In the first few months of a baby’s life, your little one will usually spend most of their time sleeping. Normally newborns have longer hours of sleep, which is around 14-16 hours a day. Ensuring they have enough sleep is very necessary for your little one’s growth and development.
When a baby is sleeping, it is also important to pay attention to the room temperature. When your baby has a comfortable room to sleep in, it will make them sleep more soundly. But on the other hand, if the room temperature is hot and uncomfortable, the baby can be restless, have trouble sleeping, and even get fussy.
Why Should a Baby Not Sleep in a Room With Hot Temperature?
Babies should not sleep in a room that is too hot because they are not yet fully able to regulate their own body temperature. Newborns have thin and underdeveloped skin, so they are more susceptible to extremes in environmental temperatures, whether it is in a too-hot or a too-cold one.
Babies who are asleep in too hot of a room can experience dehydration, fatigue, seizures, or even sudden death from overheating (heat stroke). In addition, room temperatures that are too hot can also cause babies to have difficulty sleeping, become fussy, and unable to be soothed.
Therefore, it is important to keep the room temperature for the baby within a comfortable and healthy range, which is around 22-26°C. Make sure the room has good air circulation, and avoid covering the baby with lots of blankets or clothes that are too thick while sleeping.
Is It Okay for a Baby to Sleep in an Air-Conditioned Room?
If the room feels too hot, you can try to lower the temperature by using an air conditioner to cool down the room. Letting babies sleep in a hot environment can make it difficult for them to sleep well because it can cause excessive sweating, rashes, and discomfort.
However, there are several things that you should pay attention to when installing an air conditioner in your baby’s bedroom. Here are some of the important things to note and keep in mind in order to ensure baby safety and health when using air conditioners.
- Adjust The Room Temperature Accordingly
You should be able to put the air conditioner not too close to the baby and adjust the temperature accordingly. It is recommended that you set the air conditioner at a temperature of around 22-26°C. It is important to make sure the air conditioner is set at the right temperature so that it is not too cold or hot for the baby.
Also, make sure the air conditioner doesn’t blow directly on the baby. Instead, point the air conditioner up or to the side to maintain air circulation in the room. Babies who feel too cold can feel uncomfortable and it can even cause health problems such as flu and colds.
- Clean and Maintain The Air Conditioner Regularly
If you want to use the air conditioner in your baby room, make sure you clean it regularly too. Because when it is constantly used, the air conditioner will make the air around the room become moist, thus making it easier for mold to grow. If not cleaned regularly, it is possible that these fungi can cause respiratory problems in your baby.
Keep in mind that ensuring the air conditioner is kept clean and well-maintained is very important for your baby’s well-being. To make sure this happens you can visit the website of a great commercial air conditioner cleaning service, to help you maintain your air conditioner regularly. Make sure the air conditioner is kept clean and well-maintained to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses to your child.
- Be Mindful of How Long Baby is Exposed to an Air-Conditioned Room
Don’t leave the baby exposed to the air conditioner for too long. Instead, let them sleep in a room that has good air circulation and is naturally cool. Limit the use of the air conditioner only when needed and avoid turning it on constantly. You can also utilize the feature in air conditioner, timer – to set what time you want to turn on your air conditioner and when you want to turn it off.
- Monitor Your Baby Condition
Monitor the baby’s condition regularly when they sleep with the air conditioner on. If you notice that they look uncomfortable or have difficulty breathing, turn off the air conditioner and call a doctor immediately.
Most pediatrics agree that it is safer to use air conditioners for babies than letting them sleep in hot, airless, and humid rooms. Some experts also say that a room that uses air conditioning and is well-ventilated can help your little one sleep soundly and comfortably. This can also reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, be sure to follow the tips above, to get the best out of your air conditioner and make sure your baby’s health and comfort won’t be disturbed.
