Baby Humidifiers: Product Guide & Review of Styles, Features, & Safety 

Cool Mist

Evaporative • Evaporative cool-mist humidifiers use a fan to blow air through a porous absorbent pad (called a wick or filter). These wicks need to be replaced every couple of months, but this isn't prohibitively expensive or overly complicated. However, evaporative cool-mist humidifiers are usually the loudest.

Ultrasonic • Ultrasonic humidifiers, which use sound waves to transform water into a cool, cloudy mist, are the most expensive type. They are nearly silent when running, but the dry-ice-like vapor can humidify more than just the air – including any linen within range!

Impeller • Impeller models employ a spinning disk that creates moist droplets that are dispersed in the air.

Warm Mist

Steam/Vaporizer • Warm-mist humidifiers tend to be the cheapest of the three, but they consume more electricity since the water is actually boiled before being released. Some models will cool down the moisture before it is released into the air.

Tabletop (for single rooms)
These are the least expensive type to buy, but the smaller tanks need to be refilled more frequently.

Console (for multiple rooms)
The console’s larger tank require less refilling, and multi-room use gives you options for unobtrusive placement.

Tank Handles
These can make filling easier. Some are shaped to fit underneath faucets.

Programmable Timers
On some models, these can be set to turn the unit on before you get home. However, water sitting in the tank for hours can become a breeding ground for microbes if the humidifier isn't dried completely between uses.

Humidistat
Either dial or digital, a humidistat controls the humidity level and shuts the humidifier off when the set level is reached. Without a humidistat, humidity levels can become high enough to form condensation on windows and other cold surfaces. Overhumidification can lead to mold and bacteria growth. Humidistats that display room humidity levels and humidity settings are best.

Steam Humidifiers can pose more of a fire risk and aren't recommended for use around children. Plus, the steam can hurt a baby’s delicate skin. If your doctor recommends a vaporizer, look for one that is “warm mist” so that the moisture is at least cooled a bit.

Humidifiers require regular cleaning. Mold can grow within 48 hours on wet surfaces, and mold in the tank or in the water can then be transferred into the air.

Change the water daily. Empty the tank, dry all interior surfaces, and refill with clean water.

Clean your humidifier often. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions and schedule for descaling and disinfecting parts and replacing filters and wicks.

Clean before storing.

Clean when taking out of storage.

Studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have shown that ultrasonic and impeller humidifiers can disperse materials such as microorganisms and minerals from their water tanks into indoor air.

However, many current models feature filtration that dramatically decreases this risk. Also, using water with lower mineral content (like distilled) will reduce exposures to these materials.

For more information:
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Environmental Protection Agency