Is Air Conditioning Safe for Babies?

on June 5, 2009 at 9:47 AM

As the temperatures climb this summer, we'll be looking for any and all ways to keep cool and comfortable. But is air conditioning safe for your baby? I know some moms are wondering if the cold air could cause a chill or even asthma later in life...

Everything that I've heard suggests that it is generally safe to have your baby sleep in an air conditioned room—especially if the alternative is a hot, humid, and stuffy room. There are a few precautions you might want to take when using the air conditioner in your baby's room:

Keep temperatures reasonable. Some doctors recommend a temperature of between 68-72 degrees, but check with your doctor to see what they suggest for your baby.
Avoid placing your baby near vents. Whether you have central air or window units, air conditioners tend to have concentrated flows of cold air coming from the vents—this might be too strong for your baby. Babies can take advantage of the cool room without being directly in the path of blowing air.
Dress babies lightly but covered. This way the cold air isn't directly touching their skin while they sleep.

Another idea for keeping your baby's room from overheating during the summer is to use a fan (although it should be noted that fans move air around, they don't cool the air). Not only is this safe, but studies have shown that using a fan in the room lowers a baby's risk of SIDS by 72 percent.

How do you keep your baby cool in the summer?

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: safety, sleep, summer safety

Comments (15)

aurorabunny

on Jun 5, 2009 at 11:25 AM

For many of us with allergy kiddos running the air is necessary.

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RanaAurora

on Jun 5, 2009 at 1:26 PM

Are you serious? Is air conditioning SAFE? *facepalm*

Don't lay your kid on the vent. Don't make your house a freezer.

Tada. Safer than having your house be 90 degrees.

babyboomboom

on Jun 5, 2009 at 2:39 PM

RanaAurora Jun. 5, 2009 at 1:26 PM

Can I put him IN the freezer? LOL That will cool him off, right? :)

Cafe MicheleZ

on Jun 5, 2009 at 2:58 PM

I think this was a good article. Not everyone knows these things.

Peajewel

on Jun 5, 2009 at 10:36 PM

I agree with you Cafe MicheleZ....nice article and I am sure it helped someone.

on Jun 5, 2009 at 10:38 PM

OH and in answer to your question.....we have central air and we also have a pool and if we aren't sitting in one of those then we would be sitting outside eating Popsicles....yummy!

Nonmember comment from Kim - Parenting

on Jun 6, 2009 at 5:12 AM

From experience I can honestly say that using air-conditioning is safe, providing it is not too cool and directly on baby. However, don't just rely on the air-conditioning, also have a window open. This will regulate the temperature of the room better. Also be aware, that air-conditioning units do circulate air from other areas of the house, so if there is someone ill in the house, it will be easier to make the virus contagious. Just a thought.

litlsuzzy

on Jun 6, 2009 at 11:03 AM

I have seen people put their baby directly under an a/c unit with nothing but a onsie on to sleep even when it's not that hot outside. some people just don't know any better or don't think about it.

a little common sense goes a long way.

2girlsMom.MN

on Jun 6, 2009 at 3:50 PM

My baby has asthma and it's safer to have the central air on then have the windows open. Last weekend we had the windows open and she had a asthma attack and we ended up in the ER allergies were also really bad.

on Jun 6, 2009 at 9:56 PM

Michele, I'm by no means saying you're silly for posting it. :)

What worries me is that you're RIGHT - there probably ARE people out there who needed to know these things. That's just scary.