9 of the best cool mist humidifiers and vaporisers for babies 2024
DO YOU NEED A COOL MIST HUMIDIFIER FOR YOUR BABY’S ROOM?
If your baby has a cold, a cool mist humidifier or vaporiser may reduce their congestion, helping them to breathe and sleep more easily. A nasal aspirator and nasal saline drops may also ease a stuffy nose.
What’s the difference between a vaporiser and a cool mist humidifier?
Both use water and the main difference is that a traditional vaporiser uses heat to steam humidity and/or essential oils into the air. As the name suggests, no heat is involved with a cool mist humidifier. They just expel a fine vapour of moisture.
A vaporiser that heats water is not recommended in a baby’s room as it could cause burns. Instead, you could use a water-free plug-in like the Calpol vapour plug (see below).
How else can you use essential oils to help a baby with a cold?
If your baby has a cold, a vapour rub or oil may ease a stuffy nose and are particularly helpful at night.
A vapour rub can be rubbed onto the chest or soles of their feet and covered with socks or a sleepsuit. Take care not to place it anywhere that they may get it on their hands or in their eyes.
A vapour oil can be placed into a humidifier in the nursery or dropped onto a muslin that is kept near the cot. If the radiator is on at all in the night, wet the muslin, put a few drops of oil on it and then leave it on the radiator to create a makeshift vaporiser/humidifier. You can also put a few drops into a bowl of warm water. Or add a few drops to a tissue or muslin and place it under their nose or close by (but out of reach).
Vapour bath bubbles are a foaming bath product containing essential oils that may help with congestion in the nighttime bath.
Check on the packaging what age any of these can be used from as many are not suitable for newborns and are only recommended for babies that are 3 months old onwards.
THE BEST HUMIDIFIERS, VAPOUR PLUGS, OILS AND RUBS FOR BABIES
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 15 January 2024.
I may earn a small affiliate commission if you buy through a link. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. Vicks VUL575 Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier
This cool mist humidifier has an image projector with three themes.
It operates quietly.
Can be used for 24 hours without needing to be refilled.
Compatible with Vicks VapoPads, which are infused with essential oils. A menthol-scented pad is included.
2. Vicks Mini CoolMist Ultrasonic Humidifier
This mini cool mist humidifier is suitable for rooms up to 15m squared.
It is quiet and safe so great for a baby’s bedroom.
The mist nozzle can be adjusted 180˚.
There is a 1.8-litre tank, which can last up to 24 hours.
It can be used with VapoPads. The rosemary and lavender ones are safe with babies from three months old but the menthol ones shouldn’t be used until a child is 36 months.
There is a light and sound indicator to alert you when it’s time to clean the device.
The cord is 1.8 metres.
3. Crane Humidifier with Sound Machine
This machine has a cool mist humidifier, aromatherapy, seven optional night light colours and three soothing sounds: white noise, rain and ocean waves.
360˚ rotating mist nozzle which is dishwasher-safe.
3.8-litre tank so it could run continuously for between 20 and 40 hours.
It will automatically shut off when the water runs out.
Crane vapour pads or essential oils can be added to the aroma tray.
Described as whisper-quiet.
4. Babymoov Hygro Plus Ultrasonic
A silent cool mist humidifier.
It has a programmable humidity control and timer.
It can also be used as an essential oil diffuser.
Includes a night light with seven different colours.
5. Frida Baby 3-in-1 humidifier
A cool mist humidifier, essential oil diffuser and night light.
360˚ ultrasonic cool mist.
The mist can run for up to 12 hours.
Quiet operation.
Auto turn off when the water runs out.
A range of relaxing night light colours.
6. Calpol vapour plug
A very popular vaporiser.
Just plug it into an electrical socket and the replaceable pads are gently warmed to release aromatic oils including lavender, chamomile, menthol, camphor and eucalyptus.
It comes with three pads that each last 8 hours and refills are available to buy.
A nightlight is included.
It can be used from three months old onwards.
7. snufflebabe vapour rub
An ointment from a popular company that specialises in children’s decongestant products.
Contains eucalyptus oil, menthol and thyme oil to relieve congestion.
Just rub into the baby’s chest.
Can be used from three months old onwards.
8. Snufflebabe vapour oil
An essential oil designed to help a baby more easily.
Suitable from birth.
100% natural blend of tea tree, lemon and pine essential oils.
Add a few drops to a bowl of warm water or onto a damp cloth placed on a warm radiator.
The bottle gives around 100 uses (if 1-3 drops are used each time).
Do not put on your child’s skin or clothes.
9. olbas oil for children
A milder version of the standard Olbas oil, specially designed for children that are three months or older.
Contains cajuput, clove, eucalyptus and juniper berry oils.
MORE OF THE BEST:
Baby thermometers • nasal aspirators • Babygros • reusable nappies • baby towels • sterilisers • breast pumps • cots and cot beds • baby nests • baby monitors • room thermometers • changing tables • nappy bins
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