Health & Safety Products The Best Humidifiers for Babies to Help Your Child Breathe Easy By Ashley Ziegler Updated on April 07, 2022 Medically reviewed by Vanessa Nzeh, MD Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Humidifiers are great for helping babies, toddlers, and bigger kids breathe easier during allergy and cold seasons. Additionally, in the winter months, when the air can be dry and uncomfortable, humidifiers help to add moisture to the air. The best humidifiers have the right water capacity for your needs, an auto shutoff feature, and will be able to cover the square feet of your baby's room. Choosing the right humidifier can be difficult since your choice will largely depend on the size of your room and how you decide to use it (Will you run it all night or just use it intermittently?). Once you've determined the size you need, it also helps to consider features like durability, noise level, ease of cleaning, nightlights, and more. We researched popular options from trusted brands with these features in mind. A pediatric physician from our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy surrounding humidifiers for babies and how to evaluate safe and appropriate humidifiers. Here are the best humidifiers for babies to help them breathe easier and sleep better. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Levoit Humidifier at Amazon ($60) Jump to Review Best Budget: PureGuardian 14-Hour Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier at Amazon ($28) Jump to Review Best for Small Rooms: Crane Personal Humidifier and Aroma Diffuser at Walmart ($25) Jump to Review Best for Germs: Boneco Air-O-Swiss Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier at Amazon ($99) Jump to Review Best With Filter: Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Large Capacity: Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier at Amazon ($59) Jump to Review Best Style: Objecto H3 Baby Humidifier at Potterybarnkids.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Easy Cleaning: Safety 1st Stay Clean Humidifier at Amazon ($80) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall Levoit Humidifier Amazon View On Amazon $60 Pros Super quiet Won’t leave a puddle of water Easy to clean Cons Only three settings Needs to be cleaned frequently We love this simple humidifier for its overall value. Made from BPA-free plastic, this humidifier has a top-fill design that's easy to fill and clean, and it features auto-shutoff for when the water tank is empty or removed. With a 1.8-liter water tank, 3-foot mist height, and a run time of up to 20 hours, this humidifier is suitable for rooms between 107 to 260 square feet. You can choose among three mist settings, all of which are very fine, so you won't end up with a puddle of water under the humidifier after running it for a few hours. It's also equipped with a humidity sensor that allows it to automatically adjust the mist level to provide comfortable humidity at any time. If you plan to use it while you sleep, it has a Quiet Sleep Mode that runs as low as 24dB and will automatically turn off display lights. It also doubles as an oil diffuser, so you can add in a little aromatherapy when your little one is recovering from a cold (always consult with your pediatrician before doing this, though). Key Specs:Max. Room Size: Any room | Water Capacity: 0.48 gallons | Run Time: 8 to 20 hours | Auto Shutoff: Yes Best Budget PureGuardian 14-Hour Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier Amazon View On Amazon $28 View On Walmart $29 View On Target $30 Pros 14-hour run time Nightlight feature for kids’ rooms Cons Only one mist power setting Cleaning can be difficult This humidifier may be small, but it gets the job done and is easy on the wallet. It has a 0.21-gallon water tank that can last for up to 14 hours. It also features a rotating nozzle at the top for mist direction and is whisper-quiet when it’s running. While it only has one power setting, it is compact so it’s not overpowering and is an excellent choice for smaller rooms. Key Specs:Max. Room Size: 210 square feet | Water Capacity: 0.21 gallons | Run Time: 14 hours | Auto Shutoff: Yes Best for Small Rooms Crane Personal Humidifier and Aroma Diffuser Walmart View On Walmart $25 View On Wayfair $41 View On Office Depot $41 Pros Humidifier and diffuser in one 12-hour run time Cons No filter (pro for some) Only two power setting options Perfect for smaller rooms (up to 250 square feet), this humidifier has a sleek, compact design and a 12-hour run time. There are two power settings to choose from and it has a one-touch control system that is easy to use. You can safely use hard or soft water with this humidifier and it works without the use of a filter. This humidifier also works as a diffuser, has a decalcification feature, and has auto shutoff for when the tank is empty so you can set it and forget it, worry-free, as a nursery humidifier. Key Specs:Max. Room Size: 250 square feet | Water Capacity: 0.2 gallons | Run Time: 12 hours | Auto Shutoff: Yes Best for Germs Boneco Air-O-Swiss Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier Amazon View On Amazon $99 Pros Works in large rooms up to 480 sq ft Adjustable knob settings Ultra quiet Cons Filter needs to be replaced frequently Pricey This humidifier can effectively add moisture to rooms as large as 480 square feet with an ultra-fine mist. It is super quiet and runs for 24 hours which means it won't disturb your sleeping baby when they get sick. You have the option of how much moisture it’s putting out with the adjustable knob setting and it’s designed so that you can safely add essential oils for aromatherapy. Finally, the design makes it easy to change out the water and limits the amount of cleaning you have to do to maintain it. However, you should keep in mind that the filter does need to be replaced to ensure the humidifier functions properly. Key Specs:Max. Room Size: 480 square feet | Water Capacity: 1 gallon | Run Time: 24 hours | Auto Shutoff: Not Listed Best With Filter Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart $62 View On Shop.com Pros Super quiet fan Filter keeps the moisture cleaner Cons Filters have to be purchased and replaced Mist release can be slow With a 0.8-gallon water tank, this humidifier can run for up to 18 hours without needing to be refilled. It has an ultra-quiet fan and releases a super-fine cool mist that adds moisture without leaving puddles to heal your baby's congestion. While purchasing and changing filters can be a task, the filtered water helps to keep the air and equipment itself cleaner. You can choose from two speed settings and with its compact design, this humidifier can discreetly blend in with just about any home decor. Key Specs:Max. Room Size: Small to medium | Water Capacity: 0.8 gallons | Run Time: 18 hours | Auto Shutoff: Yes Best Large Capacity Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier Amazon View On Amazon $59 View On Walmart $71 View On Wayfair $136 Pros Up to 50-hour run time 1.6 gallon water tank Cons Needs to be cleaned frequently Large tank can be difficult to fill You don’t have to purchase pricey filters to use this humidifier and thanks to its 1.6-gallon tank you also don’t have to constantly refill the water. It works in rooms as large as 500 square feet and has an extra tray for essential oils to allow for aromatherapy. You'll appreciate how quiet it is, the auto shutoff feature, and the 50 hours of run time on a single tank. Key Specs:Max. Room Size: 500 square feet | Water Capacity: 1.6 gallons | Run Time: 50 hours | Auto Shutoff: Yes Best Style Objecto H3 Baby Humidifier Potterybarnkids View On Potterybarnkids.com Pros Stylish design Works in rooms up to 400 square feet 19-hour run time Cons No speed controls On the pricier end For a humidifier that doesn’t actually look like a humidifier, you can’t go wrong with this model. It’s available in either matte black or white, runs for up to 19 hours, and works in rooms as large as 400 square feet. If you want to add essential oils to the mist, simply add a few drops to the water tank and the humidifier will also work as a diffuser. The tank capacity is 2 liters, so the humidifier itself is compact and easy to mix in with your decor. Key Specs:Max. Room Size: 400 square feet | Water Capacity: 0.53 gallons | Run Time: 19 hours | Auto Shutoff: Yes Best for Easy Cleaning Safety 1st Stay Clean Humidifier Walmart View On Amazon $80 View On Walmart $80 View On Wayfair $80 Pros Self-cleaning No filter (con for some) Up to 24 hour run time Cons Still requires occasional cleaning LED light can be bright at night You don’t have to worry about constantly cleaning this humidifier because it’s built with LED technology that continuously sanitizes it, without the use of UV light. It has a filter-free design and is super compact, so you can easily place it on a table without it taking up much space. You can adjust the speed using the control knob and when the water tank is empty the humidifier will automatically shut off. This humidifier can hold one gallon of water and run for up to 24 hours. Key Specs:Max. Room Size: 500 square feet | Water Capacity: 1 gallon | Run Time: 24 hours | Auto Shutoff: Yes Final Verdict You really can’t go wrong with any of these humidifiers, but the LEVOIT Humidifier (view at Amazon) ranks highest on our list for its dual purpose, fine mist (that doesn’t leave the floor wet), and ease of use. What to Look for in a Humidifier Water Capacity Because a humidifier works by putting moisture back into the air, it’s important to double-check the water capacity. When you’re ready to purchase a humidifier, determine the size of the room the humidifier will be in and whether there’s enough water to reach the entire room. Too little or too much water can end up being ineffective at best and potentially problematic at worst in addressing sinus issues. Some humidifiers can hold a lot of water but give you the option of how much humidity you can put back into the air. For example, a humidifier with a large water capacity may work better for you if you plan on running it all night long at a high speed. However, if you need it in a small room for just a few hours at a time, you can opt for a smaller water capacity. Auto Shutoff One of the most important features to consider when shopping for a humidifier is an auto shutoff option. This not only ensures the humidifier is turned off when the desired humidity level is reached but also if it runs out of water. Many families like to leave a humidifier on while everyone sleeps, but this means that it can run out of water when no one is watching. With the auto shutoff option, the humidifier avoids any potential damage and you and your family can sleep in peace. Room Size How humidifiers work depends largely on the size of the room the humidifier will be staying in. Humidifiers for nurseries, or rooms that measure around 250 square feet, will differ from those that made for larger spaces. For example, if you buy a humidifier that’s too small for a large room, it will not offer enough coverage and be less effective. And a humidifier that's too big can actually cause water damage over time by putting too much moisture into the air. So, choose a product designed for the size of the room you will be using it in. Frequently Asked Questions Can my baby sleep with a humidifier? Yes, it is safe for your baby to sleep with a humidifier, which is also called a vaporizer. Only use a cold-mist humidifier, as hot-water vaporizers pose a risk of burning your baby. Set up the humidifier close to your child's sleeping area as the highest concentration of moisture will be nearer to the product. However, be sure it is out of your baby's reach so they can't topple it over. Can I use tap water in a humidifier? Yes, assuming your tap water is drinkable, it's fine to use tap water in your humidifier. If your water has a high mineral content, you may notice mineral deposits (white dust) on your humidifier. If so, you can use distilled water if you'd like. How far should a humidifier be from a sleeping baby? Place the humidifier close to your baby's crib to get the most benefit from the moist air it creates. However, you want to ensure it is out of your baby's reach so that it can't be accidentally knocked over. Can I use essential oils in a humidifier? Before your baby is 6 months old, it's best to avoid using essential oils in a humidifier as your infant's lungs are still developing. Also, various oils have different safety concerns and may impact your child in unique ways. If you do want to use essential oils for your older baby or toddler, consult their pediatrician to make sure you use them in a safe manner.Many humidifiers have a diffuser feature specifically for essential oils. If yours doesn't, and your doctor has okayed oil use, you can usually put the oil directly in the reservoir along with the water. Why Trust Verywell Family Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. She has personal experience in researching and purchasing a variety of children’s products. Key considerations she used when selecting these recommendations include design, age appropriateness, and user reviews. 1 Source Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Academy of Pediatrics. Caring for your child's cold or flu. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit