STMs. humidifier necessary?

Kyleedawn08 · February 2013

we don't have one right now, but we have heard comments from others that we should have one running in his nursery at all times to help with his airways. we live on the coast so the air isn't dry like in some areas. it hasn't been an issue so far, he is perfectly fine.. i would possibly go get one if he caught a cold or if he was congested. but is it something that you recommend to be running all the time? have you noticed any difference from using/not using one?

lindslalala · February 2013

I do not think they're necessary to use every day. That seems kind of crazy to me. We got one when DS got his 1st cold and used it during nighttime and for naps to help with his congestion.

MrsJetSet · February 2013

We bought one to use during colds in dd's room. She is in daycare and it turns out that the amount of time between colds is pretty small, so we actually run it every night.

SaraAlexine · February 2013

We use a cold mist humidifier only when LO is congested.

abell77 · February 2013

I don't think you need to run it all the time, just when they are sick. However, I wouldn't wait until they are sick, get one now. You will not want to have to run to the store when you discover you have a sick child, especially in the middle of the night.

karen_loy · February 2013

Not necessary, IMO

DS1 is over 2 years now and we used the humidifier with him just once when he got sick at about 2 months; that's it!

After that the times he has gotten sick/congested a few drops of saline solution and the nosefrida have done the trick

luvmyducks · February 2013

We find it extremely necessary when she is sick. Or even when she's showing the first signs. It really cuts down on the duration. I even use it if I'm sick and she's not. It helps a lot.

Danyella1026 · February 2013

lindslalala:
I do not think they're necessary to use every day. That seems kind of crazy to me. We got one when DS got his 1st cold and used it during nighttime and for naps to help with his congestion.

exactly this. DS is almost 2.5 now and we still use it when he has a cold.

blueandgray · February 2013

I use a cold mist humidifier in DD's room, and in ours, all winter. It helps combat the drying effects of the heat & drier winter weather, and keeps her (& us) from getting stuffy. Living in Atlanta, its humid enough when the weather warms up that I only use it then if she has a cold or spring allergies, again to keep her nasal passages moist & flowing.

BigPoppa22 · February 2013

blueandgray:
I use a cold mist humidifier in DD's room, and in ours, all winter. It helps combat the drying effects of the heat & drier winter weather, and keeps her (& us) from getting stuffy. Living in Atlanta, its humid enough when the weather warms up that I only use it then if she has a cold or spring allergies, again to keep her nasal passages moist & flowing.

It depends on your individual situation, but for us, this is true. In NYC, most of the buildings have radiator/steam pipe heat rather than a central air system. We need to run a humidifier in our own bedroom all winter our we'll get dry skin and a scabby nose. We received a a Crane cool mist duckie that we plan to run all winter + when sick.

virginiagirl11 · February 2013

If you live in a humid area, I don't think it's necessary to buy one right now. Wait and see how your LO does. If he/she needs one at some point, buy it then.

If you do get a humidifier, a cool mist one has always been what I've seen recommended and it's what we use.

ali26 · February 2013

BigPoppa22:
blueandgray:
I use a cold mist humidifier in DD's room, and in ours, all winter. It helps combat the drying effects of the heat & drier winter weather, and keeps her (& us) from getting stuffy. Living in Atlanta, its humid enough when the weather warms up that I only use it then if she has a cold or spring allergies, again to keep her nasal passages moist & flowing.
It depends on your individual situation, but for us, this is true. In NYC, most of the buildings have radiator/steam pipe heat rather than a central air system. We need to run a humidifier in our own bedroom all winter our we'll get dry skin and a scabby nose. We received a a Crane cool mist duckie that we plan to run all winter + when sick.

this is us too. Our house gets super dry when the heat is running. We started using one when DD was born and sleeping with us and now we have one in each bedroom all winter.

OP, I agree if your home is not super dry its not essential but its good to have on hand for colds or congestion.