How to spend the summer with your baby: Can I use an air conditioner?

The heat of summer in recent years can be felt harsh even for adults. For babies whose bodies are small and have little immunity to various stimuli, this can cause unexpected health problems. We will tell you the points to help you get through the summer comfortably and vigorously, such as whether you can use the air conditioner even in a room with a baby, and what temperature is appropriate.

What are the dangers that lurk in your first summer?

In recent years, the summer heat has been harsh.
This is an even greater burden for babies who are new to external stimuli. During your first summer, there are many risks that can lead to health problems.

One of the most important things to be aware of is heat stroke.
Heat stroke, as defined by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, refers to "when staying in a hot, humid environment for a long time, the body's temperature control function works well, and heat builds up inside the body." Babies are still unable to regulate their temperature, so they are at higher risk than adults.

If there are signs such as a red face and fever, a lot of sweat, a limp, or a small amount or number of pee, you may be suspected of heat stroke. It can be life-threatening, so take measures to cool your body right away. Don't forget to stay hydrated as you may sweat a lot.

What is the optimum temperature for babies?

The most comfortable temperature for babies is 20-25°C outside of summer and 25-28°C in summer.
Be careful not to use the "setting temperature" displayed on the remote control, but to make sure the "temperature" where the baby is located is the appropriate temperature.

Also, as can be seen from the unpleasant humidity such as during the rainy season, even at the same temperature, it can feel comfortable when the humidity drops. The best indoor humidity is around 50%. Use a thermo-hygrometer or something similar to manage your temperature and humidity to keep it at the right temperature and humidity.

Is it okay to use the air conditioner in a room with a baby?

Babies are still immature in temperature control and are unable to release their body heat even when it gets hot. Therefore, even when you are indoors, you may experience heat stroke or flapping. Not only for comfort, but also for health, make good use of your air conditioner to adjust the room temperature.

If you turn off the air conditioner while you're sleeping, the risk of health problems such as heat stroke increases proportionally to room temperature, so it may be better to leave it on all day during the hot summer months.

What should you be careful about when using an air conditioner?

First of all, don't let it cool too much. If the room temperature seems to be below 25°C, it will get too cold.

 

Also, when the air conditioner is on, the air is prone to dryness, so be careful to prevent dry skin, such as moisturizing with baby lotion. If you're already itching due to dryness, you should also use anti-itclinic reactions and pay attention to moisturizing.

It is also important to avoid direct air from the air conditioner to prevent the baby from cooling too much and to prevent dryness.

One thing that is often overlooked is the management of the air conditioner itself.
The inside of the air conditioner is very humid and is prone to mold growth. If a baby sucks out mold released with cold air, it can cause sneezing, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. It can also cause childhood asthma and mycoplasma.
Clean it regularly to keep it clean.

Is there any other way to adjust the temperature besides the air conditioner?

The most important premise is to use an air conditioner to control the room temperature, but what you wear and bedding can also be used to protect against the heat and to prevent it from getting too cold.

When spending time indoors, underwear is basically enough. Newborns can also layer short underwear and combination underwear. Choose materials made from cotton or gauze that are breathable and highly absorbent.
If you keep sweating, it can cause flammability and skin irritation. The areas around your head, neck and back are the ones that tend to sweat easily. If you are sweating, gently wipe it with gauze or something similar or change your clothes frequently.

To prevent air conditioning from getting too cold, you can wear one more piece or add a leg warmer or a belly wrap.
It's a good idea to wear a blanket or something, but since a quilt can be placed on your face and can lead to risks such as choking, it's also recommended to wear a sleeper instead of a quilt when taking your eyes off.

What should you be careful about when going out?

Not only is the heat, but the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors also puts a huge strain on the body.

Keep your days in high temperatures as short as possible, choose shade as much as possible, and use a parasol or hat to avoid direct sunlight.
You also need to be prepared to prevent cold weather in air-conditioned rooms. Since you cannot freely adjust the room temperature when you go out, we recommend that you prepare a jacket that can be easily removed, something that can be worn such as a cape or blanket, and items such as leg warmers and socks.

When using a baby carrier, the temperature of the mother and father can make it even hotter, or the risk of heat and moisture build up due to poor ventilation. On hot days, it is also important to occasionally lower it to cool it down.
Also, asphalt gets hot to around 60°C in the summer sun. Strollers close to the ground are affected by the heat, so more heat protection is required.