How Close Should a Humidifier Be To My Baby?

Thinking about incorporating a humidifier into your baby’s nursery? You may have a few questions like: does my baby need a humidifier? Where in my baby’s room should I place a humidifier? How close should a humidifier be to my baby? And, can a humidifier harm my baby?

A humidifier is a handy device for your baby’s nursery, helping to improve congestion, repair dry skin, reduce the chances of getting sick, and more. A humidifier should be placed approximately 3 feet from your baby’s crib to avoid excessive exposure to moisture emitted from your humidifier. Excess humidifier mist may dampen your baby’s bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals creating the potential for mold and bacteria. 

Let’s get into the details.

First Off, Does My Baby Need a Humidifier?

Before we delve into humidifier placement questions like: “How close should a humidifier be to my baby?” and “Where should I place a humidifier in my infant’s room?” you may wonder whether your baby actually needs a humidifier. 

Most babies and small children can benefit from the inclusion of a humidifier in their nursery. Humidifiers improve many common infant ailments including nasal congestion, dry skin, and mild symptoms of the common cold or the flu.

Using a Humidifier for Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion is a common condition in newborns and infants. That sweet (albeit terrifying) sniffling sound coming from your precious baby, or the noisy breathing you hear from your baby monitor are a completely normal part of the development process. 

An infant’s respiratory system needs time outside of the womb to adjust to this new world into which they have been thrusted. Dry home air, common household allergens, and residual amniotic fluid or breast milk in the nostrils can contribute to nasal congestion. 

Using a humidifier for your sweet pea’s nursery helps to keep the nasal passage well-lubricated, which will reduce inflammation and release any blockages in the airway. 

Using a Humidifier for Dry Skin or Eczema

Baby skin is ultra-sensitive, which makes it prone to dryness, redness, and irritation from exposure to virtually anything. In addition, atopic dermatitis or “eczema” affects 13% of children under the age of 5, and is a common skin condition in infants. 

While skin sensitivity is frustrating, especially when it clearly causes your little bean to become uncomfortable, it is a very common condition and can be easily remedied. Regular use of a humidifier in your baby’s room will help to replenish their supple skin with the moisture it needs to be healthy and itch-free. 

Using a Humidifier to Reduce the Chances of Getting Sick

Kids get sick. This is a natural part of a maturing immune system. So, take a deep breath… You are a great parent! While there is no surefire way to prevent your baby or small child from getting sick, using a humidifier in your mini me’s nursery can reduce the chances of contracting an airborne virus or bacteria. 

A 2020 study by the Annual Review of Virology revealed that elevated humidity can reduce the survival rate of airborne pathogens, improve the body’s immune response, and help the body to ward-off foreign invaders. Incorporating a humidifier in your little’s nursery can not only reduce the exposure to viruses and bacteria, but it can improve their immune response as well. Win, win!

Where Should I Place a Humidifier for Baby?

Now that you are aware of the myriad of benefits associated with incorporating a humidifier into your infant’s nursery, you may be wondering where to place the humidifier. How close should a humidifier be to the baby for maximum efficacy? Where should I place the humidifier in the nursery to keep my baby safe?

Location in the Nursery

When selecting the best placement for a humidifier in your precious baby’s nursery, it is best to opt for a central location. Avoid placing the humidifier in the corner of the room, which could interfere with the flow of moisture from your device. 

Proximity to Baby’s Crib

How close should a humidifier be to baby? The general rule of thumb is 3-4 feet from the crib or sleeping space. If you place a humidifier too close to your baby’s bed, the mist may saturate their sleep space, which could introduce harmful mold and bacteria. 

Child Accessibility

The humidifier should be placed high enough to avoid reach from curious hands. Even if your sweet pea is months away from standing or walking, it is best to select a high and stable shelf that will be inaccessible to your child. 

Also, make sure to hide any cords connected to your device, which may become a tripping hazard for your little explorer. 

Can a Humidifier Hurt a Baby?

A humidifier is a perfectly safe device for infants, small children, pets, houseplants, and adults alike. The moisture created from your humidifier is beneficial for all members of your household, especially during the winter months when dry air can cause countless ailments. 

Cool mist humidifiers are considered the safest humidifying device for infants, small children, and pets. Warm mist humidifiers or vaporizers are described by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as a burn risk. Since a vaporizer boils water to create steam, an unintentional knock of a wobbly table or a curious hand could knock the hot water on your baby’s face or body.  

Canopy Humidifier for Baby

Canopy Humidifier was designed with your sweet, squishy baby in mind. Canopy Humidifier is a no mist, no mess humidifier with built-in sensors that maintain optimal moisture both day and night.