Woman playing with two young sons

What Type of Humidifier Is Safest for Babies and Children?

Humidifiers benefit families in many ways, as optimal indoor moisture levels help everyone’s airways stay moist to alleviate congestion during cold season and allergy season. This is especially beneficial if your child has a case of the sniffles and requires relief from their symptoms. Additionally, proper humidity levels help soothe dry, itchy skin and keep it from coming back.

As a parent, you’re no stranger to researching product safety and fully vetting a device before introducing it to your home. Safety is of the utmost importance, which is why you’ll be pleased to know the most modern humidifier designs pose no risk of burns or other injury to little hands. While there are many options on the market, the safest humidifier for baby has a few unique features. 

Cool Mist Evaporative Humidifiers: Why They’re Safest for Children

Vaporized steam is traditionally used to add humidity to a room. This involves boiling water, which poses inherent dangers for little ones. That’s because the vapor is visible and may attract children to touch it, which can lead to serious burns. Plus, the device itself can become warm to the touch.

 

Toddler playing on the floor

Cool mist evaporative humidifiers are a safer, more modern solution. These devices distribute a continuous stream of moisture at safe room temperatures to improve humidity levels. The evaporative technology means water is absorbed through a filter and evaporated by the device’s fan. Clean, hydrated air is then invisibly distributed throughout a room—and you don’t have to worry about the humidifier heating up.

 

While mold is sometimes a concern for select cool mist humidifiers, Canopy reduces the risk of mold development through paper filters that retain contaminants, along with innovative Smart Persistent Airflow™ (SPA) technology that uses sensors to detect when a unit is fully dry inside. There’s no leftover water, making the environment unfriendly to mold growth. And the dishwasher-safe components mean cleanup is quick and easy, giving you more time to spend with your family. 

Placement Tips for Children’s Humidifiers

The best humidifier for baby is also safest when it’s placed properly. It should be at least a foot away from any walls to prevent moisture accumulation, and at least 3 to 4 feet away from sleeping areas so you don’t end up with damp bedding. The same goes for older children’s rooms since you want them to benefit from the humidification without their belongings being exposed to moisture. Whether you have a baby or a small child, the device’s wires should also be secured and kept out of reach both in their rooms and in common areas of the home. 

If you’re researching the best humidifier for your children, Canopy’s Little Dreams bundle is an excellent option for nurseries. This pediatrician-recommended humidifier is designed to promote easier breathing and better sleep for your little one. Plus, it features soothing aromas with safe diffusion for a calming atmosphere.

For other areas of the home, consider our customer-favorite Humidifier Plus, which can hydrate spaces of up to 1,000 square feet with mold-inhibiting technology and clean aroma diffusion.