Choosing a humidifier for newborns

Too dry air negatively affects the respiratory system, harmful microbes multiply faster in it. Low humidity makes the skin dry, accelerating the aging process. In residential buildings, the microclimate balance is very often disturbed, especially in the cold season, when the heating season begins. Children are most sensitive to the external environment and are more exposed to its influence. Is an air humidifier necessary for newborns and older children? How useful and effective is this device? Here, our experts will answer questions and tell you what kind of humidifiers are and how to choose the right, safe, reliable device.

Do I need a humidifier for a newborn?

Within the city, the atmosphere itself is unfavorable. The situation is aggravated by heating appliances, which, unfortunately, can not be done in winter. Normally, the level of humidity in residential apartments and houses should be at least 40% and not more than 65%. In the children's room, the recommended humidity level is 50-70%. But often in apartments this figure barely reaches 30-35% or even less. Even an adult in such an environment breathes with difficulty, not to mention babies. Dry air also affects animals and plants.

The negative effect of overdried air on children:

1. The fluid secretion that protects the mucous membranes thickens. In it, the microflora balance is disturbed, the protective barrier weakens, and susceptibility to infections increases.
2. In dry air, many pathogenic viruses, bacteria multiply faster. The risk of infection with harmful microorganisms increases several times.
3. Dry microclimate severely affects children's immunity.
4. Resistance to respiratory diseases decreases, children often start to get colds.
5. More dust accumulates in dry air, which increases the risk of allergic reactions.
6. Mucous membranes of the eye suffer from a lack of moisture. Conjunctivitis develops in children and adults, redness in the eyes, a feeling of sand, and fatigue are constantly present.
7. In a dry microclimate, the overall well-being of the child worsens, lethargy, drowsiness, fatigue appear, and sleep worsens.

Scientists have proven that air humidity directly affects the rate of assimilation of information, new knowledge and skills in children and adults. This relationship is due to an amazing phenomenon that physicists have discovered, but still have not been able to unravel - the ability of water to store and transmit information. Thus, together with water molecules in our body, the brain also gets a certain fraction of information from the outside world.

Definitely, a newborn needs an air humidifier if the environment in the house does not meet the above standards. But there are a lot of devices, and they differ not only externally, but also according to the principles of their work. How to choose the right one? This will be discussed below.

Types of Humidifiers

There are several varieties of humidifiers that differ in the mechanism of operation. We learn in more detail about the design and functions of each type of device.

Traditional (cold type humidifier)

This type of air humidification device was developed very first. The principle of its operation is simple: a cartridge with a filter is installed inside, into which water is poured, and the fan drives air through it. By blowing, the air passing through the water filter becomes humidified. Distributed throughout the room, moisture changes the microclimate, making it more favorable.

The filter traps in itself particles of dust, microbes and other pollution from air masses. Thus, a “cold” humidifier performs not only its main task, but also cleans the air.

From time to time (depending on the frequency of use), cartridges need to be replaced.

Pros:

• inexpensive;
• easy to use;
• you can fill in ordinary tap water;
• consumes little power;
• additionally cleans the air.

Minuses:

• noise during operation (due to the fan);
• low efficiency (to humidify the air throughout the apartment, you must keep the device turned on all day);
• requires replacement filters.

Steam

A heating element is installed inside the device. The water poured into the container is heated, and hot steam is released outside. Microbes die in the hot steam, and the air also becomes cleaner, sterile. Most modern devices have settings through which you can set the intensity of the steam emission, the frequency of operation and other parameters.

Pros:

• affordable price;
• high hydration rate;
• can be used as an inhaler;
• does not have filters requiring replacement;
• shuts off automatically when water runs out.

Minuses:

• from the release of hot steam, the temperature in the room rises, this is good for winter, but bad for summer;
• consumes a lot of energy (more expensive models are equipped with an energy-efficient system);
• scale accumulates on the heating element over time, which needs to be cleaned.

Ultrasonic

A more modern type of humidifier, which is based on the principle of ultrasound. Water is collected in a special tank. When activated, the device begins to generate ultrasonic waves. They break water into tiny particles, a fan blows them and carries them through the air. Also, a filter is installed in the tank that traps contaminants present in the water. Often an ultrasonic humidifier is equipped with an ionizer.

Pros:

• silent work;
• does not heat the air;
• safety (the device turns off if the water runs out);
• has a built-in hygrostat;
• economical in energy consumption.

Minuses:

• distilled water is recommended;
• periodically need to change filters.

Air washers

The main objective of such devices is the effective cleaning of air from germs and dust. Humidification comes in them as an extra feature. In the “sinks” more powerful filters are installed that cleanse the space of bacteria, viruses, fungi, dust mites and other small particles that adversely affect our health. This is a very useful device for those whose children are often sick, especially infectious diseases, as well as for allergy sufferers, asthmatics.

Pros:

• profitability in energy consumption;
• almost silent work;
• performs two functions at once: cleans the air and moisturizes;
• has many settings, safe;
• There are no strict requirements for the quality of the water being poured.

Minuses:

• high price;
• large sizes;
• requires periodic maintenance.

Climatic complexes

A climate station can do a lot: humidify the air, purify it, cool it, heat it, ionize it, and aromatize it. In addition, the devices can be equipped with various sensors that analyze the microclimate. Thanks to them, the device will independently choose a program to maintain an ideal atmosphere. An excellent solution for those who want to create an eco-climate in a children's room.

Pros:

• multifunctionality;
• convenience in operation;
• no special requirements for water;
• there is a security system.

Minuses:

• high price;
• large dimensions;
• requires replacement of filters and other components.

How to choose

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right humidifier for babies.After all, besides the fact that the kids are very sensitive to the environment, they still need to create complete safety.

Choice based on purpose

If the air quality in the apartment is quite favorable, and the child grows healthy, then an ordinary humidifier without the cleaning function and other options will be enough.

For families living in the centers of large cities, where exhaust gases and other toxic fumes are constantly present in the air, humidifiers with the function of air purification are suitable. The same type of device is recommended for those in whom children often get sick, especially colds.

When choosing a household humidifier, the following criteria must be considered:

1. Security. In this regard, only one type of device is in the red - a steam humidifier. The kid can get burned by the outgoing hot steam, so it is better not to buy such a device in the nursery. The remaining species are as safe as possible.
2. Power and performance. Humidifiers on average have a power of 10 to 50 watts. The lower this indicator, the less energy the device consumes. Another important criterion is performance. The optimal indicator is the productivity level of 0.3-0.5 kg / h for a room of 25-35 square meters. m
3. Noisiness. Humidifiers themselves are not particularly noisy. But still it’s worth checking the device for this indicator before buying. Especially if you plan to install it in the nursery. In each particular model, the noise level may vary.
4. Functionality. The presence of a timer, a hygrometer, the possibility of programming, ionization and other additional options only add convenience and comfort to the process of using the device.
5. Sizes. This criterion is especially important for those who have limited space in the house. Air washers and climate stations are quite large in size, and for them you need to determine the place in advance. If there is no free space in the room, then you can buy an ultrasonic or traditional humidifier of a small size for desktop placement.

When purchasing a model with removable filters, you need to ask in advance how easy they can be found on sale. Devices differ in design, but here it is a matter of personal tastes and preferences. Children's humidifiers are usually made in the appropriate design in the form of toys.

Rating of the best humidifiers for babies

Introducing the 2019 ranking of the best baby humidifiers. We selected models based on their quality, specifications and customer reviews.

Ballu UHB-280 M Mickey Mouse

The ultrasonic humidifier for children in the form of Mickey Mouse has a 3 liter tank and is designed for a room of 20 sq.m. It can be put on a table, a curbstone, a shelf, it does not take up much space. There is a demineralizing filter inside, so tap water is suitable. The adjustment of the evaporation rate is manually adjusted. The water evaporation indicator will indicate when it will be necessary to refill the tank. The average price of a model is 4800-5000 p.

Winia AWI-40

This is not just a humidifier, but a sink of air. The device is suitable for both infants and older children. The tank is designed for 9 liters of water. With a power of 11 W, the unit cleans 150 cubic meters / h and moistens a room of 28 square meters in an hour. m

The model does not require replaceable filters. It includes an ionization option, and special settings allow you to automatically maintain the moisture level in the room. The presence of a timer, a hygrometer, several settings modes, touch controls allow you to comfortably use the device. Special night mode eliminates noise. Estimated cost of the model - 11000 p.

Beaba silenso

The compact ultrasonic device with a 2.5 liter tank effectively humidifies the air in a large room. It can be installed on the floor or on the table. It works silently, consumes very little energy, does not require any special maintenance. Moisture rate is adjustable. The price of the device is 3300-3500 p.

Polaris PUH 7040Di

Another ultrasonic model with additional options. In addition to the standard settings, the device has a timer, ionization function, flavor, hygrostat. All this is controlled through an electronic panel with a display. The capacity of the tank is 3.5 liters. The device is designed for 25 hours of continuous operation. When the water level is low, the indicator lights up. With all the advantages, the model has an affordable price - 2500-2800 p.

Ballu UHB-200

An ultrasonic humidifier is ready in a short time to serve a room with an area of ​​up to 40 square meters. m, improving the microclimate in it. It focuses on floor standing installation. Humidification speed controller allows you to set the optimal settings. Aromatic oils can be added to the water container. The indicator will indicate a low water level in the tank. The price of the model is 2000 p.

Panasonic F-VXK70

The unit is made in a stylish design. It is large, designed for floor installation and a large area of ​​casing (up to 55 sq. M). The device not only moisturizes the air, but also cleans it. A HEPA filter is installed inside, which will eventually have to be changed. Special NANOE purification technology will make the microclimate in the house as healthy as possible. The device has a timer, speed controllers, water indicator. Approximate cost - 33000-36000 p.

General GH-2628

The model works on the principle of ultrasound. The humidifier is suitable for large rooms, in an hour it is capable of serving up to 60 square meters. m. It has a moisture flow rate regulator, night and day modes, a water level indicator, a backlight. The volume of the tank is 7 liters. The average price is 2100 p.

Sharp KC-D41 RW / RB

This is a climate station, it cleans and moisturizes the air. The model uses a unique system of "ionic rain", a hygrometer, additional sensors analyze the air condition in the room and automatically select the operating mode. Deep air purification occurs thanks to two filters: HEPA and ULPA. Recommended area for operation - up to 26 square meters. m. Touch control includes a timer, night mode, there are also indicators on the case. The device is installed on the floor, on the bottom panel it has built-in wheels. You can buy a model for 18000-19000 p.

Ballu UHB-240 Disney

The device is made specifically for children's rooms. The ultrasonic humidification system generates moisture quickly and silently. The served area is 20 square meters. m. This is a device that is simple in its functions, but perfectly copes with its task. The moisture supply can be adjusted. The model also has a backlight and a water indicator. Price - 3300-3600 p.

Atmos Aqua-3800

Humidifier and cleaner combined in one device. This is a traditional cold humidification model. The coverage area is 40 square meters. m. The device is equipped with two modes, aromatization option, power regulator. An interesting design in the form of a ball looks very stylish. You can buy a device for 5500-6000 p.

Now you know how important the optimum level of humidity in the children's room is and how to choose the right climate device. Even the simplest humidifier will significantly improve the microclimate in your home.

Title	Ballu UHB-280 M Mickey Mouse	Winia AWI-40	Beaba silenso	Polaris PUH 7040Di	Ballu UHB-200	Panasonic F-VXK70	General GH-2628	Sharp KC-D41 RW / RB	Ballu UHB-240 Disney	Atmos Aqua-3800
Humidifier type	ultrasonic	traditional	ultrasonic	ultrasonic	ultrasonic	traditional	traditional	traditional	ultrasonic	traditional
Control	mechanical	electronic	mechanical	electronic, display, timer	mechanical	electronic timer	mechanical	electronic, display, timer	mechanical	mechanical
Serviced Area	20 sq.m	30 sq.m	15 sq.m	40 sq.m	40 sq.m	52 sq.m	60 sq.m	26 sq.m	20 sq.m	40 sq.m
Water tank capacity	3 l	7 l	2.5 l	3.5 l	3.6 l	4 l	7 l	2.5 l	1.5 l	4.5 l
Water consumption	200 ml / h	450 ml / h	260 ml / h	350 ml / h	350 ml / h	700 ml / h	400 ml / h	440 ml / h	180 ml / h	270 ml / h
Price	from 4740 rub.	from 13890 rub.	from 3450 rub.	from 3499 rub.	from 2020 rub.	from 37200 rub.	from 3290 rub.	from 18320 rub.	from 3500 rub.	from 5990 rub.