The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued guidance to parents on the prudent use of air conditioning for young children during hot summer days. Infants’ sweat glands are still immature, they have a higher metabolic rate than adults, and their ability to regulate body temperature is not yet fully effective.
Children tend to sweat profusely and are unable to dry off as quickly as adults. In hot weather, if parents don’t promptly change their sweaty clothes, the child is at higher risk of catching a cold or falling ill. Moreover, the improper use of air conditioning can also be detrimental to the baby’s health and affect their development.
Therefore, experts have outlined five critical points for parents to remember when using air conditioning for infants during the summer.
Pay Attention to Temperature and Humidity
During the summer, parents should set the room temperature between 78.8 and 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit, adjust the airflow to the lowest setting, and strive to maintain a temperature difference of no more than 9 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit between the indoors and outdoors.
This temperature range not only helps the baby cool down but also contributes to their physical development, creating a comfortable environment that promotes a stable mood and overall well-being.
With continuous air conditioning, a child’s body can quickly lose moisture, causing dry nasal mucosa and skin. To counter this, it is necessary to include a humidifying mist sprayer in the baby’s room.
For family members with allergies or children with a medical history, maintaining humidity between 40% and 45% can make them feel more comfortable and also reduce the growth of harmful bacteria.
Maintain a Room Temperature Between 78.8 and 82.4 Degrees Fahrenheit
Ventilate Daily
Research indicates that in a completely sealed room, after six hours, it becomes difficult for air to circulate outside, leading to a reduction in oxygen levels of up to 13.2%, a 1.2% increase in E. coli, and similar increases in other harmful bacteria.
When children are exposed to air-conditioned environments for prolonged periods, it can actually cause more harm than good. Therefore, regardless of the outdoor temperature, it is essential to ensure that windows are open for air circulation. This should be done at least twice a day for no less than 20 minutes each time.
Ideally, open windows on opposite sides of the room to create a convective airflow, which is more effective in removing pollutants.
Additionally, with cooler temperatures in the morning and evening, along with gentle sunlight, it is the perfect time to absorb sunshine. This helps stimulate the activity of nerve cells in various areas of the brain, thereby supporting physical development.
Ensure Air Circulation by Opening Windows, Regardless of Outdoor Temperature
Don’t Take Your Child Directly into an Air-Conditioned Room
After taking your child outdoors, where they may have perspired heavily, some parents may immediately take them into an air-conditioned room to cool down.
However, due to young children’s limited ability to regulate body temperature and their thinner subcutaneous fat layer, sudden temperature changes can make them more susceptible to catching a cold as they struggle to adapt.
Parents should pay attention to wiping away their child’s sweat and changing sweaty clothes before bringing them into an air-conditioned room. Start with a temperature of 82.4°F and gradually adjust it downward. Avoid setting the temperature below 78.8°F in the first 10 minutes to prevent a rapid decrease in the child’s body temperature, which could lead to a cold.
Avoid Directing Air Conditioning Drafts onto Your Child
Infants, with their thinner subcutaneous fat layer and a surface area-to-volume ratio three times that of adults, are at a significantly higher risk of heat loss. Therefore, direct exposure to cold air from air conditioning may not be beneficial to their health.
If the cold air from the air conditioner blows directly onto the child, it can cause a rapid decrease in their body temperature, increasing the likelihood of catching a cold or developing respiratory problems.
Avoid directing the air conditioning draft onto the child. Instead, adjust the airflow downward or toward a wall to disperse the cold air evenly. This creates a gentle, circulating breeze while ensuring good ventilation in the room. When needed, a fan can be used to generate a gentle breeze to cool the space without harming the child.
Avoid Directing Air Conditioning Drafts onto Your Child; Instead, Adjust the Airflow Downward or Toward a Wall
Be Mindful When Dressing Your Child
Each child has their own unique sensitivity to temperature, so parents cannot assume that setting the air conditioning to 78.8-82.4°F will be suitable for all. It is essential to observe and be aware of whether your child feels too hot or too cold, making adjustments as necessary.
A baby’s feet have a higher concentration of sweat glands, playing a crucial role in cooling the body. Additionally, this area is farther from the heart, resulting in less blood circulation compared to other parts of the body, so the feet often feel cooler to the touch.
Mothers should pay close attention to their baby’s head and neck. If these areas are damp and sweaty, it’s a sign to lower the temperature to a more comfortable level.
When the weather turns chilly, consider increasing the temperature slightly. As nighttime temperatures are usually cooler than daytime, mothers may want to adjust the heater to provide extra warmth during sleeping hours. Moreover, choosing cotton clothing with its absorbent and breathable properties will also enhance the baby’s comfort.
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