Is it safe to use an AC or cooler with a newborn?
Yes, it's safe, provided you take a few precautions.Most doctors agree that using a cooler or an air conditioner (AC) with a newborn is safer than letting him stay in a hot, airless and humid environment.
What are the risks if a baby gets too hot or too cold?
Babies, particularly newborns, can't adjust their body temperature as well as adults. They also can't express themselves clearly to let you know they are in distress.
Experts say that a properly cooled and ventilated environment helps your baby to sleep comfortably and reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Being in a hot, humid environment also makes them vulnerable to overheating and heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion or heatstroke. They may also get a prickly heat rash,
On the other hand, extremely cold temperatures could lead to hypothermia (a serious condition where the body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced) and frostbite.
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What precautions should I take when using an AC or cooler with a baby?
Follow these tips to keep your baby safe and comfortable while using an air conditioner or cooler:
Redirect the air vents away from your baby
Always keep your baby away from the direct blast of cold air from the AC or cooler. Any place that is too cold could severely lower your baby's body temperature and chill him. Regularly check on him to ensure he's safe and not too cold or uncomfortable.
Maintain a comfortable room temperature
Changes in the outside heat and humidity can affect the cooling of your AC or cooler. Your room could get chilly or warm very quickly, making it uncomfortable for your baby.
So, keep the temperature at a comfortable setting, that is not too cold or too warm. Many experts recommend maintaining a temperature range between 23 and 25 degrees C.
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Keep your baby hydrated
Offer your child plenty of fluids to help cool the body from the inside out and keep him hydrated. You don’t need to give water to an exclusively breastfed baby, even in hot weather. Just breastfeed him more often.
On the other hand, formula-fed babies may need to have someboiled and cooled water in addition to their usual feeds in hot weather. However, only give small amounts of water at a time. You don’t want water to replace a feed and make your baby too full for his milk.
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Keep your baby well-moisturised
Using an AC may causedry skin in some babies, especially if they are in an air-conditioned room for long periods of time. If you notice this, use a suitable moisturiser recommended by your doctor.
You may have heard that dipping an ear-bud in baby oil and gently swiping it in each nostril may help may prevent nose bleeds caused by dry nasal passages. However, do check with your doctor before applying anyoil to your baby's nostrils.
Some mums also recommend keeping a bowl of water in the room. The water is thought to help reduce the dryness by keeping the air in the room "moist".
Help your baby adjust to varying temperatures
Don't take your baby to a warm place immediately after leaving an air-conditioned room. The sudden temperature changes can be hard on your baby. It's helpful to switch off the AC or cooler for about 10 minutes before you take your baby out of the room.
If you travel by car, keep the air conditioning between 23 and 25 degrees C. Also, keep your baby away from the direct airflow.
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Never leave a baby or small child inside a parked car. Parking in the shade, opening the windows, or even running the AC may not keep the temperature inside a parked car at a safe level for babies.
Babyproof your home
It's never too early to babyproof your home. Even before your baby is mobile, risks abound.
Also, keep the AC remote away from child. It's not uncommon for babies to chew on remotes, or playfully change the settings of electrical gadgets or devices.
Never leave your baby unattended in a room with an air conditioner or cooler running.
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Is it better to use a cooler or AC with a newborn baby?
This depends entirely on your family's needs and your preferences. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Pros and cons of using air conditioners
ACs work well in hot weather and also control humidity. They are more efficient at bringing down and maintaining the temperature in the room. You can set the desired temperature.
Some models also have a heating function. So, you can use the same AC all year round in the cooling or heating mode depending on the weather.
ACs can be expensive depending on the brand, size and functionality you choose. They are also more expensive to run and maintain. If you have frequent or prolonged power cuts in your area, you'll need a generator or high-end inverter to carry the load.
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ACs need regular maintenance to ensure the filters are clean, the fan is working correctly and the cooling is optimal. If moisture accumulates on the coils and fan blades, it can help bacteria andmould to grow.
They also emit harmful gases that negatively impact our environment. Spending too much time in an air-conditioned environment can cause headaches and dry or itchy skin. If the filters aren’t cleaned properly they can causeallergies, respiratory diseases and other illnesses as the AC circulates the germs through the indoor air.
Pros and cons of using coolers
Coolers can be budget-friendly and cheaper to run. If you have frequent power cuts in your area, many coolers can still continue to run on an inverter. However, running a cooler can be difficult if you have water problems in your area.
Also, coolers aren’t very effective in the humid weather. Many find it's helpful to leave a window or door partly open to allow the passage of air, especially in humid weather such as the monsoon.
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It's hard to maintain a set temperature with a cooler and you'll probably need a thermometer to keep track. As a cooler evaporates water to cool, it increases the humidity in the air. In a closed room, the humidity tends to keeps rising, and eventually the cooling stops. This can gradually increase the temperature, making the room hot and sticky.
Coolers need to be properly cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria, mould and algae. Their water tanks hold water for long periods and can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can cause serious illnesses such asdengue fever,malaria andchikungunya.
It isn't necessary to use an AC or cooler at all times. Some days are not as hot as others, especially indoors. If the temperature indoors is below or around 25 degrees C, use a fan instead of the AC. Read more about simple ways to keep your baby cool and comfortable.
Should my baby wear warm clothes if he's in an air-conditioned room?
It's easy to worry about whether your baby is warm enough – but keeping him comfortable isn't as complicated as you might think. The trick is striking the right balance so he doesn't get too hot or too cold.
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It is recommended that babies should wear one more layer than you, and shouldn't be dressed too warmly for the room, or wrapped too snugly.
- Dress your baby in light layers that cover his arms and legs. Doing so will protect your baby from cold air.
- You may like to try a light cap for his head and some light cotton socks or booties to cover his feet.
- If you plan to use a light blanket or sheet, make sure you tuck it below his elbows to avoid covering his face.
Swaddling your baby is also an easy way to keep their arms and legs warm during sleep, but stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of being able toroll over.
Is it normal for my baby's hands and feet to be cold?
A baby's hands and feet are often cooler than the rest of his body. Don’t rely entirely on how cold your baby's feet or hands feel if you want to add on, or remove layers. Check your baby's back, chest or tummy.
Young babies still have underdeveloped circulatory systems, and their bodies regulate temperature differently than our adult bodies do. Also, your baby's hands don't need a lot of blood flow, so their body is busy circulating blood to other important parts such as thebrain and lungs.
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In other words, cold hands and feet are typically not a sign that the whole body is cold. As long as the room is not too chilled and your baby is not showing signs of illness or distress, you can assume your baby is comfortable.
What are the signs that my baby is feeling cold?
If your baby is feeling cold, you're likely to notice:
- his skin appears blotchy or pale
- his chest or the back of his neck feels cool to the touch
- his arms, legs, or cheeks feel overly cool to the touch
- he's extra fussy or keeps waking frequently
Whatever the case, pay attention to your baby's cues and signs of discomfort. If your baby seems verycranky, sleepy or unresponsive, or is refusing feeds, contact your doctor right away.
What are the signs that my baby is feeling hot?
If your baby is feeling hot, you're likely to notice:
- his hair is damp
- he is sweating
- his tummy feels hot and clammy
- his cheeks look red or flushed
- he's breathing rapidly
- he's irritable and cranky
- he has signs of prickly heat rash
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Too much moisture can lead to prickly heat, even in the winter. So, if your baby is sweating, take a layer off, or change your baby's clothes so more air can flow over his skin.
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