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8 Best Baby Humidifiers of 2023, According to Experts

These humidifiers will stop runny noses and dry air in their tracks.

By Rachel Rothman and Jamie Spain
Best Baby Humidifiers for Your Child’s Nursery, According to Experts
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Anyone who lives in a dry or cold climate knows the feeling of the air sucking all of the moisture out of you, leaving you with a persistent cough or sniffles (or even chronic nosebleeds.) The only thing worse than you battling a cold is when you've got a baby battling it alongside you. Humidifiers add moisture back into the air to help protect the throat and sinuses, as well as keep skin moisturized. They're really great to use in the winter when the cold temperatures push the humidity level down in your home. For most, the ideal indoor humidity level is between 30% to 50% in the winter, which can help relieve cold symptoms in both you and your kids. Here are a few of the humidifiers our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute think work best for babies.

Our top picks:

  • 1
    Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier

    Best Overall Baby Humidifier

    Honeywell Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier

    $80 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    360 Degree Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

    Best Value Baby Humidifier

    Safety 1st 360 Degree Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

    Read more
  • 3
    Connected Smart Humidifier

    Best Smart Baby Humidifier

    Safety 1st Connected Smart Humidifier

    Read more
  • 4
    MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

    Quietest Baby Humidifier

    Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

    Read more
  • 5
    Warm Mist Humidifier

    Best Baby Humidifier for Cold and Cough

    Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier

    Read more

Usually, there's not much you can do for a cold except try and make yourself or your little ones comfortable while you wait it out. Babies breathe primarily through their noses, making sinus congestion extra frustrating. "You can run a cool mist humidifier in the room during sleep to keep the skin on the inside of the nose moist," says Tanya Altmann, M.D., a California-based pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Our team of parenting and tech experts evaluate everything from strollers to baby monitors and convertible car seats. We round up the most promising humidifiers on the market, looking for things like ease of use, water capacity and room coverage. For our most recent round of testing, we put 12 humidifiers to task. In the Lab, we place each machine in our controlled climatology chamber to see how long models take to reach certain humidity levels. Additionally, our experts and parent testers review these products both in-Lab and at home to see how they work in real-world environments. Finally, we evaluate individual features to determine which humidifiers are best for your kids and relieving their sniffles.

At the end of this guide, you can read more about how we test humidifiers, which kind is best for babies and what to look for when shopping for the right one for your family. We selected each pick on this list based on testing from the Good Housekeeping Institute's product experts, evaluating top performing brands and expert recommendations. You can also check out all the best parenting products in our 2022 Parenting Awards.

1
Best Overall Baby Humidifier

Honeywell Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier

Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier
1
Best Overall Baby Humidifier

Honeywell Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier

$80 at Amazon$80 at Walmart
Credit: Honeywell
Pros
  • Dishwasher-safe parts
  • Large tank opening is easy to refill
Cons
  • Need to replace the filter fairly often

If you're looking for a humidifier that will last all night and help keep baby's room clean and moist, this one from Honeywell does the trick. This humidifier uses ultra-violet light designed to help get rid of germs and bacteria. Our Lab pros loved that it's super-easy to clean, thanks to its dishwasher-safe parts, and the large opening makes it simple to refill the tank each night (which is especially important in a baby's room since you'll want to clean it and replace the filter quite often).

In our tests, Honeywell lasted for a full day on the lowest setting, so you don't have to worry about hopping out of bed in the middle of the night for a refill. The soft fan-like sound won't keep baby up all night and provides soothing background noise for the nursery.

Tank capacity1.1 gallon
Mist typeCool mist
Run time24 hours on low setting
Room sizeMedium
Dimensions17.9" x 9.37" x 11.4"
Weight8.36 lbs
2
Best Value Baby Humidifier

Safety 1st 360 Degree Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

360 Degree Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
2
Best Value Baby Humidifier

Safety 1st 360 Degree Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

Credit: Safety 1st
Pros
  • Budget-friendly
  • 2 vents can point in different directions
Cons
  • Smaller tank than some other options

This smaller, budget-friendly option comes in a variety of pretty colors and lasted an entire day on the lowest setting in our tests. If you have multiple kids sharing a room, this humidifier is a great option because it has two separate vents that can point in different directions to ensure that the entire bedroom is covered.

At less than $35 for some colors, it's also a good value. Unlike some other options, this humidifier doesn't use a filter so you don't have to worry about spending additional money changing and purchasing new ones every few months. Since the tank is on the small side, the auto-shutoff is exceptionally convenient, as is the alert light that lets you know when you need to add more water to the tank. Our testers note that they like the variability of the output depending upon the size of the room or need for humidity, and appreciate how small it is (nice for fitting in the nursery).

Capacity2.3 L
Mist typeCool mist
Run time24 hours on low setting
Room size100 to 300 sq ft
Dimensions 8.5" x 11" x 8.5"
Weight3.2 lbs
3
Best Smart Baby Humidifier

Safety 1st Connected Smart Humidifier

On Sale
Connected Smart Humidifier
3
Best Smart Baby Humidifier

Safety 1st Connected Smart Humidifier

Now 13% Off
Credit: Safety 1st
Pros
  • Connects to other Safety 1st products in the same app
  • Can control humidity levels from a distance
  • Timer lets you remotely turn on and off at specific times or humidity levels
Cons
  • Some reviews report trouble connecting to the app

Stay connected to your little one's humidifier from any room in the house with this unit from Safety 1st. Our testers love that you can control humidity levels on this humidifier virtually from your smartphone app so there's no need to worry about waking baby up to come in and alter the settings. It's a bit larger than some other units since it holds a gallon of liquid, but it features an easy top-fill tank that makes filling it a breeze.

Once you've connected to the app, testers found it simple to use and loved the variety of setting options. A few reviewers noted having trouble connecting to the app. You can also access other Safety 1st smart products, such as the baby monitor and the smart outlet, through the app. The unit's night light, and the intense, easily adjustable humidifier power are great for keeping a baby calm and comfortable throughout the night. We also appreciate that the timer allows you to turn it on or off at specific times or humidity levels.

Capacity1 gallon
Mist typeCool mist
Run time 24 hours
Room size 500 sq ft
Dimensions9.76" x 9.76" x 13.19"
Weight5.25 lbs
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4
Quietest Baby Humidifier

Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

On Sale
MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
4
Quietest Baby Humidifier

Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

Now 20% Off
Credit: Pure Enrichment
Pros
  • Quiet operation
  • Night-light mode
Cons
  • Small tank is only ideal for small rooms

Some little ones need absolute silence to catch some quality zzz's, and this humidifier by Pure Enrichment may be just the thing you're looking for. In Lab tests, we found it's surprisingly quiet while in use and is ideal for small rooms since it has a 1.5-liter water tank. This model, which has over 79,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, also has two different speed settings, a night-light mode and a nozzle that spins 360 degrees to direct mist wherever needed. It comes in three different sizes, so it's easy to find the right one for your room that will last long enough so you won't have to wake up and refill it in the middle of the night. But if you forget to add extra, the automatic shut-off means once the water level gets too low, it will shut off on its own.

Tank capacity1.5 L
Mist typeCool mist
Run timeUp to 25 hours
Room size250 sq ft
Dimensions8" x 6" x 9"
Weight 1.35 lbs
5
Best Baby Humidifier for Cold and Cough

Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier

Warm Mist Humidifier
5
Best Baby Humidifier for Cold and Cough

Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier

Credit: Vicks
Pros
  • Works with Vicks VapoSteam for medicated vapors
  • Can make room feel warmer during winter
Cons
  • Requires changing the filter

Also known as steam vaporizers, warm mist humidifiers use warm instead of cool mist to keep air moist. While we usually recommend cool mist options to prevent burn hazards, warm mist models like this version from Vicks can be more comforting during cold winter months; they also tend to be quieter than cool mist version, good for sleeping babies. Just make sure the unit is in a secure, elevated position, out of reach from any exploring toddlers who might be in the home. For older kids (2 and up), you can use the humidifier with Vicks VapoSteam for medicated vapors to help relieve colds, congestion and coughs. Just note that unlike some others, this humidifier requires changing a filter.

Capacity1 gallon
Mist typeWarm mist
Run time Up to 24 hours
Room sizeMedium
Dimensions 12" x 7.88" x 14.25"
Weight4.41 lbs
6
Best Humidifier with Projector

Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier

Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier
6
Best Humidifier with Projector

Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier

Pros
  • Doubles as a projector
  • Works with Vicks menthol VapoPads to relieve congestion
  • Quiet
Cons

    Turn your baby's nursery into a dreamscape with this adorable colorful humidifier that doubles as a projector. In addition to the boost of moisture, it has the ability to project sea, safari and starry images on the ceiling to help your little one fall asleep. This model also works with Vicks menthol VapoPads to help older kids with congestion and uses cool mist that's safe for all ages. With a one gallon tank capacity, it's best for medium sized rooms, and we found that this filterless option still ran for an entire day on the lowest setting in our tests. Our testers appreciate how easy to use this humidifier is, and have found that it's quiet enough to not disrupt a sleeping baby. We've also found that it features a relatively wider opening than some other options which is great for easy filling and cleaning.

    Tank capacity 1 gallon
    Mist type Cool mist
    Run time Up to 24 hours
    Room size Medium
    Dimensions 11.2" x 11.56" x 12.94"
    Weight5.5 lbs
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    7
    Best Baby Humidifier for Large Rooms

    Levoit OasisMist

    OasisMist
    7
    Best Baby Humidifier for Large Rooms

    Levoit OasisMist

    Pros
    • Covers a large space
    • Large tank capacity
    • Packed with smart functions
    Cons
    • Might be awkward to move because of size

    For a bigger room or a nursery with more than one child, the OasisMist from Levoit is a good fit. It's designed for large spaces, covering a 600 square foot space with a massive 10 liter tank capacity, which means it can run for an extended period of time with less refills (but also tricky to move around). It's easy to fill too, with a top-down tank and a lid you can remove with one hand. Packed with smart features, you can do everything from monitor humidity in real-time, set your target humidity and create schedules, all from your phone. There's even the Auto Mode that can help maintain the correct humidity level for your plants.

    Tank capacity 10 L
    Mist type Cool mist
    Run time Up to 100 hours
    Room size600 sq ft
    Dimensions 8.4" x 10" x 28.7"
    Weight6.4 lbs
    8
    Cutest Baby Humidifier for Nursery

    Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

    On Sale
    Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
    8
    Cutest Baby Humidifier for Nursery

    Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

    Now 11% Off
    Pros
    • Comes in 11 cute kid-themed designs
    • Easy to clean
    Cons
    • Online reviewers say built-in light can be too bright

    Cheer up any room with this little elephant while helping clear sinuses and keep air moist. Besides being an adorable addition to your nursery, this animal-themed humidifier has a base that our Lab experts found easy to clean and is quiet when operating. It comes in 11 different designs, including unicorn, monkey and train themes. (If you prefer a more streamlined look, try the Crane Drop Cool Mist version which won't look out of place in a living room or adult bedroom.) There's an optional filter slot, so while one isn't required to make the humidifier work properly, you can choose to pop in a filter to clean the air while providing moisture. If your kiddo happens to need a darker space to sleep, know that some reviewers say the built-in light can be pretty bright.

    Tank capacity 1 gallon
    Mist typeCool mist
    Run time Up to 24 hours
    Room size500 sq ft
    Dimensions 9" x 9" x 12.75"
    Weight3 lbs

    How we choose baby humidifiers

    "

    The Good Housekeeping Institute tests everything parents could want or need for their kids, including crib mattresses, diaper changing pads and even the best new toys of 2023. When reviewing humidifiers, we interview new moms on our consumer testing panel about their experiences, read through thousands of online reviews and, of course, complete rigorous testing in our Lab.

    For each of the 12 humidifiers tested, our experts evaluate qualities like tank capacity, output (gallons/day), energy consumption and how well it achieves and maintains a set humidity level in our climate-controlled chamber. We also evaluate ease of use, which includes how easy it is to set up, fill and transport, as well as seeing if the controls are intuitive and easy to use. While we recently did a comprehensive review of 12 humidifiers, we continue to assess new models as they are released and check out all the newer models from reliable brands.

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    What type of humidifier is best for babies?

    knk

    Depending on what benefits you want to get out of your humidifier, your main choice is warm mist vs. cool mist humidifiers. They tend to be in the same price range so it comes down to operation.

    Warm mist humidifiers have an internal heating element that boils water to make steam, and the blows that steam around the room. The higher temperature helps reduce bacteria (which tend to like damp environments) and are usually quieter. If you mainly use a humidifier in the winter, they can help warm up the cold air too. Downsides? The hot water can become a burn hazard if the machine were to tip over, and they do tend to have a higher energy consumption. They're not great for colds either, despite what you might have been told. According to the Food and Drug Administration, warm mist humidifiers can cause nasal passages to swell, which is the exact opposite of what you want if you're congested.

    Cool mist humidifiers operate in one of two ways: evaporative cool mist and ultrasonic cool mist. Evaporative cool mist humidifiers use a fan to dry air through a wet wick (or wick filters) and then release the vapor into the air. Ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers use a high-speed vibrating plate to turn water into a fine mist. Either way, cool mist humidifiers tend to be safer since the lack of a heating element removes the burn hazard. They won't heat up the space either, so they're suitable for year-round use and the cool air can actually help shrink nasal passages, so they're great for colds. Be aware that since it's easier for them to accumulate bacteria, you'll need to clean and sanitize them more often, and they can be quite a bit louder than warm mist humidifiers.

    Regardless of your selection, you'll want to make sure you place humidifiers out of reach from your baby or toddler for safety reasons. "Make sure a child can’t reach the cord or machine and accidentally pull it down on top of them," Dr. Altmann says.

    What to consider when shopping for the best humidifier for a baby

    "

    After you've decided between a warm mist or cool mist humidifier and the safest placement in the nursery, here's what you'll want to keep in mind as you shop:

    ✔️ Room size: Of course, you want a humidifier that can handle the entire space. That said, if you have a small space, be cautious to not over-humidify the room either, which can cause bacteria and mold growth. So not too big, and not too small, but just right.

    ✔️ Run time: A humidifier's run time depends on its tank size and discharge rate. Some can last through the night and up to 24 hours before requiring a refill, while some have to be refilled every few hours. If you go with a shorter run time, consider getting a humidifier with an auto-off feature so that the unit turns off when the water runs out.

    ✔️ Tank design: Since every humidifier will require refilling, tank design is crucial. Look for options with large openings to make refills easier, and consider translucent options so you can always keep an eye on water levels. For bigger units, make sure you can either easily remove the tank or it's easy to refill standing in its spot; you don't want to lug that huge thing back and forth every time it needs water.

    ✔️ Ease of cleaning: Be sure to examine the design to make sure it's easy to use and easy to clean. Our experts recommend cleaning your humidifier weekly so it doesn't get moldy.

    ✔️ Features: Some of the best humidifiers for babies are also the best humidifiers for adults too. However, some baby-specific humidifiers have options to make them even more kid-friendly, like animal designs, projector capabilities or a night-light.

      Why trust Good Housekeeping?

      "

      The Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on everything a parent needs, including humidifiers, for decades.

      This article was written by Rachel Rothman, the chief technologist and head engineer at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has worked for 14 years. She has a B.S.E. in mechanical engineering and applied mechanics with a mathematics minor from the University of Pennsylvania. She has been a judge for the Good Housekeeping Parenting Awards since its inception as well as other industry awards, including the Best of Parenting at CES and JPMA Parenting Awards. Plus, as a mom to three kids under six, she's personally tested many of the products we recommend in real life. She has vetted and tested most of the products in this guide.

      Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst Jamie Spain most recently updated this guide to reflect our latest baby humidifier testing information. She brings years of experience to the Institute, having reviewed products for Good Housekeeping such as breast pumps and educational apps for kids.

      Headshot of Rachel Rothman
      Rachel Rothman
      Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director

      Rachel Rothman (she/her) is the chief technologist and executive technical director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also manages GH’s growing research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. During her 15 years at Good Housekeeping, Rachel has had the opportunity to evaluate thousands of products, including toys and cars for GH’s annual awards programs and countless innovative breakthroughs in consumer tech and home improvement. 

      Headshot of Jamie Spain
      Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst

      Jamie (she/her) is a parenting and pets reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she spends her time testing, researching and writing about pet and family products. Prior to starting at GH in 2021, she worked at BuzzFeed and People, covering a combination of product reviews and lifestyle content. She's a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology and a master’s degree in journalism.

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