The immune system of babies is still developing, which makes them more susceptible to health issues. That is why we always practice extra caution in everything that he/she is going to be exposed to. For example, we sterilize our baby’s equipment, and we always check for the materials of his/her toys.
However, the environment itself also offers potential risks on the health. We, as adults already experience allergies, colds, and coughs even on a slight change of weather or temperature. So as you can imagine, babies can get these diseases far more easily than us.
You might be thinking, “How am I supposed to control the environment?” The truth is, it is indeed possible to make the environment more pleasant for your baby. In particular, we are pertaining to his/her indoor environment.
Two factors, such as temperature and humidity, can easily be controlled nowadays. If it’s too cold, then turn on the heater, but what about controlling the humidity? Is it necessary?
What is Humidity?
A room’s relative humidity (RH) pertains to how much water vapor is in the air. For example, you can expect that a warm temperature has more water vapor compared to when it’s cold. This is the reason why “humid weather” makes us feel sticky and uncomfortable.
What are humidifiers?
Humidifiers are devices that can control a room’s humidity. They can do this because they emit water vapor/steam to increase the air’s moisture levels. A humidifier can either be a cool mist or warm mist type. And of course, this pertains to the temperature of the vapor they emit.
Basically, warm mist humidifiers are warm because compared to their cool countertypes, they use steam from boiling water. Cool mist humidifiers, on the other hand, can either use ultrasonic vibration or evaporation.
You can use a hygrometer to measure the moisture level in the air. According to CuteLittleDarling.com, some humidifiers already come with this device built-in so that you can set the unit in your home appropriately. In fact, some units even have a humidistat, which will automatically maintain the humidity at the range you set.
How Humidity Affects Health
First, what is considered a healthy humidity level? Ideally, you want to have your home’s humidity level between 30 and 50%. More so, children’s hospitals usually keep theirs at 55%. Anywhere lower or higher than this range can cause several problems like mold growth and health issues.
Mold Growth and Dust Mites
Anywhere more than 60% of humidity level makes it easier for mold to grow. But other than the gross look it gives on surfaces and potential damage to appliances and furniture; mold is detrimental to the health.
Mold growth can affect your baby’s health because the spores can trigger allergies. And if your baby has an existing respiratory condition, these spores can worsen it. Other than mold, dust mites thrive in humid environments and can also cause allergies and other respiratory issues. Congestion, difficulty in breathing, and even eye irritation are some examples caused by these tiny irritants.
Another common reason why parents add a humidifier in the nursery is to alleviate dryness. This can be the dryness of the skin due to eczema, or dryness of the nasal passages combated by the best humidifier for baby congestion.
Eczema and Skin Irritations
A common skin condition in babies is eczema, and it causes dry, itchy skin. And even though babies typically outgrow this condition, it is still very uncomfortable for them. Parents soothe their baby’s skin by adding moisture back in it. They use ointments or bathes, but an ideal humidity level can also help in moisture retention.
Skin dryness is caused by the dry air itself. And because this dryness causes itchiness, your baby can scratch his/her skin, mouth, and eyes. This can be problematic because if the skin cracks, the open wound can harbor microbes and cause infections.
Respiratory Conditions
As for congestion, the dryness of the environment can cause the nasal passages to produce mucus. And because babies have smaller passages, mucus clogs these spaces easily and cause congestion. Low humidity can also cause a sore throat because the body compensates for the lack of moisture.
Besides congestion, dry nasal passages are also prone to irritation. You see, your baby’s body will compensate for the dry air, so the mucus membrane will provide for the moisture. The membrane will dry quicker before the body can replenish them, which eventually leads to irritated sinuses.
In the long run, these sinuses can crack and even bleed just like dry skin. Overall, the discomfort caused by these respiratory conditions can even make it difficult for your baby to eat and sleep. And of course, these are necessary, so not being able to do them can cause other health issues.
Viruses
Irritated nasal passages are also more susceptible to viruses. Not just because of the damaged barrier but because viruses actually thrive in dry air for longer periods, especially during the winter. And what makes it more difficult is because winter itself makes babies more prone to colds and other illnesses.
As mentioned by the researchers from Oregon State University, maintaining your indoor humidity within the optimal range makes it harder for viruses such as flu viruses to survive. Think, the less moisture there is in the air, the longer a flu virus can survive.
Risks of Using a Humidifier
Let’s say you made up your mind, and you’ll be getting a humidifier for the nursery. Are there any risks that you should be aware of? Like with any equipment, always consult your doctor before you start using a humidifier for your baby. This is important, especially for those with existing medical conditions.
It is also worth noting that poorly maintained humidifiers also pose health risks. Because of their water reservoir, they can also harbor mold and bacteria. Therefore, you have to properly clean and maintain your unit as advised by the manufacturer.
Lastly, another consideration is the type of humidifier that you should get. Especially for babies, you might want to avoid a warm mist humidifier because of its scalding risk. Regardless, make sure that children and pets can’t reach any humidifier in the room.