Photo: Alen
A baby’s immune system is usually not very strong and therefore, the child can be susceptible to various respiratory illnesses if they breathe in contaminated air. However, this risk can be eliminated by installing an air purifier in your nursery.
This appliance traps over 99% of dust and allergens from the air that might cause harm to your baby, leaving the air clean and fresh. However, there is a wide variety of them to buy, so we’ve covered 9 of the best air purifiers for babies and nurseries. Let’s get started.
In this post:
- 9 Best Air Purifiers for Babies and Nurseries – Review
- 1. Boneco H300 – Best Overall Air Purifier for Babies and Nurseries
- 2. Hamilton Beach 04384 – Best Low-Cost Air Purifier for Babies and Nurseries
- 3. Alen BreatheSmart Classic – Best Air Purifier for Large Nurseries
- 4. Guardian Technologies AC4150BLCA – Best Sanitizing Air Purifier for Nurseries
- 5. Winix 5500-2 – Best PlasmaWave Air Purifier for Babies and Nurseries
- 6. Vornadobaby AC1-0040-43 – Curiosity-Proof Air Purifier for Babies and Nurseries
- 7. Alen BreatheSmart T500 – Nursery Air Purifier with an Ionizer
- 8. Fellowes AeraMax Baby DB5 – Nursery Air Purifier with a Smart Sensor
- 9. Alen BreatheSmart Flex – Nursery Air Purifier with Sleep Mode
- How to Buy the Best Air Purifiers for Babies and Nurseries
- Conclusion
9 Best Air Purifiers for Babies and Nurseries – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Boneco H300 (Best Overall) |
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 | 2. Hamilton Beach 04384 (Best Low-Cost) |
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 | 3. Alen BreatheSmart Classic (Best for Large Nurseries) |
| |
 | 4. Guardian Technologies AC4150BLCA (Best Sanitizing for Nurseries) |
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 | 5. Winix 5500-2 (Best PlasmaWave Air Purifier) |
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 | 6. Vornadobaby AC1-0040-43 (Curiosity-Proof Design) |
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 | 7. Alen BreatheSmart T500 (Nursery Air Purifier with Ionizer) |
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 | 8. Fellowes AeraMax Baby DB5 (Nursery Air Purifier with Smart Sensors) |
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 | 9. Alen BreatheSmart Flex (Nursery Air Purifier with Sleep Mode) |
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PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Boneco H300 (Best Overall)
|
2. Hamilton Beach 04384 (Best Low-Cost)
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3. Alen BreatheSmart Classic (Best for Large Nurseries)
|
4. Guardian Technologies AC4150BLCA (Best Sanitizing for Nurseries)
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5. Winix 5500-2 (Best PlasmaWave Air Purifier)
|
6. Vornadobaby AC1-0040-43 (Curiosity-Proof Design)
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7. Alen BreatheSmart T500 (Nursery Air Purifier with an Ionizer)
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8. Fellowes AeraMax Baby DB5 (Nursery Air Purifier with Smart Sensors)
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9. Alen BreatheSmart Flex (Nursery Air Purifier with Sleep Mode)
|
1. Boneco H300 – Best Overall Air Purifier for Babies and Nurseries
Photo: Boneco
- Coverage Area: 538 sq. ft.
- Power: 9.6W
- Filter Technology: Bio-filter
- Speed Settings: 6
Boneco’s H300 takes the best overall spot due to two main reasons. First, it combines two functions in one, which is a humidifier and purifier. You can use it in either mode or use a combination of both in hybrid mode to get pure, moist air.
The second important feature is Bluetooth wireless connectivity, which allows you to control the unit via a mobile app. This is a very convenient way of making adjustments, and it also gives you real-time measurements of the temperature and relative humidity.
Other than that, the H300 has a high-capacity 4-in-1 bio-filter that removes allergy-causing contaminants, coarse particles, bad odor, inhibits bacteria and mold growth on itself.
Adjustments are done in 6-speed settings, which give you better control over the purification/ humidification process. It also has an auto mode for giving the optimal air quality, sleep mode for quiet running, and baby mode for providing a pleasant resting environment for your baby.
More features are auto shut-off when the tank empties in humidifier mode, a fragrance container for essential oils, dishwasher-safe components for easy cleaning, a filter change reminder, an on/off timer and child safety lock.
The only problem is that the purifier is quite costly.
Pros:
- Humidifier and purifier in one
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- High-capacity 4-in-1 bio-filter
- 6-speed settings plus 3 presets
- Fragrance container
Cons:
- Quite costly
2. Hamilton Beach 04384 – Best Low-Cost Air Purifier for Babies and Nurseries
Photo: Hamilton Beach
- Coverage Area: 140 sq. ft.
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Speed Settings: 3
You can get a high-quality air purifier at an affordable price and the best one to consider is Hamilton Beach’s 04384. It is fitted with 3 filtration stages, which includes permanent pre and True HEPA filters, and 2 replaceable carbon zeolite filters.
Combined, these eliminate odor and particles that are as small as 3 microns. The two permanent filters make the unit very cheap to maintain because all you have to do is vacuum clean them.
Controls are done via a knob, which gives you 3-speed adjustment settings. These are quick-clean, medium, and whisper-clean for slow and quiet purification as you sleep. However, you don’t get an auto mode for automated on/off purification.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 3 effective filtration stages
- Permanent pre and HEPA filters
- 3-speed adjustment settings
Cons:
- No auto mode
3. Alen BreatheSmart Classic – Best Air Purifier for Large Nurseries
Photo: Alen
- Coverage Area: 1100 sq. ft.
- Power: 105W
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Speed Settings: 4
With an 1100 sq. ft. coverage, Alen’s BreatheSmart Classic is suitable for large spaces, and therefore, it is the ideal choice if you have a large nursery. Additionally, it circulates the entire volume of air in this space in 30 minutes, which ensures you get clean high-quality air.
The unit incorporates the use of a True HEPA filter as the main component of the filtration system. It also has an ozone-free ionizer that produces negative ions to clump particles together for easier trapping using the HEPA filter.
Apart from the 4-speed settings, there is an auto-mode that optimizes the purification process depending on the air quality. This uses an air quality sensor to detect the air quality and the results are displayed via lighting in 3 different colors.
Blue signals good air quality, orange shows fair quality, and red indicates poor quality. Other features include a filter life indicator, a timer with 3 settings, and a lift handle for easy mobility. On the downside, the unit is very expensive.
Pros:
- Wide 1100 sq. ft. coverage
- Quick 30-minute air circulation
- Ozone-free ionizer
- Auto-mode with air quality indicator lights
- Filter life indicator
Cons:
- Expensive
4. Guardian Technologies AC4150BLCA – Best Sanitizing Air Purifier for Nurseries
Photo: Guardian Technologies
- Coverage Area: 54 sq. ft.
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Speed Settings: 3
Guardian Technologies’ AC4150BLCA is unique because it has a UV-C light as part of the filtration process and this kills airborne viruses/germs to ensure you get healthy air. This light works with titanium dioxide to reduce VOCs.
The two other stages include a True HEPA filter for trapping particles larger than 0.3 microns and a pre/charcoal filter for trapping large particles while absorbing odor.
Though it has a small coverage area of 54 sq. ft., the unit is perfect for small baby nurseries and it has a 3-color night light projector for creating the ideal ambiance. It does so by projecting either sleepy safari, under the sea, or twinkle moon and stars.
Other features include 3-speed settings, a compact design, and a relatively affordable price.
Pros:
- Germ-killing UV-C light
- 3-color night light projector
- Compact design
- Relatively affordable
Cons:
- Small coverage
5. Winix 5500-2 – Best PlasmaWave Air Purifier for Babies and Nurseries
Photo: Winix
- Coverage Area: 360 sq. ft.
- Power: 70W
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Speed Settings: 4
As part of its 4-stage filtration process, Winix’s 5500-2 has ozone-free PlasmaWave technology, which acts as a permanent filter for breaking down odor and pollutants. Additionally, it neutralizes bacteria and influenza viruses by creating hydroxyls.
The other 3 stages include a washable fine-mesh pre-filter, a washable AOC carbon filter, and a True HEPA filter.
Smart sensors help to automate the purification process by adjusting the fan speed in real-time. Results from the sensor are indicated via an LED light as blue for good quality, orange for fair quality, and red for poor quality.
If you prefer the manual mode, there are 4-speed settings at your disposal (low, medium, high, and turbo). Other features include a quiet sleep mode, a filter replacement indicator, and wireless remote control.
The only problem is that the unit lacks glow lighting, which is ideal for creating the perfect nighttime ambiance for nurseries.
Pros:
- Ozone-free PlasmaWave technology
- Smart sensors for auto purification
- Air quality LED light indicator
- Wireless remote control
- Filter replacement indicator
Cons:
- No glow lighting
6. Vornadobaby AC1-0040-43 – Curiosity-Proof Air Purifier for Babies and Nurseries
Photo: Vornadobaby
- Coverage Area: 125 sq. ft.
- Power: 71W
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Speed Settings: 3
A unique finger-friendly design makes the Vornadobaby AC1-0040-43 curiosity-proof, which ensures maximum safety for kids. Essentially, this design eliminates all pinch points and has an extra-wide base that is topple-resistant while the cord storage is concealed in the base.
Additionally, the controls are lockable using the included locking filter cover. This prevents the babies from messing up the settings or taking the filter apart.
Aside from that, the unit has a 3-stage filtration system that incorporates the use of a permanent, washable pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a True HEPA filter.
Controls are done via 3-speed settings and there is an extra sleep mode that runs the fan very quietly to avoid any interruptions as you sleep. It also lights up a soft glow to improve the ambiance.
You get filter replacement indicators but there is no auto mode for optimal air purification depending on the air quality.
Pros:
- Curiosity-proof design
- Effective 3-stage filtration system
- Sleep/glow mode
- Filter replacement indicators
Cons:
- No auto mode
7. Alen BreatheSmart T500 – Nursery Air Purifier with an Ionizer
Photo: Alen
- Coverage Area: 500 sq. ft.
- Power: 53W
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Speed Settings: 3
Alen’s BreatheSmart T500 features an ionizer as part of the filtration system, which works with the HEPA filter to improve filtration. The ionizer releases negative ions that help to clump particles together so that they are large enough for easy removal.
This component has its switch on the control panel for turning it on/off independently. That said, there’s also an optional 12-hr timer, a speed button for adjusting between 3 speeds, a reset button for resetting the filter change indicator, and an LCD screen on the control panel.
Back to the filter and the unit has an easily removable cover for quick access of the filter for replacements. Other features include a tall tower design with a small footprint for minimal space use and 500 sq. ft. of coverage with a turnover every 30 minutes at high speed.
However, you don’t get auto and sleep modes.
Pros:
- Independently controlled ionizer
- Optional 12-hr timer
- Filter change indicator
- Easily removable cover for quick filter changes
Cons:
- No auto and sleep modes
8. Fellowes AeraMax Baby DB5 – Nursery Air Purifier with a Smart Sensor
Photo: Fellowes
- Coverage Area: 200 sq. ft.
- Power: 51W
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Speed Settings: 3
For automated use, Fellowes’ AeraMax DB5 is equipped with an AeraSmart sensor, which detects impurities in the air, then controls the fan speed to adjust the purification speed accordingly.
However, if you prefer manual control, there are 3 speeds at your disposal and all these can be set on the touch control panel.
The unit incorporates the use of a 4-stage filtration system, which has a carbon filter for odor removal, a True HEPA filter for trapping small particles and AeraSafe antimicrobial treatment for inhibiting the growth of germs on the HEPA filter.
PlasmaTrue technology forms the last stage and this charges the air with ions, which cause particles to clump together for easy filtration.
More features are a sleep mode for quiet operation with dimmed lights, child-lock for locking the control panel, and filter change indicators. On the downside, there is no remote-control option for convenient use.
Pros:
- Smart AeraSmart sensor for automatic control
- Effective 4-stage filtration system
- Child lock
- Filter change indicators
Cons:
- No remote control
9. Alen BreatheSmart Flex – Nursery Air Purifier with Sleep Mode
Photo: Alen
- Coverage Area: 700 sq. ft.
- Power: 36W
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Speed Settings: 4
Last on the list is Alen’s BreatheSmart Flex and this one has a sleep mode that turns off the lights on the control panel and reduces the fan speed for quiet running.
That said, the unit has 4-speed settings and on the max setting (turbo), it emits a pink noise frequency that helps you to sleep up to 25% better.
As such, you can still use the max speed as you sleep if the air quality is not very good. This is especially important because there is no auto mode for automatic fan speed adjustment.
Other features include a built-in timer with 3 settings, a filter life indicator, and child-lock for locking the control panel.
Pros:
- Sleep mode for quiet running
- Pink noise emission in turbo mode
- Timer with 3 settings
- Filter life indicator
- Child lock
Cons:
- No auto mode
How to Buy the Best Air Purifiers for Babies and Nurseries
Photo: youtube.com
1. Power
Power is a key factor to consider because it determines the purifier’s consumption and performance. Measured in watts, the lower the value, the more energy-efficient the unit is. However, this also usually means a lower performance in terms of turnover.
For instance, with the 105W Alen’s BreatheSmart Classic, it can turn over the air in an 1100 sq. ft. space in just 30 minutes, which is quite fast. This is ideal for nurseries with many babies or where the air quality is very poor.
The turnover for Boneco’s H300 is not given but it should be much slower due to its 9.5W rating. On the bright side, it is very energy efficient. It is ideal for nurseries with fewer babies or where the air quality is not very poor.
2. Filter
When considering the filter, you should check the entire filtration system, and the more the stages, the better. This is because more contaminants will be removed from the air.
Ideally, you should look for a pre-filter for trapping large particles, a HEPA filter for removing small particles, and an activated carbon filter for eliminating odors. Any addition like an ionizer or PlasmaWave technology is an extra plus and is highly recommended.
3. Safety Features
When dealing with babies, safety is a high priority. The purifier should have multiple safety features like a control panel child lock, no pinch points, and a wide base that is not easy to topple. All these features can be found in Vornadobaby’s AC1-0040-43.
4. Speed Settings
Speed settings give you control over the purification process and the more they are, the better the control. Apart from speed, you should also check for presets like auto mode for automatic optimal air purification and sleep mode for night time use.
Ultimately, the more the speeds and presets, the better and we highly recommend this.
5. Coverage Area
Measured in square feet, this determines the room size that the purifier is rated to clean the air. Generally, purifiers with large coverages are recommended because you can use them in large rooms or small spaces at a slower speed.
However, these tend to be expensive. Therefore, the best thing is to measure the size of your nursery then buy a matching size for it.
Read More: How to Choose the Right Size for an Air Purifier
6. Noise Level
This is an important factor to consider because the unit is going to a nursery. Noise level is measured in decibels and not every product has its rating given. However, for quiet performance, the noise output should not exceed 50dB on the max speed setting.
Certain features like the pink noise frequency emission in Alen’s BreatheSmart Flex gives it a slight edge over the rest because it minimizes disturbance when sleeping even in the max setting.
7. Maintenance
Maintenance has to do with filter replacements. Some purifiers are fitted with permanent filters that only need to be vacuumed once in a while to remove the accumulated contaminants. These are cheaper to maintain but can be messy.
You can opt for the replaceable filters, which will cost more to maintain but are less messy. It all boils down to personal preference.
Conclusion
Air purifiers are essential components for baby nurseries, and we recommend Boneco’s H300 as the best one because it adds on a humidification function. It also has wireless connectivity for convenient app control and has a high capacity bio-filter.
However, if you have a large nursery, Alen’s BreatheSmart Classic is the best option due to its wide 1100 sq. ft. coverage. Safety is also a big factor to consider and if you have very curious toddlers, be sure to buy the curiosity-proof Vornadobaby’s AC1-0040-43.