Best Humidifiers for Babies From Consumer Reports' Tests

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of a cool-mist humidifier (PDF) for babies and children. Because these models send a cool mist into the air, they’re safer for children and pets than warm-mist humidifiers, aka vaporizers. Warm-mist machines heat water and send it into the air as steam, which can scald anyone who gets too close.

Get a humidifier with just enough moisture output for the room where the baby will be sleeping; check our ratings of humidifiers, which we categorize based on the square footage of the room they’re designed to serve. (Click on the models in our ratings to check the specifications for more precise information on the area covered.) Too big a unit could produce too much moisture, which can make a room feel stuffy. It also can promote the proliferation of dust mites and mold, triggering allergic reactions, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says.

Put the humidifier where it can’t be reached by youngsters or pets. Ideally, that’s on a flat, stable surface raised at least 2 feet above the floor. Avoid wood surfaces, which can get ruined by spilled water. And make sure all furniture is secured well to your wall to prevent dangerous tip-overs.

This is the most crucial step to protect your baby’s health, experts agree. A humidifier that’s not cleaned well can spur the growth of potentially harmful organisms. Consumer Reports recommends rinsing and drying the tank thoroughly every day, and sanitizing the unit once a week. Check our ratings of dozens of models for those with the highest convenience scores, which reflect ease of cleaning.

In general, indoor relative humidity of between 30 and 50 percent is optimal, says Energy Star; anything higher could lead to bacteria growth. In colder areas during heating season, it should range from 30 to 40 percent to prevent window condensation. Some of the humidifiers in Consumer Reports’ ratings have built-in humidistats, which turn off the units when the humidity reaches a desired level. But you also can measure humidity yourself, with a tool called a hygrometer, available for $10 or less.

Misha Kollontai, the engineer who leads humidifier testing for Consumer Reports, uses an inexpensive combination thermometer and hygrometer, which measures both room temperature and humidity in his baby daughter’s room. That lets him address two sleep hygiene issues at once: “The recommendation for the temperature babies should sleep in is between 68° and 72° F, lower than some people keep their homes,” he says.

Another solution if your humidifier doesn’t have a humidistat: Turn on the humidifier 3 to 4 hours before the baby’s bedtime, then turn it off when you put the baby to bed.

Below, we’ve listed several great humidifier choices from our ratings, focusing on units designed for smaller rooms—defined as spaces from 26 to 299 square feet. All the featured models are highly rated, cool-mist units. With the ultrasonic models here, you’ll need demineralized, distilled, or filtered water to prevent white dust. Evaporative models, like the featured Vornado Huey, don’t need special water because they’re designed to filter out particles that cause white dust.

In CR’s complete humidifier ratings, you can find many other highly rated humidifiers designed for small rooms, as well as models for larger spaces.