Introduction
It is not enough to just plug in your baby humidifier and throw caution to the four winds. Humidifiers require more attention than the baby for them to work safely and efficiently. You need to constantly check the water levels in the tanks, and constantly replace the filters. If you don’t keep a close eye on your baby humidifier, you are sure to run into problems not only with the machines but with your baby as well. If not well maintained, humidifiers may become a source of harmful bacteria and mold. Instead of keeping the baby healthy, humidifiers could be taking a toll on them. It is; therefore, important to keep your baby humidifier problem-free. The following tips can help you ensure that your humidifier is free of problems:
Using demineralization cartridges
You can’t use tap water to fill up the tank of the humidifier for your baby. This is because tap water contains mineral components that may be harmful to your baby’s health. The process of humidification transforms the minerals in tap water into fine white dust. As the water vapor is churned into the air, the white dust is not left behind. It finds its way into the indoor air as well and is eventually breathed in by your bundle of joy. Since the baby has a very sensitive respiratory system, it will begin to develop problems. To avert this problem, buy demineralization cartridges. They will help you purify the water before filling it into the humidifier.
Alternatively, you can use distilled water. If you can’t afford demineralization cartridges, you have to stock up on distilled water. Using bottled drinking water won’t help either. This is because although bottled water is purified and safe for drinking, it still contains traces of minerals needed by your body. Nevertheless, these minerals are only important when they are ingested through the drinking of water. If they become residues and are released into the air we breathe, they become a health hazard. Therefore, there is no alternative to distilled water.
Regular cleaning
The humidifier for your baby will require being cleaned more often than some of the utensils in your kitchen sink. Some utensils are not used regularly and may not require regular cleaning. However, this is not the case with the humidifier you have bought for your baby. The machine requires to be cleaned after every two days. If not, mold and bacteria will gather in the machine’s water tank and on the filters. When the vapor is being released into the air for your baby to breathe, the mold and bacteria will also be in attendance.
Cleaning the humidifier for your baby should not be done casually. You are supposed to be meticulously efficient. Wash and thoroughly rinse the reservoir. If your hand can’t get into the tank, use a brush to ensure that every corner of the tank is scrubbed clean. Remember to empty the humidifier before embarking on the cleaning process. Next, carefully clean out the other parts of the machine. Pay attention to the filters as they are very critical. If you mishandle the filters, they may not work afterward. In essence, ensure that every part of the humidifier is thoroughly cleaned. Keep in mind that the humidifier needs to be washed after every two days.
Replace the filters often
One way of keeping the humidifier for your baby problem-free is by replacing the filters regularly. Filters are the most critical parts of the humidifiers. Their efficiency decreases with time; hence, the need to replace them as often as possible. This means that you have to set aside enough funds in your budget for the purpose of maintaining your baby humidifier. Ti would be worth the trouble considering the dangers you would be averted for your baby.
Humidifier filters are usually exposed to many tears and wear. Consequently, they easily run out of their efficiency. They also make fertile breeding grounds for bacteria, molds, and even rust. The potential danger posed by the combination of mold, bacteria, and rust can be so debilitating for your baby. In addition, filters may begin to ooze a musky smell if not well maintained. You can be sure the last thing your baby wants is a stinking smell. Keep the baby humidifier from developing or causing problems by replacing the filters regularly.
Changing the water
The water in the humidifier should be changed on a daily basis. You are well aware of what happens to stagnant water in a container. Regardless of whether the water is distilled or not, it is likely to develop problems. The water is bound to lose its freshness before long. Living organisms can start developing from nowhere, as is often the case. Most of such organisms are harmful to your baby’s respiratory health. Mold may also begin to develop on the inside of the water reservoir. Consequently, it is crucial to change the water in the humidifier as often as possible.
You need to have sufficient stocks of distilled water on standby. At the end of every day, drain the water in the humidifier and replace it with fresh quantities. If you have no access to distilled water, you have to acquire demineralization filters which will ensure that the water coming out of your taps is safe for use in a humidifier. If you have to use a humidifier for the sake of your baby, keep in mind that you have to make a few sacrifices. If not, you will be subjecting your baby to more harm than good by using humidifier units in the house.
Conclusion
You must be up to the task should you decide to introduce a humidifier into your baby’s nursery. The use of this machine will require much dedication on your part if you want to keep them safe. Be ready to regularly clean them and get new filters as often as possible. Remember to use distilled water or purchase demineralization filters. If you cannot attend to these crucial tasks, the humidifier may turn out to be a dangerous machine to your baby’s health.