Baby Humidifier: What Is It And Why Is It Important?
Is the baby humidifier a device we should compare for our baby? Generally, when a child is born, the first thing we ask ourselves is what are the useful devices to make him grow up in a healthy environment. Today there are so many devices and products for children on the market that it is difficult to know them all. For this reason we may not know the existence of some of them.
Finding the best way to take care of our children is certainly a problem for many parents. The humidifier, since it is not very well known, is one of the devices that raises many questions. One wonders whether or not it is recommended for children and whether our little ones can actually benefit from using it.
Are we facing another highly advertised item that has no use or is it a device worth buying? Let’s go and find out together!
What is a humidifier?
The humidifier is a device that maintains the optimal levels of humidity in the rooms. The main advantage is that it cleans and renews the air in the rooms where it is used, allowing you to control and maintain adequate levels of humidity. In this way you will avoid having excessively dry or humid environments, preventing the health problems that could derive from it.
Its operation is simple. It consists of a water tank which, through an evaporation process, releases a sort of mist which increases the humidity in the room. This is the ideal device for creating a healthy environment for your baby during his or her first weeks (and months) of life.
The choice of model
When choosing the model, keep in mind that there are various types of humidifiers that differ according to the system they use:
- Hot steam humidifiers (also called vaporizers). These devices heat the water in the tank until it reaches the temperature that allows you to gradually release the steam.
- Cold steam humidifiers . They are more modern devices. They emit steam not due to water heating, but through the use of more sophisticated ultrasonic technology.
- Ionizers. These more modern and expensive devices are equipped with ionizers that act against the germs in the air making it cleaner.
Frequently asked questions about the humidifier: importance and usefulness
In the early stages of his life, the child has not yet developed all of his immune defenses. Hence the importance of paying attention to the environment in which he lives.
Each season of the year has characteristics that can influence the environment in which our children live. Humidity, temperature, and other factors are variables to consider.
In winter it is important to control the humidity of the rooms because domestic heating could dry out the air inside the rooms too much and cause the appearance of infections. Conversely, in summer, high temperatures could create problems for the skin (dry skin) and respiratory tract.
The main problems that can occur are dry nose, rhinitis, congestion, etc. All of these problems could threaten the well-being of the child while resting (and also that of the parents). Hence the importance of using a humidifier to maintain an optimal balance of the air in the room where the child resides.
An important aspect: the recommended humidity level
What should be the ideal level of humidity in the rooms? How can we get it? From a medical point of view, it is recommended to keep the home environment, and especially the rooms where the child is, between 30 and 40% humidity. In addition, it must be taken into account that excessive dryness of the air and too much humidity affect the normal breathing of the baby.
How do we know if the parameters are optimal? The best way is to use a hygrometer, a device designed for this task. However, there are some models of humidifiers that have a built-in hygrometer. This is an aspect to consider at the time of purchase.
Furthermore, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms that the child may present when the percentage of humidity in the air is not optimal:
- Dryness of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Accumulation of phlegm and respiratory infections.
- Cracked lips.
- Redness of the eyes.
Tips for choosing and using the humidifier
Before you buy it:
- Check the capacity of the water tank, its autonomy and the operating system. Hot steam humidifiers are the cheapest, but have the disadvantage that they can create dangerous situations for children if precautions are not taken.
- Check if it has a built-in hygrometer.
For its use:
- Keep the humidifier out of the reach of children.
- Thoroughly clean the humidifier after use.
Inside the rooms:
- Check the humidity parameters.
- Ventilate the rooms often to renew the air.
The growth of children must take place in a healthy environment. Often these kinds of thoughts don’t make parents sleep. There are things to consider to achieve this. The best way to help our children have a complete and healthy development is to know what they need at each stage of their life.
