If you or your partner suffer from allergies, your child has an increased chance of a similar condition. Asthma is common in the U.S.; approximately 6.2 million persons under 18 suffer from the ailment (1).
Placing an air purifier in the nursery can reduce the number of dust mites and allergens your baby could inhale. So, how do you find the best air purifiers for nurseries? We’ll help you out.
We’ve put together a list of our five favorites. This is based on hours of research into expert advice, real customer reviews, and features of the air purifiers. In particular, we studied the purifiers’ noise levels, filtration stages, and room coverage to ensure the best for your baby.
- Four stages of purification
- Several settings and sleep mode
- Filter replacement indicator
- Large room coverage
- Auto mode and timer
- Ion system reduces small particles
- App-controlled
- Super quiet and high efficiency
- Filter life algorithm
- Built-in night light
- Lockable controls
- Several purification stages
- Efficient odor remover
- High-efficiency keeps room clean
- Super quiet at 25 decibels
Product Reviews
Using our criteria above, we searched through leading retailers and expert sites. We also combed through multiple customer reviews. We studied the filtration system, noise level, room coverage, and more. Then we narrowed our choices to the five best air purifiers for nurseries.
1. Winix AM80 True HEPA Air Purifier
Best Overall Air Purifier
The Winix has received outstanding reviews from users who praise how thorough and good-looking it is. Equipped with a true HEPA filter, this filter is worth every cent paid as it removes all air impurities making the nursery a safe abode for your precious little one.
It has several features to offer new parents, keeping their babies safe from allergens.
The purifier provides a thorough clean of the surrounding air, leaving behind a fresh, odor-free nursery ready for baby. The best part? It does most of the work for you to focus on your little one.
What We Like
Smart Sensors Monitor Air Quality
The Winix is suited with Smart Sensors, which consistently check the air in its surrounding environment. Then there’s an LED indicator display showing you the air quality by lighting blue, amber, or red.
If it senses the quality of the air is poor, it lights red, thus automatically increasing the fan’s speed. The Winix continues to clean the air until it’s optimal. Then it automatically adjusts to its previous setting.
Four Stages of Purification
The first stage is the fine mesh pre-filter which traps large air particles.
The next is an Advanced Odor Control (AOC) carbon filter, working to extract household odors.
The third stage is the True HEPA filter, which captures approximately 99.97 percent of airborne allergens. This includes mold spores, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. The last stage is the PlasmaWave Technology which breaks down particles at their molecular level without emitting byproducts or ozone.
Several Settings and Sleep Mode
The Winix lets you choose between four settings — Low, Medium, High and Turbo. In Manual Mode, you set your desired setting, and the fan will operate at that speed. Low and Medium modes are silent and perfect for the nursery.
When the ambient light in the room dims, so does the Winix. It has an automatic sleep mode, which adjusts the fan speed. Sleep mode also dims the indicator lights and activates an ultra-quiet sleep mode.
Filter Replacement Indicator
When the filters inside the air purifier require replacement, the machine will illuminate the LED Filter Replacement indicator. Once replaced, reset the indicator to be notified when the next switch is due.
Captures 99.97 Percent of Particles
The last thing you want is your baby to be subject to harmful particles. This purifier captures 99.97 percent of particles down to 0.3 microns in size, including bacteria, dander, VOCs, and more.
What We Don't Like
UPS Needed
A few users recommended using an uninterrupted power supply to protect the unit, especially the motor and its fan, from malfunctioning.
HEPA Filter Isn’t Washable
The other filters in this machine are washable, but the HEPA filter isn’t. Unfortunately, the replacement costs about 1/3 of the machine itself, which can cost you lots over time.
Product Specs
| Noise level | Not specified |
| Product dimensions | 15.1 inches by 8.7 inches by 23.5 inches |
| Energy Star certified | Yes |
| Filtration stages | Four |
| Room coverage | 360 square feet |
2. Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier
Best for Large Nurseries
For large baby rooms, we present the Coway air purifier. It can cover a great distance and is suitable for apartments, living rooms, or nurseries.
The machine utilizes a true HEPA filter to eliminate even the tiniest particles and a pre-filter and odor filter. Then a fourth layer ionizer grabs any remaining pollutants.
Unpleasant odors and allergens are no match. Your baby can sleep soundly in clean air with this model.
With a smart system, the Coway automatically adjusts as needed. An Eco Mode helps to save energy when the air purifier isn’t necessary.
What We Like
Large Room Coverage Up to 361 Square Feet
Designed to clean rooms up to 361 square feet, the Coway air purifier is excellent for large nurseries. It’s made to purify the air in apartments, living rooms, and other spaces.
The design of the machine sucks the air in from an incredibly wide surrounding distance. It then takes it through three stages of filtration.
The Coway features an LED indicator, showing you the quality of the indoor air. Once it’s all clear, it changes from red to blue.
Auto Mode and Timer
The air quality indicator works whenever the purifier is on. Once the air is bad, it adjusts the fan to the required speed for optimal cleansing. When the indoor air has been shown as clean for 30 minutes, the Coway enters its Eco Mode, saving energy.
You can also set the timer. The Coway lets you schedule down to the hour, so whenever it’s not needed, it switches off automatically.
Ion System Reduces Small Particles
After the polluted air has traveled through the first three stages, it reaches the fourth and last step, the Vital Ion System. It’s a bipolar ionizer that concocts an electrochemical reaction, ultimately reducing the particles let through into the room again.
Filter Replacement Indicator
As the filter fills up with particles and dust mites, the machine will light its filter replacement indicator. It’s an excellent feature to include for new parents, eliminating some of the guesswork.
What We Don't Like
Strange Sounds on High Setting
Once on the highest setting, a few users said it was very loud and vibrated a fair bit. Plus, it’s 53.8 decibels loud on this setting which is too loud for a baby’s nursery.
Much Maintenence Required
When this arrives, it works really well. But after a few weeks, you might start to notice a few things going wrong. It also needs cleaning, which is not always achievable for new parents. Plus, the replacement filters aren’t as high quality as the original filters.
Product Specs
| Noise level | 24.4 to 53.8 decibels |
| Product dimensions | 16.81 inches by 9.7 inches by 18.31 inches |
| Energy Star certified | No |
| Filtration stages | Four |
| Room coverage | 361 square feet |
3. Levoit Smart WiFi Air Purifier
Best Wi-Fi-Control
For parents who are looking for an air purifier to make life easier, we have this model from Leviot.
It offers several smart features for busy families or those with their hands full.
Users praise how well it works and how much easier it makes everyday life. It’s app-compatible, enabling you to control everything from the office. The machine operates at a minimal noise level, excellent for the baby’s room, while it’s also highly efficient.
What We Like
App-Controlled for Ultimate Control
After setting up the Levoit air purifier, you can connect it to your smartphone via the VeSynch app. Doing this allows you to control it from anywhere. You can set a schedule from the app, change mode, turn off the LED display, monitor the air quality, and much more.
Another smart feature is its compatibility with Alexa, IFTTT, and Google Assistant voice control. So even with an infant in your arms, you can activate the machine without touching it.
Super Quiet at 27 Decibels
The Levoit operates at a sound level comparable to rustling leaves. Its estimated noise level is approximately 27 decibels, ensuring a restful, soothing environment. At the highest setting, it creates white noise for your little one as they sleep.
Filter Life Algorithm and Notifications
The smart Levoit air purifier includes a scientific algorithm that calculates the filter’s life according to its environment. It will notify you well in advance when it’s time for a replacement. You can keep track of its estimated lifespan from the app, too.
High Efficiency and Speed
The machine contains a Honeycomb active carbon HEPA filter. This filter provides a purifying efficiency that’s 30 percent higher and faster than others. It changes the air up to four to five times per hour for a 360-square feet room. It’s perfect for ordinary nurseries.
What We Don't Like
The Filter Doesn’t Last Long
Some users pointed out that the filter only lasts about two months before needing a replacement. Its lifespan is even shorter if you have pets or a smoker in the house.
Could Be More Durable
Around the 18-month mark, customers found that this started to have more issues. It will break down after a little while. If you want something that lasts longer, consider another option.
Product Specs
| Noise level | 27 decibels |
| Product dimensions | 21.5 inches by 17.2 inches by 10 inches |
| Energy Star certified | Yes |
| Filtration stages | Three |
| Room coverage | 360 square feet |
4. Vornadobaby Purio Air Purifier
Best for Small Nurseries
For small to medium-sized nurseries, we have the Purio air purifier from Vornadobaby. With stellar reviews from parents, it’s well worth a look.
The Purio has several useful features for infants and older babies. It can quiet down at night or work as a white noise machine. Plus, it does this while projecting a soothing light.
Once your little one becomes more mobile, the unit will prevent them from meddling with the settings and filters. Everything is lockable, keeping the machine and your baby safe.
What We Like
Built-In Night Light
With a built-in night light, the Vornadobaby air purifier is perfect for the nursery. During the night, the Purio activates its glow feature. It’s a dimmed nightlight, excellent for minimal disturbance, but lets you check on your little one when needed.
Lockable Controls Protect Toddlers
Because babies are curious once they become mobile, the Purio includes lockable controls. These prevent little fingers from meddling. Once you’ve set your desired setting, it locks in place. Additionally, should your baby get their hands on the machine, the filter sits secured behind a lockable cover.
Three Stages of Purification
To clear the room of all air pollution, the Purio brings the air through three stages of filtration. One of these includes a True HEPA filter, which removes up to 99.97 percent of contaminants and allergens. Before this sits a washable pre-filter, working to extend the lifespan of the HEPA.
The machine is also suited with an activated carbon filter to keep the air fresh. It will extract all bad odors from the room, leaving only the baby’s scent.
Quiet Operation Doubles as White Noise
Whether your baby requires a quiet room or enjoys some white noise to sleep, Purio will suffice. On its lowest setting, it becomes whisper quiet. However, if you set it to medium or high, it doubles as a white noise machine.
What We Don't Like
Quite Large and Obtrusive
The unit is quite large considering it’s only for small to medium-sized rooms. A few users said it takes up most of the nightstand.
Weird Smell Out the Box
When you’re already sensitive to smells, it can be frustrating to buy a unit that also smells. This unit has a cheap plastic smell out the box that customers found lasted a few weeks before dissipating.
No Air Quality Sensor
If you want a unit that detects the air for you and adjusts the fan speed, this won’t meet your criteria.
Product Specs
| Noise level | N/A |
| Product dimensions | 12.8 inches by 9.4 inches by 15.2 inches |
| Energy Star certified | No |
| Filtration stages | Three |
| Room coverage | 125 square feet |
5. Levoit Air Purifier
Honorable Mention
Last on our list, we have another example from Levoit. It’s well worth an honorable mention as it’s super quiet yet highly efficient.
The unit effectively absorbs odors from pets, cooking, or smoking. It leaves the room fresh by circulating the air twice each hour. During the night, you can activate the soothing night light. The machine includes a two-year warranty and is worth a look.
What We Like
Efficient Odor Remover
Whether you have pets or a smoker in the house, this air purifier will work effectively at ridding all odors. The unit brings the air through three stages of purification. The last phase is a high-efficiency activated carbon filter, capturing allergens, smoke, mold, and pet dander.
High-Efficiency Keeps Room Clean
This air purifier will circulate the air inside the room more than four times per hour. Its high efficiency keeps the room ultra clean. The unit is suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.
Super Quiet at 25 Decibels
The unit is fantastic for the baby’s room. It’s ultra-quiet, operating at a sound level of 25 decibels on its lowest setting. During the night, you can also activate the night light, where it allows you to pick between two brightness settings.
Three-Stage Filtration Without Ozone
This is a fantastic option if you want a unit without ozone but with a true HEPA filter. The first filter is a pre-filter that traps large debris. Then you have a true HEPA filter for fine particles followed by a carbon filter for odors and fumes.
What We Don't Like
Buttons Tend to Freeze
A few users mentioned that the buttons tend to freeze sometimes. Naturally, this will inhibit you from using the unit. Fortunately, all it takes to correct this is to unplug and reconnect the unit.
Makes Weird Noises After a While
Many users noticed that this unit began to make a rattly noise after a few months. If you just spent 30 minutes rocking your baby to sleep, the last thing you need is something like this to wake them up!
Also, the filters need to be replaced a bit more often than we’d like, and the replacements can be expensive.
Product Specs
| Noise level | 25 to 46 decibels |
| Product dimensions | 10 inches by 10 inches by 16 inches |
| Energy Star certified | N/A |
| Filtration stages | Three |
| Room coverage | 129 square feet |
| Product | Best | Noise level | Product dimensions | Energy Star certified | Filtration stages | Room coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winix AM80 Purifier | Overall | N/A | 15.1″ x 8.7″ x 23.5″ | Yes | 4 | 360 sq ft |
| Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier | Large Nurseries | 24.4 – 53.8 dB | 16.81″ x 9.7″ x 18.31″ | No | 4 | 361 sq ft |
| Levoit Smart WiFi Air Purifier | Wi-Fi-Control | 27 dB | 21.5″ x 17.2″ x 10″ | Yes | 3 | 360 sq ft |
| Vornadobaby Purio Air Purifier | Small Nurseries | N/A | 12.8″ x 9.4″ x 15.2″ | No | 3 | 125 sq ft |
| Levoit Air Purifier | Honorable Mention | 25 – 46 dB | 10″ x 10″ x 16″ | N/A | 3 | 129 sq ft |
Why Buy an Air Purifier for the Nursery?
You always ensure your floors are clean, the dishes are done, and surfaces are wiped, but what about the air? Indoor air is full of dander and dust. In some homes, it contains pet odors, smoke, and mold.
For families with a history of allergies and asthma, an air purifier will become your greatest investment. Because such a unit works to clear the air of allergens, it prevents your little one from inhaling them. This, in turn, reduces the chances of them developing symptoms (2).
Another benefit an air purifier can have is easing eczema symptoms, which are often linked to asthma and allergies. However, you should still limit pets and smoke from entering the nursery, even with an air purifier.
What to Look For (Buying Guide)
When searching for the ideal air purifier for your baby’s nursery, there are several features you should look for.
HEPA Filter
HEPA stands for High-efficiency Particulate Air, and it’s one of the most essential components to look for. It’s what filters all the fine particles and allergens from the air.
True HEPA filters have proven to capture as much as 99.97 percent of dust and impurities present in the surrounding air. The particles that HEPA filters remove are as small as 0.3 microns — practically invisible to the naked eye (3)
Noise Level
In the baby’s room, you don’t want something that’s too noisy and could wake up your little one. Some air purifiers are very noisy — if you’re unlucky, they’ll vibrate, too. This can be a real hassle to have in the nursery.
However, some noise is hard to avoid, particularly when the unit is set on high. Look for one that doesn’t exceed 27 decibels at its lowest speed, which you’ll likely use during sleep.
Some machines can also double as white noise, which many babies find soothing.
Energy Star Certified
Not all air purifiers are Energy Star Certified, and it’s not necessarily a vital feature to look for. Nonetheless, it’s an excellent factor if you want to save on your energy bill. Most products will say in their description if they’re certified.
Room Coverage
Before you buy it, make sure it can treat the entire nursery. Some air purifiers can cover large rooms, while others are only capable of managing small areas. Each product should tell how many square feet it can handle.
For large nurseries, look for at least 360 square feet. Smaller air purifiers can only cover a 125 to 150-square-foot room.
FAQs
Are Babies Sensitive to Air Quality?
Babies are more sensitive to air quality, making them susceptible to asthma, congestion sickness, and dry skin. Premature babies are sensitive to air quality because they have lung and breathing difficulties.
Where Should an Air Purifier be Placed In a Nursery?
You should place an air purifier in a central location in the nursery, so it is free from blockages and for the best airflow. If you wedge it between the bed and bedside table, it will conceal the ports and reduce the purifier’s effectiveness.
How Long Should You Run an Air Purifier?
You should run an air purifier 24/7 to get the best results. Once the air is cleaned, there are fewer pollutants to extract, making the air cleanser more effective. The air quality drops if you switch it off, meaning the purifier has more work to do.
Should a Baby Sleep With an Air Purifier Every Night?
You should let a baby sleep with an air purifier every night. It cleans the air, helps your baby sleep, and ensures harmful pollutants get trapped in the filter safely away from your child.
Is It Safe to Have Plants In a Baby Room?
It is safe to have plants in a baby room, provided you research which plants are suitable. Plants soften the decor and help to generate oxygen, but too many also makes the air humid.
