The best space heaters for baby rooms and nurseries are those that are cool to touch, provide adequate heat, have safety features like tip-over shut-off, are easy to operate, and aren’t too expensive.
Using these criteria, we’ve narrowed it down to these heaters, which I believe are currently the best heaters on the market.
Best Fan-Based Space Heater
Safety is key for a nursery heater. The Honeywell Cool Touch offers tip-over protection, overheat protection, an extra-wide base for less tipping, and a cool housing exterior in case little fingers touch it. The PELONIS 2 in 1 Heater & Fan is ETL certified for safe in-home use with an auto-off feature and tip-over protection plus is both a heater and fan. The permanent, but more costly Stiebel Wall-Mounted Heater is safely mounted on the wall and out of reach of little one’s. However, the Vornadobaby Tempa Heater has amazing safety features including no sharp edges, no dangling cord with a hidden, covered storage compartment, tip over protection, overheating protection, and a cool touch exterior.
Vornadobaby Tempa Nursery Heater
There are so many space heaters on the market, so what better one to buy for your baby’s nursery than one that was created exactly for that purpose? The Vornadobaby Tempa Nursery Heater sounds like a great idea to me!
Made for Parents and Kids– The biggest advantage of this safe heater is that it was created especially for use around little ones and even pets. This is evident in the safety features, which are amazing!
- No sharp edges or pinch points
- No dangling cords, thanks to the hidden and covered cord storage compartment
- Tip-over protection
- Safety shut off if the unit gets too hot
- Cool-touch exterior casing
- Close grate so that little fingers can’t touch moving or hot parts
- Non-skid, grippy rubber bottom
CHILD SAFETY CONTROL LOCK– Yes, you read that correctly. There is a little childproof switch that can be placed over the power controls. That means that only parents get to decide when they want the heater on, not a curious and outrageously demanding toddler.
Efficient Heating– There are two different heat settings and a thermostat with a relative measurement of 1 to 7, with 7 being the hottest. The great thing is that you can use the thermostat or you can operate the heat and fan controls independently. You can choose from continuous fan mode, which constantly runs, or auto fan mode, which will only circulate air until the desired temperature is reached. This until will keep running for the 5-year warranty.
Still Not Perfect– This baby heater only works at 900 watts, which isn’t the most powerful heater on this list. But it works well for heating a small area, like where your baby is sleeping or playing. And the smaller motor means that it’s quieter. The child locks on the control only work on the power switch and not on the other controls. Finally, I feel that the price is a smidge high, but you are getting a high-quality product.
This is the perfect safe space heater for any nursery, playroom, or baby room. Enough said. I like it just as much as their air purifier model, the Vornado Baby Purio Nursery Air Purifier. Together, they’re unstoppable!
Honeywell EnergySmart Cool Touch Heater
Many of us parents do the mental dance between “I want my baby to be so toasty warm” and “I don’t want my energy bill to skyrocket.” The Honeywell EnergySmart Cool Touch Heater allows you to safely accomplish both.
Energy Savvy– The biggest draw of this particular nursery heater is that it claims that it can save you up to 35% on your energy bill (when compared to a conventional space heater). It does this by regulating the amount of energy that it uses when in thermostat mode. It will even display the amount of energy used on the digital screen on a scale of low to high. So if you feel that you are at your energy limit, you can just take a look and adjust the heater accordingly.
Child Safe– You can put this in your baby’s room or nursery with confidence. It comes fully equipped with tip-over protection, overheat protection, an extra-wide base for less tipping, and cool housing on the exterior. Many parents have raved in the reviews, saying that they have never felt uncomfortable letting this unit be around their kiddos. It is even a pet-safe space heater!
Easy Operation– The design and function of this unit are fantastic. The digital LED display is easy to read and glows gently so that you can see it in the dark without it being too bright. The buttons are easy to use, too! You can choose the exact temperature that you want, or you can just turn the heat to low or high for a quicker fix. As if that weren’t enough, you can oscillate the fan so that you get even heating all around the room.
Too Loud and Too Powerful?– The fact that this is a 1500 watt heater has some breakers tripping and some coils melting, which defeats that whole “safe for kids” thing. Just plug it into a grounded outlet with a proper power supply, and you’ll be fine (read: NO EXTENSION CORDS). Also, unless your baby is used to a healthy dose of white noise, you will find that the noise level of this unit might bother them. Oh, and one final complaint: small fingers could go through the grate, but the fan is too far away to reach and the plastic only gets mildly warm.
Video: Energy Saving Heater
2 in 1 Vortex Heater with Air Circulation Fan
I love multitasking! This 2 in 1 Vortex Heater with Air Circulation Fan means loads of options for keeping baby’s sleeping room warm and well-circulated in the bleak midwinter.
2 Products in 1– It’s a fan! No, it’s a heater! It’s both! Let’s look at both the capabilities:
- Heater mode- You can have a 1500 watt electric heater. It has both a high (full 1500 watt) and a low (900 watt) setting. The high setting can heat the whole room, while the low setting provides focused heat. It heats to 70 degrees quickly and has a digital thermostat.
- Fan mode- This 2 setting fan can blow hard or soft. Using manual control, you can get just the right amount of air. It uses aerodynamic blades and vortex technology for superior circulation and power.
Getting Heat Where You Need It– This unit is only 11 inches and it’s totally portable. You can grab the handle on the cool touch housing to take the fan wherever you need it, whether it’s the nursery at night or a playroom during the day. The wide-angle base helps you tilt it to where you need heat.
Safety– This safe heater is ETL certified for safe in-home use. It has an auto-off feature to prevent overheating. A final safety feature is an automatic tip-over shut off to protect the people and places you love.
Somewhat Lacking– At this price level, I would hope for a quieter fan and a higher, more accurate thermostat. It uses a lot of energy and makes a fair amount of noise, but it’s tolerable if you aren’t running it 24/7. And there is no remote control for this space heater.
You can buy one product to keep the nursery comfortable in both winter and summer, and this heater fan is that product.
Wall-Mounted Electric Fan Heater
It’s intimidating to put a heater in a baby’s room. Maybe you want something special, something not like normal space heaters. This unit may not be big, bold, or beautiful, but the Stiebel Eltron Wall-Mounted Electric Fan Heater will do the trick.
Stylish and Sleek– I know, I know, you are thinking that I’m crazy for putting this one on the list. But hear me out! A wall unit is a much better idea in baby’s room. Baby’s playroom and bedroom are often the same space, and you don’t want to have some clunky heater in the corner that looks awful and is a magnet for your baby’s curiosity. That’s why you get this unit. It’s sleek, it’s simple, and it gets mounted up out of baby’s reach. Perfect for everyone!
Lots of Features– The coolest thing about this heater is the fact that it has a setting for pretty much everything! This German-made heater has an ultra-quiet fan with only 49 decibels. The built-in thermostat is easy to use and can even be controlled by a wall unit if your nursery is larger than 215 sq ft. The on/off switch makes it easy to control when you want to use this heater. And while you won’t need it in a nursery, there is a frost setting that will make sure that the room temperature is always above 45 degrees.
Good Heat– This 1500 watt heater has fans built into the top. There’s no high or low setting, but instead, there is a thermostat so that you can get the exact level of warmth that you want. It would be nice if the temperature were displayed on an LED display screen so you know exactly where you stand. The downdraft heating design heats the room evenly so that there are no hot spots or cold spots. Overall, it’s a good heater that can heat up to 95 degrees in a smaller room. This is ideal for a permanently drafty room.
A Pricey Home Addition– I want to be clear- this is a permanent unit. This is 15.75 x 10.88 inches, so it’s about the same size as a piece of art. This is meant to be an addition to the whole room, not an inconspicuous heater. The price tag certainly matches the size because it’s a little bigger, too. Not overly expensive, but not cheap either. Besides the price, another complaint is that it has to be hard-wired. There are no plugs for this – it goes directly into your home’s electric system. Some say plastic housing is a concern, but it is safe and won’t melt or anything.
See the best baby sleep sacks for keeping baby warm and comfortable at night.
Best Oil-Filled Radiator Heater
Oil-filled space heaters are among the quietest because air circulates through an oil-filled reservoir. If you are concerned about keeping the nursery quiet, here are some additional tips for soundproofing baby’s room.
De’Longhi DeLonghi TRD40615E Full Room Radiant Heater
This De’Longhi DeLonghi TRD40615E Full Room Radiant Heater has been purchased several times (the older version that is no longer available) by Experienced Mommy readers and is a solid entry as a radiant heater. DeLonghi is a very popular brand of space heaters and is a top seller.
Electric Heating – This is an oil-filled, permanently sealed, electric heater. It is 1500 watts for powerful heating at 3 heat settings. It comes with wheels just in case you need to move it from room to room. And unlike its predecessors, it’s very silent to run.
Modern Efficiency – This DeLonghi features an eco button, which makes the heater run until the optimal room temperature is achieved, and then the unit shuts off. This saves lots of energy. There is a thermostat feature that can help it achieve efficiency as well. The patented steel assembly radiates heat efficiently due to the thermal heat slots.
Safety Features – Since this type of heater is designed to be run constantly, it needs great safety features. This fire-safe space heater will shut off automatically if it reaches too high of a temperature. Another great safety feature is the anti-freeze feature, which keeps the pipes from freezing if not turned on.
Hot! – While this unit does have a mechanism that reduces the surface temperature, it does get hot to the touch, so operate this system with caution when placing it in a nursery. Be sure to put it somewhere that baby won’t be tempted to mess with it. Also, be aware that this type of nursery heater takes a long time to heat the room.
An expensive but effective option for those who need constant heat for large spaces.
Best Ceramic Heaters
The Lasko Tower Heater is a taller unit at 23″ x 7″ with 2 different settings. The Portable Ceramic Oscillating Space Heater is a small 9″ x 6″ fan that has 4 settings of high, medium, low, and fan. The vintage, metal Vornado Heater is approximately 8″ x 13″ with high and low settings. Our final favorite is the Honeywell Surround Heater which offers 2 heat settings in a portable size of 8″ x 11.5.”
Lasko Oscillating Ceramic Tower Heater with Remote Control
The Lasko Oscillating Ceramic Tower Heater with Remote Control is for serious heating. Its bigger size and tower status means that it makes heating a large room a very easy task.
Bigger Sizing– if you have a larger home, then the tower fan will work better to heat your bigger rooms. This Lasko heater is about 23 inches tall, without a pedestal. This gives you heat that isn’t sitting against the floor just waiting to rise. Instead, this will give you heat right at the crib level to keep baby warm while they nap. And although it’s tall, it’s still space-saving with the pedestal design.
Safe, But Strong– This safe baby heater operates at 1500 watts and has two different settings. The first is high heat, which operates at the full 1500 watts. The second is the low heat setting, which operates at about 900 watts. The last is an auto programmable thermostat setting, in which you can set the temperature you want your room to be, and let the fan do it’s thing until it reaches that temperature. There is an 8-hour timer and an oscillation mode. All this comes in in ETL listed device. It has safety features like overheating protection and self-regulating heating elements. The housing isn’t expressly cool touch, but it doesn’t get too terribly hot.
Digital Tech– One of the coolest parts of this heater is the digital technology. You have a digital display that will display the temperature, and you also have a digital remote. The remote makes it easy to change the fans settings from another room, while the digital aspect makes it easy to see and easy to read.
Assembly?!– Yes, you were going to have to assemble some of this baby heater. Which is kind of a pain, considering that you paid so much for it. Another problem is that the temperature sensor doesn’t always work accurately, but it’s only off by a degree or two. Finally, there’s no tip-over protection feature.
This more expensive option has a larger capacity and is a great idea for larger homes and nurseries.
Portable Ceramic Oscillating Space Heater
This Aikoper Portable Ceramic Oscillating Space Heater is well-designed and does well as a personal heater. I like this one because it is just big enough to get the job done without being large. Plus, it works as a fan!
4 Different Modes– This heater has 4 different modes: high, medium, low, and fan only (like a very, very light breeze). You can oscillate the fan so that it rotates at a 90-degree angle in each direction. The square ceramic heater is eco-friendly and very quiet. This thing only reaches a max of 45 decibels, which is about the same noise level as people whispering.
Small and Safe- The heater is advertised as a “table” heater. At only 9 inches by 6 inches, it can sit discreetly on any surface. This fire-safe space heater comes equipped with overheating protection, as well as tip-over protection. Basically, it will shut down if it senses that anything is wrong. This is comforting for going in a baby’s room.
Drawbacks– The main drawback is the limited heat output because it maxes out at 950 watts. Although it does a good job for its category, it will only work well for small spaces. The heater is in the same price range as a lot of the big-name brand heaters, but it isn’t backed by the same track record. Buying an off-brand appliance is always tricky, but at least this model is ETL certified.
This compact heater is a good option for just taking the chill out of the air without spending an arm and a leg on electricity.
Vornado Vintage Metal Heater
This Vornado Vintage Metal Heater makes our list for two reasons: it’s stylish, it works well and it gets insanely good reviews. Finding a space heater with perfect reviews is a dream, but this comes close.
Full Coverage– Warm the air in a small to medium-sized room gently without utilizing high heat by using vortex air circulation, which operates similarly to a forced-air furnace but on a smaller scale. It heats only the room it’s in and can lower the whole-house thermostat up to 5 degrees. The original Vornadofan from 1945 was the inspiration for this classic metal design with the option to pivot the head 47 degrees to get the heat flow you want.
The fan offers high standards and durable metal construction. Distribute the heat throughout the space. You’ll be able to customize the temperature in any room with low and high-speed settings and an adjustable thermostat.
Safety in Mind– For worry-free use, advanced safety features include tip-over protection and an automated safety shut-off system. There is overheating protection, which shuts the unit off if it exceeds a maximum temperature and it shuts off if tipped over. It doesn’t have cool touch technology, but the heating tech means that the unit doesn’t get hot as traditional space heaters do. The overall design, with the sturdy and wide base, means that tipping is less likely. It’s a great heater choice for both kids and pets. Add in a forged steel material that is fire resistant and blade covers too small for curious fingers for smart design.
How to Use – The circular inlet cone (which connects to the back of the heater’s inlet grille) can be used to lift and transport the heater.
Place the heater in such a way that airflow is not obstructed. Connect the power cord to a grounded wall outlet. Multi-directional airflow can be achieved by tilting the pivoting head.
Select Low Heat or High Heat with the toggle switch. The red power indicator light at the base of the heater lights when the heater is turned on. Turn the thermostat clockwise to the highest setting. When the room is at the appropriate temperature, slowly turn the thermostat counterclockwise until the heat turns off.
If the heater falls over, the power will be turned off. The red indicator light will not turn on until you press the button. Otherwise, this fan is quiet, works well, heats a small room with no problems and it comes with an impressive five-year warranty!
Honeywell Heater with Fan Forced Technology
The Honeywell 360 Degree Surround Heater with Fan Forced Technology is the little heater that could. It’s not fancy, it doesn’t have a ton of settings, but it does provide 360 degrees of heat. What it will do is heat your nursery quickly and efficiently.
Fun Design– This little safe space heater looks more like a little round speaker than a heater. It is small- only about 8 inches wide by 11.5 inches tall. It can easily be set on a dresser not look like a big, bulky heater. I love that there aren’t any lights, aside from a tiny red power indicator light, to keep the room bright when baby is trying to sleep. Both the red and black Honeywell won’t look too obtrusive in any nursery.
Small Strength– This thing works at 110 watts. That’s not a ton of power, but considering the compact size, it makes sense. At a high setting, it will heat a good chunk of the room. Turn it to a low setting, and it will keep the baby’s immediate space nice and toasty. The benefit of this small motor is that it won’t have a huge footprint on your electric bill, since it’s not operating with more power.
Safety Matters– Honeywell’s Safety Matters features keep you and your family safe. This safe heater will turn off if tipped over to prevent a fire. It will shut off if it overheats as well. The outer housing is cool to the touch, so if your baby accidentally touches the sides, he or she won’t get burned.
Not the Strongest– If you are looking for a big, bad heater to heat up the whole nursery, this isn’t that heater. It works really well to keep, let’s say, the crib area or play mat warm. But that’s it. Also, do be aware that because it doesn’t have the most powerful motor, it does take some time to heat the area. So plug it in before baby will need the warmth!
This small unit is affordable, simple, and effective.
Best Infrared Space Heater
Heat Storm Floor to Wall Infrared Heater
This Heat Storm Deluxe Mounted Space Infrared Wall Heater can be placed on the floor like most of the baby heaters in this article, or it can be hung on the wall, out of reach of little hands.
It is an infrared-based heater that is cool to the touch. It is designed to provide supplemental heat to a room up to 300 SQFT, approximately 20′ x 15′.
It has a digital display to show the ambient temperature of the room. It also comes with a remote control to adjust the temperature and wattage settings. The remote is like a TV remote, meaning that it has to be a line of sight.
Note: recent models now have the ability to control temperature via WiFi with an app. This means you don’t have to be in the same room with the heater.
There is a 750-watt economy mode and another 1500 watt full-power mode. The challenge is that the unit automatically switches modes. The modes are only user-controlled to the extent that you can influence it by setting a low or high temperature. A built-in thermostat turns the unit on and off when it reaches the temperature you have set.
It is 16.5 inches wide but 13 inches tall and about 4 inches deep. This means it can be hung in a fairly tight space.
Baby Room Heater Comparison
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| De'Longhi DeLonghi TRD40615E Full Room Radiant Heater | 9.2 | 9.0 | 149.00 |
| Vornado Vintage Metal Heater | 8.7 | 8.8 | 131.19 |
| Wall-Mounted Electric Fan Heater | 9.1 | 8.4 | 119.99 |
| Heat Storm Floor to Wall Infrared Heater | 8.6 | 8.8 | 93.87 |
| Vornadobaby Tempa Nursery Heater | 9.0 | 9.2 | 78.44 |
| Lasko Oscillating Ceramic Tower Heater with Remote Control | 9.3 | 9.2 | 66.99 |
| Honeywell Heater with Fan Forced Technology | 9.7 | 9.0 | 34.88 |
| Portable Ceramic Oscillating Space Heater | 9.9 | - | 29.99 |
| Honeywell EnergySmart Cool Touch Heater | 5.2 | 9.0 | - |
| 2 in 1 Vortex Heater with Air Circulation Fan | 3.9 | 8.6 | - |
Types of Space Heaters for Baby Rooms
You’ve probably heard a few terms thrown around in the reviews, so here’s a quick guide to the most popular space heater types.
- Convection Space Heaters
- As air comes in contact with the heater it circulates in air convection currents
- Oil is heated inside pipes, and the heat radiates out of the unit
- Take longer to heat up a room, but heat is long-lasting
- More energy-efficient since they don’t have any moving parts
- Radiant or Infrared Space Heaters
- Emit infrared light like the sun
- Doesn’t heat the air but does warm bodies or objects that the light touches
- Can be large and expensive
- Conductive or Fan Space Heaters
- Electric fans force air over electric coils or ceramic panels heated by electric coils
- Often have the ability to swivel
- Often the cheapest type of space heater
How to Choose a Nursery Heater
As winter creeps in, you may find yourself looking for effective ways to keep your children warm while minimizing heating costs. This is much easier said than done! With all of the warnings out there against putting blankets on your infant or bundling them up too much, you don’t want to make a dangerous mistake in the name of heat.
Babies can’t use bulky bedding like us because they could get tangled up in it and suffocate. They also can’t wear too many layers, or they’ll be uncomfortable and sweaty. But babies get cold easily… so safe space heaters are the best answer.
Features for a Baby Safe Nursery Heater
These are extra considerations that parents will want to think about before purchasing a fire-safe space heater for the nursery.
- Cool to the touch (just in case your child touches the surface)
- Close slats to keep baby from sticking their fingers inside the heater
- Automatic shut off- helps keep the room from getting too hot
- Tip-over protection- shuts off the heating element to prevent a fire if it gets knocked over
- Solid base to help keep it sturdy and tip safe
Other Space Heater Features To Consider
- Wall mounting capabilities
- Space-saving models
- Looks and design
- Space needed in front of/behind the unit to operate properly
- Energy consumption
- Price
- Warranty
A Big Space Heater Precaution – Fire Safety
It is easy to have a false sense of security using space heaters. You need to recognize that they can be very dangerous if not used properly.
Safety experts recommended that you DO NOT leave these heaters on at night while you are sleeping. It is not advisable to leave space heaters on at night because they are involved in almost 80 percent of all fatal home heating fires. Space heaters have been known to malfunction, tip over, or cause electrical fires.
I know this may defeat the purpose of buying a space heater for your child’s room, but you can still use it to keep your nursery warm during the day. You may also choose to warm up your child’s room before bedtime or use it during nap time when you can supervise its use.
Space Heater Safety Tips
Below are some of the most important tips when it comes to using space heaters, but there are even more here! Also, be sure to read the owner’s manual of your space heater for model-specific instructions.
- Never leave a space heater running unattended; do not use it when sleeping.
- Make sure the heater you buy carries a safety certification label from an independent testing organization, such as the UL mark from Underwriters Laboratories, the ETL label from Intertek, or certification from CSA International.
- Make sure you have a smoke detector in your child’s room and test it regularly!
- Don’t use extension cords plug the baby heater directly into the socket.
- Get a separate thermostat alarm to ensure your child’s room doesn’t get too hot. FYI, the ideal sleeping temperature for babies is right around 70 degrees.
- Keep the heater at least three feet from combustible items, such as bedsheets and curtains.
- Regularly check your space heater for wear and tear especially look at wires. If any wires are fraying or if there is damage to the heater, discontinue use immediately.
FAQs for Nursery Heaters
Is it safe to use a space heater in a baby’s room?
A space heater is totally okay in baby’s room, but you should follow some precautions to do so safely:
- Don’t leave the heater on overnight
- Buy a heater with shut-off features
- Buy a heater that is cool to the touch
Read here for more heater safety guidelines.
Are wall heaters safe in a baby room?
Some wall heaters may consistently be too hot to be safe for toddlers who touch everything. Other wall heaters have sharp or rough edges that can cut fingers.
However, some wall heaters provide a balance between being a good heat source and not too hot, so you’ll need to shop around.
Which space heaters are the most energy-efficient?
The best energy-efficient nursery heater is by far the Honeywell HZ-7304U Deluxe EnergySmart Cool Touch Heater. It’s made specifically to be 35% more efficient than standard space heaters, and it even has a handy built-in energy use guide so you can monitor your heating output.
Other top options are the De’Longhi DeLonghi TRD40615E Full Room Radiant Heater, which has an eco setting, and the AUZKIN Portable Ceramic Oscillating Space Heater, which is small and uses less wattage to operate.
Compared to the Honeywell, the De’Longhi uses the same amount of wattage (1500), while the AUZKIN uses a max of 950 watts.
Are space heaters dangerous?
Most residential fires that are heater-related are, in fact, “space heater” related. Space heaters have a bit of an unsafe reputation because they do cause fires when not operated properly.
Many newer space heaters have safety features that cause them to shut off when tipped over or overheated. You should always buy a heater that has basic safety features.
The biggest safety precaution to follow: never leave a space heater on while you are sleeping.
Additionally, there are several other precautions you’ll want to take when operating your heater.
What is a good temperature for a baby’s room?
It is best to keep the baby’s room a bit on the cool side, with a temperature between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
I know that it might feel like baby can’t possibly be warm enough in a cooler room, but it’s best for their sleep habits. You can make sure baby is comfortable by using wearable blankets (or regular blankets if they are old enough) and a few layers of clothing.
Remember that it is not safe to have extra blankets or other items in the crib!
