How to use the humidifier to be beneficial for our baby

The humidifier is a device that helps keep our house with humidity between 40 and 60%. It is a good ally to fight colds and other respiratory diseases in arid environments as they prevent the development of microorganisms. To be effective, we have to learn to use the humidifier and choose the most appropriate humidifier for our baby.

Acute respiratory infections constitute the most frequent infectious diseases of the human being. Children can have between six and eight respiratory infections a year, many of which, especially those that occur in the infant period, affect the lower respiratory tract. In those under two years of age, these infections are one of the most frequent causes of hospitalization, leading to numerous medical consultations both at the level of primary care and hospital emergency services.

The uncomfortable dryness of the environment

In homes that have arid climates, more dust and a more charged environment are produced, so humidifiers are an excellent option to improve this dryness so uncomfortable for our lungs. When we have very high heating, and we do not ventilate the house, the environment is drier, and a humidifier can help us avoid that dryness.

The humidifier is a small device that can be placed in any room in the house and helps acclimatize the room. Traditionally, a bowl of cold water has always been used in the rooms, since it makes the environment moist and catches the dust in the room. It is recommended to change the water in the bowl every day to eliminate accumulated dust. A sprayer is also used to spray and slightly moisten the rooms of the house.

Fit for babies

Babies are susceptible to changes in moisture and temperature. With a humidifier, we can avoid the dryness of the environment, colds, or skin irritations. With a hygrometer, we can control the moisture of the house and see if it is suitable for our baby. If not, we can put a humidifier in your room at night so that you do not touch it.

If we verify that the humidity is high as in the climates of the countries closest to the equator, it should not be humidified because it could favor the proliferation of fungi. It is best to ask our pediatrician if it is advisable to use a humidifier and how many hours. Above all, if our child has any pediatric disease such as bronchial asthma.

Types of humidifiers

In the market, we can find currently three types of humidifiers for babies depending on how they bring water vapor to the room through the air. We can distinguish between hot steam, cold steam, and ultrasonic. We are going to tell you the benefits and problems of each humidifier.

1. Hot steam humidifiers

They work like when we boil water; when heated, it evaporates in the form of steam. They contain electrical resistors that bring the water in the tank to a boil. The steam will come out hot, so it is essential to be careful as there is a risk of burns if children come into direct contact with the steam. The tank can be filled with tap water because when the germs and pathogens disappear when boiled. Among its disadvantages is that they are a bit louder and that it can pose a risk of burns and can increase the room temperature.

2. Cold steam humidifiers

They work just like hot ones, but the steam does not boil the water and would not eliminate the germs and pathogens it may contain. It is most suitable to use purified water. The steam that comes out is thinner and more comfortable to breathe. Besides, there is no risk of burning or altering the temperature of the room. They are economical, but they can also be noisy by having an extractor to catch the air in the room. They are recommended to improve colds and other ailments such as pharyngitis.

3. Ultrasonic humidifiers

They are also humidifiers of cold steam, but to form it work with ultrasonic movements that make the water vibrate to break its molecules. The steam they generate is very thin and also easier to breathe, as in the previous case. It is also best to use distilled or bottled water because they do not eliminate germs and pathogens. They are the most expensive, but also the ones that consume less energy.

Both in the case of the cold humidifier and the ultrasonic humidifier, it is essential to maintain strict cleaning. You can create layers of white powder to become a breeding ground for microorganisms. As the air does not heat up as in the hot ones, the microbes tend to proliferate in the apparatus and disperse thanks to the steam. It can lead to health risks, such as more serious respiratory infections. It is always best to check with your pediatrician to see if it is necessary for your children.

I am a school teacher and professional guest post writer.