Is a Warm or Cool Mist Humidifier Better for a Baby?

Humidifiers are beneficial for helping babies and young children breathe easier, especially when the baby has a cold or suffers from a chronic respiratory problem like asthma. Many parents wonder if a cool or warm mist humidifier is better for their baby.

  1. Warm Steam

    • Humidifiers that produce a warm steam are often referred to as warm mist humidifiers. They work exceptionally well at moistening dry air but present a burn hazard.

    Cool Mist

    • Cool mist humidifiers are most commonly recommended for babies and young children because they are regarded as being safer. The cool water does not present the same hazards of being scalded as the warm mist humidifiers do. On the other hand, because the water is not heated, it is easier for bacteria to grow in cool mist humidifiers and become an irritant for a baby's lungs.

    The Best Choice

    • Cool mist humidifiers are generally regarded as being the safest option for babies as long as they are cleaned properly on a regular basis. The Mayo Clinic suggests wiping the humidifier down daily with a 10 percent bleach solution. If parents cannot ensure that it will be cleaned enough to prevent bacterial growth and choose a warm mist humidifier, it must be used with extreme caution and never be placed near the baby where she may knock it off.

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