Can newborn babies be exposed to air conditioning for long periods?

Oct 13, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
Newborn babies may experience discomfort if exposed to cold or excessive heat. Air-conditioned rooms can help maintain a constant ambient temperature, avoiding fluctuations that could cause discomfort. Therefore, it is generally safe for newborns to stay in air-conditioned environments for extended periods. However, care should be taken to ensure the airflow from the AC unit does not blow directly onto the baby, the temperature should be kept between 26–28°C, and windows should be opened periodically for ventilation to reduce the number of pathogens in the air.

Newborn babies can generally stay in air-conditioned environments for extended periods, but it's important to ventilate the room by opening windows regularly and to maintain a moderate indoor temperature—not too low or too high—to prevent discomfort.

After birth, newborns have not yet fully developed bodily functions and their immune systems are relatively weak. Exposure to cold or excessive heat may lead to discomfort. Air-conditioned rooms help maintain a stable ambient temperature, avoiding sudden fluctuations that could cause health issues. Therefore, it is generally safe for newborns to stay in air-conditioned environments for long durations. However, care should be taken to ensure the airflow from the air conditioner does not blow directly onto the baby. The temperature should be set between 26°C and 28°C. Additionally, windows should be opened periodically to ventilate the room and refresh the indoor air, reducing the number of pathogenic microorganisms.

When using air conditioning for newborns, it's essential to keep the unit clean to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria inside. Using a humidifier indoors while the air conditioner is running can also help maintain proper humidity levels, preventing excessively dry air that might cause dry skin.