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The Best Humidifier for You and Your Baby

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The two different humidifier types have several important differences that should be considered when choosing a humidifier for baby’s room.

Most humidifier users and manufacturers will tell you that the best humidifier type is based on personal preference. However, more and more pediatricians are recommending the use of a cool mist humidifier for safety reasons. Since warm mist humidifiers use a heating element to boil the water inside, baby could be accidentally burned. There are several other pros and cons that should be considered before you make your purchase:

o Benefits of Cool Mist Humidifiers: As noted above, these units are typically safer for using around baby. These humidifiers can also be easier to clean and manage than warm mist humidifiers. If you plan on using a humidifier during the summer months, cool mist humidifiers are a good option for cooler, more comfortable air. Cool mist humidifiers use very little energy to run, and are better suited to humidify larger rooms than warm mist humidifiers. The amount of white dust produced by humidifiers and emitted into the air is less in cool mist humidifiers than in warm mist humidifiers.

o Drawbacks of Cool Mist Humidifiers: The fan from cool mist humidifier can sometimes cause noise that may or may not be acceptable to baby. If the noise is too loud, it can even hurt baby’s ears. However, some babies do appreciate the white noise to drown out other noises around the house to help them sleep better. Some models do offer different fan speeds to give you some control over the amount of noise.

Cool mist humidifiers require frequent replacement of their filters, which can add up monetarily over time but is necessary to prevent minerals from the water to be blown into the room. Also, the paper-based wick that sits in the water can encourage mold, bacteria and fungi to grow inside the humidifier, and antibacterial cartridges should be purchased and added to the water tank to prevent this from happening. These add-ons need to be changed every couple of months.

o Benefits of Warm Mist Humidifiers: Warm mist humidifiers do not require filters, so there are no filters to be replaced. Also, virtually no noise is produced from warm mist humidifiers, except for the occasional gurgle of water that is being boiled. Because these machines use distilled water, the mist is cleaner and more hygienic, offering additional protection against bacteria and germs.

o Drawbacks of Warm Mist Humidifiers: The heating element within a warm mist humidifier can increase energy costs, but produces a warmer mist that can be nice during the colder months. Keep in mind that the water is boiling, so accidental burning and scalding can pose a threat to babies and toddlers. These humidifiers generally require more cleaning and maintenance than cool mist humidifiers. The moisture from these machines does not cover large areas, so they are most beneficial for smaller rooms.

Here are a few other things to consider when thinking about your humidifier purchase:

o It is a good idea to purchase a humidifier with an automatic shut-off feature that turns the humidifier off when the room reaches the humidity level set by you or when it is empty. This will also keep the motor from burning out.

o Bacteria-free models are offered and are a smart choice that deliver extra protection from bacteria that could cause sickness in your child.

o Some warm mist humidifiers come equipped with a mineral absorption pad that can collect mineral deposits leftover from the heated water so they don’t blow into the room. If the water used in your house has a lot of minerals, this should be a consideration for you.

o There are types of humidifiers that double as air purifiers. These can be expensive, so research their performances before purchasing.

Most stand-alone humidifier units cost between $20 and $60, and the replacement filters can cost between $10 and $15.

Sources:

1. “Humidifiers”: www.babystore.indiaserver.com/humidifiers.htm
2. “Humidifier Guide”: www.humidifer-guide.net
3. “Cool Mist and Warm Mist Humidifiers: Comparisons”: www.effas.org/cool-mist-and-warm-mist-humidifiers.html
4. “Frequently Asked Questions: Humidifiers”: www.thomasrowens.com/frequently_asked_question1.htmt
5. “Humidifier Buying Guide”: www.iallergy.com/category11_86/default.html

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