Winter months bring frigid temperatures and dry air, it’s important to ensure that you’re taking care of your baby. One way to do this is by using a humidifier in the nursery. Humidifiers keep babies’ noses moist, which can help reduce congestion or allergies caused from dry indoor air.
They also help prevent dry skin and cracked lips. With so many benefits, it’s worth considering adding a humidifier to your home! But how do you know which type of humidifier is best? We’ll discuss some tips for choosing the right one below!
Humidifiers are divided into three primary categories: warm mist, cool mist, and ultrasonic. We’ll explain the benefits of each type below so you can decide which one is best!
Warm Mist Humidifiers
Warm mist humidifiers are also known as steam vaporizers. These devices release warm steam to humidify the air in your home. Some models use a special filter to help trap minerals and germs that may be present in tap water, such as arsenic, lead and mercury. However some filters don’t do a great job of filtering out minerals, which means they won’t provide great overall cleanliness and shouldn’t be used around children under six months of age.
Benefits:
#1: Aroma is an important part of baby’s first year. Warm mist humidifiers can help create a homey and comforting environment for your little one. A warm mist humidifier creates a smooth and gentle steam that isn’t too hot or too cold. Some models are very sweet smelling, especially if they use essential oils, so your baby will surely enjoy the aromas!
#2: Many people report healthier skin and fewer colds in their babies because of the preservative-free moisturizing effects of the warm mist.
#3: The heat from a warm mist humidifier will dissipate the moisture in the air, so it’s always a safe option to use.
#4: Newborns are at an increased risk for skin dehydration and SIDS. Warm mist humidifiers are especially helpful for preventing these issues, as they can provide babies with extra moisture after they’ve been born and don’t need to be placed on their back to breathe like other types of humidifiers.
#5: Warm mist humidifiers have been shown to help prevent respiratory issues in children 6 months and older. Traditional cool mist has not been found to reduce symptoms such as coughing or wheezing.
There are many models of warm mist humidifiers available, but they are fairly similar. Some models come with an external pump so you can add water through the same reservoir as your regular water dispenser. Other models feature an internal tank that holds water directly. Use these instructions when filling a warm mist humidifier with clean and pure tap water!
Cool Mist Humidifiers
Cool mist humidifiers operate in a similar manner to warm mist, but instead of releasing warm steam they release cold water vapor into the air. The air is warmed by the heater present in the unit, allowing moisture to be released at room temperature. Cool mist humidifiers are particularly useful for bedrooms where heat may cause sleeping discomfort or health risks including SIDS. Cool mist humidifiers also work well in rooms where you don’t want to disturb your baby’s sleep with loud noise. These units are not recommended for nurseries since there is some risk of bacteria and mineral buildup due to the cool surface of the device.
EVERLASTING COMFORT
Benefits:
#1: Cool mist humidifiers are ideal for young children since they are cool to the touch and easy to operate. Some models come with a joystick control panel that is child-friendly.
#2: These devices can be used in nurseries, even though cool mist gives off less moisture than warm mist. With a directly-located water tank, you don’t have to worry about spilling water near your baby’s crib. This makes it easier for you to maintain the unit since you won’t have to worry about getting water on your little one!
#3: The air isn’t heated, unlike warm mist humidifiers and most ultrasonic humidifiers, so there is little risk of burns.
#4: Since cool mist units aren’t messy like warm mist, they are great for traveling. You can take one to a friend’s house or bring it on vacation.
Ultrasonic Humidifiers
Ultrasonic humidifiers are a new technology which utilizes high-frequency vibrations to create a cool mist. These units use much less energy than warm or cool mist humidifiers and can be incredibly quiet. With no moving parts, ultrasonic humidifiers are virtually maintenance free and can last for years with proper use. Ultrasonic technology is preferred over older models of cool mist because they do not have to heat the water as much as other models do, which decreases the chance of bacteria growth in the reservoir and surrounding area.
Benefits:
#1: Ultrasonic humidifiers are portable and easy to use. Simply fill the water tank and plug it in to get started! These units can be used in nurseries or any other room of your home since they are quiet and don’t produce much heat. They also produce very low levels of white noise, unlike other types of humidifiers.
#2: Ultrasonic humidifiers benefit your baby because they filter out bacteria, minerals and germs found in tap water. These units don’t need to use filters, unlike warm and cool mist humidifiers.
#3: Ultrasonic humidifiers don’t leave mineral deposits on your furniture and walls like other types of humidifiers.
#4: Units that come with a remote control are very easy to use and adjust.
Whether warm, cool or ultrasonic, a humidifier is a must-have for any nursery. Be sure to use this buying guide as an informational resource if you’re looking into purchasing a new humidifier of any size!
