CityMom’s Top Picks: Air Purifiers for Babies
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Ugh. I remember being a new parent and hearing my son wake up in the middle of the night, struggling to breathe because of respiratory problems that would later be diagnosed as asthma. We all want the best for our babies, and that includes a clean and healthy environment.
We're breaking down all of the dirty deets and sharing the air purifiers we rec to clean up things like pet dander, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other airborne contaminants.
Here Are theCityMoms’ Top Picks for Air Purifiers for Babies:
CityMom Tiffany pinged our community for recs, and the Blue Pure 211 series was an uncontested favorite! She's had it running for months and swears by it:
“I love the sleep mode that keeps it whisper quiet and on its highest setting, is like white noise for my daughter. The washable pre-filter covers and replacement filters are so easy! I’m also a dog mom and it has helped trap pet hair, which was an unexpected perk.”
With features like a three-stage filtration system that captures 99% of common airborne pollutants and an activated carbon filter that effectively reduces odors and eliminates VOCs, it's no wonder Blue is at the top of our list of the best air purifiers.
The 211 series is best for larger rooms like the living room or hallway between the bedrooms (if you leave your doors open!). Blueair air purifiers also have a child lock, good news for parents of toddlers and curious kiddos who like to tap the buttons.
ALLERGY-PROOFING YOUR HOME?
More of Our Top Picks for the Best Air Purifiers for Babies:
2. Frida Baby 3-in-1 Air Purifier
The Frida Baby 3-in-1 Air Purifier is a versatile device with a focus on air quality, and promoting a better sleeping environment for a smaller room, especially if you have respiratory system concerns (this worked like a dream in my asthmatic daughter's room!). Why we love it: Its small size combines an air purifier, sound machine, and night light in one to support baby's sleep.
3. Winix 5510 Air Purifier
The Winix 5510 Air Purifier is another excellent choice for a baby nursery or child's room. It features a true HEPA air filter that captures 99.97% of airborne particles, including dust mites, and pollen. Why we love it: This device also includes what it calls "advanced PlasmaWave technology," said to provide an extra layer of protection by neutralizing bacteria and viruses. Whether or not that's true, it sure sounds good.
4. Homedics 5-in-1 Tower Air Purifier, 99% HEPA-Type Filtration with UV-C Technology and Carbon Odor Filter
This 5-in-1 tower air purifier from HoMedics is like a breath of fresh air for your home- literally. With a HEPA-type filter that removes up to 99% of airborne allergens (think pollen, dust, pet dander, even smoke), plus UV-C technology to help reduce bacteria, viruses, and mold, it’s designed to tackle the big offenders when it comes to indoor air quality. An activated carbon filter helps cut down on odors and VOCs, while the ionizer gives the purification process an extra boost. Perfect for medium-sized spaces like bedrooms, playrooms, or your home office, it even comes with an aromatherapy tray so you can add your favorite essential oils to the mix. Why we love it: between the 4 fan speeds, built-in prefilter, and option to make your space smell like lavender (or peppermint, or eucalyptus…), this purifier keeps things clean, fresh, and flexible.
5. Pure Enrichment PureBaby Kids' Bear Air True HEPA Air Purifier
With its adorable bear-shaped exterior, it appeals to kids while providing cleaner and fresher air. The True HEPA filter traps 99.97% of airborne particles, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. The smart design includes an intuitive control panel that allows for easy operation, and the auto mode feature automatically adjusts the fan speed based on the air quality detected by the built-in air quality sensor.
6. Honeywell Insight HEPA Air Purifier
The Honeywell Insight is a powerhouse when it comes to air purification. It features a true HEPA air filter that effectively captures airborne allergens like pet dander, pollen, and mold spores. This purifier also utilizes an activated carbon pre-filter to reduce unpleasant odors and trap VOCs. With its medium to large coverage area, it can efficiently clean the air in your baby's nursery, providing them with a healthier breathing environment.
7. Levoit Core Mini 3-in-1 Filter Cleaner Air Purifier
Small but mighty, the Levoit Core Mini-P works hard to keep your air fresh and clean no matter where you use it. With a pre-filter and main filter that capture lint, hair, pet dander, and fine airborne particles, plus an activated carbon filter to neutralize smoke, odors, and fumes, it’s designed to make your home feel noticeably fresher. We love that it’s versatile enough for bedrooms, kitchens, or even your office, and the auto-off display means you can enjoy uninterrupted sleep at night. Bonus: the built-in aromatherapy feature lets you add your favorite essential oils for a calming touch while it purifies. Why we love it: It’s compact, quiet, and powerful - everything you want in an everyday air purifier.
Do I really need a baby air purifier?
Yes! Here are some key benefits supported by experts:
Improved Indoor Air Quality: Air purifiers help to remove allergens and pollutants from the air, creating a cleaner and healthier environment. This is particularly important for babies as they spend a significant amount of time indoors, where indoor air pollution can be even higher than outdoor air pollution.
Reduced Allergens: Air purifiers with HEPA filters are especially effective at capturing and trapping allergens like pet dander, dust mites, and pollen. By reducing the levels of these allergens in the air, air purifiers can help alleviate symptoms of allergies and respiratory conditions in babies.
Elimination of VOCs: Air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters can effectively remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. VOCs are commonly found in household products, carpets, and furniture, and exposure to them can cause respiratory irritation and other health issues. By eliminating VOCs, air purifiers create a safer and cleaner breathing environment for babies.
Reduction of Odors: Air purifiers with activated carbon filters also help to remove unpleasant odors from the air, such as those from diaper pails, food, or pets. This can contribute to a fresher and more pleasant-smelling nursery, promoting a comfortable atmosphere for both babies and parents.
Protection from Harmful Particles: Air purifiers with advanced filtration systems, like true HEPA filters, can capture even the smallest particles, including bacteria and viruses. This can be especially beneficial for newborns and infants with developing immune systems, as it helps to reduce their exposure to airborne pathogens.
What size air purifier do I need for the new baby room?
This is so important! You need to measure the square footage of the room where you plan to use it because the recommended size for small spaces will vary from large rooms.
Here's a step-by-step guide to measuring for an air humidifier:
Measure the Room Size: Use a tape measure to measure the width and length of the room in feet. Multiply these two numbers together to calculate the total square footage of the room. For example, a room that is 10 feet wide and 15 feet long would have a total square footage of 150 square feet.
Consider Air Changes Per Hour (ACH): ACH refers to the number of times an air purifier can effectively clean the entire room's air in an hour. The recommended ACH for general use is around 4 to 6. For example, if you have a 150-square-foot room, you should aim for an air purifier that can deliver at least 600 to 900 Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) of clean air (150 sq. ft. x 4-6 ACH).
Assess Specific Needs: Depending on your specific needs or air quality concerns, you may need a higher ACH rate. For example, if you have allergies or asthma, you may want to target a higher ACH rate (around 6 ACH or higher).
It's also important to note that the square footage recommendations provided by the manufacturer are typically based on optimal conditions. If your room has unique factors like high pollution levels or more occupants, you may need to consider a larger air purifier (like that Blueair 211 our members rec'd!) to compensate for the increased demand.
