuster allows for a customizable experience, with a simple knob twist. The BPA-free water tank ensures safety and purity.
- COLOR CHANGING NIGHTLIGHT: Elevate your babies bedroom with a color-changing nightlight featuring a variety of hues, giving you control over a dreamy atmosphere for your little one.
- AROMATHERAPY DIFFUSER: Enhance breathing comfort by pairing with BreathFrida Vapor Drops to aid in congestion support for your little one. With a 0.5-gallon tank, it effectively covers up to 320 square feet, promoting a soothing atmosphere.
Many of us have become familiar with this beloved baby brand. The Fridababy company is known for its unique baby solutions. The Fridababy 3-in-1 Humidifier with Diffuser and Nightlight is no exception.
This diffuser combines 3 essential sleep items in one product. The diffuser is perfect for adding essential oils to your child’s nursery. The humidifier and night light will keep them comfortable as they sleep.
When parents start the humidifier, they can control the mist output with a knob. You’ll have choices ranging from a fine mist to a heavy mist. Older kids will love choosing the night light color on the base.
This humidifier will run for 12 hours at a time. So it’s not the best choice for those who want a 24-hour option. However, it features auto shutoff capabilities, so you won’t have to worry about burning out the motor.
You’ll be able to add essential oils or vapor drops directly into the water tank. Just be sure to only use distilled water and clean the humidifier with vinegar at least once a week.
Capacity: 1.9 liters | Runtime: 12 hours | Dimensions: 9″D x 9.25″W x 9.25″H
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Most Trendy: Pure Enrichment MistAire Cloud
- COOL MIST HUMIDIFIER FOR CHILDREN: Help your kids breathe easier throughout the night with this whimsical cool mist humidifier and night light. Thoughtfully designed and rigorously tested, this Parent Tested, Parent Approved award winner is perfect for your baby’s nursery, kid’s bedroom, or any space up to 250 sq ft that needs extra humidity.
- INSTANT DRY AIR RELIEF: Quiet enough for bedtime, the large 1.8L tank moisturizes rooms for up to 24 hours to create ideal humidity levels that help ease congestion, cold symptoms, dry skin, coughs, and encourage better sleep. Additionally, customize their comfort using the mist control knob to incrementally adjust the moisture output and rotate the 360° nozzle to direct the humidity wherever you need it.
- SOFT GLOW NIGHT LIGHT: Create a soothing environment for your baby with the optional and independent night light. Rotate through 7+ rainbow-spectrum colors or use Color Choice Technology to select your favorite color to gently lull your little one to sleep during naps or bedtime.
- PLAYFUL CLOUD DESIGN: Our unique patent-pending design is kid-friendly and playful, while the modern, cloud design fits on any nightstand or tabletop while beautifully complementing any nursery, kids bedroom, playroom, or other large space
When I shop for baby products, I can’t help but gravitate toward the ones that match my home decor. I love trendy, neutral colors that don’t contrast with my home. The Pure Enrichment MistAire Cloud is the best baby humidifier for those looking for a trendy option.
The large cloud design of this ultrasonic cool mist humidifier is not only cute but practical. Most humidifiers are difficult to take apart and clean. This one comes apart easily and doesn’t have difficult nooks and crannies to try and clean.
Parents will appreciate that this machine also doubles as a night light. You’ll have 8 soft glow colors to choose from. You can also use the night light alone if desired.
After you fill the water tank and start the machine, you can adjust the mist level to your desired humidity level. Then you’re free to walk away and forget it. The machine will run for 24 hours on low, or 15 hours on high, and automatically shuts off.
This company is so sure you’ll love this modern humidifier, they back this product with a 5-year warranty. Parents can also contact customer service 7 days a week with any concerns.
Capacity: 1.8 liters | Runtime: 24 hours | Dimensions: 5.5″D x 6.7″W x 9.8″H
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Best for Large Room: Levoit 6L Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Air Vaporizer
- 𝙃𝙄𝙂𝙃-𝙀𝙁𝙁𝙄𝘾𝙄𝙀𝙉𝘾𝙔, 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙒𝙃𝙊𝙇𝙀 𝙃𝙊𝙈𝙀: It provides humidification speeds 4× faster than others, which can quickly cover 753ft² of the area and last up to 50 hours. You can customize the target humidity you need, and feel hands-free with auto mode.
- 𝙋𝘼𝙏𝙀𝙉𝙏 𝙒𝘼𝙍𝙈 𝙈𝙄𝙎𝙏 𝙏𝙀𝘾𝙃 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝘽𝙀𝘿𝙍𝙊𝙊𝙈: It raises RH 10% in 20mins, providing greater relief from symptoms caused by dir air. Near-silent noise levels and all lights off help you sleep undisturbed
- 𝙋𝙀𝙍𝙁𝙀𝘾𝙏 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙇𝘼𝙍𝙂𝙀 𝙍𝙊𝙊𝙈𝙎: With a mist output of up to 500 mL/hr, it can easily handle spaces as large as 753 ft² / 70 m². The large 6-liter tank allows you to humidify continuously for up to 50 hours, saving you the trouble of frequent refills
- 𝘼𝙐𝙏𝙊𝙈𝘼𝙏𝙄𝘾 𝙏𝙐𝙍𝙉 𝙊𝙉 & 𝙊𝙁𝙁: With a built-in sensor, Auto Mode adjusts mist levels according to your settings to maintain a healthy humidity level
Some humidifiers only cover the square footage of a small bedroom. Our next pick is one that can handle even the larger spaces of your house. The Levoit 6L Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Air Vaporizer is powerful enough to humidify up to 753 square feet at a time.
It’s safe to say that this isn’t a small humidifier. You’ll still be able to place it on a small table or nightstand but it will take up more room than other humidifiers. However, the large 6-liter water tank will allow the machine to run for up to 50 hours.
You’ll have the option to run this with warm mist or cool mist. If you’re using it as a baby humidifier in your child’s room, the cool mist is safest. Warm mist is a nice option if it’s placed where children can’t reach it and you want to kill bacteria in the air.
The sensor in the machine will measure humidity levels in the air while running. You can select the humidity level you’d like to achieve and the humidifier will automatically shut off. You can also shut off the display lights when it’s time for bed.
This is one of the best humidifiers for babies with colds. Parents can put drops of essential oils directly into the water tank to release the aromatherapy to the entire room. If your baby is sleeping, you can quietly adjust any settings with the included remote from the doorway.
Capacity: 6 liters | Runtime: 10-60 hours | Dimensions: 7.7″D x 11.6″W x 11.3″H
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Most Fun: Crane Adorables Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
- LARGE ROOM HUMIDIFIER: Crane Adorables Ultrasonic Humidifier features an easy-to-clean, detachable bottom fill tank that holds one gallon of water− perfect for humidifying indoor spaces up to 500 square feet for 24 hours
- ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS: Optional filter slot and variable controls make it easy to set the best humidity level for your room; Simply adjust as needed for multi-purpose use as a humidifier for plants, baby humidifier, bedroom humidifier, or a children’s room humidifier
- ONE GALLON TANK: The 1 gallon tank fits under a standard kitchen or bathroom sink, and has an easy to carry handle at the top. Our humidifiers are filter free, but we offer an optional demineralization filter (HS-1932) for those with excessive minerals in their water that screws directly into the tank
- NURSERY ESSENTIAL: Kid-friendly automatic shut-off feature helps your little one sleep peacefully during nap time and nighttime while playful character design helps this cute humidifier fit right in with safari nursery décor, boho nursery décor, or any other baby nursery décor
Of all the cool mist humidifiers we’ve reviewed, this one brings the most fun to your child’s room. The Crane Adorables Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier comes in a variety of cute designs.
From a frog to a train, to an elephant, and much more, you’ll have over 10 options to choose from. The top of the humidifier easily detaches from the base so you can easily clean the tank. There’s no filter to clean and its ultrasonic technology makes it run super quiet.
This cool mist baby humidifier allows you to choose the level of mist you’d like in the room. After filling the 1-gallon tank with tap water, the humidifier will run for up to 24 hours. You can safely run the humidifier through the night with the auto shut-off feature.
Since the humidifier uses tap water, demineralization filters can be purchased separately if desired. Some parents complained that the “power on” light doesn’t turn off. You’ll want to cover the light if your baby isn’t used to a night light.
Capacity: 3.8 liters | Runtime: 24 hours | Dimensions: 9″Dx 9″W x 12.75″H
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Best Smart Humidifier: Govee Smart WiFi Humidifiers for Bedroom
- Smart App Control: First, upgrade the app to the newest version 5.0.2. Using the App to adjust the auto mode, custom mode, display off, timers, schedules, mist levels, safety lock. Work with Alexa, Google Assistant, or IFTTT for voice control.
- Top-Fill Design: Easy to refill water and clean. The smart humidifiers for bedroom have an water tank design to easily pour water in and out. Please don’t add water via the mist outlet and don’t drop essential oils directly into the humidifier.
- Auto Mode: The smart humidifier will turn off at your target humidity, and it will turn back on by itself when it drops below 3% then the target humidity level. Must connect to a Govee Thermometer Hygrometer to use this function (sold separately)
- Higher Mist Height: The highest mist height up to 31.5in. The higher mist stays in the air for a longer period of time without getting your desks and floors wet. Eight mist levels output adjustment, features a high mist output up to 7oz per hour.
Nowadays you can control just about anything from your smartphone. Why should humidifiers be any different? The Govee Smart WiFi Humidifier for Bedroom is the best humidifier with WiFi capabilities.
With this smart baby humidifier, you’ll be able to adjust and monitor settings from your phone. With the app, you can use voice commands to adjust the schedules, mist levels, safety locks, timers, and more. You can safely check the humidity levels of your baby’s room without even entering.
The water tank can be easily removed, filled, and cleaned. The machine runs on distilled water and holds up to 3 liters. You can set a timer for a run time of up to 24 hours.
Parents can also adjust the direction of the mist nozzle. If you’d like to use this as a diffuser, essential oils can be placed on one of the included aroma pads. Oils should not be placed directly in the water tank.
One drawback is that you’ll need to purchase a Govee hygrometer thermometer separately to use the auto-mode function. The thermometer will measure the humidity in the air and will turn it off and on as needed.
Capacity: 3 liters | Runtime: 24 hours | Dimensions: 6.7″D x 6.7″W x 11.6″H
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Best Night Light: Vicks Starry Night Filtered Cool Mist Humidifier
- STARRY NIGHT FILTERED COOL MOISTURE HUMIDIFER – Vicks Invisible Mist Humidifier is an essential part of a good night’s sleep when family members are sick, during allergy season or when the air is dry Works with Vicks VapoPads (sample included) for extra soothing comfort
- STARS LIGHT UP THE CEILING – This kids and baby humidifier with night light transforms a room into a starry night sky with the projection feature Includes a filter that filters minerals from the water, so the moisture is cleaner, and a wide tank opening
- COUGH AND CONGESTION RELIEF – Humidifiers for the home can be helpful during cold season, when it’s difficult for children to sleep with a cough and congestion A baby humidifier or vaporizer can provide temporary relief by adding necessary moisture to the air
- HUMIDIFIERS FOR BEDROOM AND MORE – A cool mist humidifier is great for a baby, young children and adults, and fits perfectly into any room Use them when the air is dry, in allergy season, when sick or even just to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels
Vicks is the brand many of our parents turned to for solutions for cold symptoms. The Vicks Starry Night Filtered Cool Mist Humidifier is built with the quality you would expect but with a fun twist. This humidifier features a starry night light projector.
This is one of the best humidifiers with a night light option. As your child drifts off to sleep, you can set the light projector to illuminate their ceiling.
The tank holds up to 1 gallon of water and will run for 24 hours. The tank features an antimicrobial filter and has a wide opening for easy cleaning. Parents can let this safely run through the night with the automatic shut-off feature.
Parents can also adjust the speed settings to control how much moisture is released at once. To add soothing vapors to the room, Vicks Vapopads can be purchased and used with this machine.
Some parents don’t like having to replace filters on a humidifier. However, this is necessary to prevent dust from mineral deposits from collecting around the room.
Capacity: 3.8 liters | Runtime: 24 hours | Dimensions: 11.34″D x 13.19″W x 11.38″H
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Recommended Accessories
If your little one is congested or has a stuffy nose, there are several things that can help. Here’s what we recommend to go along with your humidifier.
- Aroma diffuser
- Essential oils
- NoseFrida or electric nasal aspirator
- Thermometer
- Baby chest rub
- Saline mist
- BoogieWipes
Why Your Baby Needs a Humidifier
Many parents choose to put a humidifier in their baby’s nursery. It’s a go-to choice for colds, dry skin, and respiratory support. But what exactly is a humidifier?
We’ve got all your questions answered on the basics of using humidifiers for babies.
What does a humidifier do?
Humidifiers are named for the job they do. Humidifiers work by adding moisture to the air, otherwise known as humidity. While cold, dry air pulls moisture out of the body, moist air adds moisture back into the body.
The tank of the humidifier holds water which is then slowly dispersed into the air. Some people also add essential oils to the water to help open their airways.
Are humidifiers good for babies with colds?
Yes. When you’re dealing with baby congestion like a stuffy nose or cough, there is little you can do to help. Most medications are not approved for use with babies.
Humidifiers are completely safe to use for babies with colds. You can safely place one in your baby’s room, add a few drops of essential oils, and rest assured knowing your baby is benefiting from the moist air.
Humidifiers help babies with colds in several ways including:
- Making a cough more productive
- Adding moisture to the nasal passage and sinuses
- Thinning and loosening mucus
- Adding moisture to dry skin
Do pediatricians recommend humidifiers?
Yes. In fact, this was one of the first cold remedy recommendations I received from my child’s pediatrician.
Most pediatricians will advise you to use a cool-mist vaporizer. This is to prevent burns from hot vapor. They’ll also tell you to be sure you clean the tank regularly to prevent mold growth.
Is it okay to have a humidifier on all night for a baby?
Yes. Thankfully, it’s completely safe to run a humidifier all night in your child’s room. This often has great benefits for a sleeping baby.
The moist air will keep them from waking often to cough or clear mucus. It will also help clear their nasal passages so they can breathe a little easier.
How to Choose the Best Humidifier for Your Baby
If you start shopping for the best humidifier, you’ll quickly learn that the options are endless. Some humidifiers include a night light, some are both a humidifier and a diffuser, and others will connect to your smartphone.
There are a few factors you’ll want to consider when buying a baby humidifier. Here are some questions to get you started in the right direction:
What type of humidifiers are there?
There are 3 basic types of humidifiers that you’ll come across when looking for the best baby humidifier for your child. These include:
- Warm-mist humidifier
These humidifiers heat the water and release warm vapor into the air. As a plus, this process kills all bacteria and mold. However, there is a chance your child could get burned by the vapor.
- Cool-mist humidifier
A cool mist humidifier uses a filter that reduces water impurities. The filter absorbs water from the tank and then a fan blows on the filter. This releases clean, cool vapor into the air.
A cool-mist humidifier water tank will need to be cleaned often to prevent mold growth. The filter will also need to be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
- Ultrasonic cool-mist humidifier
An ultrasonic humidifier also uses a cool mist to add humidity. It does this through a vibrating mechanism in the water tank. However, instead of just releasing water vapor, it actually releases water droplets into the air.
The water droplets allow the machine to humidify a room very effectively. However, too much moisture can cause water damage or mold to grow in a bedroom. So it’s important that you purchase an ultrasonic humidifier with a humidity detector and auto shut-off feature.
How long will the humidifier run?
Some parents prefer the humidifier to run all night long. Others like to have a set amount of time they can leave the humidifier to run. When purchasing a humidifier, pay attention to the run time.
A nice feature to look for is an auto shut-off feature. This means the humidifier will turn off if the room gets too humid or if the tank runs out of water.
What other features come with the humidifier?
Some humidifiers do more than just add moisture to the room. We currently have a cool-mist humidifier in our home that doubles as a diffuser. It’s a feature I really appreciate since I can add essential oils to the tank.
Here are some popular features humidifiers might offer:
- Night light
- Whisper quiet technology
- WiFi capabilities to connect to your smartphone
- Diffuser
FAQs
What is the ideal humidity for a baby’s room?
A baby’s room should be kept somewhere between 30% and 60%. Humidity levels higher than 60% can promote mold growth.
How often should you clean your baby’s humidifier?
Your baby’s humidifier should be cleaned at least once a week. The best way to clean a humidifier is to add vinegar and water to the tank. After letting it sit for 15 minutes, you can gently scrub the tank clean.
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