Will Ceiling Fan Make Newborn Sick? Things To Know

will ceiling fan make newborn sick

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Will ceiling fan make newborn sick?

No, a ceiling fan will not make your newborn sick. In fact, it helps maintain a comfortable and cool environment and lowers the risk of SIDS because it improves air circulation.

But that does not mean that you should have your ceiling fan at full blast. There are some practical guidelines you should follow to ensure your baby’s well-being.

Let’s talk about the benefits of ceiling fans for newborns and ways to improve your baby’s comfort while they sleep.

Benefits of ceiling fans in a baby’s room

Let’s debunk the myths surrounding the use of ceiling fans. I will share practical tips to ensure that your little one’s environment is comfortable, safe, and conducive to their health.

Here are some benefits of having a ceiling fan in your newborn’s bedroom.

Temperature regulation 

Newborns cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults, so we need to create a cozy and safe environment for them.

You should maintain a comfortable room temperature because newborns are very sensitive to temperature changes. 

The ideal temperature for a newborn is between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 degrees Celsius) according to WebMD.

I recommend this inexpensive room thermometer to track the temperature and humidity in your baby’s room.

A ceiling fan distributes air evenly throughout the room and prevents hot spots or chilly corners, and your baby will be less likely to become overheated or too cold.

This circulation of air also reduces discomfort and sudden temperature-related illnesses.

Improved air circulation

As we mentioned above, ceiling fans keep the air in your nursery always moving and ensure a steady supply of fresh oxygen. 

The constant movement of air reduces the concentration of indoor pollutants such as allergens or dust and will help your newborn breathe better.

Ceiling fans create white noise

There are a lot of studies on how white noise creates a soothing and comfortable environment for babies. 

The truth is that your baby will love background noise and will sleep better. 

The humming of a ceiling fan provides a soothing sound that partially blocks household sounds and promotes more restful sleep. 

Our home is fairly quiet so we don’t have to worry about sounds like TV, music, or our dogs barking,

But if your home is noisy, the white noise created by the ceiling fan will help your baby sleep more comfortably.

Reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

We came across a study published by the National Library of Medicine that shows that a fan can lower the risks of SIDS.

This research suggests that the fan’s air circulation helps disperse any potential build-up of carbon dioxide.

The research found that just by adding a fan to your baby’s room, you can decrease the risk of SIDS by 72%.

The study also shows that you can further reduce SIDS risks in warmer rooms. This is why it is important to maintain the temperature in your nursery at about 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Very surprising, isn’t it?

A ceiling fan helps with skin conditions

If your baby suffers from eczema or dry skin, a ceiling fan can be a helpful addition to their nursery. 

The movement of air prevents excessive loss of moisture from your baby’s skin and reduces skin dryness.

Moisture in your baby’s skin will help it repair constantly and further minimize skin problems.

But why not use the air conditioning system?

Well, the AC tends to dehumidify the air. Lower humidity levels will increase skin dryness and worsen other skin-related conditions.

Ideal temperature and humidity in your baby’s room

best temperature for baby's comfort

As we mentioned earlier, the recommended room temperature in your newborn’s bedroom should be between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C).

Your baby will sleep better and more comfortably at this temperature. Lower or higher temperatures may affect your baby’s comfort and sleep quality.

Remember that your newborn is not able to regulate their body temperature as well as you, so they depend on you to monitor the temperature in their room.

Keep in mind that depending on the season, you might encounter temperature changes. You can leave a window open to let fresh air in and use the fan to distribute air evenly.

In the winter, you can reverse the direction of the fan to circulate warm air trapped near the ceiling so your baby stays warm and comfortable all day.

You should also monitor your baby’s bedroom humidity so it stays at about 40-50%. This level of humidity will help your child breathe better and can decrease skin problems.

I highly recommend you get this humidifier and dehumidifier from Amazon. They are affordable and will keep the ideal humidity levels in your baby’s room.

And don’t forget to get the room thermometer to monitor the air conditions.

 

Keep this in mind when you use a ceiling fan

These simple tips will create a better and more comfortable environment for your baby.

 

Place the crib at a distance from the fan

The location of the crib in relation to the ceiling fan can improve your baby’s comfort. Ideally, place it at a distance from the fan like in the corner of the room.

If you place the crib right under the ceiling fan, you’ll be blowing air directly on your baby and they might get cold. 

It won’t affect their breathing but you might have to put on extra layers.

Remember that the purpose of the ceiling fan is to move air around the room evenly and to control the room’s temperature, not the body temperature of your baby.

 

Adjust the fan speed and direction

Most fans are designed with 3 speeds. Personally, I would start with the slowest speed and see how your newborn reacts.

You can always adjust the speed to provide the best room environment for your baby. But also try to dress your baby properly by adding or removing layers.

And don’t forget to reverse the speed of the fan during the winter to distribute warm air that is sitting near the ceiling.

 

Constantly clean your ceiling fan

Make sure to clean and maintain your ceiling fan regularly to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

Dust and debris can accumulate on the blades and can affect indoor air quality. Clean the fan blades periodically to prevent dust from circulating in the room.

Also, make sure to check for any loose or damaged parts and make necessary repairs promptly to maintain the fan’s safe operation.

 

What if I don’t have a ceiling fan?

Don’t buy a ceiling fan if you don’t have one, just use a standalone fan.

It may not distribute air as efficiently but it will get the job done. Just make sure that you place the fan where your baby cannot easily reach for it.

The blades move very fast and can hurt your baby’s curious hands. A tower fan is a safe option.

What to do next?

A ceiling fan is safe and does not make your newborn sick. It actually improves your baby’s sleep quality and minimizes the risk of SIDS.

When you design your nursery, take into account where you will place the crib so your baby stays comfortable all day.

You can check out this article if you need help designing a developmentally appropriate bedroom for your newborn.

About Leslie - Latinx Montessori

Hello, I am Leslie. I am on a mission to help you support the growth and development of your child. With the right tools and proper guidance, you can navigate parenthood with confidence and assertion! My goal is to equip you with knowledge to help you construct a strong foundation for your child’s life.

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