We all know that babies require a lot of stuff, but there are certain products that can leave us all considering if we actually need them. One such product is a baby humidifier. So, how do I know if my baby needs a humidifier?
Nobody wants their baby to be uncomfortable and if you've got a snuffly little one suffering from cold and flu season, a baby humidifier can help them to feel better. It works by converting water into a fine mist to increase the moisture in the air which can be beneficial to your child for a number of reasons. If you're scratching your head and wondering 'but how do I know if my baby needs a humidifier?' then we're here to help.
How do I know if my baby needs a humidifier?
Like a lot of baby products, you and your baby might not necessarily require a humidifier. But there are a few scenarios where you feel that it might be beneficial to pick one up for your baby's nursery.
The low humidity common in winter plus central heating can create a lack of moisture which drys out our throat and nasal passages and can lead to cough and cold symptoms.
Along with a sore throat and cough, your baby may also experience dry and itchy skin as well as chapped lips.
These discomforts can make it harder for your baby to sleep, leading them to become upset and then wake you up. A baby humidifier counteracts all of these by putting moisture back into the air, stopping your child's skin from drying out and loosening mucus to decrease nasal congestion.
Because they let out a low humming or whooshing noise, many baby humidifiers also act as white noise machines for little ones but rather than buy a humidifier, you'd be better off buying a dedicated white noise machine instead.
While humidifiers tend to be safe for babies, there are some things you need to keep in mind. Remember, it's important to clean and care for your humidifier regularly to ensure that no bacteria or mould can grow.
Can I put VICKS in my humidifier?
VICKS VapoRub is a popular option to help relieve cold symptoms in adults and children over two years old, however, it should not be added to a humidifier. This is because it contains petroleum jelly which can be flammable and may cause your humidifier to start malfunctioning.