On hot days, to escape high temperatures and the discomfort of being in stuffy places, many people turn to air conditioning. But what should you do when there is a baby at home? The first thing to know is that air conditioning is not forbidden if there is a newborn at home, but some precautions become essential.

One of the main problems caused by the use of air conditioning is removing the air’s natural humidity, which means the nose can’t properly filter or humidify the air before it reaches the lungs in better conditions.

People who spend a lot of time exposed to air conditioning are also more likely to develop health problems1 or to have intensified allergic reactions such as rhinitis, sinusitis, or asthma. For a baby to be exposed to air conditioning without risks, it is important that parents follow key recommendations regarding its use.

Learn How It Is Possible to Have Air Conditioning at Home Without Harming Your Baby

Babies also suffer from the discomfort caused by high temperatures, so if certain precautions are taken with air conditioning, the issues can be considerably minimized.

The recommendation on hotter days is for parents to avoid exposing the child to very stuffy environments or direct sunlight. Newborns can stay in air conditioning as long as some precautions are observed; it’s important for parents to understand that the cooling level they were used to before the child arrived cannot be the same for a still fragile baby2.

9 Tips to Use Air Conditioning Safely

  1. Control dryness – Dryness caused by air conditioning is inevitable, and just as adults feel their noses dry out, children will also be subject to discomfort. Therefore, some tricks can be used to prevent all the humidity from being removed from the air, such as: using a humidifier, a bowl of water, or a wet towel in the room.
  2. Ideal temperature – The ideal temperature3 so as not to harm the child should be between 23°C and 27°C (73°F and 80°F). Newborns can sleep in air conditioning as long as these precautions are followed, but ideally, the room should be cooled down in advance to no lower than 25°C (77°F) and, when the baby is taken to the room, the device can be turned off.
  3. High-quality device – It is essential that the device is of good quality, cleaned frequently, and today there are even options on the market that promise to filter up to 80% of bacteria and fungi, which can improve air quality and prevent allergic reactions in children.
  4. Car air conditioning – This is also not forbidden, but it is important for parents to take certain precautions, such as not directing the air vent right at the child’s face. In the case of more powerful devices, it’s important to set the temperature so that the car doesn’t get cold, but just comfortably cool.
  5. Fan – Fans can be used, but it’s essential that the environment is impeccably clean, otherwise it will just be a device to spread dust, fungi, and bacteria. It should not be pointed directly at the child and, for older babies, care should be taken to keep it out of reach.
  6. Humidifier – This device can be harmful if it makes the air too humid, which can also become a source of fungus and bacteria growth. The ideal is for the room to be very clean and have natural ventilation.
  7. During baby’s bath – Ideally, the air conditioner should be turned off during the baby’s bath to avoid thermal shock (cold air after a warm bath). It’s best to turn the device back on only when the baby’s hair is dry.
  8. Break – At certain times of day, it is important to turn off the device and allow fresh air in through windows and doors; this helps renew the air in the environment.
  9. Device in the right place – The ideal is for the device to be far from the baby’s crib and positioned opposite the baby’s head.

IMPORTANT: Although the upper cooling limit is 27°C (80°F), most specialists recommend that during the day it stays between 24°C and 26°C (75°F–79°F) so the baby remains comfortable and free from problems.

Air conditioning can be harmful to babies if precautions are not taken, but if parents follow the main tips, it is possible to have a pleasant environment during the heat that does not harm the child’s health—on the contrary, it brings them more comfort and well-being.

See Also: Baby Skin Allergy – What Could It Be?

Photo: Sanutri Infant Nutrition