With summer already arriving, the temperatures soaring, we all would naturally be tempted to switch on our air conditioners (ACs) and coolers.
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After all, children and even babies are uncomfortable in hot and humid environment and more liable to get rashes or get dehydrated. A properly cooled well ventilated room makes it comfortable for the babies too and is known to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in babies. So do not hesitate to use the AC but with proper precautions.
Air conditioners trap a lot of dust and grime from the air and switching them on after a long period will only dispense this into the air again. Also the AC retains,a lot of old and germs. These can cause allergies in your child and aggravate attacks especially in children with asthma and allergic rhinitis. A thorough cleaning by a trained service person of the filters and ducts will get rid of the molds and dust.
What is the ideal temperature to set ?
There should not be an extreme difference in the temperatures outside vis-a-vis inside. Extremes of temperature harms the babies. Average of 24-26 degrees is safe, and an ideal difference in the temperature is around 7-8 degrees, so if the outside temperature is 35-36 degrees set the AC to 28 degrees.
Dress your baby in appropriate clothes, layering of clothes is convenient. Cover with thin/light blanket to avoid over cooling. Use booties, cover arms and legs. Use a soft cap to protect the head. Babies lose quite a bit of heat from the head areas.
Keep your baby away from the direct cold air blast of the AC.
Babies are more prone to get too hot or too cold easily. Monitor the temperatures, check your baby’s hands and feet to judge the adequacy of cooling, they should not be too cold.
Avoid sudden changes of temperature.
If your child comes home from school, avoid letting her into an air-conditioned room immediately, allow for a gradual cooling down. Similarly, before stepping out of an AC room allow for a gradual change in temperature, put off the AC, use the fan, keep the doors and windows open, as the room gets a little warmer,then gradually shift outdoors.
Hydrate your baby well, breastfeed often. Even the older children forget to drink water when in air-conditioned places as thirst goes down, ensure they are taking enough fluids.
ACs make the air dry and hence dry out your child’s skin too. Use of a mild moisturizer/cream along with good hydration can avoid this.
The dry cold air can also irritate the mucous membranes and aggravate nose block in babies.Use saline nasal drops frequently to avoid this. Use humidifiers or a bowl of water in the room.
How long can I keep my baby in the AC?
Its better to avoid staying for prolonged periods in air-conditioned rooms, try to limit to 4 hours of continuous exposure to ACs, You can switch to a fan once the room has cooled sufficiently. Block direct sunlight by using heavy curtains to retain the coolness of the room longer.
Avoid stuffed toys and pets in the bedroom. Get all bed clothes and linen washed in warm water. Get the carpets and furniture cleaned. Avoid carpeting, if possible. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to reduce dust, pet dander and other allergens. Remember, vacuuming temporarily stirs up dust that takes a couple of hours to settle back down.
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