Why I Chose This Classic, No-Fuss Humidifier For My Home (It Saves Us During Dry Winter Months!)

My daughter is especially sensitive to dry air in the winter, and I’m learning that summer pollen has the same negative effect. With pollen levels increasing alarmingly every year, more and more kids suffer from allergies. My daughter is one of them. In comes the need for a powerhouse of a humidifier. And I found the one: the Honeywell HCM-350 Cool Moisture Humidifier, which was also one of the parent-picked winners of the 2024 Cubby Nursery Awards. Here’s why I love it:

There are some things that non-New Yorkers probably can’t relate to: the instinct to walk fast even when you’re not in a hurry, the convenience of 24/7 bodegas, the willingness to pay sky-high rent, and the clatter of noisy radiators. There’s nothing like the sudden cacophony of loud clanks and sharp squeals that come from an old radiator to announce the arrival of winter. I’ve dealt with it my whole life. 

But the old radiators became even more painful when I became a mom. Babies and kids have such soft and delicate skin, making them especially susceptible to irritations related to dry or spotty air systems (like an old radiator). Winters anywhere can dry out their skin and cause respiratory issues, keeping little ones—and everyone else—awake all night.

As someone who despises cleaning wet things (I blame my scuba diving days), I was looking for a humidifier that didn’t have too many small parts and nooks and crannies that could build up gunk…because, believe me, they all would with me after a week. What’s the use of a humidifier to improve air quality if it’s pumping out moldy gunk? 

Here’s what I needed:

• Safety first! Humidifiers may seem harmless, but they need to be safe, especially when you have little ones around. They must be stable, with no chance of toppling over, and easy to clean to prevent harmful bacteria or mold from developing.
• Ease of use: I’m all about simplicity, especially regarding gadgets I use daily. A humidifier with a straightforward setup and operation is essential. I want to spend my time on things other than fiddling with complicated controls or struggling to refill the tank.
• Adequate humidification: A humidifier’s primary job is to add moisture to the air, and it has to do that job well. I need something that can cover a decent-sized room and maintain the proper humidity level to prevent dry skin and respiratory issues for my kids.
• Quiet operation: Given how noisy our radiators (and almost everything else in the City) are, the last thing I need is a loud humidifier. A quiet, practically whisper-like operation is crucial, especially during the night when the kids are trying to sleep.

Name: Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier  
Model: HCM-350  
Price: $79.99

The Honeywell Cool Moisture (or Cool Mist) Humidifier has been a lifesaver in our home. It’s done the job quickly, from battling the harsh, dry winters to keeping allergies at bay during pollen season. 

Here’s why I love it:

• Adequate humidification: This humidifier is a workhorse, effectively adding moisture to the air in my kids’ room. Since using it, my daughter’s skin has been much less dry, and her breathing at night has noticeably improved. The cool mist is gentle and helps maintain a comfortable environment, which is especially important at night and during the winter when our radiators dry everything out.
• Quiet operation: With all the noise from the City and our clanky radiators, I was relieved that the Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier operates quietly. It’s practically silent, which means it doesn’t disrupt my kids’ sleep, and I can even leave it on overnight without worrying about noise keeping us awake.
• Easy to clean: This was a big one for me. The Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier is incredibly easy to clean. The wide tank opening makes it easy to scrub the inside, and there aren’t too many small parts where gunk can accumulate. I can clean it once a week without it becoming a daunting task. This is a massive plus because a clean humidifier is a safe humidifier.
• A durable design: The humidifier feels sturdy and well-made. It stays put and doesn’t feel flimsy, even with the kids running around. It’s also relatively compact, so it doesn’t take up much space in our small apartment, which is always a consideration for us New Yorkers.
• Affordable: Compared to other humidifiers on the market, the Honeywell Cool Mist Humidifier is reasonably priced, especially considering its performance. It’s been worth every penny, providing consistent humidity without breaking the bank.

• Refilling the tank: The only drawback I’ve found is that the water tank is heavy when full and can be cumbersome. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be mindful of, especially if you have to move it around a lot.
• No automatic shut-off: I wish it had an automatic shut-off feature when the water runs out. I’ve forgotten to turn it off a few times, and while it hasn’t caused any issues, it would be a nice feature for added peace of mind.

Absolutely. The Honeywell Cool Mist Humidifier has made a significant difference in our home, especially during the dry winter months and allergy season. It’s quiet, powerful, easy to clean, and doesn’t take up much space—exactly what I need in a humidifier. While it’s not perfect, the pros far outweigh the cons, and I’m grateful to have found something that keeps my kids comfortable and healthy. If you’re looking for a reliable humidifier that won’t break the bank, this is the one to get. 

Buy it: Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier, 79.99 from Amazon

See all the 2024 Cubby Nursery Award winners here!