Is it okay to bathe the infant daily? When should I give the infant a meal? These are some of the queries that the majority of parents have in the early days of their parental journey. As soon as summer arrives, you might be concerned about how to keep the newborn baby cool and comfy. One of the most asked questions in this regard is will ceiling fan make newborn sick. There are various myths that fans might cause negative effects on a baby's health.
However, it is important to listen to an expert’s advice and know the science behind an infant's body temperature. Before you start thinking about how to keep the infant warm in the winter and cool during the hottest summer months, you should first comprehend how newborns' body temperatures are regulated. In this blog, we will share expert-backed information on whether you should put your little one under the ceiling fan during summer or not.
How Do Infants' Body Temperatures Get Controlled?
Babies that are just born have a bigger body surface area and less subcutaneous fat. As a result, they rapidly lose heat. Their bodies are not yet fully evolved for temperature control. When it is too hot or chilly, newborns do not perspire or shudder. They do not warm up or cool down as quickly as older babies.
Therefore, it's crucial to keep the environment at the right temperature for newborn babies. The optimal range you should maintain is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. By touching the baby, you can determine whether they are too hot or too chilly. If you touch their feet and get a chill, the infant is likely experiencing the same thing.
Will A Baby Become Unwell Under A Ceiling Fan?
Fans are being utilized to stay cool, much like an air conditioner. Will ceiling fan make newborn sick is one query that most parents have regarding maintaining the temperature of the room. So, the answer to this question is that ceiling fans do not make a baby ill.
Some infants might find it stimulating, while others might find it depressing. The infant won't become ill as a result, though. However, while utilizing a ceiling fan, make sure to keep it at a low setting. The newborn may have trouble breathing if they are impacted by fast air.
You can make the baby wear pajamas or swaddle them in a thin blanket if you are concerned that they might get a cold or a cough while sleeping beneath a ceiling fan. To avoid having the cot exactly under the ceiling fan, you can also move it a little bit farther away.
Advantages Of Using A Ceiling Fan For A Newborn Baby?
There is confusion about using a ceiling fan for infants and its health benefits. Various studies prove that using a ceiling fan is beneficial in certain situations. Some of the benefits are mentioned below:
Circulation Of Air
A ceiling fan makes sure that the room has improved air circulation. When utilizing a ceiling fan, you can leave the windows and doors open, unlike when using an air conditioner, when you must leave them open. Opening the windows and doors promotes improved airflow and prevents air stagnation. Constantly using the air conditioner in the room might lead to asthma and other respiratory issues in babies.
Improved Control Of The Temperature
When utilizing a ceiling fan, you should position the baby away from the fan so that their body can better regulate the temperature. In contrast, abrupt temperature changes caused by an air conditioner can cause a newborn to become ill.
White Noise's Effects
The sound of white noise is produced by a ceiling fan for the baby. The ceiling fan's steady noise helps block out other noises and gives the baby a secure sleeping environment. As a result, employing a ceiling fan can help the infant sleep better.
Decreases The Risk Of SIDS
The absence of adequate ventilation in the room is one of the main causes of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). By employing a ceiling fan, you can significantly lower the risk of SIDS because the windows and doors are kept open. SIDS must also be prevented by minimizing the presence of carbon dioxide. The amount of carbon dioxide in the space can be controlled at a very low level since proper air circulation occurs when utilizing a ceiling fan.
Reduce The Likelihood Of Developing Eczema
The humidity in the space can be significantly decreased with the help of the air conditioner. Therefore, prolonged exposure to air conditioning can aggravate the eczema of your newborn. An improved solution for such infants is to use a ceiling fan. Without lowering humidity, a ceiling fan can make the space feel cooler.
What Things To Keep In Mind Before Using A Ceiling Fan In The Nursery?
While planning to install a ceiling fan in the nursery, you should keep the following things in mind.
Do’s
- As it circulates, a fan picks up all the dust that comes its way, making it very easy for it to become very unclean. To keep the baby safe and get rid of the dust and grime on the ceiling fan, it would be ideal to clean it once a month.
- Make sure the ceiling fan is installed professionally rather than as a do-it-yourself affair. The precise configuration of the electric wiring is ensured by experts to prevent malfunction.
- To prevent the baby from becoming too cold, always keep the fan speed at a low setting. A pleasant temperature is created at the appropriate speed of 250–350 rpm.
Don'ts
- Anything adorning that you receive in a subscription box shouldn't be hung from the fan. Although a newborn may find decorative items visually appealing, there is a chance that they will fall and harm the child.
- You don't need to purchase a specific ceiling fan for the baby's room. The baby's room can also make use of the standard ceiling fan found in all other rooms.
- You can start planning the nursery well in advance of the baby's arrival. If the baby's room is intended to expand as your family grows, make sure the ceiling fan is fixed at a high level. Therefore, even if you utilize a bunk bed in the room, youngsters can subsequently be unable to reach the fan to reduce risk.
In What Size Should A Ceiling Fan Be Installed In A Baby's Room?
36 inches is the perfect length for a fan. If the baby's room is large, you can choose a ceiling fan with a diameter between 36 and 54 inches. Two fans with the same diameter are an additional choice. By doing this, the baby's room is guaranteed to have consistent airflow. There should be 10 inches between the fan blades and the ceiling. In order for the blades to travel freely without running into anything, this gap must be maintained.
What Is The Safest Room Temperature For A Newborn Baby?
It's crucial to provide a comfortable atmosphere for the infant. Temperatures shouldn't be permitted to get uncomfortably warm or cold, nor should they be overly hot or frigid. An infant who overheats is more likely to experience SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is not only comfortable but also safe for sleeping babies to keep the baby's room at a consistent 16 to 20 degrees Celsius and use lighter bedding or a lightweight baby sleep sack.
Wrap Up
When the right precautions are taken, using a ceiling fan in a newborn's room can be both safe and beneficial. Make sure the fan is firmly mounted, place the cot away from direct circulation, adjust the fan's speed to a soft setting, and keep an eye on the baby's comfort and the room's temperature.
Always put your baby's health first, and if you have any worries or inquiries, consult a specialist. You may give your newborn a cozy and secure environment by adhering to these rules. So, the answer to the question of will ceiling fan make newborn sick is no, if using it in the right manner. We hope you get all your concerns resolved with this post. If you have any suggestions, please write to us at info@healthtipsandguide.com.
