Best humidifier for baby in 2025: Expert tips & real parent reviews

If you're looking for the best cool mist humidifier for baby, especially a good humidifier to help baby with a cough and snuffly nose, this one is a great option. It is designed specifically to ease cold and congestion symptoms and can be used with Vicks VapoPads, which you might already use in the Vicks USB diffuser. Many of us remember the soothing effects of Vicks Vaporub from our own childhood, and this humidifier offers a similar solution to help ease baby’s cold symptoms.

In addition to its congestion-relieving features, we love that this humidifier includes a nightlight projector with three calming images to help your little one drift off to sleep. The 3.8-litre capacity provides up to 24 hours of run time, and it shuts off automatically when the water runs out, ensuring convenience and safety.

While it’s easy to use and clean, keep in mind the added cost of VapoPads and the size of the unit. One tester mentioned: “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.”

Overall, this humidifier is a great option for relieving baby’s congestion, but it's important to consider your space before purchasing. The large-capacity water tank does hold more water though, so it'll run for a longer time, but you're after something smaller and more portable, we’ve included the Vicks Mini model further down our list.

Looking for the perfect humidifier for your baby's room? The Babymoov humidifier is ideal for babies and children because it is so quiet. In fact, at only 25dB, it's one of the quietest models on the market, although, some of our parent testers did find it noisier than expected, proving that sound preferences can vary.

Using ultrasonic technology, this humidifier creates a cool mist, helping maintain air quality and ease congestion in babies with stuffy noses or chesty coughs. With a 2.5-litre capacity, it can run for up to 22 hours and automatically shuts off when the water level is low. The easy-to-read digital display shows both the humidity level and room temperature, and it also features an option to diffuse essential oils, along with a night light that offers seven colour options.

Parents love how simple it is to maintain, especially since there are no filters to replace. However, some of our testers said they wished it was easier to control the steam levels and found the instructions unclear, despite the easy-to-use digital display.

There were also some concerns about cleaning, with one mum tester sharing: “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 was 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.” If you plan to use essential oils, be sure to clean the unit thoroughly to avoid any build-up.

If you liked the look of the Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier (a great humidifier for baby congestion and colds) but wanted something more compact and portable, the Vicks Mini Cool Mist Humidifier could be the perfect alternative. It’s small enough to fit in your buggy, car, or weekend bag, making it a great option for on-the-go parents.

Despite its size, this humidifier delivers the same cool mist technology that many parents trust to soothe baby’s coughs, colds, and congestion. One parent shared, “I bought the humidifier as my little one was coughing a lot at night. The cool mist means I don’t have to worry about burns, and my baby slept so much better the first night of using it.”

We love that it includes dual slots for VapoPads, allowing you to add soothing essential oils for an extra level of comfort—especially helpful during cold season. Two menthol pads are included, but the cool mist is effective on its own. The adjustable mist and 180° nozzle is also a great feature that lets you direct the mist exactly where it’s needed, while the 1.8-litre tank provides up to 24 hours of runtime. Despite its small size, it works effectively in rooms up to 15m².

That said, some parents find cleaning the smaller tank a bit tricky. One reviewer noted, “This product is really useful and great for both adults and my toddler. Only negative is that it is very tricky to clean and dry (to prevent mold); would definitely recommend using various size bottle brushes to get into all the nooks and crannies.” To keep your humidifier hygienic and mold-free, we recommend using a bottle brush or sterilizing tablets.

Overall, if you’re looking for a smaller version of the popular Vicks humidifier without sacrificing features, this mini version is the the one to go for – just be sure to clean it regularly to maintain optimal performance.

This compact humidifier may look small, but it packs a punch with a 1.9-litre capacity and up to 12 hours of runtime. Unlike other models we’ve tested, it offers adjustable mist levels, which is a great feature for tailoring the output to your baby’s needs. We love that it includes a soothing nightlight too, with multiple colour options that are perfect for creating a calm atmosphere in the nursery.

The safety feature ensures that the humidifier automatically shuts off when the water runs out, giving you peace of mind during overnight use. The humidifier also doubles as an aromatherapy diffuser, making it versatile as well as functional.

It may not be the most stylish or high-tech model on the market (it doesn't have an app like many others), but the easy-to-use control button is a standout feature, especially for parents who prefer simplicity. One mum shared, “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.”

The design of this humidifier may not be as stylish as some others we’ve tested, with a more clinical and minimalis appearance, but it’s compact and highly practical. One tester shared, “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 moisture into the air almost immediately after switching it on. There is a constant stream from the top.”

Despite its smaller size, the 500ml water tank provides up to 12 hours of use, which is longer than some larger-capacity models, like the DUUX Tag 2, which only lasts around 10 hours with its 2.5-litre tank. As with most humidifiers, this one features an automatic shut-off when the tank runs dry. The one-touch operation makes it incredibly simple to use, and we love the added nightlight feature, though it only comes in one colour.

Powered by a USB port, it’s versatile and easy to use in any room, although some testers noted the cord could be a little longer. The main downside mentioned was the fiddly base fitting; as one tester noted, “One thing to note is that the screw mechanism to attach the base once filled is an absolute pain as it takes ages to find the thread.”

We love that the Glow Sleep Easy is an innovative all-in-one solution for parents looking to enhance their child's sleep environment. It may be on the pricier side for some, but it's a versatile device that combines a night light, sound machine, humidifier, and essential oil diffuser, and helps to create the ideal atmosphere to help your little one get a restful night’s sleep.

Our mum tester, Laura, highlighted one of its standout features – the soft, adjustable night light, sharing; "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,"

The essential oil diffuser is another great feature, providing calming aromas to relax little one. With the option to choose different oils, you can tailor the experience to your child’s preferences, enhancing their bedtime routine.

Laura also praised the simple setup and sleek design, which fit seamlessly into both her baby’s nursery and her own bedroom decor, saying; "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." It’s recommended to set up the Glow Sleep Easy 20 minutes before bedtime, and using the app makes this particularly easy. You can also control the device manually if you prefer.

“Overall, the Glow Sleep Easy is a must-have for any parent looking to improve their child’s sleep quality," says Laura. "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!”

This compact yet sturdy humidifier doubles as both a humidifier and a colour-changing nightlight. Our mum tester Katherine loved it, saying, "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."

We like the 360° funnel that allows you to direct the steam exactly where it’s needed, and the large 2L water tank that provides up to 16 hours of continuous operation—perfect for keeping your little one comfortable through the night. Another great feature our tester noted was its quick setup, thanks to the easy-to-read instruction manual.

While the humidifier operates with a slight noise, Katherine found this to be a benefit rather than a drawback, saying, "It’s very soft and similar to white noise, so it’s totally acceptable." She also appreciated the large water tank, adding, "I loved that the tank was very large, so refilling is minimal."

The colour-changing nightlight adds a playful touch to the nursery, though Katherine did wish for a red light option, noting, "This would be so much better for nighttime." Another small downside is the lack of a built-in humidity monitor, meaning you’ll need a separate device to track the room’s humidity levels.

Overall, this humidifier combines thoughtful design and practicality, making it a reliable choice for parents.

The Maxi-Cosi humidifier combines style and functionality, making it a versatile option not just for the nursery but for other rooms in your home as well. With a generous 3.8-litre capacity, it offers up to 24 hours of continuous operation, making it ideal for overnight use and to leave on throughout the day.

However, keep in mind that this is one of the largest humidifiers we’ve tested, so ensure you have enough space. As one mum tester noted, "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!"

A convenient feature of this humidifier is its connectivity to the Maxi-Cosi app, which allows you to control it remotely via your smartphone. You can check the humidity levels and temperature in your baby’s room, set timers for when it should turn on or off, and even receive low-water notifications—all from the palm of your hand. We like that it also features an easy-to-read digital display and simple-to-use buttons, making operation straightforward.

The humidifier is compatible with essential oils, allowing you to create a calming atmosphere for your little one or the whole family. One thing to note is that while the built-in nightlight adds a comforting glow to the room, it doesn’t offer a colour-changing option like some other models.

Overall, this humidifier is a great choice for parents looking for a stylish, feature-packed solution to improve their baby’s sleep environment. Just make sure to double-check the dimensions before purchasing to ensure it fits comfortably in your space.

This humidifier has plenty of practical features that make life easier for parents while keeping your little one comfortable. The 3.8-litre top-fill tank means you won’t be constantly refilling it, and it’s super simple to clean thanks to its antimicrobial properties and built-in filter, keeping impurities out of the water. Even better, the detachable tank is dishwasher safe—because who has time for fiddly cleaning when you’ve got a baby to look after?

Our mum tester Charlotte was impressed, saying, "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!" The built-in sound machine proved invaluable for Charlotte’s baby daughter Margot, who sleeps best with background noise. Charlotte said it helped her drift off calmly and stay relaxed throughout the night. The humidifier also features a customizable nightlight with seven colour options, which Charlotte loved, adding, "We were able to create a more personalised ambience within our bedroom, which was also great for night feeds."

Another standout feature is the aroma tray, which allows you to add essential oils. Charlotte noted how this was especially helpful for her partner, who suffers from summer allergies, saying, "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."

The humidifier has a fun design shaped like a water droplet, which we think fits well in a nursery setting. However, some testers preferred more stylish designs that could work across multiple spaces. As one mum tester commented, "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."

Overall, this four-in-one humidifier is a fantastic choice for new parents, offering excellent functionality, ease of use, and thoughtful features—all at an affordable price point.

Read our full Crane Humidifier review here

If you’re after a humidifier that doesn’t scream “nursery,” this stylish option is perfect for blending into any room in your home. Its sleek design makes it easy to move from the baby’s room to your living space without looking out of place.

The ultrasonic technology keeps things whisper-quiet, so it won’t disrupt your baby’s sleep – a big win for those precious nap times. With a 2.5-litre tank, it offers around 10 hours of runtime, and you can even add essential oils for a touch of aromatherapy.

While its performance isn’t groundbreaking compared to others we’ve tested, it ticks all the boxes for ease of use and style. As one parent tester put it, “Easy to clean, does its job, looks nice, easy to use.” Sometimes, simple and stylish is all you need!

This device is a hybrid diffuser and humidifier, but it’s best suited as an essential oil diffuser, and is ideal for use in shared spaces like the living room or kitchen, not just the baby’s room. Don't forget that essential oils are best introduced after your baby is three months old.

With a 500ml tank, it’s smaller than some humidifiers but still runs for up to 16 hours and features an automatic shut-off when the water runs out. The diffuser also includes seven adjustable nightlight colours, which can be dimmed or turned off entirely. At about 35 dB, it’s quiet enough not to disturb your baby’s sleep.

One parent tester shared: “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.”

Some parents will also like that you can control this diffuser using the Tuya Smart app, and that it’s compatible with Alexa, so you can make adjustments without even entering the room, which is a huge perk if your baby is napping. The app is free to download and works seamlessly with other smart devices, making it a versatile choice for tech-savvy parents.

This adorable whale-shaped humidifier is designed with kids in mind, making it a fun and functional addition to the nursery. While its playful design is perfect for little ones, it may not have the same appeal for other rooms in the house as your child grows though.

It works as both a humidifier and an aromatherapy diffuser, with a soothing nightlight that offers seven colour options to help create a calming bedtime atmosphere. However, the 180ml water tank is much smaller than other humidifiers on our list, providing only five to seven hours of operation before needing a refill.

One mum tester shared her thoughts: “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 lasts all night, rather than running out in the early morning and my baby waking up congested again.”

While the cute design is a hit with kids, its limited capacity makes it better suited for shorter periods rather than all-night use.

The Challenge humidifier is impressively quiet, making it a great choice for a baby’s room. However, the bright light might be less ideal for those late-night feeds when you want a softer glow.

With a 3.2-litre water tank, it strikes a balance between capacity and convenience, offering plenty of mist without constant refilling. One tester shared: "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."

There were mixed reviews about how well the mist disperses. Some parents found that the mist spread evenly through the room, while others noticed damp surfaces near the device and less coverage in larger spaces. The size of the room seems to play a significant role here, so it’s worth considering placement for optimal results.

Design-wise, this humidifier leans more toward a practical, gadget-like aesthetic rather than something that blends seamlessly into your decor. While it might not win style points, it gets the job done effectively in most settings.

The Rio humidifier is a versatile 3-in-1 device that functions as an aroma diffuser, humidifier, and nightlight. With a soft, calming glow and five different colours, it creates a soothing environment for your little one. Its starry night design makes it a charming addition to the nursery, though it may not fit as well in other rooms once your baby outgrows it.

While the Rio humidifier is one of the more affordable options on our list, its small 100ml water tank means it runs for only three to four hours—far less than many other models. One mum tester shared: "I wish this had a better capacity. It’s easy to use, but just doesn’t last long enough; it’s great for during the day, but for nighttime, I would want a humidifier that lasts until morning."

The added bonus of essential oil compatibility means you can use calming scents, like lavender, to help ease your baby off to sleep. Just remember, essential oils should be introduced only after your baby turns three months old. Overall, it’s a good choice for shorter periods of use or daytime relaxation, but it may not be the best option if you’re looking for an overnight solution.