Humidifiers For Newborns: Why Are You Needed? Which Is The Best Choice For Premature Babies?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-09 13:15

Young children are especially sensitive to the indoor climate. It is important for them that the temperature is comfortable and the air is humid. If the first parameter is observed with the help of heaters and timely opening / closing windows, then the second is provided by special air humidifiers.

It is worth getting to know these simple devices that give your baby a restful sleep and protect him from viral infections.

Purpose and principle of operation

A humidifier is needed so as not to provoke dryness of the nasal mucous membranes in the newborn, as this reduces immunity and increases the risk of picking up the virus. Even if the child does not get sick, difficulty breathing through the nose causes discomfort and leads to high fatigue. As a result, the baby becomes moody and whiny, does not sleep well and screams at night. Besides, dry air of an apartment dehydrates the child's body, because in babies moisture evaporates through the skin … The skin becomes vulnerable to various microorganisms. The skin turns red and flakes, and the parents do not understand why this is happening. Pediatricians claim that only a humidifier in the room will help maintain optimal humidity levels and prevent unpleasant symptoms.

All models of these devices work on the same principle: up to 8-10 liters of water per day are poured into them and a mode is set that is suitable for a particular room. The filter is replaced every 2-3 months (each manufacturer indicates its own service life of the filter element). Since the humidifier will be in the nursery, you need to be aware of its pros and cons. After all, it is so important that the health of your beloved baby is completely safe.

Benefit and harm

The indisputable advantage of the air humidifier for newborns is the support of thermoregulation: the baby does not overcool and does not overheat. The moisturizer minimizes the risk of allergic reactions . It improves the condition of the newborn's skin, protects it from dehydration and supports the immune system. The child feels good, reacts actively to everything that happens during the day, and in the evening healthy fatigue and sound sleep sets in. However, this device has certain disadvantages.

In particular, humidifiers require regular expenses for filter elements … If the owners violate the rules for using the device, a white coating appears on the furniture. Any dirt that gets into the humidifier poses a threat to the baby's health. It is necessary to control the level of humidity, since mold is formed due to the high humidity of the air. The device must be positioned so as to prevent electric shock. Thus, the humidifier can be harmful if the owners allow it to be used carelessly. But since most dads and moms care about the health of their beloved children, they will be interested in learning about the types of such useful devices.

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There are 3 main types of humidifiers. The first works with cold steam. During operation, dry air passes through the mesh of the device, which is coated with a moisturizing agent that kills germs and bacteria . Such devices are inexpensive and consume a minimum of electricity. Parents can choose the battery life of the device and set the mode suitable for the child. If the filter element fails, it is changed and does not "bother" with the purchase of a new device.

The cold steam humidifier is difficult to regulate. Parents will have to tinker to set the desired humidity mode. Cold steam lowers the temperature in the room, which has a beneficial effect on the climatic conditions in the summer, but is completely unacceptable in the winter. The air purification level is low . For the best cleaning performance, you should purchase filters with an antibacterial coating.

Hot steam humidifiers are available for the cold season. The principle of operation is simple: water placed in a humidifier heats up to a certain temperature and changes the humidity of the air. The filter does not change in it. Hot steam fills the room, being a reliable prevention of respiratory diseases . It is not surprising that this device is in high demand.

However, it also has a number of disadvantages. This model eats up a lot of electricity. On the part of the parents, constant monitoring of the operation of the humidifier is required. You have to change or adjust the settings.

Hot steam is a source of increased danger, since it can burn both adults and children.

An ultrasonic humidifier is considered the best option for newborns and premature babies. It does not generate noise and automatically maintains the set humidity mode. The steam level is regulated by a special sensor. The filtering device is changed without buying a new device. Before replacing the filter, you need to turn off the sensors, and then configure them in the previous mode. The ultrasonic device can be operated with a remote control.

The parents say that the only drawback of an ultrasonic humidifier is the high cost and demand for water quality . If the user pours unfiltered water into the humidifier, all furniture will be covered with a white coating. Otherwise, it is a reliable device that will last more than five years with good handling. As an alternative or in addition to humidifiers, it is worth taking a closer look at ionizers. These devices create a natural smell of freshness in the room, like after a shower. Babies feel comfortable, sleep well and wake up rested, and the natural freshness of the air allows them to avoid many colds.

Manufacturers overview

The stores offer a wide range of humidifiers. However, only 5 models have earned the trust of their parents.

GX. Diffuser

First of all, it is the compact GX ionizer. Diffuser that can be placed in any corner of the nursery. It features quiet operation and ease of use . Essential oils can be added to the ionizer if desired. The device is equipped with a timer and built-in backlight. When the water has completely evaporated, the ionizer turns off automatically. Its only drawback is considered to be a loose fit of the body to the water tank.

SALAV

The SALAV humidifier is distinguished by its stylish design, and therefore will become not only a household appliance, but also an organic addition to the interior. It is equipped with two steam outputs and seven illumination colors. Built-in ultrasonic sterilization kills harmful bacteria. Thanks to the large tank, this humidifier can operate continuously for more than 10 hours . The disadvantage of SALAV is the lack of a timer.

VITEK VT-2351

The VITEK VT-2351 humidifier allows not only to regulate the intensity of humidification, but also to humidify the air in a certain area of the room. In addition, parents have the ability to adjust the steam flow rate. The unit has a flat top, so it is convenient to fill it with water. This humidifier is equipped with a large tank that lasts for one or more nights in a row . VITEK VT-2351 does not interfere with sleep. At the same time, it does not have a timer, and it is not very convenient to wash it.

BALLU UHB-805

BALLU UHB-805 is equipped with a cartridge that cleans water from harmful impurities and air from coarse dust. This appliance lasts up to 12 hours, spraying 360 degrees of steam without generating noise . It has a built-in water indicator, so the user will always know when to refill the humidifier.

The only negative is that a faint smell emanates from the capsule, which can alert the parents of an allergic child.

Galaxy GL 8004

Galaxy GL 8004 also runs quietly and uses little power. He doesn't have a timer, nor does he have a remote control. But it automatically maintains the preset humidity level mode. When the water evaporates, a red indicator on the case lights up and the device turns off automatically . Water is poured into a removable bowl that is easy to remove and put back.

How to choose?

To find a high-quality device, you should listen to the opinion of experts. For example, experts recommend choosing only branded products. And these are not necessarily expensive devices. The same GX. Diffuser, SALAV, VITEK VT-2351, BALLU UHB-805 and Galaxy GL 8004 are sold for real price … According to experts, it is better to purchase a humidifier with a built-in hygrometer, which will accurately measure air humidity. If the humidifier is not equipped with one, the hygrometer must be purchased separately.

In addition, you need to buy a humidifier equipped with a hygrostat. The latter maintains the set humidity mode and turns off the device if this level is exceeded. Another important characteristic is the volume of the tank.

For example, a humidifier with a 2-3 liter tank is suitable for a small room. If the device is purchased for a spacious room, a 5 liter tank is sufficient.

Water consumption is considered an equally important indicator. As a rule, air humidifiers evaporate 8-12 liters of water per day, which is quite enough for a medium-sized children's room. How many grams per hour a particular device spends, you can find out from its technical characteristics . In the same way, data on the area in which the device will bring maximum benefit is learned.

How to use?

Many users are wondering about the correct operation of the humidifier. Experts say that the basic rules relate to its installation in the nursery. First of all, the humidifier should be positioned so that the child cannot reach it . The height of the placement should be at least one meter from the floor. The appliance should be placed on a level surface so that the steam is not directed towards the crib. The location of the humidifier should be difficult to pass. Ideally, a humidifier should be placed between the baby's bed and the central heating battery, protecting the baby from dry air.

If steam does not come out of the device, they talk about a breakdown of the generator or fan . The device could oxidize contacts or deteriorate the membrane (in the case of ultrasonic humidifiers).

In any case, do not look for the cause yourself. It is better to entrust this to a specialist who will deal with the causes of malfunctions, repair the device and give advice on further operation.

If the child is in enviable health, an ordinary humidifier can be placed in his room . But for asthmatics, allergy sufferers or children living in the most polluted urban areas, it is worth choosing a climate complex. This device ionizes, cleans, cools and heats the air in the room, which helps to relieve the baby from unpleasant symptoms.