As the temperature falls, the combination of cold weather and central heating makes for dry air conditions in our homes. This can lead to health problems, with many people suffering from dry skin, sore throats, a dry cough, cracked lips and itchy eyes. There is an added concern that dry air can increase the risk of exposure to infections and have a negative effect for those with respiratory conditions and allergies. These are areas of particular concern to parents with young children and babies, since they are much more susceptible to congestion, and can pick up infections easily in the colder winter months.

A humidifier can relieve these health problems. They are devices that emit water vapor or steam to increase moisture levels in the air (humidity). They provide protection against dry air, to create optimal breathing conditions, soothing the tissues at the back of the throat and loosening the build-up of mucus allowing babies to sleep comfortably. The moisture has the ability to prevent the movement of germs, as they combine with this moisture and simply drop, so can reduce the chance of babies catching the common cold. It has been suggested that humidity levels above 40 percent* rapidly deactivate virus particles, making them much less likely to be infectious.

Baby’s skin, which is particularly sensitive to dry climates, will stay soft and clear as a humidifier will help retain its natural moistness, preventing tender red patches and chapped lips.

Meaco has been dealing with regulating the level of moisture in the air since 1991, first in museums and art galleries and then in people’s homes. The launch of the Meaco Deluxe 202 Humidifier is the firm’s next step in providing a clean air solution with this humidifier and air purifier in one.

Ultrasonic micro-vibrations splits water into very small droplets that are fanned into the air, creating a pleasant, warm or cooled visible mist. It is this gentle mist that helps remedy the problems caused by dry air.

A HEPA filter removes physical allergens from the air and a charcoal filter removes odours. An inbuilt aroma diffuser allows a person to add a favourite essence to the air, while an ioniser keeps the air fresh. The water is cleaned by an ultraviolet lamp prior to humidification so ensuring the humidified air that is breathed in has been sterilised first. This unique combination of sterilisation of the water before humidification and the HEPA and charcoal cleaning the air, makes the Meaco Deluxe 202 Humidifier well placed for providing a clean air solution for a wide range of users. Finally, having cleaned the air and softened and cleaned the water the mist spray can be ionised to help clean the air further.

Built to very high standards with a pleasing, simple digital display, the Meaco Deluxe 202 Humidifier has a hard water filter to remove limescale and two directional nozzles to reduce the chances of condensation from forming in front of the humidifier. Low noise levels and a night mode will help baby fall asleep peacefully.

Price £99.99 https://www.meaco.com/collections/humidifier