Humidifiers for Baby

For a baby's room, choose a cool mist humidifier rather than warm mist. Pediatric and consumer safety guidance favors cool mist because hot water and steam are a burn risk if a unit is knocked over. Keep nursery humidity between 30% and 50%, and clean the unit often.

Nursery checklist

• Cool mist only: ultrasonic or evaporative.
• Humidistat or auto mode, so the room does not climb above 50% to 60%.
• Quiet operation and a night light that switches off fully.
• Easy-clean tank with a wide opening. Mold and bacteria grow in neglected tanks.
• Distilled water for ultrasonic models, to avoid mineral dust.
• Placement: on a stable surface out of reach, a few feet from the crib, with the cord secured.

Easier refills are covered in Top-Fill Humidifiers. To clean the air too, see Air Purifiers for Nurseries.

FAQs

Is a cool mist or warm mist humidifier better for a baby?

Cool mist. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other safety groups recommend cool mist humidifiers for children because warm mist units heat water and can cause burns if touched or tipped. Cool mist units humidify the air just as effectively, so there is no benefit to warm mist in a nursery.

Where should a humidifier go in a nursery?

Place it on a stable surface a few feet from the crib, out of the baby's reach, with the cord secured away from little hands. Do not aim the mist directly at the crib or at furniture. A spot near the center of the room helps moisture spread evenly.

What humidity should a baby's room be?

Aim for 30% to 50% relative humidity, the range EPA recommends for homes. Higher levels can encourage mold and dust mites, and visible condensation on windows is a sign the room is too humid. A simple digital hygrometer in the nursery shows the level at a glance.