Use of Air Conditioners & Coolers for Newborns

Undoubtedly parents put in a lot of effort to keep their babies comfortable. The first thing that comes into the mind of any parent is how to set up the perfect room temperature where the baby sleeps. If you live in a country that has a warm climate then the usage of air conditioners and coolers is likely high. This raises the question is AC good for babies.

In this article, we will try to answer such questions new parents often struggle with and discuss the side effects of AC on baby along with precautions and safety measures to keep in mind.

Is it safe to use air conditioning when you have a newborn baby?

Newborn babies are more sensitive to temperature changes than adults because they can’t yet adjust their own body temperature. As a result, keeping the air conditioner on can cause a sudden drop in temperature, which increases the risk of hypothermia. During hypothermia, the nervous system, heart and other body organs are unable to function properly. So, if your newborn feels too cold, they will begin to shiver as an automatic response to keep their body warm.

On the other hand, the risk of keeping the newborn baby in a hot, humid or unventilated space can increase their risk of heat stroke, heat rash, heat exhaustion and dehydration. As a result, it is essential to keep the room cool and ventilated. So, you can use an air conditioner or a cooler for your newborn baby but with some precautions.

Side effects of AC on baby

Parents of newborns must be aware of the side effects of AC on baby so that they can minimise and eliminate all harm to their little one. Here are some common side effects of AC on baby:

• Being in the AC for long hours can reduce the moisture from your baby’s skin as air conditioners dehumidify the room.

• The AC filter may collect dust and germs if they’re not serviced on time, which can be harmful to your baby.

• Newborn babies are too sensitive to handle the direct blow of air from an AC or cooler and may even fall sick because of it.

• Extreme room temperature can cause discomfort and restlessness in newborn babies and their body can react to even a small variation in the temperature.

What is a baby's ideal body temperature?

The normal body temperature of a newborn baby lies between 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit and 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature exceeds 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, your baby has a fever. So, if you’re using an AC or cooler in your baby’s room, it’s important to monitor their body temperature.

The ideal temperature for a baby's room

No parent wants their baby to feel either too hot or too cold. Experts recommend that you maintain an ideal room temperature between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You can monitor the room temperature with an indoor thermometer, provided the room doesn’t have a thermostat. The ideal AC temperature for newborn baby in India is between 23 degrees to 27 degrees Celsius.

Precautions and safety measures

You don’t have to get into any dilemma because there is no harm in using an air conditioner or cooler in your baby’s room. All you have to do is take some precautions because that will provide sound sleep to your baby and will prevent the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Here are some tips that you must keep in your mind while using an air conditioner or cooler in your baby’s room:

1. Leave a window open when using a cooler

It is important to leave a window and the door open in the baby’s room because proper ventilation is important while using a cooler. The circulation of fresh air will not let the room become hot and humid.

2. Dress your baby appropriately

Usually, the temperature of the room drops at night and the usage of AC and coolers can make the room too cold so it is important to dress up the baby in full-length clothes.

3. Monitor the temperature

Any kind of extreme temperature is bad for the baby’s health. Every time you make your baby sleep you must monitor the outside temperature and the temperature of the cooler and AC and adjust the settings accordingly. Keep the temperature in a comfortable setting and leave the door ajar.

4. Keep your baby away from the direct blast of cold air

You must ensure that your baby does not come in direct contact with the cold air of the cooler or AC.

5. Use a light blanket/sheet

Avoid using heavy blankets or sheets on your baby while using AC and coolers as that increases the risk of SIDS. You can cover your baby with a soft and lightweight blanket/sheet.

6. Keep checking your baby

Always be watchful when your baby is sleeping and keep correcting his/her posture. Keep changing your baby’s sleeping position and make sure your baby is not sleeping in the same pose for too long.

7. Ensure clean air for your baby

Make sure the AC and cooler of your baby’s room are serviced and cleaned on regular basis. You can also install an air conditioner with a built-in air purifier in your baby’s room.

8. Take care of the temperature difference

Sudden changes in the temperature are harmful to your baby’s health. If your baby is in the air-conditioned room for too long then do not immediately take your child to a hot place. Let the temperature of the room get normal after switching off the AC and then expose your baby to another place.

Similarly, if you are traveling with your baby in an air-conditioned car then you must switch it off for a while before stepping out of the car.

9. Avoid dryness

Excess usage of air conditioners can cause dryness in the room so you must keep a bowl of water in the room. You can consult a pediatrician first if you want to apply any baby oil to your baby’s nostrils. You can dip an earbud in some baby oil and gently swipe it in each nostril.

The Bottom Line

Is AC good for babies? According to health experts, there is no harm in using air conditioners and coolers. However, you must not use them for a long time at a stretch and it is important to let your baby breathe some fresh air in the mornings and evenings.