:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/prt-levoit-core-mini-air-purifier-20-26311714a3ae44d8a2e41b1aaa686d39.jpeg "The 6 Best Air Purifiers for Babies, Tested by Parents")
After my son was hospitalized for pneumonia, I made it my mission to ensure we had cleaner air in our home. I’m also allergic to dust, and since we live in Southern California, we’ve seen our fair share of wildfires and air pollution. I desperately needed to invest in the best air purifiers to help keep my baby and family healthy.
When looking for air purifiers, I focused on a few key factors. First and foremost, they needed to have a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which removes at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other small airborne particles from the air. “[HEPA filters] are highly effective at removing small particles that can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in some individuals,” says John McKeon, MD, CEO and founder of Allergy Standards Limited.
At Parents, we’ve been testing air purifiers for babies for two years—and counting. We’ve used 13 top-rated models for 2-6 month increments in both the laboratory and at home with our own children. Using an air quality monitor, we evaluated how effectively they dealt with odors and contaminants, and evaluated their ease of setup, design, noise level, features, effectiveness, and value. We also consulted with a physician to understand how to use an air purifier safely around babies and what health and safety features to look for. Based on our testing and independent research, here are the best air purifiers for babies.
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Why We Like It
The Levoit Core 300S is a powerful air purifier that’s packed with impressive features. In addition to purifying the air in a 1,051 square-foot (sf) room in just one hour, it has a night mode, child lock, and smart voice controls that sync with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can choose between three different filters depending on your needs and lifestyle, and setting it up is very simple (we didn’t even need to refer to the instructions during testing).
Although we found that each level was consistent with a pleasant white noise, the Levoit Core’s noise level on its quietest model was 22dB, which is softer than a whisper. It has a three-stage filtration system, and we love that it can sense when it needs to turn on and will adjust its fan speed according to the quality of the air around it.
Our parent tester’s favorite feature was the VeSync app, which enabled her to monitor the purifier’s performance and the air quality in her son’s bedroom in real time. She found it satisfying to watch the air quality in her son’s room go from “bad” to “good” and tested its effectiveness before and after cleaning, after lighting a candle, and even after accidentally burning something in the oven. Time after time, this air purifier proved to remove dust, allergens, and odors from the air, and gave detailed reports of a job well done in the VeSync app.
What Parents Say
“I absolutely love the app because it’s very clear and satisfying to see the air quality go up and down. This is a great bedroom air purifier for anyone who really wants to know, not just guess, that their machine is working.”—Sabrina, NYC-based mom
But Take Note
Although powerful, we found that the Levoit Core didn’t have the capability to purify the air in larger rooms, like our kitchen, so it should only be used in a bedroom.
The Details:
- Coverage area: 1,051 sf
- Size: 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 in
- Filter type: Pre-filter, HEPA, and activated carbon filter\
- Filter cost: $30
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Automatically senses, captures, and purifies air
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App allows you to control and monitor the purifier away from home
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Also works as an oscillating fan
Why We Like It
If you’re a data junkie, the Dyson TP07 is for you. It received lots of positive reviews from our parent testers, especially about its smart functionalities. This purifier integrates with the MyDyson app, which allows you to not only monitor and control the purifier remotely but also track the temperature, humidity, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) within the room. You can even sync your purifier with Google Assistant to enable hands-free control.
The Dyson TP07 comes with a fully sealed HEPA H13 filter, which captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns (μm), including pollen, dust, and pet dander. After running it for eight days straight, our parent tester noticed less dust on the surfaces within her baby’s room. To further evaluate its effectiveness, our tester lit and blew out a candle in the nursery and watched as the purifier immediately kicked into high gear. As it began to purify the air, the MyDyson app showed a drop in air particles in real time.
To keep your baby’s room cool, the Dyson TP07 also functions as a 360-degree oscillating fan. Our parent tester found this feature especially helpful on warm days since it evenly distributed cool air throughout the room. We also like its contemporary bladeless design, which not only enhances its safety but also complements a variety of home decor and styles.
What Parents Say
“I loved this purifier. It performed very well, was aesthetically attractive, and the Dyson app allowed me to monitor and control the purifier remotely.”—Niusha, mom of a 7-month-old
But Take Note
The Dyson TP07 is among the more expensive air purifiers we tested, and one of the biggest, too. While the size ensures it evenly distributes air throughout a room, it may also take up a considerable amount of space if you have a small nursery.
The Details:
- Coverage area: 125 sf
- Size: 7.7 x 8 x 41 in
- Filter type: HEPA H13
- Filter cost: $80
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Why We Like It
From dirty diapers to stinky shoes, life with kids can be a little rough on the nose. The Coway Airmega Aim effectively removes odors, smoke, and VOCs from surrounding air, thanks to its 3-in-1 filter that includes a pre-filter, HEPA H13, and deodorization filter. It also traps 99.999% of nano-sized particles down to 0.01 μm, which is smaller than the influenza virus.
Our parent tester had a notoriously smelly kitchen, largely due to her cat’s food and occasional tendency to overcook meals. After accidentally burning her family’s pasta, she placed the Airmega Aim in her kitchen and within 30 minutes, the burnt dinner smell had vanished. Within one hour, the air quality was back to “green,” as indicated on the LED screen.
Aside from how well it removed odors from the air, we were impressed with how quiet Airmega Aim was. At times, its gentle hum was undetectable, which is especially useful for nighttime use. In addition to oscillating and rotating up to 90 degrees, we also like that it automatically adjusts its speed in response to the surrounding air quality.
What Parents Say
“This mighty little purifier has made my kitchen absolutely stench-free!”—Donna, NYC-based mom
But Take Note
Although it’s marketed as a fan, our tests confirmed that the air output isn’t powerful enough to truly cool you down.
The Details:
- Coverage area: 246 sf
- Size: 8.03 x 18.5 x 19.7 in
- Filter type: HEPA H13
- Filter cost: $30
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Why We Like It
In just one hour, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH can purify the air in 1,748 sf of space, which is the size of a standard 3-4 bedroom house. After using this purifier in her daughter’s nursery for two weeks, our parent tester moved it to her living room, which is where it really began to shine. Over the course of a few weeks, she observed improved air quality (as indicated on the LED screen), less dog hair, and fewer visible particles in the air.
To further test its effectiveness, our parent tester shook out an area rug in front of the purifier. Almost instantly, its fan increased to the highest setting until the air quality indicator deemed it clean. Over time, she noticed less dust had accumulated on the surfaces throughout her living room compared to other rooms in her home.
While it may be on the larger side, this purifier is surprisingly quiet. When measuring its sound output, we found that its lowest level was 36dB, which is comparable to a quiet library. It took us less than three minutes to set up, and it has a variety of helpful features, including timer settings, real-time air quality and replacement filter indicators, and an energy-efficient eco mode.
But Take Note
This purifier is large and bulky, so it will take up a decent amount of space in your home. Also, keep in mind that it contains a pre-filter that needs to be cleaned every 2-4 weeks.
The Details:
- Coverage area: 1,748 sf
- Size: 9.6 x 16.8 x 18.3 in
- Filter type: HEPA
- Filter cost: $45
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Why We Like It
The first thing our parent tester noticed about the BioGS 2.0 was how quiet it was. According to our tester, the sound of its fan was often undetectable, so much so that she’d go to turn it on, only to discover that it was already running. At its lowest setting, the BioGS 2.0 was quieter than our tester’s computer, making it an excellent choice for families whose baby is a light sleeper.
Being pregnant and having a toddler who is susceptible to getting sick, our parent tester was motivated to reduce airborne viruses in her home. The filters within the BioGS 2.0 are proven to reduce common allergens (like dust mites, mold, pollen, and pet dander), which our tester noticed helped her toddler sneeze less than normal. Plus, its HEPA filter can last up to three years with 12 hours of daily use and is more than 99% effective at removing particles smaller than 0.1 μm. This includes viruses like the common cold, influenza, and rhinovirus.
The BioGS 2.0 has a sleek, modern design that is bound to look great in any home. As parents ourselves, we especially appreciate that the buttons are hidden out of plain sight, making it less of a temptation for curious little hands.
What Parents Say
“The improvement in air quality when I use this purifier is instantaneous. I love how it looks, it’s efficient, and can be as quiet as you want it to be.”—Stella, mom of a 2.5-year-old
But Take Note
This air purifier is an investment. It’s more expensive than most of the others on our list, and its filters are pricier, too.
The Details:
- Coverage area: 550 sf
- Size: 9.8 x 16.6 x 22.2 in
- Filter type: HEPA
- Filter cost: $105
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Why We Like It
This cute, compact air purifier will look adorable in any nursery. Its bear shape adds a playful touch to what normally is a bulky electronic, and at just 14 inches tall, it’s small enough to fit on a dresser. This purifier also functions as a nightlight and gives off a soft glow of seven different colors.
According to the manufacturer, this purifier captures 99.97% of dust and allergens, and thanks to its UV-C light, it eliminates up to 99.7% of viruses and bacteria (including influenza A and certain types of mold). It can purify the air in a 10 x 10 ft room in just 12.5 minutes, and our parent tester noticed a considerable drop in odor intensity after letting it run for 30 minutes.
Because it’s so cute, we appreciate that this purifier has a child safety lock to prevent little hands from adjusting the settings. We also like that it has three fan speeds, which our parent tester said aren’t too loud and may actually help drown out background noise for a sleeping baby. Plus, it has the EPA Energy Star certification, which translates to lower utility bills for parents.
What Parents Say
“This is the cutest and most aesthetically complete purifier I have ever used. Its cute bear design will fit a nursery perfectly.”—Thomas, parent tester
But Take Note
While helpful, the UV-C light requires some extra effort to maintain. Because it contains mercury (which is toxic if released into the environment), the UV-C lamp must be disposed of at your local household hazardous waste facility or certain retailers, including Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware.
The Details:
- Coverage area: 263 sf
- Size: 8.7 x 11.1 x 14.6 in
- Filter type: HEPA
- Filter cost: $25
Other Air Purifiers We Tested & Liked
Parents
Factors to Consider When Buying an Air Purifier for Your Baby
- Coverage Area: The space an air purifier can filter ranges from 50 square feet to over 1,000 square feet. To optimize energy use and effectiveness, you’ll want to match the size of your space with unit specifications. To determine your room’s square footage, multiply its length by its width.
- Clean Air Delivery Rate: Not every air purifier delivers clean air at the same rate. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) sets the national standard, known as the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which indicates how quickly an air purifier can remove pollutants (like smoke, dust, and pollen) from a room. The higher the CADR for each pollutant, the faster the purifier cleans the air. The AHAM recommends choosing a purifier with a CADR rating that’s approximately two-thirds of your room’s area.
- Noise: The noise an air purifier puts out could be a deciding factor in your purchase. If you want a whisper-quiet machine that won’t overpower conversations or the television, you’ll want one that operates close to 20 dB. If you don’t mind a light humming noise, one closer to 50 decibels (but under 60 to keep it safe for your baby’s ears) could be a better option.
- Extra Features: While some air purifiers have one task (to clean the air), others are fitted with various additional features that either make it easier to use or replace other devices. You can choose purifiers with app connectivity, displays that measure air quality, child locks, “auto” mode, or ones that come in a variety of colors and styles to match your aesthetics. Other features could include night-lights, sound machines, and fans.
- Value: The air purifiers on our list range from $60 to $600. But it’s not only the initial device that you’ll have to spend money on. Air purifiers come with filters that need to be replaced periodically to keep them working efficiently and effectively. Replacing the filters will cost another $15 to $80, once or twice a year. When assessing a unit’s value, you should consider how often you’ll need to change the filter, its capacity (how many square feet of space it can clean), and its clean air delivery rate (CADR).
How to Use Air Purifiers Safely With Babies
An air purifier can benefit your baby’s health by removing toxins and impurities from the air around them, but you’ll want to be sure you’re taking precautions to make sure it’s not adding hazards in the process. Keep the air purifier out of your baby’s reach, and make sure the model you choose has safety features like locks on controls and filters. If you place the device on a piece of furniture, be sure your child can’t reach it and that the furniture is securely attached to the wall.
When it comes to noise, consider how close you’ll be keeping the machine to your baby’s crib, as noise that’s too loud can be damaging to your baby’s hearing. Look for units that can operate at 50 dB or under while around your baby, since that’s the AAP-recommended noise limit for infants in hospitals.
As for air purifiers that are “ionizing,” you’ll want to leave those on the shelves. These types of machines emit ozone into the air, which can cause irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Are Air Purifiers Safe to Use in Nurseries Overnight?
An air purifier is generally safe to use overnight in a nursery. When used properly, an air purifier can remove dust, allergens, and even viruses and bacteria from the air to help your baby stay healthy and breathe better (and therefore, sleep better). According to the AAP, this is especially true if your baby has asthma, for whom reduced exposure to indoor air pollutants and allergens can be as effective as medications. However, the AAP reminds parents to maintain the purifiers according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper functioning. It’s also recommended to avoid purifiers that contain ionizers since they can release ozone indoors, which can lead to health effects.
Where Should I Place the Air Purifier in the Baby’s Room?
It’s important to keep an air purifier away from your baby’s reach to not only eliminate the temptation to press buttons, but also prevent them from pulling its cord or knocking it over in such a way that they get hurt or the purifier is damaged.
How Long Does It Take for an Air Purifier to Work?
Most air purifiers begin working in as little as 30 minutes, but it really depends on the capacity of the purifier and the size of the room in which it’s placed. The bigger the room, the longer it may take to purify the air.
How Often Should I Change the Filters?
Typically, air purifier filters need to be changed every 6 months. However, you should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the right cadence. Some purifiers will let you know when it’s time to change the filter, while for others, you’ll probably have to set a reminder on your phone. Changing the filter at the recommended interval helps keep your purifier clean and in top condition.
Parents
Our Experts
To provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on air purifiers, HEPA filtration systems, and their impact on the health of your baby and the rest of your family, we spoke with physicians specializing in allergies and lung health. Our experts include:
- John McKeon, MD, CEO and founder of Allergy Standards Limited, an international standards and certification organization aimed at improving indoor air quality
- Robert Goldberg, MD, FCCP, a pulmonologist at Mission Heritage Medicine Group in California
Who We Are
Laura Lu, MS, is a health and parenting writer and mom of two living in Southern California. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she became more aware of air quality and has since purchased an air purifier for her living room and every bedroom in her home.
Kelsey Kunik, RD, is a Parents writer, mom of two, registered dietitian, and nutrition consultant. From the newborn stage to today, she’s run an air purifier in her children’s room to keep the air clean and allergies at a minimum. She used her experience as a consumer, testing insights from staff, as well as research and expert interviews, to write this article.
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