There are two universal wishes all parents have for their baby – good health and safety. That’s why parents will shell out money for items like high-end car seats, safety gates, outlet covers and baby monitors. However, an air purifier is one product that people often overlook when making their baby-related shopping list or registry.
Table of Contents
- What Is an Air Purifier?
- Best Air Purifiers for Babies
- Budget-Friendly Air Purifier Options
- Mid-Range Air Purifier Options
- High-End Air Purifier Options
- Choosing the Best Air Purifier for Your Baby’s Room
- Tips on How to Use an Air Purifier in a Baby’s Room
- FAQ
- A Few Tips for Using an Air Purifier in a Nursery
What Is an Air Purifier?
While whole-house air purifiers are available, most people prefer portable models. Portable air purifiers are similar in size to space heaters and humidifiers, and they are less expensive than whole-house models.
These appliances are designed to eliminate the airborne contaminants that commonly plague homes and lead to certain illnesses.
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Should I put an air purifier in my baby’s room?
For most people, having allergens in your home such as dust mites, won’t cause a problem. Unless you suffer from allergies, you probably won’t find them a problem and won’t require an air purifier.
However, if you or someone in your family has a history of allergies, it might be a good idea to invest in an air purifier. If your baby has signs of eczema, a dry skin condition associated with allergies, you should definitely consider investing in one. Air purifiers work by taking dangerous air particles out of the air and trapping them in a disposable filter. With fewer allergens circulating in your home, the less likely your child is to suffer from symptoms.
One of the best ways to treat allergic symptoms is to stop any pets from entering their nursery. You should remove any carpet for easy-to-clean floors. Regularly washing bedding can also help, ideally every 1 to 2 weeks.
What air purifier should I buy for my baby’s room?
We have helped you choose the best air purifier by making a list of what to look out for.
Look for a purifier with a HEPA filter. The AAP recommends using a HEPA filter (high-efficiency air purifier) to help stop allergies around the home. These are powerful purifiers and will remove the most harmful particles from the air.
Buy a purifier that has an ENERGY STAR certificate. This means the purifier has been checked by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They only certify quality energy-efficient products that will be good long-term investments.
Research how much replacement filters are. While some cheaper air purifiers may seem like value for money, the cost of replacing the filters can be expensive. Dr. Doshi suggests adding in this extra cost when choosing an air purifier.
Don’t bother with ionizing air purifiers. Some air purifiers on the market use ionizers to remove allergens. These work by attracting the particles. However, they have limited effectiveness as the ozone create can be more harmful than the original allergens.
Buy an air purifier that is the right size. Air purifiers are designed to work effectively in rooms of a specific size. Measure your room and choose a product designed for a room that size.
Make sure you look at the purifier’s clean-air delivery rate (CADR). The higher the CADR, the more air it can clean per minute per cubic foot.
After choosing the best product, it is important to make sure you replace the filters on a regular basis. When doing this, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you fail to change the filter, it will get clogged with dust and debris. This will have a negative effect on the purifier’s efficiency. In the long run, it can damage the device and shorten its lifespan.
Best Air Purifiers for Babies
If you want your baby’s nursery to be as clean and healthy as possible, an air purifier can help. Here are this year’s top eight air purifiers for babies.
Budget-Friendly Air Purifier Options
15) Eureka Instant Clear 26′ NEA120 Purifier
This 15-pound, matte black air purifier by Eureka removes allergy-triggering and odor-causing particles alike. It contains a true-HEPA filter that traps dust, pollen, dander, mold spores and bacteria.
In front of the HEPA filter, there is a carbon pre-filter that neutralizes unpleasant smells. With regular cleaning, the HEPA filter lasts 1 year and the carbon filter lasts 3 months. A blue filter-change light illuminates when it’s time to replace them.
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Knowing that bacteria can be devastating to an infant’s developing immune system, you’ll appreciate Eureka’s addition of a germ-killing ultraviolet light.
Using a titanium oxide photocatalyst to accelerate the absorption rate, the UV light quickly and efficiently destroys bacteria on contact. The UV light is safe to operate around a baby as it meets the ozone emission limits set by the California Air Resources Board.
From the simple push-button panel, you can change the fan speed to one of three levels and toggle the UV light. On the lowest fan speed, the sound output is exceptionally quiet at a mere 32 decibels, allowing your baby to sleep undisturbed. The air purifier is also easy on the electricity bill. Depending on the fan speed and UV light usage, the purifier draws anywhere from 14 to 54 watts.
Equally impressive as the energy savings are the clean air delivery rates given by the Association of Appliance Manufacturers. AHAM determined that the Instant Clear has a 228 pollen CADR, a 145 dust CADR and a 143 smoke CADR in rooms up to 222 square feet.
While the three-speed fan helps the air purifier to achieve these rates, the purifier’s ultra-slim housing also helps by maximizing the air volume.
- [Air Purifier for Particles and Smoke]True HEPA filter captures 99. 7% of dust and airborne allergens as small...
- [Air Purifier for Mold and Germs]Built-in long lasting UV LED (5 times more life cycles than traditional...
- [AHMA Verified & Energy Star]Certified This 26" Eureka Air Purifier with 3 fan speed settings is best used for...
Last update on 2021-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
14) Levoit Compact Air Purifier (LV-H132)
Levoit’s Compact Air Purifier cleans the air in three ways without releasing ozone into the atmosphere. The pre-filter captures dust mites and other large allergens. Underneath the pre-filter, there is an H13 true-HEPA filter that boasts a 99.95-percent allergen-trapping rate. To eliminate odors, Levoit used an organic carbon filter made of coconut shells, which enhances the filter’s adsorption and strength.
The air purifier’s three-speed fan cleans the air in rooms as big as 129 square feet. It produces an extremely quiet sound level of 28 decibels on the lowest setting and a white-noise level of 50 decibels on its highest setting. Levoit even put a built-in nightlight into the purifier, providing a soothing ambiance in your baby’s room. You can choose between two illumination settings or turn off the nightlight altogether.
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Adjusting the fan speed and the nightlight is easy. Touch controls around the top edge of the purifier let you tap and change the settings for both functions. The control panel also displays a filter-reset button and indicator. When the filter button lights up, simply flip over the purifier and lift off the bottom cover. On average, the purifier’s filters last 6 months.
Functionality isn’t Levoit’s sole focus. Careful attention was paid to aesthetics. The cylindrical air purifier glistens with its incandescent pearl-white finish, making it a beautiful addition to any nursery decor. It’s sized just right too, weighing 7 pounds and measuring 8.5 by 8.5 by 14.5 inches. Four rubber pads on the bottom prevent the air purifier from sliding.
- Designed in California. The UVC Light and Anion that other Brands adopt to purify air could produce a kind of...
- Advanced 3-Stage Filtration System: The Pre-Filter, True HEPA Filter, and High-Efficiency Activated Carbon...
- Genuine Replacement Filters: Search for B06XD7X81D for Replacement filter. Use genuine Levoit replacement...
Last update on 2021-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
13) Levoit LV-H128
Levoit’s LV-H128 is a short-range air purifier that covers around 160 square feet at max. It comes with a dual-sided H13 HEPA Filter that’s designed to trap microscopic particles, including common allergens like dander and pollen, with near-100% efficiency. Considering its cost, the LV-H128 sure does offer quite a lot in terms of convenience and performance.
This air purifier for nurseries also doubles as a diffuser. You can permeate the air in small rooms with just two or three droplets of your go-to essential oil to help create a calming effect to put your baby to sleep more quickly. To do this, simply place a few drops of your oil of choice underneath the cover, and the air purifier will handle the rest.
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This baby-friendly air purifier produces a gentle 28-dBA buzz on sleep mode. If you want an air purifier, diffuser, and an unofficial white-noise machine in one device, the LV-H128 is certainly a worthy choice.
- Ideal for Bedroom, Home Office and Small Room: 30 mins to breathe fresh in the small room (Coverage area 161...
- Whisper Quiet: Noise levels as low as 28dB with Light auto-off, the LV-H128 can quietly clean your air...
- Dual Filter Design: The LV-H128 True HEPA Air Purifier features a 3-stage filtration system with dual-sided...
Last update on 2021-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
12) Levoit Core 300
The Core 300 by Levoit is a farther-reaching 360-degree air purifier that can clean the air in rooms of up to 219 square feet. Due to its cylindrical shape, users don’t need to worry about the ideal placement of this air purifier—even backing it up against a wall won’t inhibit its inlet and outlet fans very much.
This compact air purifier is packed with a multi-tier filtration system that consists of an activated carbon filter to remove odors and a True HEPA Filter to eliminate 99.97% of debris 0.3 microns in size and larger. It doesn’t come with an ionizer, which is great for nurseries as the device will not emit any harmful ozone.
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Another thing that makes the Core 300 the ideal air purifier for nurseries is that it generates only 24 dBA of noise on its sleep mode. While it doesn’t come with a built-in diffuser, its built-in timer is a real lifesaver for those who are looking to save as much money on energy costs as possible.
- Ozone Free: Levoit air purifiers avoid using UV-C light, an air cleaning method that research has shown can...
- High Performance: Enjoy fresh air in 12 minutes with the Core 300 True HEPA Air Purifier. Featuring VortexAir...
- Find Relief: Ease sneezing, congestion, and other allergy symptoms caused by airborne contaminants. The H13...
Last update on 2021-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
11) Levoit Core 200S
The Levoit Core 200S is a smaller version of the Core 300 but no less impressive. It has a max purifying range of 183 square feet, comes with a super-efficient nylon pre-filter and a True HEPA Filter to clear the air of more debris per hour, and its cylindrical shape lets it work optimally wherever you place it.
But the main feature of the Core 200S is its Alexa and smartphone app compatibility. Instead of fiddling with buttons, you have Alexa relay voice commands to the device to turn on and off, switch between fan speeds, and activate or deactivate the nightlight. You can do all of these things from the other room by using the VeSync app on your smartphone, too.
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The Core 200S is an affordable high-tech air purifier, but it’s missing a timer and diffuser function. However, these aren’t deal-breakers if you prioritize convenience over add-ons and bonus features.
- Pure Air, Affordable Price: Our most popular air purifier series is back with an all-new smart model....
- Genuine Replacement Filters: For the best performance and longest lifespan, use genuine Levoit replacement...
- Effective Purification: The compact frame and 360° design help the Core 200S purify the air wherever you put...
Last update on 2021-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mid-Range Air Purifier Options
10) Medify MA-25
If you’re looking for a versatile air purifier that works in nurseries as well as living rooms, kitchens, and other spacious areas, then a good place to start is by looking at the Medify MA-25. This blocky air purifier has a maximum purifying reach of 1,000 square feet and a CADR of 230. In just 30 minutes on its highest setting, this device can filter the air in a 500-square-foot room at least once.
Built into the MA-25 are a timer feature that can be set up to eight hours, a child safety lock to prevent unwanted changes in setting, three fan speeds, and tempered glass panels with beveled edges. In terms of performance, there’s nothing to worry about since the MA-25 is packing an H13 True HEPA Filter.
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This device has dual air inlets, so you don’t need to worry as much about placement. Per customer reports, this device generates a gentle 35-dBA buzz on its highest setting, which is quieter than most modern refrigerators.
- MAXIMUM COVERAGE: Cleans spaces up to 1,000 sq ft in one hour, 500 sq ft in 30 minutes (CADR 230). Ideal for...
- HEPA H13 FILTRATION: Trusted to remove 99.9% of particles including odors, smoke, pet dander, dust, and more...
- ULTRA QUIET: Choose from 3 fan speeds, with the lowest setting operating virtually silent. Runs at 110 Volts...
Last update on 2021-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9) Blueair Blue Pure 121
The Blueair Blue Pure 121 is a triple-tier air purifier that comes with two washable pre-filters and an electrostatic HEPASilent filter that attracts more airborne particles with the help of static charge. At most, the Blue Pure 121 can clean the air in rooms of up to 700 square feet. Best of all, this device is rated 400 CFM on smoke, so cooking fails and cigarette smoke gets filtered out more quickly and thoroughly.
While this device doesn’t have a timer, it’s Energy Star certified, which indicates that it hardly uses any electricity to run. In terms of noise output, don’t expect much of a bother from this large-sized air purifier as it emits only between 32 and 56 dBA.
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Despite having an activated carbon filter, some users claim that the Blue Pure 121 can’t remove VOCs from a room. Just something to keep in mind if your home is subject to high quantities of chemical fumes.
- 3-part filtration system captures 99% of common airborne PM 2.5 pollutants such as Allergens, odors, smoke,...
- Activated carbon filter removes common odors caused by smoke, pets, cooking, dorm room smells and gases (VOCs)...
- Two washable pre-filters come with each unit to capture large particles such as dust and pet hair and can be...
Last update on 2021-10-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8) Winix 5300-2 Air Purifier
An average CADR of 240 and an Energy Star rating of 58 watts makes the Winix 5300-2 efficient on two fronts. It’s also quiet with a decibel range of 26 to 55. Thanks to a powerful, four-speed fan as well as a true-HEPA filter, a carbon-coated filter and a pre-filter, this purifier can clean the air in a 360-square-foot room at a rate of 263 cubic feet per minute.
From the touchscreen, you can set a timer and see the current air quality in your baby’s room. Auto mode adjusts the fan speed for you, and the purifier’s PlasmaWave technology uses oxidizing agents to break down particles and deodorize the air.
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To soothe your baby to sleep, you can put the air purifier in sleep mode and adjust the LED indicators’ brightness.
- True-HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants; dust mites, pet dander, pollen and other allergens as...
- 3 Stage cleaning, removes a range of allergens: dust, cigarette smoke, pollen, odors, pet dander, mold spores...
- PlasmaWave acts as a permanent filter to safely break down odor, allergens, chemical vapors and other...
Last update on 2021-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7) Blueair Blue Pure 311
The Blue Pure 311 by Blueair is a mid-ranged air purifier that has a maximum reach of about 412 square feet. While it doesn’t have a True HEPA Filter, it comes with a HEPASilent Filter that enhances purifying performance by causing airborne particles to adhere to the mesh filter without a chance of escaping.
What sets the Blue Pure 311 apart from other models is its built-in particle sensor. When you activate auto cleaning mode, the device will determine the fan speed based on how concentrated the pollution is in a room. This means you won’t have to fiddle around with the fan speed dial. Though it doesn’t come with a timer, auto cleaning mode basically turns the device on and off on its own.
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You can choose different colors for your Blue Pure 311 by replacing the fabric pre-filter, which has a lifespan of about six months. Sadly, this device doesn’t come with a remote control or app compatibility, but again, auto cleaning mode does all the heavy lifting for you.
- Recommended for medium rooms, completely filters air in master bedroom, living room or playroom about every...
- Removes 99% of fine particles from wildfires; In 60min. Tested on PM 2.5 (GB/T 18801-2015).
- Intuitive Auto mode, automatically adjusts to real-time conditions reported by the particle sensor to maintain...
Last update on 2021-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6) Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier
If you want an air purifier you can trust that doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb against the backdrop of your baby’s nursery, the all-white Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier is it. Consuming just 79 watts of electricity, this air purifier is Energy Star rated, and it has an impressive 240 CADR. Made for rooms as large as 361 square feet, this purifier is quiet, topping out at 54 decibels.
The soft, labeled buttons make operation easy. You can choose from among three fan speeds, and the purifier will use its pre-filter, carbon filter and true-HEPA filter to clean the air.
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There is even an optional ionizer (which you should not use in the baby room), and it’s equipped with an air quality indicator. You also have the option of running the purifier in auto mode, programming a timer or selecting the power-saving eco mode.
- Coway Mighty (AP-1512HH) is designed to accommodate room sizes up to 361 sq.ft (CADR: Dust 246 / Pollen 240 /...
- 4 Stage Filtration System (Pre-filter, Deodorization filter, True HEPA filter, Vital Ion) captures and reduces...
- Coway Mighty pollution sensor communicates indoor air quality in real-time. The brightly colored LED lets you...
Last update on 2021-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
High-End Air Purifier Options
5) Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Air Purifier, Heater + Fan (HP04)
Modernly styled, the white-on-silver Pure Hot + Cold is designed to purify the air in large rooms of about 300 square feet. It features a sealed HEPA filter with a 1-year lifespan and an odor-reducing carbon filter. Inside the air purifier, there are three sensors that detect allergens, VOCs and nitrogen dioxide (a dangerous byproduct of fossil fuels).
Through the use of blade-free fan technology in the distinctive oval ring, Dyson was able to make the air purifier achieve an airflow rate of 77 gallons per second. The fan contains a brushless 10-speed motor that never surpasses 62 decibels of sound. Since the purifier rotates 350 degrees on its circular base, whole-room circulation is guaranteed.
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In addition to air filtration, the 12-pound purifier also heats and cools the air. The thermostatic heater will keep your baby’s room warm in cold-weather months; a futuristic graph on-screen graph chart displays the air quality and current temperature. From the touch panel on top of the air purifier, you can set the unit to automatically adjust the temperature. There is also a night-time mode that reduces the fan speed and dims the LCD screen.
Dyson gives you the option of hands-free control if you pair the purifier to your Alexa device. Through Alexa, you can engage the auto mode and receive audible air quality updates. Alternatively, you can use the Dyson Link app to control the air purifier from your smartphone. The app also shows real-time reports, filter-change notifications and more.
- Multi functionality; HEPA Air Purifier. Space heater, + fan; In one; Backward airflow mode purifies without...
- Dyson technology helps create a cleaner, healthier home - Our vacuums and purifiers are scientifically proven...
- SENSES: Automatically senses air pollution events, initiates purification, & reports air quality levels on LCD...
Last update on 2021-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4) AIRMEGA 300: The Smarter Air Purifier Review
The AIRMEGA 300 works smarter, not harder. This cube-like purifier sits on four sturdy legs for the ultimate stability, and it’s super quiet with a sound output range of 22 to 52 decibels. You can keep track of the current air quality with color-coded indicator ring on the purifier’s front panel. With a coverage limit of 1,256 square feet, it’s suitable for the largest of rooms.
It features an auto-speed mode and an eco mode, which reduces the fan speed after 10 minutes of continuous healthy air quality.
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Thanks to a true-HEPA filter and a carbon filter – allergens and odors don’t stand a chance. There are four fan speeds from which to choose and an 8-hour timer. If you want your baby’s room as quiet as possible, sleep mode helps you accomplish this.
- Coway Airmega 300 room air purifier is designed to accommodate room sizes up to 1,256 square feet and cleans...
- Coway Airmega Max2 filter – combined activated carbon and True HEPA filter – captures and reduces up to...
- Coway Airmega’s pollution sensor communicates indoor air quality in real-time. The brightly colored LED ring...
Last update on 2021-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3) Medify Air MA-112
The MA-112 is Medify’s flagship model that comes with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a high-end air purifier. Its CADR ratings for smoke, pollen, and dust are at least 400 CFM while covering a maximum of 2,400 square feet of space.
What you’ll notice from the MA-112 is that it comes with a four-level filtration system. It consists of a pre-filter for larger particles, a True HEPA Filter to capture microscopic contaminants down to 0.3 microns, an activated carbon filter to remove foul smells, and an optional ionizer that produces a positive charge that retains airborne contaminants more effectively. Just be careful with the ionizer at it can produce ozone, a kind of lung irritant.
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The MA-112 doesn’t come with Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, nor does it have a remote control. However, a built-in particle sensor does the work for you by switching between fan speeds to produce optimal cleaning performance without wasting energy.
- MAXIMUM COVERAGE: Cleans large spaces up to 3,700 sq ft in one hour, 2,500 sq ft in 30 minutes (CADR 950)....
- DUAL HEPA H13 FILTRATION: Trusted to remove 99.9% of particles including odors, smoke, pet dander, dust, and...
- ULTRA QUIET: Choose from 4 fan speeds, with the lowest setting operating virtually silent. Runs at 110 Volts...
Last update on 2021-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2) Alen BreatheSmart 75i
The Alen BreatheSmart 75i is an air purifier that places a heavier emphasis on removing pet odors and dander. It’s a four-stage air purifier that comes with a True HEPA Filter, a Fresh HEPA Filter that’s combined with a layer of activated carbon, a Pet Filter that destroys pet smells at a molecular level, and a Heavy Odor Filter that’s designed to trap the foulest smells from kitchens, pets, and chemicals.
In terms of purifying performance, it’s pretty clear that the 75i isn’t the heaviest-duty air purifier on the market. It has CADR ratings of around 350 CFM but with a pollen rating of 400 CFM. It has excellent fan power but doesn’t reach an entire 1,300-square-foot area as Alen promises.
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The 75i doesn’t come with very many premium features, despite being on the high-end of Alen’s air purifier spectrum. Thankfully, it does come with Smart Particle Sensors that control fan speed and power automatically. The air purifier is also decently quiet at just 49 dBA on its highest fan speed.
- RECOMMENDED FOR: Dust, dander, allergens, pet fur, and odors. Perfect for large rooms, offices, schools and...
- B7-PURE FILTER: Standard filter that helps eliminate asthma and allergy triggers
- TRUE HEPA: Includes a Medical Grade H13 True HEPA layer that captures 99.99% bacteria, aerosolized viruses,...
Last update on 2021-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1) RabbitAir MinusA2
As far as high-end air purifiers come, the RabbitAir MinusA2 has some pretty significant shortcomings in terms of performance and reach. First of all, its CADR ratings for pollen, smoke, and dust are between 193 and 208 CFM, which clearly indicates that it’s not fit for large rooms, despite what the 700-square-foot rating would indicate.
But what does make the MinusA2 a noteworthy candidate for the best high-end air purifier is its multi-tier filtration system. Air passes through a pre-filter that traps the largest particles, a medium filter that traps pollen and mold, an Advanced BioGS HEPA Filter that works like a True HEPA Filter but with an extended lifespan, an activated carbon filter for odors, and an optional ion generator (be wary of ozone production).
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There’s also a customizable layer where you can choose between added germ protection, pet allergens, toxin removal, or enhanced odor removal. You can control the MinusA2 from your iOS device (sorry, Android users). The smartphone app lets you control cleaning modes (auto mode included), fan speeds, and maintenance notifications.
- Advanced HEPA filtration with six stages of purification and deodorization
- 5 Year Warranty
- Toxin Absorber customized filter: Traps and reduces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals.
Last update on 2021-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Choosing the Best Air Purifier for Your Baby’s Room
The market is inundated with air purifiers. An air purifier that suits one family may not be the right fit for another. To get the most value for your money and the best air purifier for your baby, here are the main shopping points you need to consider.
Note about Ionizers
Obviously, you want your baby to get the most protection possible against allergens and germs. Certain purification technologies like ultraviolet-C light and ionization boost an air purifier’s filtration power. An ionizer, or anion generator, keeps pollutants out of the air and makes ultra-tiny particles large enough for the purifier’s filters to trap. However, we don’t recommend using an ionizer for in the baby room.
Related Post: Air Purifier vs. Humidifier for Baby: What to Pick
UV-C Light Bulb
When you hear the word ultraviolet, your thoughts may turn to cancer and skin damage. While UV-C light destroys bacteria and viruses, it’s harmless to humans. Unlike the dangerous UV-A and UV-B light that you block with sunscreen, UV-C light falls on a shorter wavelength of 200 to 280 nanometers. In air purifiers, a UV-C light bulb is inside of the appliance, so it never comes into contact with you or your baby, just the purifier’s filters.
Sturdiness
A wobbly air purifier simply won’t do for a nursery. When shopping for your baby’s air purifier, closely examine the bottom of the appliance. It should have a base that’s wider than the width of the purifier, especially if it’s a tower unit. If the purifier has legs or feet instead of a flat base, make sure the bottoms are made of anti-skid material.
Quietness
A fan produces white noise, but some fan speeds may make too much noise, leading to disrupted sleep cycles. Almost every air purifier has at least three fan speeds. Some even offer a sleep mode that puts the fan on its lowest speed as soon as you push the corresponding button.
If sound is a concern, most manufacturers list their air purifiers’ noise output. Ideally, the decibels should be in the 50s or less.
Brightness
The same lights that display the nursery’s air quality, make the buttons easier to see and indicate the activation of purification modes can also cause a fitful night’s sleep. While sleep mode always turns down the fan speed, it may also reduce the lights’ brightness in select air purifiers. Alternatively, some purifiers have a separate button that lets you increase and decrease the brightness level.
Convenience Modes
Taking care of a baby is enough work, so why pile on extra responsibilities? A lot of air purifiers offer convenient features that will save you time and hassle. For instance, some purifiers have a lockable panel that ensures your baby won’t turn down the fan speed or turn off the purifier if they press a button.
There are also air purifiers with modes that change settings for you. In auto mode, the air purifier’s air quality indicator will tell the purifier what fan speed to use. Timed mode makes sure the air purifier turns off after a specified number of hours, and eco mode reduces the fan speed or shuts down the purifier if the air quality remains at a healthy level, so you don’t waste electricity.
HEPA Filter
A standard filter has no place in an air purifier. To get the most particle filtration, your baby needs a purifier with a HEPA filter. However, don’t mistake a HEPA-style or HEPA-type filter for the real deal. If you see these terms in the purifier’s specs, this means the manufacturer is trying to pass off the main filter as a real HEPA filter in hopes of saving on production costs while maximizing profits. If the specs say HEPA or true-HEPA, then you can count on it having a 99.97 percent filtration rate.
Filter Maintenance
The lifespan and replacement schedule for a filter varies from one air purifier to the next. There are a few filters that are reusable as long as you clean them per the manufacturer’s instructions. Most are disposable and last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. To make maintenance easier, make sure the purifier’s filters are easy to access, requiring no tools to open the cover.
Usability
When it comes to the control panel, you don’t want one with a sharp learning curve. Look for an air purifier that has a control panel with labeled or logically illustrated buttons. Backlit buttons can help you make setting changes in the dark, so you don’t have to turn on the bedroom light and wake up your baby. Flat panels won’t collect as much dirt and grime as raised buttons, making them easier to clean.
Dimensions
You don’t want to buy a space-hog for an air filter, especially if your baby’s nursery is on the small side. When you find an air purifier you like, make a note of its dimensions. Then, measure the area where you want to set up the purifier. Don’t be caught off guard by an appliance that’s too small for the room. While looking at the dimensions, pay attention to the room size the air purifier can handle, which is given in square feet or square meters.
Ratings
While on the search for an air purifier, you’ll come across multiple acronyms that refer to an air purifier’s efficiency. If you see that it has an Asthma & Allergy Friendly certification, the purifier has the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s seal of approval. An Energy Star rating means that the air purifier won’t hike up your electricity bill.
CADR is another common acronym. Standing for clean air delivery rate, it tells you how well the purifier is able to get rid of smoke, pollen and dust particles in the air – The higher the number, the better the efficiency. CFM, or cubic feet per minute, lets you know how much air the purifier can clean in 60 seconds.
Energy Star Certification
While many good air purifiers don’t have this certification, it is a good thing to look out for if you are looking to save money on your energy bill. Check the product’s description to see if it is certified.
Coverage
Before buying an air purifier, make sure you measure your baby’s room. Then you can choose a product design to treat a room of this size. Using a product designed for a small space in a large room will limit how effective it is. This information can be sound in the description.
Avoid Ozone Generators
These are powerful machines that clean the air. However, you should never use it around people, especially children.
Ozone is a harmful substance that can irritate the skin, lungs, and eyes. This type of product should never be used in a child’s room so check before you buy.
Tips on How to Use an Air Purifier in a Baby’s Room
Once you have bought an air purifier, it is important to feel like you are making the most out of it. By following our tips, you use your new air purifier safely and effectively.
Keep It Away from Your Baby
While an air purifier can keep your child safe, this is only if it is kept out of reach. Air purifiers are heavy machines, so need to be placed on a flat, solid surface. Make sure the cords are also out of reach to avoid any accidents.
Put It Close to the Diaper Pail
Can air purifiers remove bad smells? Absolutely! Any parents knows that diaper pails can give off some very unpleasant odors. If you place the air purifier close to the pail, it will help trap nasty smells before they escape into the whole house.
Keep the Filters Clean and Replace Them Frequently
Failure to clean the filters will cause them to trap dirt and debris. It will also stop the circulation of air. This can affect the purifier’s efficiency and reduce the CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate).
When you do clean and maintain the filters, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and schedule. Clean the filters and replace them if they are in bad condition. If the filters are old or dirty, the purifier won’t be cleaning the air effectively.
Don’t Turn it Off
In order to be effective and clean the air, your air purifier needs to be operated for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It can be tempting to only run it while your child is asleep or in the room, but this isn’t advisable.
If you turn the machine off, you are allowing new harmful particles to collect in the nursery. When you switch on the purifier, it needs to work harder to clean the air. This will use more energy and cost more money.
Close the Bedroom Door
It is important to close the bedroom door. This will create an enclosed space of fresh air for your child. This will also allow the purifier to be efficient and not work twice as hard cleaning outside air.
It is a good idea to use a monitor to check on your child as it can be harder to hear through a closed door.
Place the Purifier on the Floor
It might seem like a good idea to place the air purifier on a surface or table, but it should be placed on the floor. Most manufacturers advise placing their products on the floor. Some are designed to be mounted on the wall, but this will be stated in the manual.
Buy an Air Purifier for Each Room
Most children don’t spend all their time in the nursery. It is therefore a good idea to have air purifiers around the home. This will make sure that your whole house has clean and safe air. It is also important to check you are buying a model suitable for the room size.
Another way to keep your house clean is to invest in an indoor air quality monitor. These check the quality of the air and tell you what pollutants are present. These work well with air purifiers to keep your home safe for your children.
Why are Air Pollutants so Harmful to Babies?
You maybe be asking yourself why you even need an air purifier for a baby?
Understanding why it is so important will help you make an informed decision. You may also like to share this information with friends and family who also have small children.
Children and babies are at an increased risk from contaminated air. It can cause more damage to their health than to adults.
Why?
Babies and infants have young immune systems that haven’t developed robust defense mechanisms yet. Therefore, harmful air pollution can cause more damage to their cells. This is also less likely to be repaired than in an adult.
Young children and babies had a higher breath-per-minute rate. This is coupled with a lower body mass. Lower amounts of pollution can harm their health. An adult can breathe the same air with no damage or symptoms.
As children grow up, their neurological, respiratory, and immune systems rapidly develop. If a child is exposed to polluted air during this development, it can cause lifelong health problems.
Polluted air particles can be found everywhere in the home, but they generally collect towards the ground. As babies tend to spend their time here, they are more likely to breathe it in.
On a more positive note, during pregnancy, a mother’s immune system protects the baby. This continues to be effective for a short time after birth. This protection is passed through the placenta and is present for 3 months after the baby is born.
This immune protection helps fight disease but is less effective against environmental issues. Buying an air purifier can help fight these hazards.
Dangers in the Nursery
You would probably be shocked if we told you there are potentially thousands of harmful air particles in your home regardless of how often you clean it. Sadly, it is true.
As well as air pollutants, there may be bacteria, viruses, mold, and allergens. It is likely that your child’s room is full of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
But how?
Most parents paint their baby’s room while they are expecting. This can actually put your baby at higher risk.
It is also likely that they have bought new furniture for the nursery. While it might seem harmless, these can actually make your home a dangerous place for your child.
This is because many of the items people put in the nursery have high levels of VOCs. They are usually found in aerosols and cleaners but are also found in everyday items around the home as well.
These can include among others:
- Paints, stains, and varnishes
- Foam padding
- Carpet
- Wood surfaces
- Glue
These can be slowly released over time, a process known as ‘off-gassing’. They can continue to pollute your home for years.
In some studies, VOCs have been found to be 10 times higher inside the home than outdoors.
One way to remove these harmful VOCs is to use an air purifier. These can quickly remove and stop any pollutants in your home. Ignoring them can cause a number of long-term health effects, such as:
- Sickness
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Cancer
- Organ damage
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Asthma
Enjoy Your Baby’s New Air Purifier
Hopefully, you now feel more confident buying the right air purifier for your baby’s room. You can then relax and know that your home is safe and clean.
As we have discussed, there are few things to look out for when buying the best product for you.
The most important thing to look for is a HEPA filter and an Activated Carbon Filter. These will make sure all the harmful pollutants are removed.
If you want extra protection, buy a model which also uses UV(ultraviolet) light. This will kill more bacteria.
You should now feel informed on how to the best air purifier for you.
FAQ
I Keep a Clean Home. Why Do I Need an Air Purifier?
No house is immune to airborne pollutants. In fact, research by the Environmental Protection Agency shows that indoor air is generally twice, or more, as polluted as outdoor air.
Why? Airborne contaminants come from numerous sources, including everyday activities and frequently used products. Cooking, cleaning chemicals, fireplaces, perfume and flooring are just a small number of culprits. Pollutants can also come from pets, furniture, dust, undetected mold and pollen on the bottom of your shoes. The list is virtually endless.
How Does an Air Purifier Work?
Every air purifier uses a different combination of methods to clean the surrounding air, but the mechanics are typically the same. An air purifier draws in the air with the help of a fan.
Then, the air is directed through one or a series of components that either trap allergens and contaminants or destroy them. After the air goes through this cleaning process, the particle-free air released back into the room by the same fan that collected the dirty air.
What Are Some Common Air-Cleaning Components in a Purifier?
The components in an air purifier that are responsible for cleaning the air can be broken down into two categories – filters and other technology. At a minimum, an air purifier will have a high efficiency particulate air, or HEPA filter. A HEPA filter is a must-have in an air purifier as it is able to capture 99.97 percent of dust, dander and other particles. Many air purifiers also have a carbon filter, which gets rid of odors through the adsorption process.
Then, there are the non-filtration technologies. Some air purifiers are equipped with an ultraviolet-C light. This light falls on the germicidal spectrum. UV-C light takes apart viruses and bacteria at the molecular structure, leaving them unable to infect those who come into contact with them.
Some air purifiers contain an ionizer. This machine releases negative ions. In turn, these ions attach to contaminants, making them too heavy to stay suspended in the air. Don’t buy an air purifier using ionizers (also known as ionic air purifiers).
Are Air Purifiers Safe to Use Around a Baby?
Air purifiers pose no health risks to infants. In the first 3 months of life, an infant’s immune system is underdeveloped. An efficient air purifier can help prevent RSV, the flu and other ailments that a baby’s developing immune system can’t fight.
Will the Air Purifier’s Fan Disturb My Baby’s Sleep?
Absolutely not. White noise, like that made by a fan, helps most babies fall asleep faster. This type of noise drowns out sounds that infants find jarring, such as street traffic or a television playing in the next room.
A baby who regularly gets restful sleep is more likely to be less fussy. Infants whose sleep is constantly interrupted can suffer from a suppressed immune system, learning delays and inadequate growth. Air purifiers can reduce the frequency of broken sleep and simultaneously make the surrounding air healthier.
What Air Purifier Should I Buy if My Child Has Asthma?
Almost every air purifier with a HEPA filter will be suitable for a child with allergies. If your child suffers from asthma, try to find a model with an integrated charcoal filter. This will add extra protection.
Where Should I Put the Baby Air Purifier?
We suggest putting your air purifier where you spend most of your time at home. For most people, this will be the living room or bedroom. If you work from home, it might be a good idea to have an air purifier here too.
What Should I Do if I Think My Baby is Allergic to Dust?
Begin by not panicking. There are a lot of options open to you. One of the most obvious is to clean your house more regularly. Pay particular attention to blankets, stuffed toys, and bedding. You should wash these on a high setting to remove any mites, dust, or allergens.
It is also important to vacuum the house regularly. This will remove dust from the floor and air. Then install an air purifier to remove any remaining pollutants.
Should I Buy an Air Purifier? Is it a Waste of Money?
Air purifiers are not a waste of money unless you live somewhere with no pollutants. Sadly, this isn’t many of us. Buying an air purifier is a good long-term investment. It will remove any harmful pollutants from your home, keeping you and your family safe. Safety is never a waste of money, especially when your baby’s health is involved.
A Few Tips for Using an Air Purifier in a Nursery
For optimal efficiency and smooth operation with your baby’s air purifier, follow these tips:
Keep the air purifier out of your baby’s reach. Although most air purifiers are built to remain steady on a flat surface, tip-overs can still occur when purifiers are rocked or pushed.
If your baby isn’t sleeping soundly, the lights or fan noise emanating from the air purifier may be to blame. Just like adults, some infants are extra-sensitive to stimuli. An air purifier with a sleep mode, multiple fan speeds or adjustable indicator lights allows you to create a sleep environment tailored to your baby’s needs.
Dirty filters can obstruct the flow of air, causing a reduction in performance. To prevent this problem, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Clean the filters as instructed if they are reusable, and always replace the filters on time.
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Last update on 2021-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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