Humidifiers Vaporizers
Humidifiers and vaporizers both turn water into mist and release it in the air. Humidifiers/vaporizers are equally as effective in moisturizing the air. Pediatricians often recommend humidifiers or vaporizers as a remedy when baby has a cold or is congested. Humidifiers/vaporizers keep the air moist, which in turns allows mucus to flow better, making easier for a congested baby to breathe.
The difference between humidifiers and vaporizers is simple – humidifiers do not heat up the water before releasing it into the air and vaporizers do.
Humidifiers
A baby humidifier is a staple of today’s nursery. The chances of your baby getting a cold and needing a humidifier are great in the first year of life. If baby gets a cold, most pediatricians will recommend a cool mist humidifier. Is a cool mist vaporizer better for baby? Well, baby cold air humidifiers and warm air vaporizers both get the job done. The main advantage to a cool mist humidifier is that there is no chance of baby getting burned on the hot water that is contained in a warm mist vaporizer.
The best humidifiers for babies are the ones that are the quietest. The most often parents recommended humidifiers for babies are the ones with the deepest reservoirs for water. These types of baby humidifiers are best because they can run longer without maintenance.
Consumer Reports says that the best humidifier for baby is the Vornado Vortex. This humidifier costs about fifty dollars and was ranked the highest for use by babies.
Vaporizers
Vaporizers heat water and then release it into the air as mist. Sometimes, extracts like menthol can be added for additional relief of dry nasal passages. This is where the vaporizer wins in the humidifier/vaporizer war. Because vaporizers heat the water to its boiling point, all of the bacteria are killed. Humidifiers do not heat the water, so bacteria often flourishes and is released into the air.
A vaporizer is the best choice if your child has asthma of his immune system is compromised in any way. If bacteria are an issue, choose a vaporizer when looking at humidifiers/vaporizers.
What kind of vaporizer is best for baby? Again, the best vaporizers for baby are the ones that are the quietest. Consumer Reports says that the Slant/Fin GF220 is the best vaporizer for babies. It costs around ninety dollars and ranked the highest for use in a baby nursery.
If you own a humidifier/vaporizer, the most important thing to do is clean it. Make sure you clean your humidifier/vaporizer at least once a week for the health of your baby and the entire family.
