Discover the best humidifiers and essential oils for kids that promote comfort and wellness, offering safe and effective relief during sickness.
Watching our little ones struggle with a cold can be heart-wrenching. While we can’t wave a magic wand to make their illness disappear, we can provide comfort and relief. One effective tool in our arsenal? A humidifier.
Living in a New York City apartment, especially during the winter, means dealing with those old radiators that blast heat non-stop. While they keep us warm, they also suck all the moisture out of the air. I’ve noticed my son waking up with dry throat, stuffy nose, and that annoying cough that just won’t quit. The dry air can really mess with his comfort and sleep when children are sick. That’s why I swear by using a humidifier during the colder months- it adds that much-needed moisture back into the air, which can help: soothe dry throats and nasal passages, reduce coughing, ease congestion and improve sleep quality. It’s like giving your child’s room a little spa treatment to help them breathe easier and sleep better.
Choosing the Right One
Not all humidifiers are created equal. For our son, pediatrician recommended cool-mist humidifiers over warm-mist ones. Why? Because cool-mist versions don’t involve hot water, reducing the risk of burns. They’re just as effective in alleviating cold symptoms without the added hazard. So last year I got the Levoit Classic 300S humidifier, and it’s been a game-changer for our family. This humidifier has over 29,000 reviews which says a lot.
The 6-liter tank means I don’t have to refill it constantly and it can run up to 60 hours, which is perfect during those long nights when my son is sick. It’s super quiet, so it doesn’t disturb anyone’s sleep, and the top-fill design makes it easy to clean and refill without any mess. Plus, I can control it from my phone using the VeSync app– the ability to adjust settings remotely through the app means no sneaking into bedrooms and risking waking a sleeping child. It’s user-friendly, runs quietly, and keeps the air just right- perfect for maintaining a comfortable environment for the little ones.
When a child is sick, even the smallest comforts can make a big difference and sometimes, nature gives us the best tools. Essential oils, when used properly in a humidifier, can help ease symptoms like congestion, restlessness, and general discomfort. It’s a simple, gentle way to create a calming atmosphere and support healing in both children and adults.
Some of the best oils to use include lavender for relaxation and easing congestion, eucalyptus to help clear stuffy noses, and chamomile for its naturally calming, anti-inflammatory properties. Citrus oils like sweet orange or mandarin can be a lovely addition for children over 3 month old, offering a gentle energy boost when little ones feel sluggish. While peppermint is great for coughs and nasal relief, it should always be used with caution and proper dilution, especially around younger kids.
To use essential oils safely, be sure to dilute them, usually just 1–2 drops per 100 mL of water in your humidifier. Make sure the room is well-ventilated, and if you’re ever unsure, check with a pediatrician or certified aromatherapist. Also, always read the labels: choose pure, unadulterated oils with no added alcohol or synthetic fragrance, which can be irritating and offer no real health benefits. A few drops of the right oil can go a long way in creating a soothing, healing space for your little ones (and for you, too).
Here are the links to the essential oils I personally use in our humidifier when my son is unwell. These are tried, tested, and trusted in our home- always used with proper dilution and care.
– Cliganic Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil, 100% Pure
– Cliganic USDA Organic Frankincense Essential Oil, 100% Pure
– Cliganic USDA Organic Lavender Essential Oil, 100% Pure
– Cliganic USDA Organic Aromatherapy TOP 12 Essential Oils Set, 100% Pure – Peppermint, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Frankincense, Orange, Lemon, Cassia, Cedarwood & Grapefruit
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