6 Best Humidifiers for Baby, According to Parents
In a nutshell:
Based on a survey of over 200 parents in The Bump community and advice from two pediatricians, we chose the Canopy Bedside Humidifier as the overall best humidifier for babies. In particular, it stood out due to its mold-inhibiting technology, easy-to-clean design and helpful automatic features.
As a mom of two, I know just how challenging it can be to find the right products for your little ones, especially when it comes to a seemingly basic appliance like a humidifier. My mom cautioned me about keeping the humidifier very clean so that they were in fact benefitting and not harming my baby—and she’s not wrong, poorly maintained humidifiers can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria (yuck!)—but humidifiers have come a long way since I was a baby! I currently use them for both my children, and I notice an immediate difference when we start pumping cool mist into the air, especially during cold and flu season. Humidifiers are a game-changer when temperatures drop, and indoor heat makes the air extra dry. I’ve seen firsthand how they help ease stuffy noses and coughing, making my boys more comfortable and even sleep better. (And who doesn’t want better sleep?)
It can be overwhelming to figure out which humidifiers actually work— and with so many options on the market it’s hard to figure out which ones actually live up to their promises. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the best humidifiers for babies. These products are not only effective but designed with your baby’s comfort and health in mind.
Here are the steps we took to help you and your little one find the very best option this cold season:
- We surveyed over 200 parents in The Bump community for additional insight into the pros and cons of these baby humidifiers.
- We considered several factors when sourcing these products, including size, weight, capacity, value, coverage and running time, to name a few.
- We spoke with two pediatricians to understand essential features and health considerations that you should keep in mind when shopping for and using a baby humidifier.
- We followed safety guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) regarding humidifiers for infants.
- We performed extensive market research, reading forums and user reviews to get the lowdown on how these nursery humidifiers have worked for real families.
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Overall best humidifier for baby
- Dishwasher-safe parts/easy cleaning
- Large tank
- White noise feature
- Heavy and large
The Canopy Bedside Humidifier 2.0 is the ultimate choice for parents, offering a perfect blend of functionality, design, and easy maintenance. While its sleek, modern aesthetic complements any nursery decor, its thoughtful features truly set it apart. The Canopy offers soothing white noise for better sleep, a gentle nightlight, and the ability to add essential oils for an extra layer of aromatherapy relaxation. But what really puts the Canopy over the top is its straightforward cleaning process, which is typically a major pain point when it comes to using a humidifier.
When we asked parents in our survey what they did and didn’t like about baby humidifiers, the one thing that drove moms and dads nuts over and over again was when a humidifier was difficult to clean. The Canopy features dishwasher safe-parts, coupled with a mold-inhibiting technology to eliminate harmful germs and simplify maintenance for busy parents—it runs until completely dry to prevent mold growth, while its proprietary antimicrobial filter ensures clean air by capturing dust and neutralizing bacteria. Though it comes at a higher price point, the Canopy's advanced features and stylish look make it a worthwhile investment for ensuring healthy, mold-free air in baby’s room.
Dimensions: 10" (L) x 7" (W) x 8" (H) | Weight: 3 lbs. | Capacity: 2.5 L | Run time: 36 hours | Coverage: 500 sq. ft.
Our community says:
I bought this humidifier for two main reasons: it runs until it’s dry (no mold) and it’s easy to clean. – Meredith, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
It's easy to set up and use. Looks pretty too! – Jia*, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
I love the style and design as well as its ease. – Leah, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
Easiest baby humidifier to use
- Option for vapor pads and aromatherapy
- Easy to use
- Sound machine and night light
- Can be difficult to clean
- Mixed reviews on leakage
When it comes to ease of use, the Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is hard to beat. Our survey respondents consistently emphasized that this humidifier is incredibly user-friendly, and I can personally vouch for that. I registered for the Crane Drop while pregnant with my first child, and we've used it countless times over the past four years with both of our boys without any fuss. Just turn it on and go!
With its straightforward design, this humidifier offers a cool mist that helps create a comfortable environment for your baby without any complicated setup or maintenance. Parents love how quickly it works, providing a reliable mist with minimal effort. Rosy, a Bump survey respondent, says the Crane Drop is, “easy to use. It’s also quiet and reliable. I’ve had it for a long time and it functions well.” Whether you're a first-time parent or just looking for a no-hassle solution, the Crane Drop delivers excellent performance with effortless convenience. It is the perfect choice for those who want a simple and reliable option for their baby’s room.
Dimensions: 8.6" (L) x 8.6" (W) x 13.4" (H) | Weight: 4 lbs. | Capacity: 3.7 L | Run time: 24 hours | Coverage: 500 sq. ft.
Our community says:
It has more room for water than other humidifiers. Plus, it's easy to use, quiet and the little light is not too bright. – Eleni, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
It looks nice and I like that I can see the [mist] coming out, so I know it’s working. – Ava*, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
Cutest humidifier for baby
- Adorable addition to nursery
- Easy setup
- Difficult to clean
- Some parents reported leaking
We dare you to find a cuter humidifier for baby’s room than Crane Adorables Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. Available in adorable animal shapes like an elephant, fox, hippo, monkey, sheep and more, it adds a playful touch to any nursery. But it also delivers on performance. “My daughter had terrible congestion when she was a baby,” says Daniel C., dad of one and associate director of e-commerce for The Bump. “It was loud enough that one time when my mother was babysitting, she called in a panic, thinking something had gone terribly wrong. We grabbed the Crane elephant humidifier off the shelf at Target—admittedly on the strength of it being cute and immediately available—and once it was in my daughter’s room, she was suddenly fine. After a year or so she outgrew the congestion problems, but for that year, it was a lifesaver.” Rebecca*, a mom of one, had a similar opinion of this humidifier, telling us, “we have a more expensive one that is easier to clean, but I find that this one actually does a better job in keeping the room at the right level of humidity.”
Crane Adorables emits consistent cool mist with a run time of up to 24 hours. For added convenience, it features an optional filter, which helps to remove impurities from the water, ensuring cleaner mist and better air quality for your baby’s room. It also operates with minimal noise, so it won’t disturb your little one’s sleep, and it has an auto-shutoff function when the water runs low, giving you peace of mind.
Dimensions: 9" (L) x 9" (W) x 12.8" (H) | Weight: 3 lbs. | Capacity: 3.7 L | Run time: 24 hours | Coverage: 500 sq. ft.
Our community says:
It was in the shape of an elephant and we had a safari-themed nursery—it works well! And it has a slot for essential oils which we used when he got colds. – Martha, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
Best large capacity humidifier for baby
- Large tank
- Longer run-time
- Wider room coverage
- Large size
- Difficult to clean
- Use the cool mist setting only for baby
Whether you need to create a comfortable, consistent humidity level in larger nurseries or a shared living space, the Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier has an impressive six-liter tank that can run for up to 36 hours on a single fill, making it perfect for open floor plans where you need consistent humidity throughout the day and night. The long runtime means fewer refills—one less thing to worry about. Whether you're looking to cover a big space or just need something that can keep up with an already hectic schedule, this humidifier does the job with less maintenance.
In addition to its long runtime, parents love the near-silent noise levels and the added aromatherapy diffuser feature. Laura, a mom of a one-year-old, shares that the Levoit LV600HH is “fairly easy to clean, virtually silent, easy to set up, [and] effective.” Even at its $99.99 price point, Bump survey parents unanimously agree that it offers excellent value for the price.
A notable feature of the Levoit LV600HH is its option to switch between cool and warm mist. And while the warm mist option can be great for other areas of the home, it’s important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends only using the cool mist setting. Cool mist is safer for younger children, as warm mist can potentially pose a burn risk. So, while parents can utilize warm mist for their space, in baby’s room you'll want to stick with the cool mist setting, which still provides soothing relief.
Dimensions: 11.3" (L) x 7" (W) x 10.5" (H) | Weight: 6.5 lbs. | **Capacity: 6 L | *Run time:* 50 hours | Coverage: 750 sq. ft.
Our community says:
It can last a long time without refilling it. – Camille*, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
Best affordable humidifier for baby
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Quiet
- Lifetime replacement
- Low-capacity tank
- Difficult to clean
Need a humidifier for baby’s room that doesn’t break the bank? AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier not only delivers high-quality air care, but it’s also available at an accessible price point, ringing up under $30. With its whisper-quiet operation, this ultrasonic humidifier won’t disturb sleep, making it ideal for a nursery. The adjustable mist knob that allows parents to control humidity levels, helping to maintain an ideal environment for your little one, while the large, easy-to-fill water tank provides up to 24 hours of continuous mist, so you don’t have to worry about constant refills throughout the day or night.
Parents like Danielle, a Bump respondent and mom of a newborn, praise the Aqua Oasis for its “ease of use, good flow and mist.” While she and other survey respondents noted that the humidifier can be a bit tricky to clean, the overall value and effectiveness still make it a top choice. For families looking for a budget-friendly humidifier that doesn’t compromise on quality or performance, the Aqua Oasis Cool Mist Humidifier is an excellent option that offers a dependable, low-cost solution to improve air quality in baby’s room.
Dimensions: 5" (L) x 4" (W) x 10" (H) | Weight: 1.6 lbs. | Capacity: 2.2 L | Run time: 24 hours | Coverage: 400 sq. ft.
Our community says:
It is easy to set up and use, and not noisy. – Megan, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
Best decorative humidifier for baby
- Cute aesthetic
- Color-changing nightlight
- Reasonably priced
- Small tank
- Difficult to clean
- Cannot add essential oils
Creating the perfect nursery involves a lot of thought and planning. While curating a functional space is key (think diaper-changing areas, safe sleeping, and baby-proofing), Moms also want a nursery that’s calming, cozy and visually pleasing. A humidifier can often disrupt the aesthetic of a well-designed space, but the Pure Enrichment PureBaby Cloud Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier changes all that. This cloud-shaped humidifier adds a touch of whimsy to baby’s nursery, even blends right in with an outdoor theme.
Beyond adorable aesthetics, this little humidifier does its job and then some. The PureBaby Cloud has features that make it an ideal choice for your little one’s space. It offers quiet operation to ensure undisturbed sleep, a cool mist to maintain optimal humidity levels, and an easy-to-use auto shut-off function for safety. Kristina, parent of a newborn, praises the humidifiers aesthetic and functionality, saying, “As cute as it is, the reservoir is big and can last all night and part of the day before needing [to be] refilled.”
Dimensions: 9.8" (L) x 5.6" (W) x 6.8" (H) | Weight: 1.6 lbs. | Capacity: 1.8 L | Run time: 15 hours | Coverage: 250 sq. ft.
Our community says:
I like the style, color options and ease of use. – Christina, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
I also like how quiet it is and won't wake my baby. – Kristina, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.
Baby Humidifiers Comparison Chart
| Overall best humidifier for baby | Easiest baby humidifier to use | Cutest humidifier for baby | Best large capacity humidifier for baby | Best affordable humidifier for baby | Best decorative humidifier for baby | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Best Canopy Bedside Humidifier 2.0 | Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier | Crane Adorables Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier | Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier | AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier | Pure Enrichment PureBaby Cloud Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier | |
| Price | $$$ | $$ | $ | $$$ | $ | $$ |
| Dimensions | 10" (L) x 7" (W) x 8" (H) | 8.6" (L) x 8.6" (W) x 13.4" (H) | 9" (L) x 9" (W) x 12.8" (H) | 11.3" (L) x 7" (W) x 10.5" (H) | 5" (L) x 4" (W) x 10" (H) | 9.8" (L) x 5.6" (W) x 6.8" (H) |
| Weight | 3 lbs. | 4 lbs. | 3 lbs. | 6.5 lbs. | 1.6 lbs. | 1.6 lbs. |
| Capacity | 2.5 L | 3.7 L | 3.7 L | 6 L | 2.2 L | 1.8 L |
| Coverage | 500 sq. ft. | 500 sq. ft. | 500 sq. ft. | 750 sq. ft. | 400 sq. ft. | 250 sq. ft. |
| Auto shut-off | ||||||
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When we visit my sons’ pediatrician for upper respiratory infections, coughs, or any of those miserable viruses during the New York winter months, she always reminds us to run a humidifier in our kids’ rooms to help with breathing. While it’s not an absolute necessity, according to the Mayo Clinic, humidifiers can be used to help with dry sinuses, bloody noses or cracked lips. Dry air (particularly during colder months) causes moisture to evaporate from the skin, and can irritate baby’s sensitive nasal passages. By using a humidifier for baby, you can efficiently add moisture back into the air of their room, which can help relieve this soreness. Additionally, the added moisture can help prevent mucus from getting too dry and hard to remove, says Natasha Burgert, MD, a pediatrician and a spokesperson for the AAP. So, while a humidifier for baby isn’t a must-have, you’ll appreciate how the device helps your child breathe (and sleep!) easier when they’re feeling under the weather.
When choosing the right one, it’s important to consider several factors, like how easy it is to clean, does it have adjustability, and what other features (like night-lights and white noise) does it have to help baby get a restful night’s sleep. You’ll want to choose a baby humidifier that’s appropriate for the square footage of baby’s nursery. “Too large a size will create too much moisture for the room,” says Denise Scott, MD, a pediatric endocrinologist based in Oklahoma. Lastly, consider purchasing a device with an automatic shut-off feature so that it’ll stop running when the reservoir is empty.
Having a baby humidifier in your infant’s nursery offers numerous health benefits. Here, a few advantages, as explained by the experts:
- Moisture. Adding moisture to baby’s environment will keep their nasal passages from getting too dry, which makes breathing easier, says Scott. “Babies are dependent on breathing through their noses, and can easily become congested,” she adds. A nursery humidifier can work wonders to alleviate that problem.
- Skin hydration. Scott says that if baby is prone to eczema, an infant humidifier can help soothe dry skin by putting moisture back into the air—especially during winter months.
- White noise. Parents who are fans of white noise machines will appreciate that humidifiers for babies create gentle, consistent background noise. This sound can even become a way of signaling to your child that it’s bedtime.
Using a humidifier for baby congestion can provide an array of benefits, but it’s essential to ensure the device is used correctly for your child’s health and safety. First of all, the AAP recommends that parents use a cool-mist humidifier rather than a hot-water version, as the latter releases warm steam that can potentially burn your child. Below, additional health and safety considerations to keep top of mind:
- Risk of fire hazard. These devices can potentially be a fire hazard since water is near electrical cords, says Scott. Take precautions to make sure that your setup is safe and secure.
- Mold. Due to the moisture they create, humidifiers can be a source of mold and bacteria, if they’re not cleaned and checked regularly. To combat this, Scott recommends using distilled water, when possible, and changing the water daily. Burgert suggests looking for devices that are easy to take apart and clean to avoid mold and mildew buildup.
- Water damage to floors and furniture. Scott suggests keeping the humidity level in baby’s room between 30 to 50 percent, which can be measured with a gauge; some infant humidifiers will automatically measure this. Watch out for damp areas, and don’t run the machine when the room is unoccupied.
- Excessive moisture. If your little one is asthmatic or prone to allergies, Scott recommends reserving the nursery humidifier for times of illness.
- Device placement. Once you find the best baby humidifier for your needs, be sure to properly read the owner’s manual, and place the device on a stable surface about five to six feet away from your child’s crib or bed. It should, ideally, be set on a tall piece of furniture that cannot be moved, with the cord and outlet tucked behind it.
About the writer:
Christine Carpenter is a New York storyteller, and as a devoted mother of two little boys, knows how rough cold season can be on little noses. Christine uses her craft to connect with and support other women in motherhood. Carpenter excels in product development and has a keen passion for innovative, life-enhancing products. Carpenter has contributed articles and personal essays to The Bump, Motherscope, The Kindred Voice and Mantra Wellness.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Denise Scott , MD, is a pediatrician with JustAnswer and a pediatric endocrinologist based in Oklahoma. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch, and completed her residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, with a fellowship at the National Institutes of Health.
Natasha Burgert, MD, is a pediatrician in Overland Park, Kansas, and a spokesperson for the AAP. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Mayo Clinic, Humidifiers: Ease skin, breathing symptoms, June 2023
The Bump September 2023 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of 200 parents from among The Bump community, and asked whether they used a baby humidifier and what type and brand they used.
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