Although you might enjoy having your ceiling fan on while you sleep, do fans harm infants? When your baby is sleeping, how safe is it for the fan to blow on them? They appear to be the world’s most delicate beings due to their tiny bodies. It makes sense that many parents are concerned about whether the weather will bring on colds or other illnesses.
But you’ve come to the right place if you want the truth in plain English about the matter. Read on to discover for good what happens if you leave the ceiling fan on in your baby’s room.
Table of Contents
Can Fan Cause Cold in Babies
It is simply not enough of a risk to harm their health and give them a cold to leave the ceiling fan on a low setting. Make sure your infant is swaddled in his or her preferred swaddle or sleeper, though, if you want to be safe. The majority of their body heat escapes through those tiny feet, so socks and booties are also necessary.
If you live in a colder climate, you might need to wait until the temperatures rise to a level that is more appropriate. Consider the outside temperature and use common sense to determine whether you are currently feeling too hot or too cold.
When it comes to your baby, always wear one to two more layers than you would.
How About Sleeping under a Ceiling Fan?
Make sure your baby is dressed in comfy pajamas before putting them in their crib or bassinet at night if you are concerned that they will catch a cold while they sleep. Make sure to keep blankets away from the crib if the child is under a year old because they pose a health risk.
Additionally, if you decide to bathe your baby before bedtime, make sure to use warm, not scalding, water and to completely dry them before changing and putting them to bed.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Ceiling Fan for a Baby?
Air Circulation
Better air circulation in the space is ensured by a ceiling fan. In contrast to air conditioning systems, which require you to leave windows and doors open, you can use a ceiling fan while doing so. Opening the windows and doors promotes better airflow and prevents air stagnation.
Constantly running the air conditioner in the room can lead to asthma and other respiratory issues in babies.
Better Temperature Regulation
If you move the baby away from the ceiling fan while using it, its body will be better able to control its body temperature. With an air conditioner, however, sudden temperature changes may result in the infant becoming ill.
Effect of White Noise
The sound of white noise is produced by a ceiling fan for the baby. The ceiling fan’s constant noise helps to drown out other noises and provides a secure sleeping environment for the infant. Therefore, using a ceiling fan will help the baby sleep better.
Reduces the Chances of SIDS
The lack of ventilation in the room is a significant contributor to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Since the windows and doors are kept open while using a ceiling fan, you can considerably reduce the chances of SIDS
A low carbon dioxide level is crucial for preventing SIDS. The amount of carbon dioxide in the space can be kept at a very low level when using a ceiling fan because proper air circulation is achieved.
Reduce the Risk of Eczema
The humidity in the room can be significantly decreased by the air conditioner. Therefore, exposure to AC all the time can exacerbate eczema in a newborn. An improved solution for such infants is to use a ceiling fan. Without lowering humidity, a ceiling fan can give the impression that the room is cooling.
Downsides of Sleeping With a Fan On
Triggers Allergies
Fans move air in the room, but they also spread allergens like pollen, dust mites, dust, and spores. These allergens can cause reactions like excessive sneezing, runny noses, watery eyes, itchy throats, and breathing issues when inhaled. These indoor allergens may make your symptoms worse if you are prone to asthma, allergies, or hay fever.
Causes Congestion
You risk drying out your throat and nose if you leave the fan on. The overproduction of mucus is sparked by excessive dryness, which results in sinusitis, headaches, and a stuffy nose.
You can drink some water to quell the dryness, but doing so will keep you from falling asleep.
Dries Eyes and Skin
The air from the fan can cause your eyes to become too dry if you sleep with your eyes open.
Additionally, dry skin and irritation may result from a constant air blast. Applying moisturizers before bed may help to some extent.
May Aggravate Muscle Aches
Muscle spasms can be brought on by the cold air circulating nearby. Muscle pain that you already have could get worse if you sleep with the fan on. Muscles tense up and cramp from the intense cool airflow.
The same issue can arise if you sleep with the air conditioner on at night. The ideal temperature range for your room is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid waking up sore.
Noisy Fan Blades
Although the sound level of a fan varies depending on the model, it’s unlikely that you have one that is completely silent. While some people may find the white noise to be calming, others may find it to be distracting and prevent them from falling asleep easily.
Can a Fan Be Pointed Directly at a Baby?
Watch out for how close the fan is. Your infant shouldn’t put their fingers in close proximity to the rotating fan blades. Additionally, as babies struggle to control their body temperatures, you don’t want your child to be too cold.
Place it across the room from where they sleep if you’re using a fan that plugs into the wall. If you’re using the ceiling fan and you’ve placed their crib right underneath it, keep it on a low or medium setting.
What Are the Things to Consider While Using a Ceiling Fan in a Baby’s Room?
Do’s
As it circulates, a fan tends to pick up all the dust that comes it’s way. It would be best to clean the ceiling fan once a month to get rid of the dust and dirt and keep the baby safe.
Make sure a professional install the ceiling fan rather than attempting it on your own. Professionals make sure that the electrical wiring is set up correctly and does not malfunction.
Always maintain a low fan speed to prevent the baby from becoming too cold. For a comfortable temperature, the ideal speed is between 250 and 350 rpm.
Dont’s
Anything adorning that you receive in a subscription box shouldn’t be hung from the fan. Although a baby may find decorative items to be visually appealing, they pose a risk of injury due to the possibility that they will fall and hurt the child.
The baby’s room does not require a special ceiling fan. In the baby’s room, you can also use the standard ceiling fan that is in every room.
Conclusion: Be Careful
If you leave the fan on in the bedroom, your baby won’t get sick. The baby will feel comfortable with the fan on and get a good night’s sleep because the ceiling fan ensures proper air circulation. However, you must make sure that the fan’s speed is set permanently at a low to medium level.
Consult your baby’s doctor if you have any concerns about using a ceiling fan around them. In light of your baby’s general health, they are better qualified to offer individualized guidance.