The best baby humidifiers for your baby’s room

best baby humidifiers

by Samantha Ball |
Updated on
Lucy Wolfe

Medically Reviewed by: Lucy Wolfe, HDip, MA

Medically reviewed by leading Sleep Consultant, Lucy Wolfe

You might be wondering if your baby could benefit from a humidifier, after all, there's nothing worse than seeing your little one struggling at night when they have a cold. Baby humidifiers offer numerous advantages, particularly when it comes to helping your little one breathe easier—especially during the colder months.

They’re also a powerful tool for promoting better sleep, making them a go-to sleep aid for babies for many parents. While baby humidifiers are still relatively new to the parenting scene, some may have questions about their safety. That's why we’re here to provide you with all the facts, backed by expert insights from renowned Sleep Consultant, Lucy Wolfe.

Black Friday 2024: The best deals on baby humidifiers

With the Black Friday sales coming to a close, we wanted to bring you the best deals on baby humidifiers that are still available. Black Friday can make a big difference when it comes to purchasing the higher-ticket baby items so if you've been thinking about which baby humidifier to get, now is the time to buy!

40% OFF: Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier - Was £74.99, Now £44.95

10% OFF: Glow Sleep Easy - Was £109.95, Now £99.99

5% OFF: Vintoney Cool Mist Humidifier - Was £19.99, Now £18.99

The best baby humidifiers at a glance:

Humidifiers are a great way to help keep moisture in the air, so they make the perfect sleep aids. They will stop the space from becoming too dry and prevent mould or bacteria build-up. This means that you can sleep better at night, knowing your little one can breathe more comfortably through cold and flu season. This is particularly helpful to your baby's breathing and skin in the colder months. It is especially noticeable when the cranked-up heating could dry out the air more than usual.

While it might not be necessary, using a humidifier in the home has many benefits for you and your baby. There are several different types of humidifiers, including aromatherapy, cool mist, and warm mist humidifiers. Some humidifiers even double up as a white noise machine to help your baby sleep.

Best baby humidifiers 2024

ON SALE - 47% OFF

Best overall baby humidifier

vicks sweet dreamsImage: Amazon
Price: £39.99 (was £74.99)

The 2-in-1 Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier is specifically designed to help when your baby has a cold or congestion. It can be used with Vicks VapoPads, which you might already use in the Vicks USB diffuser.

We probably all remember the Vicks Vaporub from our childhoods and know perfectly well how powerful it can be for helping with colds. 

This humidifier also features a nightlight projector with three images to help the baby get to sleep. 

The capacity is 3.8 litres which should last about 24 hours; it also features an automatic shut-off when the water runs out. 

It’s easy to use this and to keep clean, but do bear in mind the additional cost of the VapoPads, and also that this is a large item - great in terms of how long it can last, but you might not appreciate the size; one tester said: “The one thing I'd say we weren't so keen on was the size, it's rather large! A monster of a humidifier! We're fortunate enough to have space to store and put it on bedside tables big enough when in use. But those who are short on space/storage might find it a headache to store away when not in use.”

Pros

  • Large-capacity water tank 
  • Uses Vicks VapoPads for easing congestion 
  • Features a nightlight projector 

Cons

  • Very large - consider if you have the space 
  • VapoPads are an additional expense 
Weight:1.22kg
Suitable for room size:15m2
  • Auto shut-off
  • 24-hour timer
  • 1.8L water tank
  • Quiet operation

Best sturdy humidifier

Bubble Humidifier NightlightMother&Baby

Our mum tester Katherine loved this humidifier. "The design is really good and feels really good quality. There’s no way it could be tipped over by tiny hands because the base is so sturdy," she says.

Working as both a humidifier and colour changing nightlight, its 360° funnel allows you to adjust the direction of steam diffusion. With a 2L capacity and 16 hours of autonomy for peace of mind, it's also super compact in the room. With an easy to read instruction manual, it's easy to set up in a matter of minutes.

One design flaw our tester found was that it does make a slight noise when working. "It’s very soft and similar to white noise so it’s totally acceptable," tester Katherine says. "I loved that the tank was very large so re-filling is minimal." 

The colour changing nightlight is a welcome addition, however, our tester did wish the light was red! "This would be so much better for nighttime. There’s also no humidity monitor, so unless you have a separate one, its hard to know if the humidity in the room is where it needs to be or not."

Pros

  • Sturdy design so doesn't tip easily
  • Also features a nightlight

Cons

  • No humidity monitor
  • Effectiveness
    5.0
  • Ease of use
    5.0
  • Ease of set up
    5.0
  • Design
    4.0
  • Durability
    5.0

Best quiet baby humidifier

Babymoov Hygro Plus HumidifierImage: Amazon

The Babymoov humidifier is ideal for babies and children because it is so quiet—at only 25dB, it is one of the quietest on the market. However, some parents reviewed it and thought it was too noisy, proving that everything is relative. 

It uses ultrasonic tech to create a cool mist, whether you want this to keep the air quality high or to help with congested chests and noses. 

This model has a 2.5-litre capacity and should run for about 22 hours; it automatically cuts off when the water level gets too low. It has an easy-to-read digital display at the front, which tells you the humidity level and the room temperature. There’s also an additional feature to diffuse essential oils, and it has a night light with seven colours. 

Parents loved how simple it was to maintain and there's no need for filters. In terms of downsides, some parents wished it was easier to control steam levels and wanted some clearer instructions; it also might not be the easiest to clean, with one mum tester saying: “After 2 months of use, I have had to return this humidifier because of the solid and sometimes sticky gunky residue that collected around various parts of the machine and were impossible to clean. I’ve been sent a replacement which I am now using but without the essential oils, which I suspect caused the problem.” So, if you intend to use this humidifier with essential oils, beware of cleaning thoroughly.

Pros

  • Has built-in night light with seven colours 
  • Cool mist ultrasonic technology
  • Easy-to-use digital display 

Cons

  • Some parents thought it was quite noisy
Weight:750g
Dimensions:26.8 x 24.2 x 35cm
Suitable for room size:20m2
  • Built-in night light
  • 22-hour battery life
  • 2.5L capacity
  • Nightlight with seven colours

ON SALE - 28% OFF

Best luxury humidifier

Mother&Baby
Price: $79.20 (was £109.95)

www.pramworld.co.uk

The Glow Sleep Easy is an innovative solution for parents seeking to enhance their child's sleep environment. This multi-functional device combines a night light, sound machine, humidifier and essential oil diffuser, creating the perfect atmosphere for your little one to get a restful sleep.

One of the standout features our mum tester Laura found was its soft, adjustable night light. "With various brightness settings, it provides just the right amount of illumination for bedtime routines without being too harsh. The soothing sounds, including pink noise, are effective at helping little ones drift off, making it easier for both children and parents to get a good night’s rest." Laura says.

The essential oil diffuser is a great addition, allowing you to create a calming aroma to promote relaxation. The ability to choose different oils means you can customise the experience based on your child's preferences, improving their bedtime routine.

Our mum tester Laura also found the setup very straightforward and loved how the sleek design fit seamlessly into baby's nursery and her bedroom decor. "Plus, the built-in timer options allow you to set it and forget it, so you don’t have to worry about turning it off once your child is asleep." She commented.

All this can be managed manually or via the Glow Sleep Genie App which allows you to change the settings from your mobile device. It’s recommended to set up the Glow Sleep Easy 20 minutes before setting your little one down for sleep, so using the app to do this remotely is especially convenient.

"Overall, the Glow Sleep Easy is a must-have for any parent looking to improve their child's sleep quality. With its combination of gentle lighting, soothing sounds, and the option for aromatherapy, it creates a nurturing sleep environment that can help establish healthy sleep habits. Highly recommended for both infants and toddlers!" Laura concludes.

Pros

  • Features both a nightlight, soothing sound machine and essential oil humidifier
  • Easy to operate via the mobile app

Cons

  • May be slightly out of some budgets as it's on the expensive side

ON SALE - 15% OFF

Best baby humidifier with adjustable mist levels

Maxi-Cosi Breathe HumidifierImage: Amazon
Price: $84.95 (was £99.99)

This Maxi-Cosi humidifier is another stylish option that can be used in other rooms, not just the nursery. 

The capacity is 3.8 litres, which should last about 24 hours before needing to be refilled; bear in mind that this is one of the larger humidifiers we've tested, so make sure you have the room; one mum tester said: "I hadn’t really taken much notice of the dimensions when purchasing this item, so when it arrived I was quite surprised how BIG it is!! However, literally, every feature listed works seamlessly, and it’s a great piece of equipment! The app is easy to use, and the item looks good… I’m happy!"

You can control this humidifier using the Maxi-Cosi app downloaded onto your smartphone. This means you can check the humidity levels and temperature of your baby’s room from anywhere. You can set timers for the humidifier to come on and off, and you can also receive notifications when the water level becomes low. 

This humidifier also allows the use of essential oils. The buttons are easy to use, and the digital display is simple to read. There’s also a nightlight, although, unlike some humidifiers, it doesn’t change colour.

Pros

  • Modern design that will fit into any room 
  • Control using a smartphone app 
  • Large capacity means fewer water changes 

Cons

  • Only one nightlight colour 
Capacity: 3.8L
  • Can be used with essential oils
  • Smart-app control
  • 24-hour run time with low water alert

Best baby humidifier with sound machine

MOTHER&BABY

Our mum tester Charlotte said, "The light and sound features are incredibly practical, meaning
there is no need for an additional sound machine or night light, providing a cost-effective bonus which is especially important when on a mat leave budget!"

Charlotte's baby daughter Margot usually sleeps best with background noise, so the sound machine feature proved especially effective for getting her off to sleep calmly and keeping her
relaxed. "The choice of 7 colours on the night light is also a fond feature as we were able to create a more personalised ambience within our bedroom, which was also great for night feeds."

The large 3.8-litre tank is easy to fill and lasts a long time without needing to be cleaned due to its antimicrobial properties and the integrated filter, which removes impurities from the water before it is vapourised. The top fill tank is also detachable and dishwasher safe, which makes it very easy and quick to clean when required, saving precious time for new mums.

"My partner suffers from allergies during the summer months, which can make it difficult for him to breathe at night. The aroma tray feature works brilliantly for adding your own essential oils and has made sleeping a lot more comfortable for him. This product benefits all the family with a very user-friendly design, it is easy to assemble and operate. The four-in-one feature offers a great product for new mums on a budget," Charlotte continued.

The design is a fun water drop shape; however, some testers prefer designs where you can’t see the water; one mum tester said, “This is a great functional humidifier, but I wouldn’t use it anywhere other than the nursery, as it’s a bit too functional-looking. I prefer some of the designs that are more stylish as well as practical.” 

Read our full Crane Humidifier review here

Pros

  • Large water tank capacity 
  • Multi-functional with sound features and nightlight options 
  • Optional white noise features

Cons

  • Despite the capacity, some parents found refilling frequently necessary 
Dimensions:32 x 23 x 23cm
Capacity:3.8L
  • Three soothing white noise sounds
  • Seven LED light settings
  • Aroma tray
  • 40-hour run time

ON SALE - 25% OFF

Best compact baby humidifier

Fridababy 3-in-1 Humidifier, Diffuser and NightlightImage: Amazon
Price: £44.99 (was £59.99)

This humidifier looks small, but it has a 1.9-litre capacity and can run for about 12 hours. The mist level is adjustable, which many of the humidifiers we’ve tested are not, so that’s a bonus. It features a nightlight in a variety of colours, which we love for the baby’s nursery. 

The humidifier will automatically shut off when water runs out; it can also be used as an aromatherapy diffuser. The control button is easy to use; one mum said: “I like how easy to use this is, as sometimes in the middle of the night you don’t want to be fussing with knobs and buttons or apps, whereas this is straightforward.”

Pros

  • Easy to use with a simple button 
  • Good capacity that lasts 12 hours 

Cons

  • Isn’t the most stylish one we’ve tried
Capacity:1.9-litre tank
  • Auto-off function
  • Adjustable mist
  • 12-hour run time

Best versatile baby humidifier

DUUX Tag 2 DXHU15UK HumidifierImage: Amazon
Price: $44.99

This humidifier is certainly more stylish than some of the others on our list, so it’s easy to move it from the baby’s room to any other room in the house. 

The ultrasonic vibrations mean this is quieter than some humidifiers, which means minimal disruption to the baby’s sleep. 

The tank has a 2.5-litre capacity, which should last about 10 hours. You can also use essential oils with this. 

It’s definitely a style choice, given that its performance isn’t any more spectacular or impressive than other humidifiers we’ve tested; one parent tester simply said: "Easy to clean, does its job, looks nice, easy to use."

Pros

  • Very stylish and will fit in with any decor 
  • Large capacity and quiet performance 
  • Can use essential oils 

Cons

  • No additional functions 
Dimensions:312 x 193 x 260mm
Capacity:2.5 litres
Weight:1.5kg
  • LED indicators
  • Mood lighting
  • Suitable for aromatherapy
  • 2.5L tank10-hour run time with ultrasonic sound vibrations

Best baby humidifier with app control

ASAKUKI Wi-Fi Smart Essential Oil DiffuserImage: Amazon
Price: $29.99

This diffuser is also a humidifier, but it’s designed primarily as an essential oil diffuser, so this would be a good choice if you want to primarily use it in the main areas of the house and not just in the baby’s room. It has a 500ml capacity which is smaller than some other humidifiers, but it should last for about 16 hours. It will automatically shut off when the water runs out; one tester said: “It’s powerful, and you can smell the scent right from turning it on. It has lights on, but I prefer them off. You can either have it on a timer or just continuously on. The fact that it holds so much water is a real bonus, too, as you’re not constantly refilling.” 

It also features seven different nightlight colours, which you can control with the app. The brightness is also adjustable. In terms of noise, it’s about 35 dB. 

You can control this diffuser using the Tuya Smart app. It’s also compatible with Alexa, so it’s easy to control it without being in the room—handy if the baby is asleep and you don’t want to disturb them. The app is free to download, and it’s compatible with lots of other smart devices, so it's great if you use other gadgets. 

Remember that essential oils are best used after the baby has turned three months old.

Pros

  • Can be controlled via an app on your smartphone
  • Compatible with Alexa 
  • Seven nightlight colours 

Cons

  • Small water capacity 
  • Primarily an essential oil diffuser, not a humidifier 
Capacity:500ml
Dimensions:17.2 x 17.2 x 14cm
Weight:700g
  • Essential oil diffuser
  • Smart-app controlled
  • 7 LED mood light options
  • 500ml tank

40% OFF

Best novelty baby humidifier

Cadrim Ultrasonic HumidifierImage: Amazon
Price: $15.59 (WAS £25.99)

bargainfox.com

This humidifier is functional and designed for children with a funky whale character. It is great for the nursery, although this does mean it might not have longevity, as you might not want this in other rooms of the home. 

This functions as a humidifier and an aromatherapy diffuser; the nightlight has seven colours and will help soothe the baby at night, too. 

The capacity is small, at 180ml, lasting about five to seven hours—this is much smaller than the other humidifiers on our list; one mum tester said: “It’s a fun design, but it is a shame that it doesn’t run for very long. I would rather have a humidifier that would last all night long, rather than running out in the early morning hours and then the baby waking up because it’s stopped and she gets congested again.”

Pros

  • Fun whale design that children will love 
  • Works as an aromatherapy diffuser as well as a humidifier 
  • Low-cost option 

Cons

  • Small water tank capacity 
  • Won’t last all night long 
Dimensions:20.4 x 18 x 10.2cm
Weight:450g
Suitable for room:20m2
  • 5-6 hour mist time
  • Automatic shut-off after 5s when water runs out
  • No noise

ON SALE - 5% OFF

Best baby humidifier for design

Vintoney Cool Mist HumidifierImage: Amazon
Price: $18.99 (WAS £19.99)

The style of this humidifier might be more clinical and less stylish than some of the others we’ve tested, and it certainly looks smaller; however, it’s compact and yet still very practical. One tester said: "This is a well-made little item that is intuitive to use. Fill the container with water and press the button. It is whisper quiet, and it starts to stream the moisture in the air almost immediately after it is switched on. There is a constant stream from the top."

The 500ml water tank lasts about 12 hours, which is longer than some humidifiers with a larger capacity (such as the DUUX Tag 2, which lasts about 10 hours on a 2.5-litre tank).

As with most, it features an automatic shut-off feature when the tank runs empty. You can turn it on and off with just one press of a button, so it’s nice and simple to operate. There is also a nightlight feature, although just with one colour. 

It’s powered with a USB port, which is handy for use in any house room, although the cord could be longer. The only real downside testers had was with the fitting of the base being fiddly; one tester said: "One thing to note is that the screw mechanism to put the base on once you have filled it is an absolute pain as it takes ages to find the thread."

Pros

  • Small and compact but very practical 
  • Lasts longer than some humidifiers with a bigger capacity 
  • USB powered

Cons

  • Looks a bit clinical, and might not suit all rooms of the house 
Capacity:500ml
Dimensions:12.5 x 9.5 x 9.5cm
  • Night light
  • Adjustable mists
  • 10-16 hours
  • 500ml capacity
  • Ultrasonic quiet operation

Best baby humidifier that's easy to clean

Challenge Ultrasonic HumidifierImage: Amazon

This Challenge humidifier is really quiet, making it ideal for a baby’s room; on the other hand, the light is quite bright, which isn’t what you want in the middle of the night after a feed. 

The water tank capacity is 3.2 litres, which is mid-range when compared to other humidifiers we’ve tested; one tester said: "This holds a lot of water and, with a simple knob, produces a steady stream to a large wafting cloud. If, on maximum, it would fill a bathroom eventually. By the bedside it would produce a dropping cloud of vapour on the right setting, perfect when sleeping, reducing coughing and dry throats. Excellent product."

Some testers say the mist doesn’t spread far enough around the room and can leave immediate surfaces damp, whereas others report good misting through the room; we've found that it really depends on the size of the room. 

This is another humidifier with a practical gadget style—it might not match the decor in other rooms of your home.

Pros

  • Good-sized water tank capacity 
  • Very quiet performance 
  • Easy to clean this humidifier

Cons

  • Bright light can be distracting 
  • Some testers found it leaves surfaces damp 
Room size suitable for:25 m²
Dimensions:34 x 20 x 22cm
Suitable for room:25m2
  • Easy clean filter
  • Visible water level
  • Auto shut-off
  • 3.2L tank

Best baby humidifier with projection

Rio Dream Time Aroma Diffuser, Humidifier and Night LightImage: Amazon
Price: $19.99

This Rio humidifier is an aroma diffuser, humidifier, and nightlight all in one. The lighting is soft, calming, and not distracting; it has five different colours. The ability to use essential oils with this diffuser makes it additionally useful, and those essential oil scents can ease the baby off to sleep (lavender is a good choice for aiding sleep). However, do be careful with essential oils, and it’s best to use them after the baby turns three months old. 

The design of this humidifier, with the starry night style, means this is probably only suitable for use in the baby’s nursery, rather than using it in other rooms of the house once the baby doesn’t need it so much. 

This is one of the cheapest humidifiers on our list, however it’s also one of the smallest, with a water tank capacity of just 100ml. This means it will only run for about three to four hours; so not one to choose if you want it running all night; one mum tester said: “I wish this had a better capacity as it’s easy to use, but just doesn’t last long enough; it’s great for using during the day, but for night time I would want a humidifier that lasts until morning.”

Pros

  • Multi-functional with a nightlight and essential oil diffuser too 
  • One of the cheapest humidifiers 

Cons

  • Very small tank capacity 
  • Shorter run time than most we've tested
Capacity: 100ml
Suitable for room:15m2
  • Seven colour-changing LED
  • Automatic shut-off
  • 100ml tank

Baby humidifiers FAQ - All you need to know

Are baby humidifiers safe for babies?

Babies come with many products, and finding room for more might be difficult. However, adding a humidifier to your list of 'baby must-haves' will benefit the whole family, and not all will take up that much space on the shelf.

It might seem like a big investment, but if you're wondering how to know if your baby needs a humidifier, the benefits are great. They help ease a range of symptoms, from allergies and eczema to colds and flu.

Humidifiers are also very safe to use with babies as long as they're used correctly. Sleep Consultant Lucy Wolfe says, "They can be helpful to add moisture to the air that can support clearer breathing and avoid drying out your fragile skin, especially when the air is dry due to climate and central heating. It is certainly becoming a more popular parent purchase. But I don't typically recommend them unless the parents themselves feel strongly about them.

"My understanding is that moisture is gently distributed into the environment that helps to prevent the mucus in the nostrils from drying up, which may help to avoid congestion or avoid common coughs and colds. As a result of the moisture that is balancing out a dry atmosphere, largely caused by insulation and central heating, this may also help to prevent their baby's skin from drying out and becoming itchy.

"So helpful for children prone to coughs, colds and congestion and maybe also children with skin irritation. Some models make a slight sound too, which may act as a 'white noise' background sound that can be comforting for some children as it is reminiscent of the womb. I don't feel that there are any disadvantages per se, but whether it is a necessary purchase, I can't say."

Where is the best place to put baby humidifiers?

You want to place it somewhere in your baby's room where they will not accidentally knock it over or be able to reach any wires. You'll also want to place it somewhere where the mist can disperse well into the room so there is no build-up of moisture on any surfaces or the ceiling. 
Be sure to check what size room your humidifier is made for. If your room is too small, the humidifier could cause condensation and dampness, or it could be ineffective.

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

Room size: We all want a humidifier that fits anywhere. However, if you have little space, be wary of over-humidifying the room, as this can cause germs and mould. 

Time: The runtime of humidifiers varies and depends on their tank size and release rate. Some can last up to 24 hours before requiring a refill, while some must be refilled every couple of hours. 

Design: Of course, every humidifier needs refilling, so tank design is vital. Look for choices with huge openings to simplify refills, and think about glowing options so you can always keep an eye on the water and its level. 

Cleaning: Make sure you consider the design so that cleaning days will be easy.

How often should you clean it?

As with anything in our homes, it's important to keep it clean to reduce the spread of bacteria. To keep our humidifiers and our rooms clean, we should clean out the water tank every one to three days and change the water daily.

How humid should a baby's room be?

The ideal humidity level for a baby's room is between 40% and 60%, with an ideal level of 45% to 55%. Although it can be tricky to get this right, it's important to make sure it isn't too high or too low. To measure the humidity levels in the room, it's advised to use a hygrometer. To maintain the humidity, it's a good idea to air out the space regularly, clean the humidifier regularly and use distilled water instead of tap water in your humidifier.

Can you use essential oils in all humidifiers

No, you shouldn't use essential oils or solutions to help baby breath easier unless your humidifier is specifically designed to be used with humidifiers. If you use essential oils in a humidifier that isn't designed for them, it can damage the humidifier so always read the instructions before using.

The best humidifiers to keep your baby breathing easily
©Getty

Meet The Expert

Lucy Wolfe HDip, MA, is a Leading Irish Sleep Consultant, Relationship Mentor, Author of the best-selling books: The Baby Sleep Solution and All About the Baby Sleep Solution and Mum of four children.

How we test and choose recommended products

Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.

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Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.

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Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.