Why We Use a Humidifier in the Nursery:

Your baby has really sensitive skin and an even more sensitive respiratory system, so during the cooler months, when central heaters are turned on and indoor humidity drops to 10 percent or less, this dry air can irritate your baby’s skin, nose, lungs, and really hinder her naps and night-time sleep. The cold, dry air also helps viruses to grow in her nursery — a place wherein your “practically perfect baby” will spend a LOT of her time — yikes! And when your baby comes down with colds and/or respiratory infections, because she cannot always take the same over-the-counter drugs that an older child or even an adult can, a humidifier can provide some much-needed relief. Why? The mist from the humidifier helps to loosen the mucus clogging her nose, throat, and chest — making it easier for her little body to recover from an illness and keeping her more comfortable as she fights it off. And last, a humidifier can help your baby enjoy the comfort of soft skin and lips, while aiding in skin conditions like eczema.  We think purchasing and placing a cool mist humidifier in your baby’s nursery is a must!

Why We Choose a Cool Mist Humidifier:

The first choice to make regarding a humidifier is between cool mist humidifiers and warm mist units. Some pediatricians strongly advocate for cool mist humidifiers; others insist that warm mist is much better for the baby. Based on our research, we recommend you use a cool mist humidifier for your baby’s nursery. Cool mist humidifiers do not have any type of heating element, so the vapor they produce is room temperature or cooler and that eliminates the risk of babies or toddlers being accidentally scalded — a baby who gets too close to a warm mist unit can burn themselves pretty easily. Besides this advantage, cool mist humidifiers are especially recommended in cases of croup, by pediatricians.

The Two Cool Mist Humidifiers We Love Most Now:

1) PUREGUARDIAN 14-HOUR COOL MIST ULTRASONIC HUMIDIFIER

Create a comfortable environment wherever you go with this ultra-compact, ultra-quiet Pureguardian ultrasonic humidifier. Product Features:

  • Ultrasonic technology generates a micro-fine mist.
  • Ultraquiet operation won’t disturb sleep.
  • SilverClean treatment helps inhibit growth of mold and mildew in the water tank.
  • Variable cool mist control ensures optimal comfort.
  • Humidifier emits a cool mist for up to 14 hours on low setting.
  • Compact size is great for smaller spaces or even traveling.

2) The Crane Cool Mist Humidifier

Oh the cuteness of Crane’s many humidifiers!  They work beautifully, are uber-cute (the dial looks like a belly-button!), and they totally add to your baby’s nursery’s decor. They make a few more than the ones here so pick one based on the theme of your baby’s nursery.

Panda – Panda!? We say it’s “Pooh Bear!”

Merlin the Dragon – what a cute addition to a Knight or Princess-themed nursery.

Gator the Gator – we’re thinking Peter Pan-themed nursery or a nautical-themed one.

Cocoa the Dog – wouldn’t a dog park-themed nursery be super cute?

Oscar the Owl – think about a library-themed nursery!  Whoooo wouldn’t love that!?

Penelope the Pig – It doesn’t have to just go in a farm-themed nursery…we’re loving the idea of an “Olivia”-themed one!

Freddy the Frog – not just for pond-themed nurseries…think “Peter Rabbit” or a “Wind in the Willows” themed nursery.

Elliot the Elephant – Fun for a circus or zoo-themed nursery.

Daphne the Duck – for a farm, pond, or woods-themed nursery.

Curtis the Cow – perfect for a farm-themed nursery.

Taking Care of Your Baby’s Humidifier:

Humidifiers are safe when used properly but there are some safety precautions you should take to ensure that the humidifier always helps your baby and never harms her.

1. Clean it regularly.

Humidifiers need to be regularly cleaned and disinfected. If the unit is not cleaned, bacteria and mold can easily grow on the moist surface of the humidifier (it only takes 48 hours for mold to grow on a damp surface). You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding maintenance of the machine and should regularly disinfect the humidifier with a bleach/water solution.

2. Use distilled water instead of tap water, if you can.

Tap water contains some trace amounts of minerals. If you have hard water, those minerals can build up within the humidifier and then be blown throughout the room or house. So it’s probably wiser to use distilled water, if you can.

3. Keep the humidifier unplugged and out of reach when not in use.

Keep your baby away from the humidifier when she’s in your nursery by keeping it unplugged and out of reach from her lil’ inquisitive hands.

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