Humidifiers for babies and kids

Some healthcare providers recommend using a humidifier in a child's bedroom, particularly during cold and flu season and during the winter when the air tends to be drier in many climates.

This is because humidifiers add moisture to the air to increase the humidity level (the amount of water vapor in the air). Low humidity levels can dry out the airways in the nose and throat. Having a cold or other respiratory infection can also irritate the airways. Using a humidifier may help your child breathe more easily.

Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help relieve a stuffy nose, allowing your child to breathe better. Humidified air can also help break up mucus so your child can cough it up more easily, which can help relieve chest congestion. Running a humidifier in your child's bedroom when they have a respiratory illness may help ease bothersome symptoms and possibly help them sleep better.

The air closest to the humidifier will have the most moisture. Place the humidifier near your child, but safely out of reach, at least two meters away, so that they can breathe in the humidified air.

Only use cool mist humidifiers with children. Warm mist humidifiers and vaporizers create steam by heating water. Do not use warm mist humidifiers and vaporizers with children to avoid the risk of burns.

Use, clean and store your humidifier according to the manufacturer's instructions. It's very important to change the water in the humidifier and clean the unit well each day. Not properly cleaning the humidifier can cause harmful bacteria to grow, which could make your child sick. Also, be sure not to run the humidifier for a long time, and set the unit to 30% to 50% humidity. Mold and mildew can grow on surfaces that are too damp, which can make some people sick. If your child has allergies or asthma, check with their healthcare provider before using a humidifier.

Clinically reviewed and updated by Jenilee Matz, MPH, November 2020.