86'n It

[In case you are unaware, we have dubbed this baby Pork Chop.]

I'm going to do a couple of posts called "Pork Chop: The Ketchup". One, because I love ketchup on pork chops, and Two, because she is a second child, we have all the "sides" already and only need the "condiments" for her room to be ready.   Omg, I'm so clever right?

First thing I thought of that we needed was new washcloths. Franca has managed to permanently darken all of hers and I can't bring myself to use a clean, but stained washcloth on new baby skin. I popped by the dreaded Babys R Evil store today and picked up a pack of 8 plain soft white ones. Not exactly blog-worthy, right?

Second thing I thought of was a humidifier for her room. Even thought we have radiant hydronic baseboard heat in this house, it still gets crazy dry in the winter.  I went on a search for modern, cool, not ridiculously high-priced humidifier. I saw this post and this post and this post. Problem? They are all either too expensive, just prototypes that aren't sold, or ugly. I did find three cool mist ones that I like:

Cons: Takes IMO a bunch of maintenance. (Buying filters, cleaning with vinegar, buying these drop-in sanitizers, etc. Not sure if it is just our water, but it gets gross quickly.) Also, it has a super annoying light that is really bright and doesn't turn off.
Pros: $40 from amazon ($50 everywhere else)





Cons: $129 from amazon (could probably find online cheaper with coupon)
Pros: Nicer looking. "Night" mode so no annoying light. Has silver ionic filter that lasts a year.




Cons: $89 refurbished from manufacturer  ($150 new on amazon). Has cartridges, but maintenance cost would likely be same as both above.
Pros: Built-in humidistat keeps at constant humidity. Don't have to take it apart to fill. "Night" mode. Can put directly on a table surface because steam is not pouring out of it like with a ultrasonic one.


I'm inclined to go with #3 just because we haven't had great luck with the ultrasonic kind. Anyone have luck with evaporative humidifiers? Or should I just go with the cheaper Crane one?

Poll is at the top right!