How Safe Is Air Conditioning For Babies?

How Safe Is Air Conditioning For Babies?

13 May 2022 | 4 min Read

Sayani Basu

Author | 607 Articles

Now that the sultry summer has arrived, there is rarely any respite from the heat and humidity. People turn to air coolers and air conditioners in their homes to stay cool and comfortable. But how safe is air conditioning when you have a baby at home?

The good news is that you can use an AC in your baby’s room as a properly cooled and ventilated room will help your little one have an uninterrupted sleep.

However, you must take a few precautions while using an AC in your baby’s room or any other room where the baby is sleeping, as a room that is too cold might lower the little one’s body temperature.

What Is The Right Body Temperature For Babies?

You must keep your baby’s room cool and comfortable to maintain a safe environment. It is advisable for babies to  sleep in a temperature between 68 degrees and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees to 22.2 degrees Celsius).

Babies are more sensitive to changes in room temperature because their bodies are still growing. Plus, your room temperature can also change your baby’s skin colour.

Try to keep the room temperature at a comfortable setting so that it doesn’t get too hot or too cold for your baby. | Image Caption: pexels

Tips To Keep Your Baby Comfortable And Safe While Using An AC

Here’s a list of safety measures that you should keep in mind:

  1. Maintain the optimal temperature: It is important to maintain the optimal room temperature and keep it at a comfortable setting so that it doesn’t get too hot or too cold for your baby.
  1. Keep your baby away from the direct blast of cold air: Try to make sure that your baby does not come in direct contact with the air from the AC as it can affect the little one’s health.

While designing your baby’s nursery, you can position the crib away from the air conditioning vents.

  1. Dress your baby comfortably: It is advisable to dress your baby in light layers that cover their arms and legs.

Although the room temperature is optimal, you need to cover your baby with one extra layer while making them sleep in an air-conditioned room.

  1. Use a light blanket or sheet: You should cover your baby with a light blanket or a sheet while using an AC. However, it is not advisable to use heavy blankets or sheets, as your baby only requires one extra layer.
  1. Conduct regular maintenance: Air conditioners attract dust and germs which get deposited in the filters and ductwork. Using AC units that are not cleaned and serviced on a regular basis can circulate germs and allergens into the air, posing a threat to the little one. 

It is also advisable to take out the air filters and wash them regularly, especially if your child has a medical history of asthma, frequent sneezing, itchy skin, and recurrent conjunctivitis.

Don’t take your baby out from the cool temperature to a hot atmosphere immediately after switching off the AC as the sudden temperature change can affect them adversely. | Image Caption: pexels

  1. Avoid sudden change in temperature: Try to avoid sudden change in temperature. Taking your baby out from the cool temperature to a hot atmosphere immediately after switching off the AC can affect them adversely.

Instead switch off the AC and wait for some time so that they get used to the outside temperature before stepping out.

It is not necessary to use an AC at all times. When it isn’t too hot or humid, you can use dehumidifiers and fans as these work well to keep your baby cool and comfortable. 

There’s no harm in using an AC in your baby’s room. But it is recommended not to use an AC for a long time at a stretch because exposing your little one to colder temperature can cause hypothermia.

DISCLAIMER: We have taken steps to check the accuracy of information & practices shared above; however, it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. Please check with either your doctor, or an expert, before trying any suggestion, practice, or medication mentioned here.

A

gallery
send-btn

Suggestions offered by doctors on BabyChakra are of advisory nature i.e., for educational and informational purposes only. Content posted on, created for, or compiled by BabyChakra is not intended or designed to replace your doctor's independent judgment about any symptom, condition, or the appropriateness or risks of a procedure or treatment for a given person.