The Best Humidifiers to Keep Baby Happy and Healthy
When it’s chilly outside, we all want to keep our little ones warm and toasty indoors—but central heat can be very dehydrating. Fortunately, you can keep your little one feeling happier and healthier with the help of a baby humidifier.
Dry air causes moisture to evaporate from the skin, and can irritate baby’s sensitive nasal passages. Using a nursery humidifier—especially when baby has a cold—can help alleviate stuffy noses and coughs, and ensure that everyone has a more restful night of sleep. Read on to learn more of the benefits of having a humidifier for baby, and browse our favorite products on the market right now.
First things first: Is a baby humidifier essential for your little love’s nursery? While it’s not an absolute necessity, it definitely comes in handy in certain situations. During dry, cold winter months, an infant humidifier will help to moisturize baby’s nasal passages, helping them to breathe easier, explains Denise Scott, MD, a pediatric endocrinologist based in Oklahoma. Additionally, the added moisture can help prevent mucus from getting too dry and hard to remove, says Natasha Burgert, MD, a pediatrician and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). So, while a humidifier for baby isn’t a must-have, you’ll appreciate how the device helps your child breathe (and sleep!) easier, when they’re feeling under the weather.
Using a baby humidifier in your infant’s nursery poses numerous health benefits. Here, a few advantages, as explained by the experts:
- Moisture. Adding moisture to baby’s environment will keep their nasal passages from getting too dry, which makes breathing easier, says Scott. “Babies are dependent on breathing through their noses, and can easily become congested,” she adds. A nursery humidifier can work wonders to alleviate that problem.
- Skin hydration. Scott says that, if baby is prone to eczema, an infant humidifier can help soothe dry skin by putting moisture back into the air—especially during winter months.
- White noise. Parents who are fans of white noise machines will like that humidifiers for babies create gentle, consistent background noise. This sound can even become a way of signaling to your child that it’s bedtime.
Using a humidifier for baby congestion can provide an array of benefits, but it’s essential to ensure the device is used correctly for your child’s health and safety. First of all, the AAP recommends that parents use a cool-mist humidifier rather than a hot-water version, as the latter releases warm steam that can potentially burn your child. Below, additional health and safety considerations to keep top of mind:
- Fire hazard risk. These devices can potentially be a fire hazard since water is near electrical cords, says Scott. Take precautions to make sure that your setup is safe and secure.
- Mold. Due to the moisture they create, humidifiers can be a source of mold and bacteria, if they’re not cleaned and checked regularly. To combat this, Scott recommends using distilled water, when possible, and changing the water daily. Burgert suggests looking for devices that are easy to take apart and clean to avoid mold and mildew buildup.
- Water damage to floors and furniture. Scott suggests keeping the humidity level in baby’s room between 30 to 50 percent, which can be measured with a gauge; some infant humidifiers will automatically measure this. Watch out for damp areas, and don’t run the machine when the room is unoccupied.
- Excessive moisture. If your little one is asthmatic or prone to allergies, Scott recommends reserving the nursery humidifier for times of illness.
- Device placement. Once you find the best baby humidifier for your needs, be sure to properly read the owner’s manual, and place the device on a stable surface about five to six feet away from your child’s crib or bed. It should, ideally, be set on a tall piece of furniture that cannot be moved, with the cord and outlet tucked behind it.
Shopping around for the best humidifier for baby? It’s important to consider several factors, like how easy it is to clean, mist temperature and whether to go with an ultrasonic or traditional evaporative model. Cool mist baby humidifiers require more cleaning than warm-mist versions, but they also don’t pose a burn risk. Ultrasonic infant humidifiers are quiet, but they’re more expensive than evaporative ones, and they may not be as durable. What’s more, you’ll want to choose a baby humidifier that’s appropriate for the square footage of baby’s nursery. “Too large a size will create too much moisture for the room,” says Scott. Lastly, consider purchasing a device with an automatic shut-off feature so that it’ll stop running when the reservoir is empty.
The best baby humidifiers are typically just top-of-the-line humidifiers made for adults and kids alike. However, some boast additional tot-friendly features, such as cute designs, light projectors and quiet modes. To help you narrow the choices down, we’ve asked our readership—real parents, just like you—to tell us about their favorite humidifiers. Check out their thoughts below, alongside our picks for the best baby humidifiers available today.
Overall best humidifier for baby
First up on our list of the best baby humidifiers is our Best of Baby award-winner, of course. Canopy’s product is one of our favorites for little ones and adults alike, thanks to its unique mold-inhibiting technology and easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe parts. Instead of producing visible steam or mist, this innovative option simply puts filtered, hydrated air back into your living space. Just switch on the baby humidifier’s auto-mode to increase humidity at night or the moments it’s needed most. And if you’re a fan of aromatherapy, you’re in luck—this option also doubles as an essential oil diffuser.
Dimensions: 10" (L) x 7" (W) x 8" (H) | Weight: 3 lbs. | Capacity: 2.5 L | Running time: 36 hours | Coverage: 500 sq. ft.
“I bought this humidifier for two main reasons: it runs until it’s dry (no mold) and it’s easy to clean.” – Meredith, mother of two
- The only mold-inhibiting humidifier on the market
- Available in several fun colors and bundle options
- Ideal for babies, adults and everyone in between
- Doesn’t operate silently
- High price point
Best smart humidifier for baby
Searching for a smart humidifier for baby? Look no further than this option from Govee. The user-friendly device is Bluetooth- and app-compatible, so you can control its settings without disturbing baby in their nursery. Some of our favorite features of this baby humidifier include its top-fill design, its 360-degree rotating nozzle (to help evenly dispense mist) and its 6-liter tank that allows for up to 60 hours of continuous use. Plus, it’s equipped with an auto shut-off mode, so it will turn off once your desired humidity level is reached.
Dimensions: 7.3" (L) x 7.3" (W) x 18.3" (H) | Weight: 5.5 lbs. | Capacity: 6 L | Running time: 60 hours | Coverage: 600 sq. ft.
- Automatic shut-off mode
- Compatible with apps and Bluetooth-enabled devices
- Multipurpose design includes night light and aromatherapy features
- If you’re filling it with hard water, there may be mineral buildup after a few months of use
Best cool mist baby humidifier
The one-gallon capacity tank on this cool mist humidifier allows it to run on high for nine hours or on low for about 14 hours. The biggest selling point for this humidifier for babies is that it uses ultraviolet light to kill most bacteria before it’s released into the room. One drawback: This baby humidifier uses a filter as opposed to the more common nebulizer, so you have to change the filters every few months, which can be difficult to remember and somewhat pricey over the long haul.
Dimensions: 9.4" (L) x 17.9" (W) x 11.4" (H) | Weight: 8.4 lbs. | Capacity: 1.1 gal. | Running time: 24 hours | Coverage: N/A
“It’s effective, adjustable and easy to use. I like the size and portability of it.” – Samantha, mother of two
- Easy to clean; some parts are even dishwasher-safe
- Three fan levels
- Large unit
- No automatic shut-off feature
- Requires filters
Best 3-in-1 humidifier for baby
This parent-approved pick has thousands of five-star reviews—and with good reason. The 3-in-1 machine from FridaBaby is a humidifier, diffuser and night light all rolled into one versatile product. Using ultrasonic technology, the device turns water into a cool, hydrating mist. It has a mist adjuster, allowing you to create your ideal humidity level, and it can run continuously for up to 12 hours—then when it’s out of water, it will shut off automatically. Plus, your little one is sure to love the color-changing light feature!
Dimensions: 7.7" (L) x 7.9" (W) x 7.9" (H) | Weight: 2.5 lbs. | Capacity: 0.5 gal. | Running time: 12 hours | Coverage: 320 sq. ft.
“Really love how you can add essential oils to this humidifier. I also love that you can use it with the nightlight and you can use it without. The size is great and fits perfectly on a dresser.” – Carissa, mother of one
- Operates quietly
- Mist adjustment feature
- Color-changing night light setting can be turned on or off
- Reviewers say to clean once or twice weekly for optimal results
Best ultrasonic humidifier for baby
Standard baby humidifiers use a fan to dispense mist into the air. Ultrasonic models, on the other hand, contain a metal plate that vibrates at a high frequency, breaking apart the water particles and turning them into a cool vapor. This ultrasonic baby humidifier from Levoit boasts an advanced heating system that kills most bacteria and allows you to choose between cool or warm mist. It has a 1.5-gallon water tank, a humidity sensor and customizable settings, plus an aromatherapy compartment and a convenient remote control.
Dimensions: 11.3" (L) x 7" (W) x 10.5" (H) | Weight: 6.5 lbs. | Capacity: 6 L | Running time: 36 hours | Coverage: 750 sq. ft.
“It’s easy to clean, the noise level is nice and quiet and I like that the style is very simple.” – Joan, mother of one
- Customizable humidity settings
- Aromatherapy compartment
- Can be used in large rooms
- Fill opening is located at the base
- Some say the humidity sensor isn’t always accurate
Best portable humidifier for baby
If you’re planning a trip, consider packing this portable humidifier for baby congestion. This super-compact yet powerful device is lightweight and slim, so it can easily be toted in your carry-on or diaper bag. It has two mist modes, allowing you to create your ideal humidity level in minutes. An added bonus: This humidifier for babies is USB-compatible.
Dimensions: 2.6" (L) x 3.7" (W) x 4.9" (H) | Weight: 10.8 oz. | Capacity: 250 ml | Running time: 8 hours | Coverage: 65 sq. ft.
- Optional night light feature
- Runs quietly
- Slim, lightweight design
- Lid doesn’t latch or lock
- Suitable for small spaces
Best easy-to-clean baby humidifier
It’s important to keep baby humidifiers clean to ensure they’re dispensing healthy air—however, the job can be time-consuming and difficult to do correctly at times. That’s where this next pick comes in handy. This easy-to-clean baby humidifier from Miro is completely washable, meaning it can be totally dismantled, scrubbed down and then easily reassembled. The device is essentially a tankless humidifier, so the mist-maker floats inside a bowl of water, which is connected to the external control knob. It comes with a selection of different vapor caps, and the top-opening water bowl can be refilled while the unit is in use.
Dimensions: 14.3" (L) x 12.5" (W) x 12.3" (H) | Weight: 7.2 lbs. | Capacity: 1 gal. | Running time: 24 hours | Coverage: 600 sq. ft.
- Easy to refill
- Simple to clean
- Modern design
- High price point
Best baby humidifier for the whole house
Instead of running multiple humidifiers in every room, opt for a whole-house humidifier. This console-style unit can be used in houses up to 3,600 square feet, and it can run for up to 36 hours, thanks to its 3.6-gallon water tank. Set it to your desired humidity level, and it’ll shut off when the level is reached. Plus, this baby humidifier is easy to assemble, lightweight and durable.
Dimensions: 21.5" (L) x 14.5" (W) x 20.5" (H) | Weight: 14 lbs. | Capacity: 3.6 gal. | Running time: 36 hours | Coverage: 3,600 sq. ft.
- Automatically shuts off when custom humidity settings are reached
- Easy to fill and clean
- Ideal for large spaces
- Filters need to be changed monthly
- Large unit
Best affordable humidifier for baby
Stocking up on newborn essentials can get expensive, which is why we’re fans of this affordable humidifier for baby congestion. The machine features a 2.2-liter water tank, multiple mist settings and a rotating nozzle so that you can customize the humidity level in baby’s nursery with ease. Oh, and did we mention that it’s only $30? Talk about bang for your buck!
Dimensions: 5" (L) x 4" (W) x 10" (H) | Weight: 1.6 lbs. | Capacity: 2.2 L | Running time: 24 hours | Coverage: 400 sq. ft.
“It is easy to set up and use, and not noisy.” – Megan, mother of one
- Large water tank
- No filter needed
- Affordable price point
- Some reviewers say one tank doesn’t last for up to 24 hours
Best nursery humidifier
This next option functions as both a mist-maker and a night light, making it a dreamy nursery humidifier. The machine creates color-changing starry night projections that can be displayed alone or along with the baby humidifier. A Vicks scent pad can also be added to create a soothing menthol steam, and the wide tank opening makes it easyto fill and clean.
Dimensions: 10" (L) x 10" (W) x 12.4" (H) | Weight: 6.6 lbs. | Capacity: 1 gal. | Running time: 24 hours | Coverage: 400 sq. ft.
- Color-changing night light
- Adjustable mist settings
- Some reviewers report leaking
Best quiet humidifier for baby
This humidifier for babies is whisper-quiet, but it packs a mist-filled punch, as it can effectively hydrate a room up to 500 square feet. The machine automatically shuts off when the water level is low, and there’s no need to change a filter (though Crane does recommend a demineralization filter if you’re using hard water). The attractive design is an additional selling point, but be warned: The shape of the water tank makes it difficult to clean.
Dimensions: 8.6" (L) x 8.6" (W) x 13.4" (H) | Weight: 4 lbs. | Capacity: 1 gal. | Running time: 24 hours | Coverage: 500 sq. ft.
“It’s relatively easy to use, and it has good output—you can really get good moisture in the room when you close the door.” – Lauren, expectant mother
- Automatically shuts off
- Aesthetically pleasing design available in multiple colors
- Filter doesn’t need to be changed
- Shape makes it difficult to clean
Best kids’ humidifier
Your little one is sure to love this adorable cool mist baby humidifier; we can’t get enough of the sweet elephant option! Available in 15 different designs—ranging from a hippo to a train—these nursery humidifiers have all the features of a standard model but in kid-friendly shapes. This machine can humidify up to 500 square feet, has a one-gallon tank and produces a cool, hydrating mist that’ll keep baby happy and healthy even in the driest weather.
Dimensions: 9" (L) x 9" (W) x 12.8" (H) | Weight: 3 lbs. | Capacity: 1 gal. | Running time: 24 hours | Coverage: 500 sq. ft.
“It was in the shape of an elephant and we had a safari-themed nursery—it works well! And it has a slot for essential oils which we used when he got colds.” – Martha, mother of one
- Too-cute design
- Doesn’t need a filter to function
- Automatically shuts off when the tank is empty
- Can’t be used with essential oils
- Some animal shapes may be difficult to clean
We get it—parenting requires a lot of gear, and it can be hard to find the best fit for your family. To streamline your decision-making process, our goal is to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers.
To decide which products are the best options on the market, we leverage our familiarity with leading baby brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers. We read user reviews and surveyed our readers to get the low-down on how these products work for families, and typically don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. And since many of us are also parents, we rely on our writers’ and editors’ experience using these products with their own families.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Denise Scott, MD, is a pediatrician with JustAnswer and a pediatric endocrinologist based in Oklahoma. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch, and completed her residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, with a fellowship at the National Institutes of Health.
Natasha Burgert, MD, is a pediatrician in Overland Park, Kansas, and a spokesperson for the AAP. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
