When your child has a cold or the flu, it's natural to want to offer them relief as quickly as possible. And while there's no quick cure for the common cold, you can help ease their discomfort. One easy way to do this is by adding moisture into the air.
Vaporizer vs. humidifier
Vaporizers work by heating water until it turns into hot steam. Humidifiers create a cool mist. Both add humidity to the air, which may help soothe cold and flu symptoms. With children, experts agree that it's safest to use a humidifier rather than a vaporizer. That's because the hot water could spill, and the steam could burn your child if they get too close.
What is a humidifier good for?
Humidifiers create moist air that can loosen the mucus in your child's nose and may make it easier for them to breathe. A humidifier may also help with:
Coughs
Sore throats
Runny noses
Bloody noses
Dry, irritated skin
That said, humidifiers haven't been well studied. There's no definitive evidence that they actually work to ease colds. You may want to ask your child's pediatrician if they recommend using a humidifier before you buy one.
How to choose a humidifier for your child
Keep these tips in mind when you're choosing the best humidifier for your family:
Stick to your budget. Depending on the size and brand, you could be looking at spending between $30 and $100 or more.
Select the right size. Measure your child's room and buy a humidifier that will cover the space. But don't buy more humidifier than you need. A too-strong humidifier can make the area too moist, leading to mold.
Look for an automatic shutoff feature. It's a good idea to get a humidifier that shuts off automatically once the water runs dry.
Make sure you'll be able to easily refill and clean the humidifier. If the tank's not simple to remove, it will be hard to keep the humidifier clean.
How to use a humidifier
If you decide to use a cool-mist humidifier, follow these steps:
Use filtered or distilled water. Regular tap water often contains minerals, which can build up in the humidifier and be dispersed into the air. It's safest to use sterile or distilled water, especially for babies and young children.
Place the humidifier close to your child. Don't put it so close that your child can reach it, but close enough that they'll benefit from the moisture.
Keep it very clean. Make sure you drain and clean the humidifier after each use. Otherwise the bacteria that accumulate can get vaporized into the air and end up in your child's lungs, where they can cause an infection.
Dry it thoroughly. After cleaning, dry the humidifier to stop bacteria and mold from growing.
Adapted from: Baby Center
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