Best Humidifiers for Babies

Why pick this one? An advantage of this model from Vicks is that it doesn’t use a filter, so you don’t have to worry about replacing one periodically. The unit features an automatic shut-off when the water tank becomes empty. The large translucent half-gallon tank is easy to clean, and because it’s see-through it’s easier to monitor the water level. This humidifier runs for up to 20 hours when set to low.

This mini model is the smallest humidifier on the list, making it portable — a nice feature if you travel or if your little one sleeps over at the grandparents’ sometimes.

Highlights: This humidifier is compatible with Vicks VapoPads, which can be placed on the integrated scent pad heater to release the relieving vapors for when your baby has a cold.

Price*: about $30.20 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

• Pros: It’s easy to clean, small, convenient, quiet, and it works with the Vicks pads.

• Cons: It can run out of water too fast

Why pick this one? The Crane humidifier is made out of anti-microbial material in order to reduce the chance of mold and bacteria growing in the unit. It has a one-gallon tank that is easily fillable under most bathroom sinks.

According to the manufacturer, the unit runs whisper quiet for up to 24 hours, and automatically shuts off when the water runs low. The unit can humidify a room of up to 500 square feet.

Highlights: The unit does not require a filter but a filter can be purchased separately to help screen out any mineral deposits in the water before it’s misted into the room. The unit also features a 360-degree lid, which can rotate to deliver mist in any direction you like.

Price*: about $42.68 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

• Pros: It’s quiet, easy to clean, and easy to direct the steam where you need it.

• Cons: The narrow steam opening can make it harder to clean.

Why pick this one? This Safety 1st humidifier uses ultrasonic technology, which enables it to operate more quietly than the other types. It works for about 24 hours when on the low setting. There’s an auto shut-off and indicator light to let you know when the tank is out of water.

Highlights: It has 2 mist outlets that rotate 360 degrees — this is great if you have 2 children sharing a room, for example.

Price*: about $29.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

• Pros: It’s easy to use, reliable, and quiet.

• Cons: The water tank could be larger, and it can be difficult to refill

Why pick this one? This humidifier from Honeywell uses evaporative technology, in that moisture is blown off a wicking filter, which looks like a cylindrical sponge that absorbs the water. The manufacturer claims that this type of humidifier doesn’t add more moisture to the air than it can hold, and that your home won’t feel like a humid rainforest.

The unit comes with a replaceable filter, but some Pampers Parents wished it was a reusable filter instead so that they wouldn’t have to keep buying replacements.

Highlights: The humidifier uses UV light technology to kill bacteria, mold, fungus, and viruses that might be lurking in the water, helping to ensure the steam that’s emitted is germfree.

Price*: about $62.29 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

• Pros: It features UV germ-killing technology.

• Cons: The unit is quite large, and the filter requires replacement periodically.

Why pick this one? Featuring ultrasonic technology, which is utilized by the quietest humidifiers, this unit by Pure Enrichment can easily be adjusted from low to high speeds. You can also set the misting direction. When the water level is low, the unit shuts off automatically.

The unit features a 360-degree misting nozzle and it comes with a cleaning brush. Some Pampers Parents complained that this humidifier isn’t easy to clean.

Highlights: The unit features a nightlight.

Price*: about $30.57 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

• Pros: It’s easy to use and refill.

• Cons: The tank could be larger. On the high setting, one Pampers Parent said the water tank isn’t able to last through the night.

Why pick this one? Easily control the TaoTronics ultrasonic-style humidifier by turning the knob to adjust the mist level. An LED indicator lets you know if the water level is getting low.

The manufacturer claims this humidifier is as quiet as a library, and that it won’t disturb your baby’s sleep. It has 2 360-degree rotatable misting nozzles that can be adjusted for direction and misting amount.

Highlights: The unit features a built-in ceramic filter, which purifies tap water and reduces odors. Keep in mind that the filter should be changed every four to six months.

Price*: about $31.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

• Pros: Easy to use, quiet, and it has two misting nozzles instead of the typical one.

• Cons: It isn’t so easy to clean.

Why pick this one? The manufacturer of the Everlasting Comfort humidifier claims its model has super high mist output, and lasts 50 hours straight, making this model the longest lasting on our list. The unit’s ultrasonic technology ensures quiet operation.

Like many of the other models on this list, this one has 360-degree rotating nozzles. There is also a nightlight and an automatic shut-off feature.

Highlights: The unit features an essential oils tray so that you can add your favorite oil, and the fan will circulate the oils into the mist. This is the only model on our list that offers this, so if you’d like to add scent to your baby’s nursery this might be the humidifier for you.

Price*: about $56.95 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

• Pros: It has a large capacity, a variety of settings, and runs quietly.

• Cons: It can be difficult to refill the water tank.

What is a Humidifier?

A humidifier is a device that helps add humidity to the air. This can be especially useful if the air is quite dry in your home. Your child’s healthcare provider may even recommend the use of a cool mist humidifier if your baby has a cold or gets regular nosebleeds, for example.

The benefits of using a humidifier include helping to reduce or alleviate symptoms such as:

• A sore or dry throat

• A stuffy or runny nose

• Chest congestion

• Coughing

• Swollen tonsils

• Nosebleeds

• Allergies

• Asthma.

Keep in mind that it’s best to check with your healthcare provider before using a humidifier for allergies or asthma, as a humidifier will help in only some cases.

What Types of Humidifiers Are There?

There are two main types of humidifiers: warm mist and cool mist. For children, healthcare providers typically recommend cool mist humidifiers. This is because the hot water or steam in warm mist humidifiers can pose a safety risk.

Within the cool mist category, there are three kinds of humidifiers:

• Evaporative. This kind uses a fan to blow air over a sponge-like cylinder that has absorbed the water.

• Impeller. This model produces mist with a rotating disk.

• Ultrasonic. This kind uses vibration to emit water in the form of a mist. This tends to be the quietest kind of humidifier. Except for the Honeywell HCM350W Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier [anchor link to Honeywell HCM350W Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier], which is an evaporative type, all the humidifiers on our list are ultrasonic.

What to Consider When Choosing a Humidifier

Here are some aspects to consider when shopping for a humidifier:

• Is it easy to clean? Keeping your humidifier clean and free from mold ensures that the moisture it’s generating will be safe for your little one to breathe. Look for a humidifier you’ll find easy enough to clean so that you can drain, rinse, and dry it every day without too much hassle.

• Does it have an automatic shut-off feature? Most models include an automatic shut-off function that kicks in when the water tank starts to become empty. All of the models on this list have an automatic shut-off.

• Does it need a filter? Some models on our list come with a filter, which can help trap mineral deposits in the water, but this isn’t typical for the cool-mist style of humidifier. If you choose a model with a filter, know that it may need to be replaced from time to time, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Can it take essential oils? Many Pampers Parents noted that they were disappointed they couldn’t use essential oils in their humidifier. Using essential oils isn't recommended with most models, as the oils can clog the mister. There is one model on our list, the Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, which features an essential oils tray. The Vicks Mini Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier has a dedicated scent pad heater for using Vicks VapoPads.

• Is the price right? You don’t have to break the bank to buy a good humidifier. The units on our list range from about $30 to $60. At the time of writing, the cheapest on our list is the Safety 1st 360 Degree Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier and the most expensive is the Honeywell HCM350W Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier.

We hope that this article and list will make it easier for you to decide which humidifier is right for you and your little one.

Recall Notice

Before buying a product, always check that it’s approved and hasn’t been recalled on sites like the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

*Prices are correct at the time of writing.

How We Got These Results

We surveyed thousands of parents in the Pampers Community and asked them to choose the products they love the most, and to share their views on specific products and product categories. Based on the survey responses, we have taken the top product picks and added our own research to create this article. The aim is to help you choose the right product for you and your family. We might receive commissions on purchases made from the links in this article, but the products featured are the Pampers Community’s top choices.