Dry air causes nasal congestion, dry cough, chapped lips, dry skin and can aggravate eczema. This is especially true for babies as their immune and respiratory systems are not fully developed. The best baby humidifier will irrigate the nose to release mucus, prevent sinus congestion and relieve allergy symptoms. It will also moisturise your baby’s skin to keep it soft and clear, and create a white noise that can comfort and lull babies to sleep.

Features we considered in our review included the tank capacity (to determine how long the unit will last before it needs refilling) and an auto shut-off feature (to see if it’s safe to leave it running overnight). We also looked at the ability of the humidifier to act as an oil diffuser for additional therapeutic benefits. Finally, we looked at dimensions for portability and storage options, as well as sound levels that won’t disturb your baby.

After seeking input from experts and parents who use these humidifiers every day, we’ve compiled a list of our top models and included it in this comprehensive review of the best baby humidifiers. The comparison table presents the final ranking of our top models based on a thorough review of their features, benefits and drawbacks. This is followed by a comprehensive buying guide with an FAQ segment and more details on the basics. At the end, you’ll also find a summary of our top three picks.

Aennon cool mist humidifier

It is a versatile 5-in-1 model that can be used as a humidifier, air purifier, ioniser, nebuliser, moisturiser and oil diffuser, which is worth the price.

It has a 2.8 litre water tank capacity that reduces the frequency of refilling and a 20 hour runtime that can be extended to 24 hours in small to medium sized rooms. The unit automatically detects when the water level is low and switches off.

It has a 360-degree nozzle with adjustable steam speed that gives you more control to focus humidification on any area of rooms from 200 to 300 square feet. Selection of settings is made easy with a control knob on the front of the unit. The stone filter removes odours and airborne particles to deliver clean steam.

The built-in LED display offers seven light colour options so you can choose the one that best suits your baby’s restful nights. You can program the colours to alternate automatically or turn them off if you prefer a dark room. As it is an ultrasonic humidifier, it is very quiet.

The device has been certified by ETL as being safe for children. The purchase comes with an online course, two e-books and three free scented sachets which, together with the built-in essential oil diffuser, add a fresh scent for a soothing and calming atmosphere. Note, however, that the design of the model makes cleaning the inside of the unit somewhat difficult.

 

LEVOIT Ultrasonic hot and cold mist humidifier

This unit has the technology, advanced features and powerful high mist output required by the best humidifier for a baby’s room. It is also the highest rated baby humidifier on Amazon. Since Amazon selects the best models based on popularity, high buyer ratings, low return rate and competitive prices, you can be sure of the quality and performance of this humidifier. Safety is also assured as it is CE and ETL certified.

LEVOIT is a hybrid model that serves as a hot and cold steam baby humidifier. It can heat water to a high temperature to destroy bacteria and increase humidity 25% faster than cold steamers.

A digital LED display shows the actual humidity level in your baby’s room so you can set it as you wish.

A handy remote control and user-friendly touchpad allow you to select and change settings. You can also set it to Auto mode for automatic detection and adjustment of humidity levels, or use the built-in timer with an auto shut-off function.

The water tank is made of durable ABS plastic with a special anti-leak design. Its large capacity of six litres allows you to humidify your baby’s room for up to three days without having to refill it. A maximum steam output of 500 ml/hr humidifies the entire room in just a few minutes. Thanks to its large coverage area, it is also an excellent humidifier for large rooms.

The unit works as an essential oil diffuser and comes with two additional aromas and two absorption pads which, together with the quiet operation, make it a decent sinus humidifier that provides a soothing and peaceful environment for babies in the nursery.

Vicks filterless ultrasonic visible cool mist humidifier

This is the best humidifier for a sick or allergy-prone baby, as it has a medical stone filter that removes airborne impurities and bacteria for clean, healthy air.

The water tank has a capacity of three litres, which reduces the rate of refilling and increases the humidity level for up to 30 hours depending on the mist output mode selected: low, medium or high. When the water level is low, an orange light flashes for ten seconds and the humidifier automatically shuts off to protect the unit from damage caused by overheating.

The leak-proof top-fill design is very convenient: there is no need to remove the lid or turn off the unit to fill it. The opening is also large enough for you to reach the tank and clean it without removing it. In addition to the one-year warranty, the manufacturer also offers a 3-year limited warranty.

VicTsing Cold Mist Humidifier 2L

This ultrasonic device has a two litre translucent blue water tank that can humidify your baby’s room for up to 24 hours without the need for refilling. The unit works flawlessly and efficiently, making it the perfect humidifier for moisturising dry skin and eliminating sinus problems. When the water level is low, the LED light turns from green to red and the humidifier automatically shuts off. The LED light does not go out, which can be annoying if your baby prefers a dark room. Some buyers remedy this problem by placing tape over it.

At only 2.5 pounds and with a small footprint, this humidifier is compact enough to fit on any bedside table. The ergonomic handle has an arched shape and a non-slip groove for a firm grip and portability. It also makes it easy to charge and clean.

Steam is emitted from a fully rotating nozzle and angled at 45 degrees for greater coverage. You can control the speed of the steam output by turning the control knob on the lower front of the humidifier. Normally, humidifiers become noisy when you set the speed to maximum, but not this model. Because it uses high frequency vibrations instead of a fan, it only generates 30 decibels of noise at maximum speed, which is quieter than a laptop and won’t disturb your baby’s peaceful sleep.

The airflow duct is tube-shaped, which increases humidification by 20%. It is advisable to place the unit at least 15 cm away from the walls so that the steam emission is not restricted.

Crane USA Cold Steam Humidifier without filter for children

Crane is a humidifier designed for children that looks just right. It features a cute monkey design that adds fun to your baby’s room.

It is made of BPA-free and anti-microbial material with Clean Control technology that prevents the growth of mould and bacteria.

The water tank has a large capacity of 3.8 litres which can humidify rooms up to 500 square feet for 24 hours without needing to be refilled. When the water level is low, the unit automatically shuts off.

One of the best features of this model is its filterless operation, which eliminates the hassle of cleaning and replacing filters.

The nozzle rotates 360 degrees to humidify the entire space, and you can direct it to focus on one area of the room. A dial allows you to adjust the amount of moisture emitted, which also has an impact on the overall run time. The higher the setting, the less time the unit will run on a single charge.

The ultrasonic technology generates a quiet sound that serves as a pleasant white noise to rock your baby.

Note, however, that a number of customers have noticed leaks when the water level is low.

What benefits can a humidifier bring to your baby?

Improved air quality

Different humidifiers remove bacteria, allergens and other impurities from the atmosphere using different methods. The LEVOIT Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier heats water to a high temperature to kill bacteria, the Crane USA Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier for Kids uses Clean Control technology.

Alleviates respiratory problems

Dry air can cause coughing, sinusitis and nasal congestion. Increased humidity loosens mucus, unclogs stuffy noses and lubricates the throat to improve breathing. The FDA recommends humidifiers as a safer alternative to over-the-counter cough medicines for babies under two years old.

Skin protection

Dry air causes chapping and cracking of the skin due to dehydration. Humidifiers moisturise the skin so that it can retain moisture and remain soft and clean.

Promotes better sleep

Humidifiers generate a white noise that can lull your baby to sleep. The Aennon Cool Mist Humidifier and Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Visible Cool Mist Humidifier work with essential oils and VapoPads, respectively, for their soothing therapeutic properties. Apparently, a baby who does not have congestion problems will also sleep better.

Features to consider when choosing a baby humidifier

The following features should serve as a checklist for choosing the best baby humidifier. Otherwise, the different types and variants of humidifiers available will make your selection process difficult.

Type of mist

There are two main types of mist that baby humidifiers can produce: warm and cool.

Warm mist humidifiers (such as the LEVOIT ultrasonic warm and cool mist humidifier, which allows you to choose between the two types of mist) heat the water and then release it into the room as steam. The risk of burning is what makes them unsuitable for babies. However, they are best at killing bacteria because of the high temperature. They also work well with essential oils by heating them first to add a soothing aroma to the air your baby breathes.

Cool mist humidifiers use evaporation to turn water into steam. They are popular as baby humidifiers, although they are noisy because of the built-in fans inside. They fight bacteria with filters and cartridges rather than heat, as is the case with hot steam humidifiers.

Water tank capacity

Baby humidifiers have water tanks of varying volumes. This capacity is usually indicated on the packaging or in the product description.

A large capacity is convenient because it reduces the frequency of filling the tank and can be used for a longer period of time. The Aennon Cool Mist humidifier has a water tank capacity of 2.8 litres that can run for up to 20 hours on low setting. Look for a model with a tank capacity that can sustain the unit for at least 12 hours to last all night, so you don’t have to wake up from sleep to refill it.

Fog time

This is the length of time the humidifier can operate with a full tank without running out of water. A high capacity water tank with a low mist flow rate results in a longer period of operation. For example, the LEVOIT Warm and Cool Mist ultrasonic humidifier has a six-litre water tank capacity and a 36-hour runtime.

A long running time reduces the number of times you need to refill the water tank. Knowing the run time will also guide you when programming your preferred humidity levels in models with built-in humidistats, or when selecting the misting rate in variable speed humidifiers. Operating the unit on a high setting increases the volume of mist produced and reduces the overall running time.

Noise level

One of the features that determine the best baby humidifier is its quiet operation. Many humidifiers are noisy due to the presence of fans. However, most baby humidifiers use ultrasonic technology instead of fans and are therefore much quieter when operating. The white noise emitted will soothe the baby to sleep.

You can reduce the level of noise generated by running the unit at the lowest speed. Some models also have a sleep mode for quiet, peaceful nights.

Automatic shut-off

The automatic shut-off mechanism has become a standard safety feature in almost all baby humidifiers. When the water level in the reservoir is low, the unit automatically shuts off to save energy and protect the humidifier from damage caused by overheating. The shut-off function can also be used with programmable humidity levels to automatically turn off the unit when the set humidity level is reached. A good example of this type of model is the LEVOIT Warm and Cool Mist ultrasonic humidifier.

Essential oil diffusers

Some models, such as the Aennon Cool Mist Humidifier and the LEVOIT Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier, are a combination of a humidifier and a diffuser that works with essential oils to emit a fresh, soothing scent with the steam. Aromatherapy essential oils provide a soothing and relaxing atmosphere for the baby to help him fall asleep faster.

Dimensions

The best humidifier for a child’s room should be compact in size and light in weight so that it can be easily carried and placed on a bedside table in the child’s room. The dimensions also influence the shape of the humidifier and determine how easy it is to clean and refill.

In general, larger humidifiers have a larger capacity to humidify larger rooms. Manufacturers indicate the coverage area in square feet so you can identify the right size of unit that can keep your baby’s room at an ideal humidity level of 40-60%. A unit that is too small will not provide enough coverage for your baby’s room, while a model designed for a larger room will emit too much steam and cause mould.

Additional features

Humidistat: A built-in humidistat detects the existing humidity level in the baby’s room and automatically adjusts it to the optimum programmed level of between 40% and 60%.

Timer: This convenient feature allows you to program the time for the humidifier to automatically turn on and start working.

Filters required: Not all baby humidifiers are supplied with filters. For example, the Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Visible Cool Mist Humidifier and Crane USA Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier for Kids do not come with filters. The filters remove odours and airborne particles to release a clean mist. Depending on the model, the filter may need to be cleaned or replaced to prevent bacteria and mould build-up. Humidifiers without filters are therefore easier to maintain and reduce replacement costs.

Adjustable Settings: Preset settings remove the guesswork in choosing the right humidification intensity and also offer a variety of options such as digital display for information and feedback, speed control, water level indicator and night light for a soft, ambient sleep, which give us more control and enhance our experience.

Warranty: As a humidifier is used often, it is important to buy a model that is covered for any defects you may encounter.

Accessories: This depends on the manufacturer and brand. The Aennon Cool Mist humidifier comes with three scented sachets, while the LEVOIT Warm and Cool Mist ultrasonic humidifier comes with two additional aroma pads and two absorption pads. It also includes a remote control for added convenience.

Our verdict

The Aennon Cool Mist Humidifier is our top humidifier for a baby’s room because, as well as having a long running time, a spacious reservoir, a digital display and several night colours, it also gives you five functions in one unit: a humidifier, air purifier, ioniser, nebuliser, moisturiser and oil diffuser. It is one of the few models that can work with essential oils to improve the atmosphere in your baby’s room and provide a relaxing ambience.

The LEVOIT Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier is distinguished by its dual functionality that gives us the best of both warm and cool mist humidifiers. It has digital sensors, essential oil compatibility, a large capacity tank and an impressive battery life of up to three days. You can leave it on for a whole weekend if you need to.

The Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Visible Cool Mist Humidifier was our third choice, as well as our best humidifier for a sick baby with dry cough, nasal congestion, and allergic reactions. The medical stone filter removes airborne impurities and bacteria for clean, healthy, breathable air.