- Works with Vicks VapoPads
- Auto shut-off when empty
- Comes in a few different colorways
- Variable output settings
- Great for cold season
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Updated March 12, 2024
When it comes to shopping for products for your baby, you probably want the best of the best—especially if you’re buying something that is designed to improve their health and comfort. That’s why the market for baby humidifiers is so saturated. They seriously come in handy to relieve nasal congestion, make it easier for an infant to breathe, prevent dry and irritated skin, and support comfortable sleep.
What to consider when buying a humidifier for a baby
Cool mist
The best kind of humidifier for a baby is one that releases cool mist, known as a cool mist humidifier. This kind of humidifier does not heat the water before releasing it, which makes it safer for use around infants and children, as it reduces the risk of burns or injury.
Safety
It’s smart to shop for a humidifier that has safety features like automatic shut-off when the water tank is empty and that is easy to clean so you don’t have to worry about bacteria and mold buildup.
Settings
Adjustable settings can come in handy so that you can properly control the percentage of humidity in your baby’s room—it should ideally be between 30 and 50 percent so bacteria and mold don’t grow.
Reviews
Last, but not least, it’s a good idea to check out reviews on baby humidifiers to see what has worked—and what hasn’t worked—for other parents.
Our top picks for best humidifier for a baby
Best humidifier for baby congestion: Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier
Best humidifier for baby congestion
Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier
This is a fun humidifier for your baby’s room because it projects three dream-inspired images onto your baby’s walls—a starry night, the ocean, or safari. It’s also great for cold and flu season, since you can add one of Vicks VapoPads, which fills the room with soothing menthol to help relieve congestion. It’s easy to use and clean, which can be hugely helpful when you’re a tired new parent.
Specifications:
- Tank capacity: One gallon
- Mist type: Cool mist
- Run time: Up to 24 hours
- Room size: 200 - 400 square feet
- Dimensions: 10.24 x 9.84 x 11.22 inches
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
- Fan speeds: N/A
- Price on publish: $74.99
What we like:
What we don't Like:
- Blows in all sorts of directions
The bottom line:
If you’re looking for a humidifier that can help alleviate your baby’s congestion, this one offers the additional benefit of Vicks VapoPads, which adds soothing menthol to the air.
Get it here: Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier
Best smart humidifier for a baby: Safety 1st Connected Smart Humidifier
Best smart humidifier for a baby
Safety 1st Connected Smart Humidifier
If you’re the kind of parent who likes to control devices like portable monitors straight from your smartphone, you’ll love this humidifier, which connects to an app that allows you to monitor humidity levels and adjust settings from anywhere. It comes with safety features like automatic shut-off and overheat protection and includes helpful in-app reminders for when the water is low or it’s time for a good cleaning. This would also make a great baby shower gift.
Specifications:
- Tank capacity: One gallon
- Mist type: Cool mist
- Run time: 24 hours
- Room size: 500 square feet
- Dimensions: 9.76 x 9.76 x 13.19 inches
- Weight: 5.25 pounds
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
- Fan speeds: 3
- Price on publish: $63.99
What we like:
- In-app adjustability and reminders
- Touch display
- Easy to use
- Built-in night light
What we don't Like:
- The app can be wonky sometimes
The bottom line:
If you like to access your devices via smartphone, this is a great humidifier for you—adjust all settings with the click of a button from any room in your house.
Get it here: Safety 1st Connected Smart Humidifier
Best humidifier with air purifier: Dyson Purifier Humidify + Cool PH03
Best humidifier with air purifier
Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH03 (Black/Nickel)
If the price tag doesn’t scare you away, this is one of the most innovative and effective humidifiers on the market—and it comes complete with an air purifier inside that automatically senses and captures pollutants in your baby’s room. You don’t have to worry so much about the quality of water you use in this thing, since it hygienically humidifies the air using ultraviolet technology to remove 99.9% of bacteria in the water. It has a HEPA filter inside and comes with a 2-year warranty—so you can get your money’s worth over time.
Specifications:
- Tank capacity: One gallon
- Mist type: Cool mist
- Run time: 36 hours
- Room size: 800 square ft
- Dimensions: 11.02 x 12.28 x 36.33 inches
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
- Fan speeds: 10
- Price on publish: $899.99
What we like:
- It’s a humidifier and air purifier in one
- HEPA filter removes 99.97% of allergens as small as 0.3 microns
- Activated carbon traps odors
- Comes with a two-year warranty
What we don't Like:
- Super expensive
The bottom line:
Despite its jaw-dropping price tag, this humidifier and air purifier works hard to remove allergens and odors from your infant’s room while maintaining optimal humidity.
Get it here: Dyson Purifier Humidify + Cool PH03
Read, Also: The Best Baby Gifts for Newborns to Make Life Easier for New Parents
Best budget humidifier for baby: Safety 1st 360 Degree Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
Best budget humidifier for baby
Safety 1st 360 Degree Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
Safety 1st makes another great humidifier that’s super efficient, but not as tech-forward as their Connected Smart Humidifier. It’s budget friendly, pricing in at only $33, and comes with two separate vents that allow you to have the mist blowing in opposite directions of your baby’s room. You can adjust the moisture level and not have to worry about leaving it on, thanks to its automatic shut-off feature.
Specifications:
- Tank capacity: 0.66 gallons
- Mist type: Cool mist
- Run time: 24 hours
- Room size: 100 - 300 square feet
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 x 8.5 inches
- Weight: 3.2 pounds
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
- Fan speeds: Adjustable knob
- Price on publish: $32.99
What we like:
- It’s small and lightweight
- Comes with two vents that point in opposite directions
- Budget friendly
What we don't Like:
- Small tank capacity
- Room size is only 100 - 300 square feet
The bottom line:
For the price, this is a great cool-mist humidifier to keep your baby’s nursery nice and moist during the dry winter months.
Get it here: Safety 1st 360 Degree Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
Quietest humidifier for a baby: Pure Enrichment MistAire™ Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Quietest humidifier for a baby
Pure Enrichment MistAire™ Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
The last thing you want to do in an attempt to make your baby’s sleep environment more peaceful is place a device in there that makes a loud noise. Unfortunately, some humidifiers are quite loud. This one by Pure Enrichment is known to be super quiet and sold at a reasonable price point. It has a night-light mode and a 360-degree nozzle that mists cool, moist air in all directions of your baby’s room.
Specifications:
- Tank capacity: 0.45 gallons
- Mist type: Cool mist
- Run time: 12 hours on high, 25 hours on low
- Room size: 250 square feet
- Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 9 inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
- Fan speeds: 2
- Price on publish: $39.99
What we like:
- It’s super quiet
- Has amazing reviews
- Automatic shut-off
- BPA-free
- Five-year warranty
What we don't Like:
- Small tank
The bottom line:
This quiet humidifier has a night-light mode, automatic shut-off, and incredible reviews but it does have a small tank.
Get it here: Pure Enrichment MistAire™ Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Easiest to clean humidifier for baby: Honeywell Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier
Easiest to clean humidifier for baby
Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier for Medium Rooms 400 sq ft White HCM350
As any parent who’s come before you will tell you, humidifiers are great, but they can be a pain to clean. That’s what’s so great about this one—it works well, prevents 99.99% of mold growth on the filter, and it features a patented antimicrobial, Aquastat, that helps cut down on the growth of bacteria and mold. Cleaning it is easy—just open the large tank, rinse with vinegar and water, and refill. You can also wash this in the dishwasher!
Specifications:
- Tank capacity: 1.1 gallons
- Mist type: Cool mist
- Run time: 24 hours
- Room size: Medium
- Dimensions: 17.9 x 9.37 x 11.4 inches
- Weight: 8.36 pounds
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Fan speeds: 3
- Price on publish: $79.95
What we like:
- The tank is dishwasher safe
- Three speed settings
- Easy to use and clean
- Three-year warranty
- Quiet
What we don't Like:
- Requires replacement filters and replacement antimicrobial cartridges
The bottom line:
If you’re looking to streamline the cleaning process, this humidifier has all of the bells and whistles—and the removable tank can go right in your dishwasher.
Get it here: Honeywell Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier
Best humidifier for toddlers: Canopy Humidifier
Best humidifier for toddlers
Canopy Humidifier
This humidifier is great for infants and toddlers alike. It uses Smart Persistent Airflow (SPA)™ technology and ultraviolet LEDs which combat mold and even comes with the option of adding essential oil, which older kids love. It’s easy to use and to clean and comes with parts that are dishwasher safe, which parents love.
Specifications:
- Tank capacity: 0.66 gallons
- Mist type: Cool
- Run time: 36 hours
- Room size: 500 square feet
- Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 7 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Fan speeds: N/A
- Price on publish: $150
What we like:
- Dishwasher safe
- Can fill a larger bedroom
- Dermatologist-approved
- Comes in six colors
What we don't Like:
- Doesn’t hold much water at one time
The bottom line:
This dishwasher safe humidifier is great for older kids since it can fill a larger space and doesn’t release heavy mist.
Get it here: Canopy Humidifier
Best large-room humidifier for baby: Levoit OasisMist® 1000S Smart Ultrasonic Cool Mist Tower Humidifier
Best large-room humidifier for baby
Levoit OasisMist® 1000S Smart Ultrasonic Cool Mist Tower Humidifier
If you’re looking to invest in a humidifier you can use for any room, and for your baby’s for the time being, this is a great option. It’s rather large, but it has a run time of 100 hours and can fill a room size of 600 square feet. You can connect to its VeSync app that allows you to control settings, monitor humidity levels, and set schedulers and timers.
Specifications:
- Tank capacity: 2.6 gallons
- Mist type: Warm and cool mist
- Run time: 100 hours
- Room size: 300 - 600 square feet
- Dimensions: 8.4 x 10 x 28.7 inches
- Weight: 6.4 pounds
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
- Fan speeds: N/A
- Price on publish: $149.99
What we like:
- Has both warm and cool mist capabilities
- Run time of up to 100 hours
- Can fill 600 square feet of room space
- Quiet (less than 28 dB)
- Comes with aromatherapy pads
What we don't Like:
- Super bulky
The bottom line:
If you don’t mind its large size, this humidifier is durable and ideal for any room in your house—including your baby’s.
Get it here: Levoit OasisMist® 1000S Smart Ultrasonic Cool Mist Tower Humidifier
Best filter-free humidifier for a baby: Crane 1 Gal. Drop Cool-Mist Humidifier
Best filter-free humidifier for a baby
Crane Cool Mist Drop Shape Humidifier White
This is a great humidifier for your baby’s room. It comes in eight different colorways, from blue to pink, and is easy to clean. It fills 500 square feet and runs 24 hours long. You can adjust the humidity to the appropriate level and not worry about shutting it off thanks to its automatic feature. The only downside is that you can’t turn down its light, which can be distracting for some babies.
Specifications:
- Tank capacity: 1 gallon
- Mist type: Cool mist
- Run time: 24 hours
- Room size: 500 square feet
- Dimensions: 8.6 x 18.6 x 13.4 inches
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
- Fan speeds: Adjustable knob
- Price on publish: $39.86
What we like:
- Fills a decent-size room
- Automatic shut-off
- Comes in several colorways
- FDA-registered device
- BPA-free
What we don't Like:
- Can be too bright for some babies
The bottom line:
This is a very average cool-mist humidifier that comes with the expected bells and whistles, works efficiently, and you can choose from eight fun colors to match your baby’s room.
Get it here: Crane 1 Gal. Drop Cool-Mist Humidifier
Best small humidifier for a baby: Vicks Mini Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier
Best small humidifier for a baby
Vicks Mini Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier, Small Room, .5 Gallon Tank, Blue – Visible Humidifier for Bedrooms, Baby Nurseries and More, Works with VapoPads
If you’re looking for a small humidifier or one that’s easy for travel, this is a great buy. It’s easy to use, low maintenance, and designed for small rooms like a nursery. You can insert one of Vicks VapoPads, which can come in handy if your child’s congested or fighting a cold.
Specifications:
- Tank capacity: 0.5 gallons
- Mist type: Cool mist
- Run time: 20 hours
- Room size: 250 square feet
- Dimensions: 8.11 x 9.40 inches
- Weight: 3.79 pounds
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
- Fan speeds: Adjustable knob
- Price on publish: $34.99
What we like:
- Built-in night light
- Easy cleaning
- Quiet
- Can control the mist output
What we don't Like:
- Hard to fill the small tank
The bottom line:
This humidifier covers all the bases—it’s quiet, easy to use, and helpful when your baby is fighting a cold.
Get it here: Vicks Mini Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier
How to use and maintain a humidifier for a baby
Using a baby humidifier is relatively simple. First, make sure you read the instruction manual, which will tell you what kind of water to use and how to fill the water reservoir. Ideally, avoid using tap water, which contains minerals and bacteria. Adjust the settings appropriately to obtain the optimal humidity of between 30 and 50%. Lastly, be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent bacteria and mold growth. Your instruction manual will likely provide you with information on how often to replace the filter (if there is one), and how to best clean your humidifier—often a mild solution of vinegar and water will do the trick.
Installation and setup guide
Follow these step-by-step instructions for installing and setting up your baby’s humidifier.
Choose the right type of humidifier. There are many different types of humidifiers on the market, but the most ideal type of an infant is a cool-mist humidifier, which only releases cold moisture into the room as opposed to hot.
Decide where you want it to go. Select a location for your baby’s humidifier—ideally one that is not close to the crib or anywhere the baby can access it.
Assemble the humidifier. Following the manufacturer’s directions, put together the humidifier properly—with all pieces intact. Usually, a humidifier comes in two or three pieces—and putting it together is as simple as attaching the water tank to the base.
Fill it with the right water. It’s best not to use tap water, but instead distilled or demineralized water to fill the humidifier's water tank. Tap water can contain impurities that could pose a health risk to your baby.
Adjust the settings. Most humidifiers have adjustable settings to control the level of humidity in the room. Try to aim for humidity levels between 30 and 50% so there’s less of a chance for bacteria and mold to grow.
Clean and maintain it often. Ideally once every week, empty the water tank and rinse your baby’s humidifier thoroughly. You can also disinfect it with a solution of vinegar and water. Let it dry fully before putting the pieces back together.
Humidity control and monitoring
It’s ideal that your baby’s humidifier stays within the range of 30 to 50% humidity. This helps prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, which is more likely to develop at higher humidity. Additionally, higher percentages of humidity can create a damp environment that may exacerbate any respiratory issues that your baby may have at the time.
How we tested and selected the best humidifier for a baby
I combed through hundreds of reviews to find the best humidifiers for babies in each category, as well as talked to parents to find out which baby humidifiers worked best for them.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is a humidifier good for a baby?
Yes, a humidifier can be quite beneficial for an infant, who is more susceptible to respiratory issues due to their immature immune systems, especially during the winter time. The colder months also bring drier weather, as can indoor heating, so a humidifier can play a crucial role in restoring humidity levels to your baby’s room.
Is it OK for a baby to sleep with a humidifier?
Yes. It’s safe and even beneficial for a baby to sleep with a humidifier. It is, however, important to use the right water to fill the humidifier, to keep it clean to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, and to position it safely in your infant’s room. Also, monitor humidity levels to make sure that they don’t exceed 50%, which can promote mold and bacteria growth in the room.
What is the healthiest type of humidifier?
A cool-mist humidifier is the best choice for a baby because it poses less risk of accidental burns or injuries should it come in close contact with you or your baby.
What does a humidifier do for a baby?
A humidifier helps restore moisture levels back into the air, so they can come in handy for relieving nasal congestion should your baby be suffering from a cold or respiratory infection. It also helps prevent dry skin and reduces the risk of nosebleeds.
Can you use tap water in a humidifier?
It’s best not to use tap water in a humidifier because it contains minerals. It’s best, instead, to use distilled or demineralized water, which has been purified through a distillation process.
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