Nasal congestion, dry skin and coughing are all sure signs that winter is upon us. But by adding extra moisture to the air, steam vaporisers and humidifiers help keep the winter blues at bay.

While they are both used for similar reasons, steam vaporisers and humidifiers work a little differently. A steam vaporiser converts hot water into ‘warm steam’, while humidifiers use ultrasonic technology to create ‘cool mist’ from cold water. Temperatures aside, both machines emit gentle moisture into the air that helps clear bunged-up little noses, restore humidity and help the whole family breathe that little bit easier.

And it gets even better because many models are even compatible with your favourite essential oils, which means you can drench your home in heavenly scent all year round. Ah, bliss.

11 steam vaporisers and humidifiers for babies

Ready to get the kids’ stuffy noses in check? We’ve scoured the country and consulted with our community of Australian mums to find the best steam vaporisers and cool mist humidifiers for easing the icky symptoms of colds and flu.

Vicks Warm Steam Vaporiser, $79.95

Compatible with regular tap water and equipped with a running time of up to 14 hours, the Vicks Warm Steam Vaporiser uses natural steam therapy to ease the symptoms of allergies, colds and flu. It is suitable for all ages and comes with an automatic shut-off and a unique anti-scalding design.

Read our Vicks Vaporiser Review to find out what a mum of seven thought when she put it to the test!

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Euky Bear Warm Steam Vaporiser, $62.99

Whisper quiet and suitable for all ages, the Euky Bear Vaporiser emits a gentle stream of warm steam for relief from blocked noses and chest congestion. Simply twist off the lid, add water and Euky Bear inhalant (sold separately), plug in and enjoy natural steam therapy right through the night.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Taav VaporPro Pure Steam Vaporiser, $56.99

With double-wall insulation for extra protection, the Taac VaporPro Vaporiser uses natural steam to relieve pesky congestion in the nose, lungs and bronchial tubes. It features a deflector for a steady flow of steam and a very handy night light for easy finds in the wee hours.

Oil Garden Vaporiser and Humidifier, $83.99

Unlike steam vaporisers, the Oil Garden unit humidifies the room without the use of heat, which means it’s cool to the touch while still effective at relieving congestion. It boasts a timer and alarm function, and various light settings – and yes, you can even use it to disperse your favourite essential oils.

Oricom 4-in-1 Aroma, Diffuser, Humidifier and Night Light, $99.95

Feature-packed for years of use, this beauty from Oricom operates as a dreamy aromatherapy diffuser and cool mist humidifier that helps prevent dryness and ease the symptoms of colds. You can also use it as a 7-colour night light and a wireless speaker for playing baby’s favourite tunes.

Aroma Snooze Humidifier, $115

Designed especially for easier sleep, the award-winning Lively Living Aroma Snooze Sleed Aid emits up to 18 hours of ultrasonic cool-mist to purify and humidify the air.  It comes with pre-recorded sounds, pink noise and lullabies and even records mum’s voice to help settle bubba. Choose from white, pink, blue or wood-grain options.

Able Asthma Ultrasonic Vaporiser, $63.90

With no heating element or condensation, the child-safe Able Asthma Vaporiser releases 10 hours of whisper-quiet vapour to settle and soothe little ones – or yourself. The automatic shut-off makes bedtimes easy and the eight-clour night light adds a big dose of fun.

Medescan Rainbow Mist Top Filling Humidifier, $55.79

Offering parents and bubs up to 20 hours of cool mist vapour, the Medescan Rainbow Humidifier fills from the top for easy use and simple cleaning. Whisper-quiet so as not to disturb sleeping babes, it has an auto shut-off and 7-colour night light.

Crane Adorables Cool Mist Humidifiers, $129.95

As cute as they are comforting, Crane Adorables come in a range of quirky creatures and emit up to 15 hours of gentle cool mist moisture. Each model is compatible with essential oils and comes with three different speed settings and a colour-changing light. Now, will be the elephant or the fox?

Breville The Smart Mist Humidifier, $259

Whisper-quiet and suitable for medium-sized rooms, the Breville Smart Mist Humidifier delivers warm or cool water mist, depending on your preference. The pre-set ‘baby’ mode makes takes all the guesswork out of controlling the moisture in the air and the Sensair System automatically keeps the humidity in the room just right for the current temperature. It even comes with a remote control, which means you can adjust the settings without waking baby. That’s smart.

Aroma Natural Ultrasonic Vaporiser, $63.96

Crafted without a heating element, the Aroma Natural multifunctional cool mist vaporiser is suitable for use with or without essential oils to bring relief from cough, colds and winter bugs. It automatically switches off when the water levels run low and it creates absolutely no condensation.

Frequently asked questions

Are vaporisers safe to use for babies and kids?

Because steam vaporisers contain a heating element to boil water and release it as hot steam, they do require an extra level of caution when used around little ones. Leading brands recommend parental supervision when using a steam vaporiser, and placing it out of reach of babies and children.

Are vaporisers and humidifiers the same?

Steam vaporisers and humidifiers usually release moisture differently. Humidifiers typically use ultrasonic technology to create a cool mist, whereas steam vaporisers boil water to create clean, soothing steam. However, both are classified as types of electric humidifiers for the simple fact that they both add moisture to the air.

Still confused? Read what other mums have to say about choosing a humidifier or vaporiser.

What are the benefits of steam vaporisers?

We all know how frustrating a blocked nose is, but clinical studies have proven that steam helps alleviate cold symptoms and improve nasal congestion. Of course, steam doesn’t cure cough, colds and flu, rather it helps thin out and drain the mucus that causes the symptom of stuffiness.

Can I use essential oils in a vaporiser?

Some multi-use vaporisers are designed especially for use with essential oils, others are purely created exclusively for use with water or particular inhalants for creating steam. Of course, if you do choose the aromatherapy route, make sure you reach for kid-friendly essential oils.

And if you want to try a different way to clear baby’s nose of snot and mucus, give a snot sucker a try.

Are you a brand that thinks your vaporiser should be included in our guide? Contact us, we’d love to hear from you!