A humidifier helps your little angel to sleep well at night. They are essential and helpful in toddler rooms if they have any upper respiratory infections.
A humidifier should be placed at least 3 to 4 away from the baby’s crib during the dry winter nights. Warm mist humidifiers or vaporizers should remain 6 feet away from the baby’s crib.
According to Jennifer Foersterling, MD, a Washington University pediatrics at Premier Pediatrics in St.
Louis, “A general rule is to keep the vaporizers in an area where mist doesn’t land directly on the baby & can easily disappear through the air.”
Before plunging into types of humidifiers and how far they should be away from the baby, Let’s have a quick brainstorming on other essential things for your child’s safety.
Can a baby sleep in a room with a humidifier?
Yes, a humidifier is entirely safe. Babies can sleep comfortably in a room with warm or cool mist humidifiers.
The recommended humidity range for the baby’s room is 40% – 50%.
Where do you set a humidifier in the infant room?
The ideal place to position a mist humidifier is in the center of the baby room. Follow these instructions to set it at the perfect place.
- Keep it away from the baby’s reach.
- Never place it under a direct sunlight source or in the room’s corners.
- Arrange them on sturdy furniture.
- 2-3 feet above from the ground level.
Never place the cool mist humidifiers on the ground level. It will cause a wet floor because moisture will not blend with air.
How close should the humidifier be to the baby? – A BIG DEBATE.
A humidifier should be positioned out of the baby’s reach. A 4-5 feet away is the perfect distance to set a mist humidifier.
Never set a humidifier in a crib or near where the mist lands directly on a toddler.
Have your complete guide on how close the humidifier should be to the baby according to the types.
Types of humidifiers.
Commonly, four types of humidifiers are used in kids’ rooms.
- The Warm Mist Humidifier.
- Evaporative Cool Mist
- Steam Vaporizer.
- Ultrasonic Humidifiers.
1- The Warm Mist Humidifiers.
Warm humidifiers release steam into the air. They operate by using the heating element installed in them.
While using them in the children’s room, it is best to place them away and on a higher surface level.
It is not recommended to use warm humidifiers in the toddler’s room, especially where the kid is left on their own.
2- Evaporative Cool Mist Humidifiers.
Cool mist humidifiers do not generate any heat. They are ideal to use in homes with children and pets.
Evaporative cool humidifiers should be placed at least 5 feet away from the infant’s crib.
It is highly recommended not to place them on the floor directly.
Warm Mist Humidifier V/S Cool Mist Humidifier – Which one is best for babies?
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3- Steam Vaporizer.
Steam Vaporizers are considered best because they can kill bacteria and germs. They can get very hot.
Keep the steam vaporizer humidifier 6 feet away from babies. The hot water can spill, and keeping it too close to the baby can burn skin.
Is it safe to use the vaporizer in a kid’s room?
Generally, it is safe to use a vaporizer in the infant room, as long as caregivers follow the safety instructions.
Vapor rubs and meditations like Vicks vapors are not safe for the newborn as they can damage the lungs.
Feeling worried about your kid’s safety. Don’t worry, we got you.
Have a quick look at the “Best Long-Range Baby Monitors” and feel connected with your baby all the time. These monitors will signal you if the temperature arises from a certain level.
4- Ultrasonic Humidifiers.
Ultrasonic humidifiers are very calm and rarely produce any noise. However, when released in the air, the fine mist through vibration can create dust.
Using them near infants is not recommended.
Are the ultrasonic humidifiers safe for babies?
Ultrasonic humidifiers can make you sick if not appropriately maintained.
According to Children Hospital Colorado, ultrasonic humidifiers’ problem is converting everything found in water, i.e., minerals and bacteria, into a fine mist.
The kid’s health is at risk if tap water is used in any humidifier, as tap water can contain toxic chemicals.
What are the dangers of placing a humidifier too close to a baby?
Setting a humidifier close can cause health issues in babies.
- Allergies.
Keeping the humidifier too close will expose your baby to micro-organisms found in water. It can cause allergies in kids.
- Sleep Disturbance.
Most humidifiers produce a little white noise. Placing the humidifier too close will disturb your kid’s sleep.
Safety precautions to follow when placing a humidifier in children’s rooms.
- Don’t place the cold mist humidifier near the vent.
- Never position it directly towards the electric outlet or socket.
- Avoid using a warm vaporizer around the clock.
- Try not to place the humidifier under direct sunlight.
Conclusion
A humidifier should be placed 5-6 feet away from the baby. The mist should never fall directly on the baby’s face and crib. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that the humidity level be 50%.
Always clean the humidifier every month and follow the tips mentioned above for picking the ideal location to set the humidifier in the toddler’s room.
