Baby
HOW TO USE A HUMIDIFIER SAFELY
By Dana Sullivan
Installing a humidifier in a baby's room is practically a rite of
passage for parents. When your baby has a cold, one of the best things
you can do to keep her comfortable is to make the air she breathes is
moist by using a humidifier. Moist air keeps mucus more liquid, which
prevents stuffiness, making it easier for baby to breathe. The question
is, which is better: cool mist or warm steam?
Both are equally
effective at putting moisture into the air. But these days, most
pediatricians recommend the cool-mist option for the simple reason that
there is no danger of burns from accidentally spilled hot water or from
the steam. There is one drawback to the cool-mist machines, though:
Since the water isn't boiled, the machines are an ideal breeding ground
for bacteria and mold. Since breathing either could irritate your
baby's lungs -- particularly worrisome for children with asthma and
other chronic respiratory problems -- you must be diligent about
following the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. That means
scrubbing the machine daily with soap and water, vinegar, hydrogen
peroxide or bleach (whatever the manufacturer of your machine
suggests).
If possible, fill the machine with water that has a
low mineral content, either distilled or filtered water (e.g., tap
water that you've run through a filter, such as a Brita or Pur), since
the minerals can build up on the machine which then disperses them into
the air, potentially irritating the lungs of sensitive children. Place
the humidifier about three feet from your baby's crib, but not so close
that she could reach out and touch it or knock it over.
If you
live in a part of the country where the air is very dry during winter,
you might consider running a humidifier at night when your baby isn't
sick to keep nasal passages from becoming dry. Just be sure that her
room doesn't get so humid that water condenses on the windows, pictures
or walls. When a room is too humid, bacteria and mold thrive on
furniture, walls, carpet, drapes and bedding.
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About The Author
Nevada-based freelance writer Dana Sullivan is a frequent contributor to Your Baby Today and also writes for Fit Pregnancy and Parenting. She's mom to Liam, 4, and Julia, 2.
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