Without a doubt, our environment today is filled with allergens and dust. Not only that, but air pollution is also increasing more rapidly. That being said, we cannot deny that respiratory issues are becoming more and more complicated, most especially for babies.
To ensure the safety of your child, placing an air purifier inside his/her room is extremely necessary as well as reasonable. Air purifiers are good at improving the air quality in a particular room. Thus, you are certain that your baby’s room sleeps in has a clean and good indoor air quality.
Today, there are lots of air purifiers in the market. As a result, choosing the best and the right one has never been an easy task. So to help you, in this article, we have included all the important information that you need to know before making a purchase.
For those who don’t have time to read the whole article, here are our top 3 picks.
Top 3 Best Baby Air Purifiers
-
PureZone Enrichment 3-in-1 Air Purifier
This 3-in-1 air purifier from PureZone Enrichment can capture 99.97 percent of all home odors, smoke, pet dander, pollen, and dust haunting in the air. The air purifier uses UV-C light to get rid of all the germs, viruses, and bacteria.
In addition to that, this purifier will guarantee more restful periods of sleep as it functions with whisper-quiet operation.
This product is also energy efficient; it features timer options of 8, 4, and 2 hours operation before shutting off automatically. Furthermore, the purifier is very easy to set up and operate.
The Purezone Enrichment air purifier has three filters: a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and carbon layer. It also has 3-speed settings. Finally, the air purifier has an indicator that will tell when it is time to replace the filter.
Key Features:
- Three filter layers
- Whisper-quiet operation
- UV-C light
- Five-year warranty
- Six pounds
Pros
Cons
-
Fellowes AeraMax DB55 Air Purifier
The AeraMax DB55 is ideal for baby rooms measuring 200 to 400 square feet. This model has an AeraSmart feature that automatically detects as well as purifies the air.
Another good thing about this purifier is that it is certified allergy and asthma friendly by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America.
On the other hand, it uses a True HEPA filter with AeraSafe Antimicrobial treatment to safely remove 99.97 percent of airborne particles. This air purifier can remove ragweed, pollen, and other allergens like pet dander, mold spores, dust mites, germs, and viruses.
It also features an activated carbon filter capable of removing toxic volatile organic compounds and odors from the surroundings.
Additionally, it operates quietly and has a night mode with a dimmed, restful, and peaceful sleep.
Key Features:
- Quiet operation
- Certified allergy and asthma friendly
- AeraSafe antimicrobial treatment
- Activated carbon filter
- True HEPA filter
Pros
Cons
-
Winix 5300-2 Air Purifier
The Winix 5300-2 is one of the best and most technologically advanced air purifiers for babies. It combines a True HEPA filter’s effectiveness with a carbon pre-filter and PlasmaWave technology to eliminate harmful pollutants.
Moreover, this air purifier can clean a baby room, measuring up to 350 sq. ft. It also has a sleep mode for quiet night operation. Otherwise, it will operate at 27.8db.
This product that is Energy Star certified can eliminate allergens from the air, such as dust-mite debris, pollen, pet dander, dust, and mold spores. It can also remove organic chemicals, odors, cigarette smoke, and bacteria.
Key Features:
- Three stages of cleaning
- PlasmaWave Technology
- True HEPA filter
- Carbon pre-filter
- Energy Star Certified
- Air quality sensor
Pros
Cons
Why Are Babies So Vulnerable to Air Pollutants?
Before we proceed to the best air purifiers for baby rooms, let’s first determine why babies are vulnerable to air pollutants.
-
They have underdeveloped defense mechanisms and are born with immature immune systems.
This means that air pollution’s cellular damage cannot be repaired that may result in abnormal growth.
-
Babies breathe more rapidly compared to adults.
Babies have a little body mass. Essentially, it means that their health would be negatively affected by a lower concentration of airborne pollutants. On the other hand, adults can inhale the same amount of airborne pollutants, but it won’t leave any danger.
-
There is rapid growth in a baby’s immune, respiratory, and neurological systems.
Early exposure to air that is contaminated can cause sudden infant death syndrome and lifelong health damage.
Another reason babies are vulnerable to air pollutants is that some indoor pollutants are floating around the air; however, many end up near or on the floor. These particles may get stuck in the form of cool air bracketed by a concise warm air. This will increase the level of pollution near the ground where your baby spends most of his/her time.
Thus, it is no surprise why using an air purifier is very important.
The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Nursery
Are you aware that there are lots of pollutants and hidden dangers that are lurking inside your nursery, even if it is freshly cleaned or newly renovated? Well, this is true. Here is a list of hidden dangers that are lurking inside your baby’s room.
Usually, mattresses are treated using waterproofers, flame retardants, and antibacterial agents that consist of harmful chemicals.
Since babies spend most of their time in the crib, you may want to invest in a mattress that is Greenguard certified and organic.
Often, carcinogen formaldehyde is utilized in making pressed as well as composite wood cribs. This material may off-gas in the room of your baby, where he/she will breathe in throughout the day.
A lot of parents are confident that baby products from popular manufacturers are only using safe ingredients. Unfortunately, this assumption is not true. Recent research found out that 67% of bay products have chemicals that are associated with cancer.
That said, read the labels carefully and make sure the products are labeled as pure or gentle, sensitive, and natural. Better yet, consider buying an organic or creating your own.
- Paint
Most parents want to keep their baby’s room visually appealing by painting it with colorful paints. As a piece of advice, when buying paint, make sure to opt for one that doesn’t contain explosive organic compounds. Fortunately, most indoor paints on the market today have no to few explosive organic compounds.
The Health Effects of Bad Air Quality
We all know that breathing in air that consists of any contaminant concentration are not good for children and adults.
Without the help of a device like an air purifier to get rid of things like volatile organic compounds, pet dander, mold, and allergen from your baby’s room may result in severe health complications.
Nevertheless, the following are the health effect of bad air quality:
- Cancer
- Organ damage
- Nervous system damage
- Asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems
- Fatigue
- Uncontrollable tiredness
- Sore throat
- Nausea and
- Headaches
Thankfully, air purifiers come into existence. These devices will help to lessen the exposure of your baby to the above-ground toxins.
What is the Best Type of Air Purifier for Infants, Babies, and Toddlers?
Before you buy an air purifier for your baby’s room, you must understand that these devices are available in different types. But sad to say, not all air purifiers are specially made for young kids. If you obtain the wrong type, you are also putting the safety of your child at risk.
Below, we have outlined the best type of air purifiers for toddlers, infants, and babies to prevent this from happening.
-
True HEPA Filter
This type of filter excels at getting rid of common sources of pollution that are present at home. One of the best things about the True HEPA filter is that it can trap and lock 99.97 percent of particles like bacteria, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen passing through it down to .3 microns in size.
-
Activated Carbon Filter
The carbon filter performs well in eliminating unpleasant odors together with a volatile organic compound. As the particles move across the filter, they will be absorbed and sealed in without any chance of leakage.
For the majority of buyers, this feature alone makes buying an air purifier a great investment.
Features to Look for in a Nursery Air Purifier
Here are the most important features you need to look for in an air purifier for your nursery.
- UV-C Light
When people hear the term UV or ultraviolet light, they instantly think of cancer, sun, as well as skin damage.
While this light has a connection to the above-mentioned things, the certainty is that the spectrum of UV light broader compared to the rays of sunlight. There are various kinds of ultraviolet lighting – UV-C, UV-B, and UV-A.
UV-B and UV-A are the longer wavelengths that you block using sunscreen to prevent them from causing cancer and skin damage. On the other hand, UV-C is not dangerous to people as its wavelength is short, that it is almost difficult for it to penetrate your skin.
One of the reasons why there is a UV-C light on air purifiers is that it is utilized to kill germs, bacteria, and viruses.
When the air moves over the system, the UV-C light will neutralize these harmful particles, making them safe for your child’s health.
Moreover, if you buy an air purifier for your baby’s room with UV-C light, you will be glad to know that the bulb is installed inside the device. Meaning to say, there is no way for the light to come across with your child unless the device is torn apart physically.
- Durability
Air purifiers that are wobbly will not do any good in your child’s room. Thus when you are buying one, make sure to evaluate the device’s bottom. It must have a wider base than the purifier’s width, particularly if it is a tower model.
On the other hand, if the device has feet or legs instead of a flat base, make sure that the bottom is made of anti-slip material.
- Brightness
The lights that display the air quality of the room make the button easier to see. While the sleep mode will always turn down the fan’s speed, it can also reduce the brightness of light in selected purifiers. On the other hand, some air purifiers come with a separate button that allows you to increase and decrease brightness.
- Quietness
Fans give off the white noise. However, a few produce too much noise, which may lead to a disturbed sleep cycle. Today, most air purifiers come with three fan speeds. But some provide a sleep mode, which will set the fan at its lowest speed once you push a button. Nevertheless, if the sound is a big deal, no worries occur because most manufacturers indicate the air purifier’s noise output. Ideally, the decibels shouldn’t be less than 50.
- Convenience Modes
Every parent knows that taking care of a baby is not easy. So why stack on further responsibilities.
Fortunately, many air purifiers today come with convenient features that will surely save you hassle and time. For example, some models come equipped with a lockable panel that guarantees your baby will not turn off the device or turn down the fan speed when they press a certain button.
In addition to that, there are models with modes that will change the settings for you. The timed mode will make sure that the device will turn off after a certain number of hours. The air purifier’s indicator will tell the device what fan speed should be used in automatic mode. An eco-mode will also turn off the device if the air quality remains at healthy levels or reduces the fan speed.
Warning: Types of Air Purifiers to Avoid
Aforementioned, not all air purifiers are made for babies. So here are the types of purifiers you should avoid to make sure that your baby is safe at all times.
- Ozone Generator
As the name implies, this product gives off ozone into the air, causing serious problems related to the nasal passages, eyes, and respiratory system.
- Ionic Air Purifier
Aside from ozone generators, it would help if you also stayed away from an ionic air purifier. Though this product is 100 percent safe for adults, it does produce a level of ozone as a side effect when purifying the air. And young kids shouldn’t be exposed to any ozone as it may negatively affect their organs and respiratory system.
In addition to these two, some purifiers that utilize a True HEPA filter may have an ionizing or ionizer feature to improve the air cleaning capabilities. If you see an air purifier that uses a True HEPA filter, check if it has an ON/OFF switch intended for the ionizer so that you can turn it off for the safety of your baby. Better yet, opt for one that does not possess this feature.
Tips on Using an Air Purifier in Baby Room
For smooth operation and optimal efficiency, make sure to follow the tips below when using an air purifier in the baby room.
- Keep the air purifier out of your child’s reach.
- Position the device close to the diaper rail to clean the unpleasant and foul odors of used diapers.
- Change and clean the filter regularly.
- Set on an even surface
- Run the purifier 24 hours a day to keep the indoor air clean
Summary
Although filtered and clean air is crucial in every part of your home, it becomes more important to have a baby at home.
With our recommended picks for the best air purifier for baby rooms, everybody can obtain something that will fit their budget.
Whether you want to keep your baby’s room free from pollutants and odor or looking to reduce allergens, we assure you that there is at least one model that will suit you. Babies, on the other hand, need a quiet surrounding as they sleep. Fortunately, all our suggestions operate quietly.
Hopefully, you have learned a lot from this post.