Why Do Babies Need Cool Mist Humidifier – 10 Benefits

Babies and young children are vulnerable to colds, coughs, and other respiratory infections. So now you can guess why do babies need cool mist humidifier.

A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help reduce congestion and coughing. It can also make it easier for your baby to breathe.

10 Reasons Why Do Babies Need Cool Mist Humidifier

There are many types of humidifiers available on the market. But cool mist humidifiers are generally considered the safest option for babies.

Some warm mist humidifiers can heat water to high temperatures. It can create a risk of burns.

Here are all the ways a cool mist humidifier can be helpful for your baby

1. Cool Mist Humidifier Alleviates Congestion:

Babies have small nasal passages. So they are more prone to congestion than adults. When your baby is congested, it can make it difficult for them to breathe.

A humidifier adds moisture to the air and helps thin out mucus. This makes it easier for your baby to breathe and clear their nose.

But why does only a cool mist humidifier helps with this?

Warm mist humidifiers release warm water vapor into the air. This can make congestion worse by drying out the air.

2. Reduces Coughing:

A cool mist humidifier can also help reduce coughing. Coughing is often a symptom of congestion. The added moisture will help thin out mucus and make coughing easier.

Cool mist here again is better than warm mist. Inhaling warm air from a humidifier can aggravate a cough.

However, it’s essential to make sure your humidifier is clean. Otherwise, you could add bacteria and other germs into the air, making your baby sick.

3. Soothes A Dry Throat:

A cool mist humidifier can also help soothe a dry throat. This is especially helpful if your baby has a cold or the flu. The added moisture will help relieve some of the irritation.

The cool air can also help reduce inflammation. How? Dry air can make inflammation worse.

So, by adding moisture to the air, you’re helping to reduce the symptoms of a cold or the flu.

4. Keeps Skin Hydrated:

Babies have sensitive skin. So, it’s essential to keep it hydrated. A cool mist humidifier can help do just that.

The added moisture will help keep your baby’s skin from drying out. This can help reduce the risk of eczema and other skin conditions.

And when the air is more humid, it can help your baby’s skin heal faster.

However, you must ensure you’re not using too much moisture. Otherwise, you could make your baby’s skin more susceptible to infection.

5. Improves Sleep:

A cool mist humidifier can also help improve sleep. Cool air is more refreshing and can help your baby sleep better.

The added moisture will also help reduce congestion. This can make it easier for your baby to breathe and sleep through the night.

Just make sure you’re not using too much humidity levels. Otherwise, you could end up with mold or mildew in your baby’s room.

6. Reduces Snoring:

If your baby snores, a cool mist humidifier can help. The added moisture will help keep the airways moist. This can help reduce snoring.

Snoring happens when the airways are dry and irritated. By adding moisture to the air, you’re helping to reduce the irritation.

And cold air can help reduce inflammation. So, it can also help reduce snoring.

7. Can Help With Asthma:

If your baby has asthma, a cool mist humidifier can be a great way to help them breathe. The added moisture will help reduce inflammation and thin out mucus.

This can make it easier for your baby to breathe and reduce the symptoms of asthma.

Just be sure you’re not using too much humidity. Because too much moisture can make asthma worse.

8. Helps Relieve Allergies:

A cool mist humidifier can soothe their symptoms if your baby has allergies. The added moisture will help reduce inflammation and thin out mucus.

Allergies are often caused by dry air. So, by adding moisture to the air, you’re helping to reduce the symptoms of allergies.

Moreover, cool air can help reduce inflammation. So, it can also help relieve allergies.

9. Refreshing:

Cool mist humidifiers can also be refreshing. The cool air can help you feel more awake and alert.

Refreshing air can also help reduce stress. And when you’re less stressed, you’re more likely to be in a better mood.

And for babies, a cool, refreshing mist can help them feel more comfortable. It can also help reduce the symptoms of a cold or the flu.

10. Improves Indoor Air Quality:

Cool mist humidifiers can also help improve indoor air quality. How? By adding moisture to the air, you’re helping to reduce dust and other allergens in your baby’s room.

The air is also less likely to feel dry. And when the air is moist, it can help reduce static electricity.

So here are 10 reasons why your baby needs a cool mist humidifier. Make sure you get one that’s suitable for your baby’s room.

And be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, you could end up damaging your humidifier or even harming your baby.

5 Disadvantages of Using A Cool Mist Humidifier

Although cool mist humidifiers have many benefits, there are also some disadvantages.

Here are a few things to remember before buying a cool mist humidifier for your baby.

1. They Can Be Loud:

One of the biggest disadvantages of cool mist humidifiers is that they can be loud. The motor can be pretty noisy. And this can make it difficult for your baby to sleep.

If you’re looking for a quiet humidifier, you might want to consider an ultrasonic humidifier.

These are much quieter and a better option if you want a humidifier for your baby’s room.

2. They Can Be Messy:

Another disadvantage of cool mist humidifiers is that they can be messy. The water can sometimes leak out of the unit.

And if you’re not careful, you could end up with water on your floor or furniture.

To avoid this, you might consider getting a cool mist humidifier with a water bottle attachment.

Cool water tends to condense more than warm air. So, these attachments can help to prevent leaks.

2. They Can Be A Fire Hazard:

Another disadvantage of cool mist humidifiers is that they can be a fire hazard. If the humidifier is not used correctly, it can overheat and catch fire.

So, it’s essential to read the instructions carefully before using a cool mist humidifier. And be sure to unplug the humidifier when you’re not using it.

4. They Can Breed Bacteria:

Cool mist humidifiers can also breed bacteria faster than warm mist humidifiers. This is because the water in the tank is usually not hot enough to kill bacteria.

So, it’s essential to clean your cool mist humidifier regularly. Otherwise, you could end up with a bacterial infection.

To clean your humidifier, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. They Require Regular Maintenance:

Another disadvantage of cool mist humidifiers is that they require regular maintenance. The filter will need to be replaced regularly.

And the tank will need to be cleaned regularly. Otherwise, the humidifier will not work correctly.

So, if you’re not willing to do regular maintenance, a cool mist humidifier might not be your best option.

Warm mist humidifiers don’t require as much maintenance. But they can be more expensive.

So here are a few things to keep in mind before you buy a cool mist humidifier for your baby. Make sure you choose one that’s suitable for your needs.

Maintaining A Cool Mist Humidifier

You’ll need maintenance to keep your cool mist humidifier in good working order.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your humidifier in good shape.

1. Change The Filter Regularly:

One of the most important things you can do is to change the filter regularly. Depending on the type of filter, you might need to change it every one to three months.

If you don’t change the filter, the humidifier will also not work. And it can release dust and other particles into the air.

So, check the manufacturer’s instructions to see how often you need to change the filter.

2. Clean The Tank Regularly:

Tanks are a breeding ground for bacteria. So, it’s essential to clean them regularly.

The easiest way to clean a tank is to use a cleaning solution designed for humidifiers.

You can find these solutions at most hardware stores. Or you can DIY by mixing one part soap with three parts water.

Just be sure to rinse the tank well after cleaning it.

3. Keep The Humidifier Covered:

When you’re not using the humidifier, be sure to keep it covered. This will help to prevent dust and other particles from getting into the tank.

And when you’re not using it, be sure to unplug the humidifier. This will help to prevent fires.

There are humidifier coverings that you can buy. Or you can use a towel. Just be sure to clean the covering regularly.

4. Don’t Let The Water Sit:

If you’re going to be away from home for more than a day, be sure to empty the water tank. Otherwise, the water can start to breed bacteria. So, it’s essential to empty the tank regularly.

Change water daily, and clean the tank at least once a week.

It’s best to use distilled water in your humidifier. This is because tap water can contain minerals that can build up in the humidifier.

Over time, these minerals can damage the humidifier. So, it’s best to use distilled water.

You can find distilled water at most grocery stores.

5. Do Not Over-Use :

Do not run your humidifier for more than 12 hours at a time. This can cause the air to become too moist.

And this can lead to problems such as mold growth. So, it’s essential to use the humidifier in moderation.

For a baby, the humidifier should run for 30 minutes to an hour.

And for adults, the humidifier should run for no more than four hours at a time.

Final Thoughts:

Babies need cool mist humidifiers because they’re more likely to get respiratory infections.

They’re also more likely to have congestion. A cool mist humidifier can help to relieve these symptoms.

But it’s essential to choose the correct humidifier. And to do the regular maintenance. Otherwise, the humidifier will not work correctly.