Introduction
Did you know that in the United States alone, about 3,500 infants die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) also known as cot death? And did you also know that using a ceiling fan in your little one’s room could reduce their risk of cot death by as much as 72%? Yes, according to the Archives of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, having a ceiling fan could actually save your newborn's life. But is this really true or is it just a bunch of scientific mumbo-jumbo?
Benefits of a Ceiling Fans for kids
- Ceiling fans produce white noise which could soothe your baby to sleep and ensure they stay asleep. The white noise could also be used to muffle outside noises which can interfere with baby’s sleep.
- If you happen to live in the tropics or if it is the hot season, a ceiling fan would reduce the room temperature thus eliminating the discomfort that comes with hot weather. Overheating in babies is also a common risk factor for SIDS, and so you want the baby to stay cool and comfortable.
- Ceiling fans improve the air quality by promoting circulation which in turn rids the baby’s room of any indoor air pollutants such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), fumes, carbon monoxide, etc. By having a ceiling fan in your infant’s room, therefore, you can be sure your baby will be inhaling clean, fresh air. Room ventilation is also an important aspect when it comes to reducing the risk of SIDS.
- Ceiling fans simply promote air flow in the room, without making the indoor air too cool as is the case with air conditioners. Ultimately, you want your kids’ room to have good airflow and for them to stay sufficiently cool, not cold.
- Also unlike central or portable air conditioners, fans do not dry out the air. Therefore, you do not have to worry about your baby getting skin conditions such as eczema or respiratory problems like wheezing and asthma.
- Did you know that a rotating ceiling fan could also be a source of entertainment for your baby? It is not uncommon for babies to coo, giggle and smile at ceiling fans and this could keep them entertained for hours. It is pretty normal too so don’t fret.
Safety Precautions for kid's room ceiling fans
- While white noise produced by the fan could lull the baby to sleep, too much noise would instead wake the baby up. Therefore keep the fan at low speed to guarantee a sufficient amount of white noise. Also, setting the ceiling fans for kids at low speed would provide sufficient cooling for the baby whereas high speed might be too cold.
- Ensure the ceiling fan has been installed by a qualified professional who knows what he/she is doing, and that the fan is securely attached to the ceiling. Remember that it is your baby’s well-being at stake, and so this might not be the time for you to venture in a DIY.
- Regular cleaning of the ceiling fans for kids would be required to get rid of dust and dirt trapped on the fan blades. Make a point of cleaning it at least once a month.
- It might be tempting to hang cute dolls, toys, streamers, and ropes from you baby’s ceiling fan, but don’t!
- If the ceiling fan has any cords or chains hanging down from it, ensure, these are kept away from the baby’s reach. The same applies to any remote controls and wall switches.
- It goes without saying that the ceiling fans for kids should be out of the baby’s reach. In an instance whereby your kids’ room has a bunk bed, however, ensure a distance of about 3ft-5ft between the tips of the fan blades and the edge of the bunk bed or any other tall furniture. This guarantees that the kids will not reach the fan even when they are jumping on their bed.
Conclusion ceiling fans for kids room
Old wives tales held on to the belief that ceiling fans are bad for an infant and can even cause pneumonia or the common cold, but we have finally debunked this myth. Contrary to common belief, ceiling fans are actually good for your baby, and this fact has even been backed up by pediatricians. You just have to remember to take the necessary precaution, of course.
Written by Homer Latham, a friend from HappyHomeReports. If you are interesting on other cooling fans appliances, visit the blog!