Good afternoon, moms and moms to be!

I am reviewing the Crane Ultrasonic Humidifier today on the blog.

I specifically chose Freddy the Frog to review for my son. I think he will love the frog once he is born; its simply the cutest! As you can see above, the Crane Ultrasonic humidifier comes in a variety of animal themes to choose from! Which one is your favorite?

Since my son is not quite here, I tested the humidifier on my husband and myself. I had actually never used a humidifier in my life! I did not know what to look for or what to expect from having one on as I slept. However, when I woke up the next morning, the air in the room was particularly CRISP and FRESH feeling! My husband, who usually has sinus issues and has to take Zyrtec, actually woke up feeling refreshed and better than ever. I could not have been happier with this product that I am actually considering another Crane (they make adult versions, don't worry haha) for our own personal use while my son has Freddy the Frog in his room!

Here is a little more about the humidifier:

Holds 2.1 gallons of water.
Runs quietly!
Does not require a filter.
Conserves energy; uses less energy than a light bulb!
Humidifies a room up to 250 square feet.
Auto shut off when tank is empty.
One simple speed.
The cutest design!
One Year Warranty!

Before getting this humidifier, I really did not know much about one or if one was truly a MUST for my baby.

Here is what Crane has to say regarding why one is useful and I agree 100%.

Crane Ultrasonic Humidifiers Help Ease Cold and Flu Symptoms

While there is not a cure for the common cold, fortunately there are things parents can do to make children – and themselves - feel more comfortable. Young children commonly get about 6 - 8 colds and upper respiratory tract infections each year. Due to the risk of overdose, pediatricians recommend not giving over the counter cough and cold medicine to children under the age of six.

For cold and flu symptoms, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:

· Cool mist humidifier

· Saline nasal solution

Humidifiers help with overall cold and flu symptoms. A cool mist humidifier is preferred over a warm mist humidifier because the water does not boil.

Specifically, humidifiers help with the following:

· Loosen nasal congestion

· Ease dry coughs

· Sooth itchy dry skin and chapped lips

· Prevents nose bleeds

· Cool mist is BEST FOR CROUP

Did you know humidity reduces the survival of flu viruses on surfaces and in the air. Studies have shown that keeping indoor air at a level of 40-60% reduces the survival of flu viruses dispersing in the air.

Humidifiers and Newborns

Newborns are Obligate Nasal Breathers. They breathe through their tiny noses the first 4-5 months of their life. During breastfeeding and bottle feeding, it is important for infants to be able to easily breathe through their noses. Using a humidifier helps prevent dry noses and loosens nasal congestion. If an infant cannot easily breathe through his or her nose, it can be frustrating and difficult for mother and child during nursing.

What is the difference between a cool mist and a warm mist humidifier?

Warm mist humidifiers produce a warm mist by boiling the water in the humidifier to produce steam. Ultrasonic humidifiers generate a cool mist. Both provide necessary moisture in the air. Cool mist is generally recommended by doctors for safety reason and for croup, a viral infection that affects children under the age of 6. Croup causes swelling in the vocal cords and a barking cough. Cool mist helps soothe the throat and reduce swelling.

Important Humidifier Tips to Remember:

· FILL with cool water REPLACE cap tightly PUT tank back on base

DO NOT add salt or other additives

· Place humidifier on a LEVEL, LINT FREE & WATER RESISTANT surface

DO NOT place on wood, cloth or carpet

· See WHITE DUST? Try using one of these: DISTILLED WATER OR FILTERED WATER.

Hard water affects the purity of your mist

· EMPTY water in the tank and base AFTER EACH USE

Mold can grow in sitting water

· DISINFECT tank and base with WHITE VINEGAR & WATER SOLUTION weekly.

Crane USA also offers products other than just humidifiers! They offer heaters, air purifiers, night lights, and even chapstick! Crane also makes Vapor Steam Liquid-just like Vicks, but personally I think it smells better-to go in your humidifier when you or your little ones are sick! This is vital because it helps open your nasal passages which allows better breathing (thank you Menthol!).