It is very important for every mother that the child does not get sick and grows up in comfortable conditions. If it is not always possible to change something on the street, then at home you need to do everything to make the child feel good and comfortable. This means that you need to take care of the children’s room and make sure that the baby does not feel any discomfort. Special household appliances will help solve the emerging problem of insufficient moisture.
Air humidification. Included in sections: Ventilation; Immunity;Health
Why humidify the air in the room where the child is?
Humidifier in a children's room
Children get sick at any time of the year. This is not surprising, because their body is just developing, it is still fragile, and therefore very susceptible to various microbes and bacteria. In the summer, children tolerate illnesses much easier and recover faster. Why is this happening? One of the main reasons is that fresh air from the street enters the room through an open window. But what about in other months, for example, when the heating devices are turned on? In this case, you cannot do without a household appliance such as a humidifier. However, this is not the only reason why such a device must be present in the children's room. Let's take a closer look at what happens when the air in a child's room is insufficiently humidified:
- If the air is dry, not only dust particles, but also germs can easily move through it. They quickly enter the respiratory tract.
- In a dry room, another negative phenomenon occurs - the nasal mucosa dries out. But it should always be moist so that viruses and microbes present in the air do not penetrate into the body.
- A child's skin is very delicate, so when it dries out it becomes susceptible to various microbes. They enter the baby's body through microcracks, which leads to infection of the skin.
- If the air in the room is dry, the baby's body quickly loses moisture. As a result, this leads to the fact that the blood becomes thicker, and this negatively affects the formation of the cardiovascular system.
Do not forget that in a dry room you feel tired faster and the child will have trouble sleeping. It is known that, although dust is present in humid air, it immediately settles on horizontal surfaces, so you do not have to breathe it. Homemade remedies will not be able to create a comfortable environment and eliminate unpleasant circumstances. An average humidifier can evaporate 5 liters of water overnight, and in winter this is often not enough.
Tips for caring for the device at home
Do not move the device while it is running. Before performing any manipulations with it, it should be turned off and disconnected from the electrical network.
The air intake openings and the steam outlet opening must not be blocked.
Before a long break in use, the water from the device must be completely drained and the device itself must be dried.
The humidifier needs to be cleaned daily - this is especially important for devices in the children's room. It must be freed from residual water and washed thoroughly - this allows you to remove plaque and prevent the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and microbes. Clean the humidifier as follows:
- All water is drained from the device,
- removable elements, if any, are removed,
- those parts of the device that are not harmed by contact with water are washed under running water,
- the remaining parts are wiped with a damp cloth,
- The piezoelectric element in the ultrasonic humidifier is cleaned with a special brush included in the kit,
- heating elements of the steam model are cleaned of scale,
- All elements are dried, the humidifier is assembled.
Additional cleaning should be done approximately once a week:
- a soap solution is prepared - dishwashing detergent is diluted with water,
- a small brush is wetted in this solution,
- all internal parts of the device and removable elements are processed using a brush,
- If there are traces of scale or plaque, they are removed with a weak solution of vinegar or citric acid.
Video: how to remove plaque from a humidifier
Filters in air humidifiers should be changed according to the instructions, on average this period is:
- 2–3 months for ultrasonic types of device,
- 1 month for traditional.
Video: the dangers of humidifiers (Dr. Komarovsky)
Humidity measurement
Digital thermo-hygrometer with a large display RST 02404 cost -1395 rubles
How can you determine whether the air in a room is sufficiently humid or not? It must be taken into account that it is equally bad for a child’s body when there is a lack of humidity or when there is an excess of it. In this case, the only correct solution is to buy a hygrometer. This device determines the humidity level in the room. When choosing a hygrometer, you need to pay attention to the fact that it can be of several types:
- weight;
- hair;
- condenser;
- psychometric.
For city apartments, it is preferable to purchase psychometric hygrometers. Hair models are also in great demand among buyers. But what kind of device this should be: electronic or mechanical – the baby’s parents decide. Hygrometers can be classified by location - there are models that are hung on the wall, while others are simply placed on a table or shelf.
Why do you need a humidifier in a nursery?
When the humidity in the room drops below a certain level, the child’s body begins to react to this with dry mucous membranes and skin.
The child begins to cough, itch, and get sick more often. Children develop unreasonable irritability, sleep and mood worsen, and the body's resistance to infections decreases. An air humidifier for children's rooms allows you to maintain a healthy microclimate in the room, ensuring the healthy and harmonious development of children. Many models of humidifiers additionally purify and ionize the air, destroy harmful bacteria, and ensure constant air circulation in the room.
The benefits of humidifiers and their types
A humidifier helps ease baby's breathing. It is needed both for a healthy baby and if he gets sick with ARVI. It is not without reason that with such an illness, pediatricians advise drinking more fluids. It’s good if there is moisture in the air. This household appliance has great benefits. But how to choose the right device, and what types of modern humidifiers are available for purchase?
Steam
A steam humidifier is considered the simplest. The name itself suggests that moisture in the room appears due to steam. This device heats water and the steam that is generated enters the room. It is advantageous in that it can very quickly humidify even a large room. There are models that are equipped with a nozzle with a reservoir for placing aromatic oils in this space. Thanks to this modification, the humidifier is able to act as an inhaler. There are several advantages of this device:
Humidifier design diagram
- the air is purified from bacteria;
- any water is allowed to be used;
- steam does not contain salts;
- The required humidity in the room is quickly achieved.
If the humidifier runs out of water, the device automatically turns off. But this device has three disadvantages:
- Since steam is generated here, it is dangerous for the child. What happens if the child throws it over himself? In addition, the case may become hot.
- Such a device is energy-consuming (about 600 W), because it uses a powerful heating element. In winter, while the heating is on, it should be on 24 hours a day.
- The cost of a steam humidifier is very high, so not all parents can buy it.
Ultrasonic
Air humidity
An ultrasonic air humidifier is the most affordable in terms of price and quality. It contains a membrane that performs high-frequency vibrations. Thanks to this, very small droplets of water are separated from the filled water in the container. So-called “cold steam” is formed. To ensure that it rises up to the exit of the device and enters the room, the device is equipped with a small, low-power fan. The child can safely inhale this steam even near the device itself. In addition, this humidifier practically does not heat up. Another advantage is that it consumes 3-10 times less electricity than the steam model. It is important that less noise is produced during operation, so it is ideal for a children's room. You can choose a more modern humidifier model equipped with several filters.
This is important because bacteria can grow in the water and be sprayed into the air by the humidifier. It must undergo a cleaning process regularly, and it is also recommended to fill it with boiled or filtered water. It is advisable to have a humidifier with a hygrostat. For models with a hygrostat, if a sufficient percentage of air humidification is achieved (up to 60%), the device turns off automatically. And when the air is not humid enough, it turns on.
Other types of humidifiers
Cold mist humidifiers. This category also includes air washers.
These devices have natural humidification and, according to user reviews, are the least effective. Water is poured into the container, which gradually evaporates at room temperature. To ensure that humid air is not only near the device, there is a fan in it.
This is almost the same if you install a basin of water in the room or hang 2-3 wet towels in the room. Models where air is forced through a filter soaked in water are more effective, but they require constant replacement of filter cassettes.
Types of humidifiers
All devices differ in humidification methods, the presence of filters, additional functions and price. Judging by the reviews, it is definitely impossible to say that one type or another is better than another. This household appliance is not a decoration or a toy, so when considering options, consider all the pros and cons of the functionality of the device.
With cold steam
Humidification occurs thanks to a fan that drives dry air through a wet mesh. Particles of dust and dirt remain on it, which creates the effect of wet cleaning in the room. If you do not monitor the change of cassettes, then the accumulated pathogenic organisms can cause harm to health, since together with the emitted air they will enter the room and then into the lungs.
The advantages of this humidifier for a child:
- low noise level, which allows you to leave it on even at night;
- economical energy consumption;
- affordable price.
Such qualities allow it to be considered as an air humidifier for newborns. Ease of use and accessibility are clear advantages of this device. But keep in mind that cold steam, although slightly, can lower the temperature in the nursery. And for the baby, maintaining the optimal temperature regime in the room is mandatory.
With hot steam
The principle of operation of this device is to heat water and release hot steam, due to which humidification occurs. At the same time, it kills germs in the room. There are also models of humidifiers into which aromatic oils can be added. Together with steam, they are sprayed into the nursery, which makes the air healthier for the child.
Distinctive features of this humidifier:
- lack of replaceable blocks and cassettes;
- rapid humidification of the air in the room;
- can be used as an inhaler.
A significant drawback of the product is that a hot stream of steam or water can burn a child, so place the device in a place where it will be safe. In addition, harm can be caused if the humidity in the room is not controlled, the increased level of which promotes the proliferation of pathogenic organisms. Therefore, it is best to choose models with a hydrostat or hydrometer that measure the humidity level and, if necessary, can turn the device on and off.
Ultrasonic humidifier
Thanks to ultrasonic vibrations, water droplets are split into a mist and blown around the room by a fan. The device operates almost silently, which is very important for children with light sleep.
It can be equipped with automatic control (on, off), evaporation intensity regulator, filter change sensor, and liquid crystal screen.
Using ordinary tap water for such a device, you may encounter plaque that will settle on furniture, window sills, toys, equipment, and also in the respiratory tract. This is not good for the lungs, since it contains all the substances that were dissolved in water, most often these are salts, but there may also be harmful impurities. Therefore, pay attention to quality and fill the device only with purified water.
An ultrasonic humidifier can be placed in the room of children over 4 years old, so it cannot be used for newborns.
If the selected model does not have additional functions such as a hydrometer and hydrostat, they can be purchased separately. Do not doubt their necessity, because they are created for convenience. The hydrostat can be set to any humidity level, and it will turn on the device, constantly maintaining the set value.
Any humidifier - with cold, hot steam or ultrasonic, can be equipped with an ionizer. Thanks to the ions, an effect is created in the room, like after rain; in addition, they have a positive effect on human health.
"Air washing"
This humidifier not only fulfills its intended purpose, but also cleans the air in a way that no wet cleaning can do. It fights the most microscopic dust particles and disinfects. The ionization device kills unpleasant odors and purifies water.
Two parts of the device (moisturizing, cleansing) can work independently of each other. It is important that this type of device requires frequent changes of filters and water, so be prepared for this, including financially. The only disadvantages of the Air Washing are its high price and large dimensions.
Climate complex
This is an improved version of Moika. Three-stage air purification, antibacterial impregnation, carbon filter. The complex easily copes with the function of purifying the air from any allergens, unpleasant odors and substances, and the space around will be filled with the aromas that you want.
It combines all the advantages of the above-mentioned types. Simplicity, versatility, quiet operation. The price is high, even compared to the ultrasonic humidifier and the “Wash”. But if your child has asthma or allergies, or you live in an area with a very polluted environment, such a humidifier for the nursery will come in handy.
The influence of seasonality on the need for air humidification for a child
Relative Humidity Chart
What is the best time of year to use a humidifier? Some people believe that since it is hot in the summer, it is ideal for this time of year. But this is an erroneous opinion, because in summer, although it is hot, the indoor air is not very dry, since humid air comes from the street. Therefore, such a device is usually used in the cold season, when heating devices are operating. They heat cold street air, which has little moisture. We can name several more negative consequences of insufficient air humidification in the nursery:
- indoor plants grow poorly;
- musical instruments quickly break down;
- furniture dries out and deteriorates, as well as other wooden products: windows, doors;
- dehydration of the mucous membrane of the eyes occurs, which can cause conjunctivitis;
- You can forget about a comfortable sleep.
In winter, indoor air humidity often drops below 20%, so it needs to be artificially humidified. It is also worth considering that insufficient humidity in the air worsens the condition of the skin, nails and hair.
What parameters should be considered when choosing a humidifier?
When choosing a humidifier, you need to consider some nuances. The area of the nursery room in which this device will be used plays a big role. There are humidifiers designed for small rooms, the area of which does not exceed 10 sq.m. And if there are 20 sq.m., such a device will be practically useless. Pay attention to the power of the humidifier. The second important indicator is the size of the bowl into which the water is poured. If it is designed for 6 liters, and we are talking about an ultrasonic humidifier, you will have to fill it with water no more than 2 times a day. So those humidifiers in which the bowl can only hold 1-1.5 liters of water are completely unprofitable. It will have to be replenished every 2-3 hours. Humidifiers are also available with additional functions. For example, there may be an ionizer, an air purifier, or a built-in hygrometer. There are also models with remote control. When choosing a humidifier, it is advisable to choose a model that has an ultraviolet lamp. Thanks to it, bactericidal steam treatment occurs. In this case, the pathogenic microorganisms present there will not be released into the air from the water that is poured into the device’s container. It is very important that the device has a cartridge that additionally purifies and softens the water.
Let's sum it up
Indoor air humidifier
Considering everything stated above, we can say with confidence: a humidifier must be present in the children's room. This is especially true in the winter period. You shouldn’t chase a fancy model, since you’ll hardly need to use half of the functions. It is better to choose an ultrasonic humidifier with good performance and at an affordable price. As for its appearance, that is at the discretion of the parents.
Is a humidifier necessary for a newborn?
The baby's health requires more attention and care, especially in terms of its respiratory tract. An air humidifier for children cleans the air of all bacteria and maintains a constant healthy atmosphere in the room, which allows you to avoid problems with the child’s breathing, sleep, anxiety, and bad mood. Fresh and moist air in the nursery is a prerequisite for creating the necessary microclimate that contributes to the formation of the baby’s immunity. Normal air humidity and temperature prevent the newborn’s mucous membranes and skin from drying out, create comfortable conditions for the child, ensure restful sleep, reduce the risk of infectious diseases, and protect against frequent illnesses.
