If breathing in dry air isn’t a pleasant experience for you, then just imagine how it must feel for your baby! This is truer when they have a cold or flu or are sleeping in the dry, frigid months of winter. This is where a great humidifier comes in, as it’s an easy and hassle-free way to add moisture back into the air in your home. The best humidifier for kids and babies, especially cool mist humidifiers, are great for winters when the colder temperatures lower the humidity and moisture levels in your home. What’s more, they can even help relieve cold and flu symptoms in your children, especially since they keep indoor humidity levels at an optimum level of between 30 and 50 percent. So, one of the ways of easing their discomfort when your baby catches a cold is a humidifier.
Since there are so many options out there and you want only the best for your baby and kids, we’ve even included a handy guide to buying humidifiers. That said, here are the 13 best humidifier for kids and babies options on this list, most of which are cool mist humidifiers.
How To Choose The Best Humidifier for Kids?
Warm or cool mist humidifier
The first factor you need to decide is whether you want a warm or a cool mist humidifier. Usually, “vaporizers” emit hot mist, while “humidifiers” specify whether they’re warm or cool mist emitting ones. Usually, cool mist humidifiers for babies and kids are preferred over warm mist or steam ones since they run the risk of getting accidentally scalded or burned. This is especially true for babies and younger kids. That said, you need to be slightly more diligent about cleaning a cool-mist machine.
Run-time and coverage area
The next thing you need to factor in is the run time of the humidifier, which depends on its discharge rate and tank size. While some humidifiers last only a few hours, some can operate for an entire 24 hours before requiring to be refilled. Additionally, if you choose one with a shorter run time, then go for one with an auto-off feature so that the unit will turn off when the water runs out in the machine.
What’s more, you also need to consider the area of the room where you plan to use the humidifier, since each has specific suitability for a different-sized area. For instance, if you’re getting one for your baby’s room, then getting a machine that covers an area of around 100 square feet is more than enough. On the other hand, if you plan to use it in the master bedroom or such, then go for one that can cover more square footage. Moreover, also take note of the humidifier’s coverage range and tank capacity, as over-humidification can promote mold growth or harmful bacteria.
Tank and filter
Finally, we come to the tank and filter part of the machine. Since every humidifier requires refilling, the design of the tank is crucial. Look for humidifiers with openings that are larger and lie at the top to make refills easier. What’s more, consider a model that’s translucent, so you can keep an eye on water levels. Going further, getting a humidifier with an in-built filter is great for your kids. Not only is it a source of ill health if it’s unclean, but also the in-built filter keeps potential irritants out of the air. That said, be prepared to clean humidifiers with in-built filters regularly.
What is the healthiest type of humidifier for kids?
The answer to that would be cool mist humidifiers. While the choice is ultimately up to you, cool mist humidifiers, in general, are the safest option, especially if you have babies, younger children, and even pets. Not only do warm mist humidifiers tend to run hot, but they also have the potential to cause burns since kids could get close to them while paying.
Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
13
The stylish Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is the best humidifier for kids. Not requiring an air filter to function, this humidifier is whisper quiet and very effective in larger rooms. Thanks to the 1-gallon tank, it can run for up to 24 hours and fits in most sinks too, making it easy to fill. Weighing just 4.5 lbs, this is a very easy-to-use and portable model with an elegant design, making it great for traveling with your kid too. What’s more, this humidifier contains anti-microbial materials that can reduce the growth of bacteria and mold by up to 99.96%.
Additionally, it has an auto-off sensor that shuts it off on its own when the water level is low, thus helping avoid energy wastage and accidental fires and keeping your kids safe. Rounding up the features is the 360-degree lid that allows you to direct the mist to where you want it to go.
Pros:
- Stylish design.
- Whisper quiet.
- Auto-off feature.
- 360-degree movable lid.
Cons:
- The tank requires constant refilling.
- Not compatible with essential oils.
Magictec Cool Mist Humidifier
12
Why the Magictec Cool Mist Humidifier is one of the best humidifiers for babies is because it’s so sleek and space-saving, thus perfectly fitting in your baby’s room along with their crib, toys, wardrobe, and what-not. This cool-mist humidifier is all about the non-bulk and comes in the form of a slim 2.5-liter water tank that will last you for up to 24 hours. The humidifier comes with a 360-degree nozzle that rotates automatically toward the dry areas, with the mist flow being adjustable with the turn of a dial. What’s more, it’s super quiet, thus allowing your baby to sleep through the night without any hum waking them up. So, if you stay in dry and cold climates such as Colorado or Vermont, then this could very well be your dream humidifier to keep your baby safe from cold and flu symptoms.
If you live in a wintry place, then a warm mist humidifier will work wonders for adults. Here are the Best Winter Humidifiers for you.
Pros:
- Compact and slim.
- Lasts up to 24 hours.
- 360-degree nozzle.
- Super-quiet.
Cons:
- The refilling hole is at the bottom, which is a little bit difficult to fill.
LEVOIT Cool Mist Humidifier
11
The LEVOIT Cool Mist Humidifier is the best humidifier for kids for more reasons than one. Firstly, it can run for up to 36 hours at a stretch thanks to the large tank capacity. Since it’s very quiet, it won’t wake up your kids in the middle of the night. Moreover, it has a 3-inch-wide tank opening, allowing you to refill sans any spills. It’s also very easy to fill thanks to the easy-lift and conveniently placed handle. Thanks to the 360-degree elevated mist nozzle, the humidifier disperses the cool mist in any direction that you want. Plus, the one-touch control means that you can easily switch between three levels in one single touch, making it ideal for your kids’ bedrooms. Finally, this can also be used as an aroma diffuser and features filterless technology.
Pros:
- Can be used as an aroma diffuser too.
- 360-degree elevated mist nozzle.
- One-touch control.
Cons:
- Slightly difficult to clean.
Dyson Pure Humidify+Cool Humidifying Fan
10
If you’re looking to splurge on the best cool mist humidifiers for babies, then go for the Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool Humidifying Fan. This top-tier humidifier is also a cooling fan and an air purifier and captures 99.97 percent of allergens and pollutants from the air. What’s more, it even removes 99.9% of bacteria found in tap water! Going further, the 360-degree filtration system also removes odors and gases in order to purify the air. Meanwhile, the Air Multiplier technology effectively circulates the cleaned and humidified air. The humidifier can even oscillate up to 90 degrees, thus covering more of the room air and keeping your babies’ rooms truly clean.
It can even be set on a schedule for intervals of half an hour to 8 hours, and can also be controlled hands-free since it’s compatible with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa. This is great if you don’t want to tiptoe into your babies’ rooms to wake them up. Finally, the device has a plethora of smart features, including sending updates to your phone, making real-time adjustments, and the ability to sense your environment.
Pros:
- Multi-functional.
- Compatible with voice assistants.
- Smart features.
Cons:
- Very expensive.
Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
9
Yet another of the best humidifier for kids if you’re on a budget is the Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. You won’t regret buying this budget-friendly unit, this is one greatly portable device weighing just 2.3 lbs, so you can even carry it on a trip with your kids. Boasting a stylish outer design, this effective humidifier is easy to use and features a 1.5-liter tank, and has a running time of 16 hours on the low setting. What’s more, it even has an auto-off feature, which means your kids can sleep peacefully through the night without you having to refill. Thanks to the 360-degree mist nozzle, it’s easy to direct the flow of the mist in whichever direction you want.
And thanks to the cleaning brush, it’s straightforward to clean too. However, the most brilliant feature of all is the night light with a glow low enough to soothe your children.
Pros:
- Portable and stylish.
- Larger tank volume.
- Easy to clean and use.
- Auto-off feature.
Cons:
- Not compatible with essential oils.
Madetec Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
8
The Madetec Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is one of the best cool mist humidifiers for babies, especially if you’re traveling with them. Experience comfortable air on the go with this small-sized humidifier, which can be easily stowed into a bag for long road or air trips. A must for stuffy environments, this humidifier is great for relieving breathing issues that your kids might have, especially in dry environs. The two mist modes of warm and cold make it one of the best humidifiers around, which also offers the versatility for continuous interval spraying or misting every 3 seconds up to 10 hours.
What’s more, the single-touch controls make it easy to turn it on and off, switch between LED light modes, and change the machine’s mist settings. Finally, simply plug the USB cord into a wall socket using an adapter or use a compatible power source to power it up and keep your babies comfortable.
Pros:
- Portable and lightweight.
- Sprays mist continuously.
- Single-touch control.
Cons:
- Not very durable.
Honeywell HCM3B Germ-Free Cool Mist Humidifier
7
The Honeywell HCM3B Germ-Free Cool Mist Humidifier is a great evaporative humidifier for small to medium-sized rooms and also the best humidifier for kids. There’s a lot to like about this machine, such as the 1-gallon tank with a running time of 24 hours on a low setting. Weighing just 9 lbs, this machine is also very portable and features a humidity monitor displaying the relative humidity and the temperature of the room. So, if your kid has specific breathing issues, then this humidifier’s controls can be set exactly to their comfort levels. Add to this its quiet care technology, and it’s perfect for light sleepers, babies, and small children.
Furthermore, this Honeywell unit even has a protec cleaning ball that keeps your machine cleaner longer and even has an easy-to-fill tank. Finally, the UV technology it possesses kills up to 99.9% of the spores, mold, and bacteria in the water, thus allowing you to save money and use tap water instead.
Pros:
- Durable.
- Tap-water friendly.
- Very quiet.
- Germ-free.
Cons:
- Not very budget-friendly.
Homech Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
6
Yet one of the best cool mist humidifiers for babies and kids both is the Homech Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. A favorite among shoppers with bad year-round allergies, this humidifier makes all the difference. It comes with a plethora of bonus features such as a quiet operation, four time settings, and an optional night light, making this machine all the more practical. You can even set timers for 1, 2, 4, or 8-hour increments so that you can achieve optimal humidity levels with the minimum effort since the machine operates automatically. If that wasn’t enough, you can even customize the experience for your older kids by adding Best Humidifier Essential Oils such as peppermint or lavender for a relaxing aroma and atmosphere. Rounding up the features is the 360-degree mist nozzle and the 2.5-liter water tank that lasts up to 30 hours.
Pros:
- Lasts up to 30 hours.
- Allows you to set timers.
- Quiet operation.
- Optional night light.
Cons:
- Not easy to clean.
Safety 1st Soothing Glow Cool Mist Humidifier
5
The Safety 1st Soothing Glow Cool Mist Humidifier is amongst the best humidifier for kids. If heating your house during winters is causing your kid to have nosebleeds, irritated nasal passages, or a dry throat, then this humidifier is for you. Not only does it run quietly, thus allowing your kids to sleep peacefully, but also it’s easy to clean, thus keeping germs and bacteria away. What’s more, it features a 360-degree mist outlet, so you can literally place it just about anywhere and direct the mist to go in the direction of your kids. The tank is also easy to clean and lasts around three nights in the low setting. Finally, it’s a humidifier and nightlight melded into one, and this one has a Goldilocks glow – it’s not too bright, it’s not too low, it’s just right.
Pros:
- Quiet operation.
- Easy to fill and clean.
- 360-degree mist outlet.
- Also a nightlight.
Cons:
- Needs frequent refilling in the highest setting.
Vicks V3900 Germ-Free Cool Moisture Humidifier
4
One of the best cool mist humidifiers for babies with allergies is the Vicks V3900 Germ-Free Cool Moisture Humidifier. That’s because this humidifying unit kills up to 99.99% of all spores, molds, and bacteria, thus not allowing them to irritate your kid’s sensitive respiratory system. What’s more, it has two ways of doing this – first, through the ultraviolet light chamber in the water tank and secondly, via steam vapor. Since it has two tanks, it can run longer in one filling, for more than 24 hours, in fact! Plus, the tanks are nicely sized and portable allowing you to fill them up even in your sink. Finally, it runs super quietly and won’t disturb your baby’s sleep.
Pros:
- Easy to fill and clean.
- Germ-free.
- Runs for 24 hours in one sitting.
Cons:
- The front light is slightly bright.
Homasy Humidifier Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
3
The Homasy Humidifier Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is the best humidifier for kids. This cool-mist humidifier will moisturize the air in your kids’ bedrooms for up to 24 hours, allowing them to sleep peacefully throughout the night without you having to refill it. What’s more, the long mist stream prevents water leaks and ensures that it’s absorbed as intended. Thanks to the 360-degree nozzle, the mist can be directed in any direction you want without having to move the machine. Moreover, the ultrasonic technology ensures that your little ones won’t burn themselves if they get too close while playing or wandering around.
Pros:
- Has a night light with 6 color options.
- Ultrasonic, and quiet operation.
- Antibacterial.
Cons:
- Slightly difficult to clean.
TaoTronics 4L Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
2
The TaoTronics 4L Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier is one of the best cool mist humidifiers for babies who’re sleeping in their parents’ bedrooms in their cribs. This humidifier works in master bedrooms, which are usually larger than the rest of the house. Thanks to the 4-liter tank, it can work continuously for up to 30 hours, thus not disturbing your or your baby’s sleep. Even better is the in-built humidity monitor that keeps track of the air quality for long-lasting comfort. However, parents will especially love how quiet this humidifier is. Because it’s ultrasonic, it’s incredibly silent and won’t bother your baby when they’re trying to sleep. That, plus the extra-large tank, and you can use it continuously at night without your baby fussing. The best part? The humidifier itself isn’t very bulky.
Pros:
- Has an in-built humidity monitor.
- Incredibly silent.
- 30 hours of continuous operation.
Cons:
- Not usable with tap water.
Vicks FilterFree Humidifier
1
Topping the list of the best humidifier for kids is the Vicks FilterFree Humidifier. This easy-to-use humidifier has a visible and translucent reservoir, which means you’ll know exactly when to replenish it. Since one fill-up will allow the unit to run for up to 30 hours, your kid can sleep peacefully throughout the night without you having to tiptoe into their room to refill. Plus, it automatically shuts off when the tank runs dry, thus preventing misuse. Since it’s designed to be used with Vicks Scent Pads, the machine can even introduce lavender or menthol into the air to soothe your little one. Finally, the mist can be controlled with a simple foolproof dial design.
Pros:
- You can use Vicks Scent Pads.
- It has a large opening for easy cleaning.
- Runs for up to 30 hours.
- You can control the humidity level.
Cons:
- None!
