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For mothers giving birth in the summer, the first concern is undoubtedly dealing with the heat. Especially during peak hot periods, how can mothers and babies get through this time? Newborns are very sensitive to temperature, and if it's too hot, they can sweat a lot and develop heat rash. That's why many families with means often opt to install air conditioning to help reduce the heat. However, many parents wonder whether newborns should use air conditioning? How can air conditioning be used correctly and safely for newborns?
Should Newborns Sleep in Air Conditioning?
Many mothers worry that having newborns in an air-conditioned room will affect their health. However, if air conditioning is used correctly on hot summer days, it won't affect the baby's health. If the room is too hot, the baby may sweat excessively because a baby's heat-regulating center is not as developed as an adult's, so when it's too hot or too cold, the baby can't tolerate it. That's why mothers can use air conditioning at a moderate temperature and always keep the room well-ventilated.
To use air conditioning correctly and prevent your child from getting sick while using it, parents need to pay attention to the following:
1. Set the air conditioning temperature to 26-28 degrees Celsius
– According to information from Tu Du Hospital's website, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh, a neonatal consultant at Tu Du Hospital, shares: The newborn period is counted from birth to 30 days old. Newborns do not have the ability to regulate body temperature like older children or adults, especially preterm infants. If a newborn is left naked in a room with a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius, they will feel as cold as an adult standing naked in a room at 0 degrees Celsius.
– After birth, if a full-term baby is properly cared for, their normal body temperature will be around 36.5 - 37.5 degrees Celsius. If the baby is dressed, wears mittens, socks, a hat, and is swaddled, they can tolerate room temperatures from 26 - 28 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, adults, especially those who are overweight, may feel uncomfortably warm, but for babies, it's cold and they need to be dressed adequately as mentioned. Therefore, adults should not decide the room temperature for a newborn based on their own comfort.
2. The 3-Minute Rule
– Rapid temperature differences between inside and outside an air-conditioned room can quickly weaken a child's immune system, making them prone to fever, colds, and coughs. Mothers should remember that every time they want to take their child from an air-conditioned room outside, they should open the door three minutes beforehand, let the child play nearby to get used to the warm air outside. On the other hand, when the child comes back inside, sweaty, mothers should wipe the sweat off and let the child rest for at least 3 minutes at normal room temperature, avoiding taking the child straight into a cold air-conditioned room with a sudden drop in temperature.
3. Avoid Direct Air Conditioning on Baby's Sleeping Area
– A baby's respiratory system is still very sensitive. If the air conditioner's fan blows directly onto the face or head, babies with weak constitutions are prone to respiratory illnesses such as respiratory allergies, nasal inflammation, bronchitis, pneumonia, sore throat. The air conditioner should be placed high up. The air conditioner's air vent should not be directly facing the baby lying down, nor should the fan speed be too strong. It should be set to the lowest fan speed and set to oscillate, absolutely not set to blow straight in one direction.
4. Clear Nasal Passage and Hydrate Your Child Regularly
Aside from paying attention to how to use the air conditioner, mothers also need to take care of their child's health. Sleeping in an air-conditioned room may feel cool, but it can also cause dry skin and a dry nose. Mothers should regularly clear their child's nasal passages with saline solution and ensure their child drinks plenty of water (for older children). For breastfeeding infants, they should nurse frequently to avoid dehydration.
5. Use a Room Thermometer to Monitor Temperature
You should invest in a thermometer instead of relying solely on the air conditioner's temperature setting. The temperature of the air conditioner and the room can differ due to factors such as machine quality, room size, and walls.
6. Turn on Ventilation Fans
According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Tien Dung (Head of Pediatrics Department, Bach Mai Hospital): 'Using an air conditioner means you have to close the doors, trapping air inside. However, for young children, air circulation is crucial. Therefore, when using an air conditioner, you should turn on ventilation fans to create air circulation in the room.'
Additionally, when your child sleeps, make sure to use a thin blanket, especially covering the abdomen area tightly to avoid enlarged pores which can lead to catching a cold.
Through these helpful tips, mothers will undoubtedly feel less anxious and learn how to use air conditioning properly, ensuring the safest and healthiest environment for both mother and baby.
(Compiled)
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