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

The recent summer heat can feel harsh even to adults. Babies are small and have little immunity to various stimuli, so this can cause unexpected health problems. We will tell you the key points to survive summer comfortably and energetically, such as whether it is okay to use the air conditioner even in a room with a baby and what temperature should be set.

What dangers lurk in your first summer?

In recent years, summer heat has become extremely hot.
This is an even greater burden for newborn babies who are unaccustomed to external stimulation. There are many dangers lurking during your first summer that can lead to health problems.

Of these, heat stroke is something you need to be especially careful about.
Heatstroke, as defined by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, is ``a condition in which heat builds up in the body due to being in a hot and humid environment for a long time, and the body's body temperature regulation function does not function properly.'' Babies are at higher risk than adults because they are not yet able to regulate their body temperature properly.

If you notice signs such as a red and feverish face, sweating a lot, feeling tired, or urinating less or less often, you may be suffering from heatstroke. This can be life-threatening, so take immediate action such as cooling your body. You can sweat a lot and become dehydrated, so don't forget to stay hydrated.

What is the appropriate temperature for a baby?

The most comfortable temperature for babies is 20 to 25 degrees Celsius outside of summer, and 25 to 28 degrees Celsius in summer.
Please make sure that the "temperature" of the area where your baby is located is the appropriate temperature, not the "set temperature" displayed on the remote control.

Also, as you can see from the fact that the humid heat during the rainy season is uncomfortable, you may feel more comfortable when the humidity is lower, even if the temperature is the same. The best indoor humidity is around 50%. Use a thermohygrometer to keep the temperature and humidity at just the right level.

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

Babies do not yet have the ability to regulate their body temperature and are unable to properly release body heat when they get hot. Therefore, even if you stay indoors, you may suffer from heat stroke or heat rash. For your comfort as well as your health, please make good use of your air conditioner to adjust the room temperature.

If you turn off the air conditioner when you go to bed, the risk of health problems such as heat stroke increases in proportion to the room temperature, so it may be better to leave it on all day during the hot summer months.

What should I be careful about when using the air conditioner?

First of all, don't let it get too cold. If the room temperature drops below 25℃, it's too cold.

 

Also, when you turn on the air conditioner, the air tends to dry out, so please take care to prevent dry skin, such as moisturizing with baby lotion. If your skin is already itchy due to dryness, you need to take anti-itch medicine and pay attention to moisturizing your skin.

In order to prevent your baby from getting too cold and to prevent dryness, it is also important to prevent the baby from being exposed to air conditioning directly.

What is often overlooked is the management of the air conditioner itself.
The inside of an air conditioner is humid, making it an environment where mold can easily grow. If a baby inhales the mold released with the cold air, it can cause sneezing, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, etc. It can also cause childhood asthma and mycoplasma.
Clean it regularly and keep it clean.

Is there a way to adjust the temperature other than using an air conditioner?

Although using an air conditioner to control the room temperature is a basic premise, the clothes and bedding you wear can also be used to prevent heat or getting too cold.

When spending time indoors, just underwear is generally sufficient. Newborns may wear short underwear and combination underwear. Choose a material that is breathable and absorbs moisture, such as cotton or gauze.
If you keep sweating, it can cause heat rash and rough skin. The areas that tend to sweat the most are the head, neck, and back. If your child is sweating, gently wipe them with gauze or change them frequently.

To prevent your child from getting too cold due to the air conditioner, you can put one extra layer of clothing on, or add leg warmers or belly wraps.
It's a good idea to cover your pet with a blanket, but since a comforter can fall on your face and pose a risk of suffocation, it's also a good idea to put a sleeper on it instead of a comforter when you're not watching.

What should you be careful about when going out?

Not only the heat, but also the difference in temperature between indoors and outdoors can put a big strain on your body.

Limit your time in high-temperature environments to as short a time as possible, choose a shaded area whenever possible, and use a parasol or hat to avoid direct sunlight.
It is also necessary to prepare for the cold in an air-conditioned room. Since you won't be able to freely adjust the room temperature when you go out, we recommend that you prepare a jacket that you can easily take off and put on, something you can put on like a cape or blanket, and items such as leg warmers and socks.

When using a baby carrier, the body temperature of mom and dad can make the baby even hotter, and poor ventilation can trap heat and moisture, increasing the risk of heat stroke. On hot days, it's important to take it down from time to time to cool down.
Also, asphalt exposed to the summer sun can heat up to around 60 degrees Celsius. Strollers that are close to the ground are affected by the heat, so you need to take extra precautions against the heat.