Instructions on how to use air conditioning for children.

Improper use of air conditioning can make children more susceptible to respiratory illnesses.

Excessive and improper use of air conditioning can cause respiratory illnesses in children, such as rhinitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and sore throats, especially in children prone to asthma. Leaving children in air-conditioned rooms for extended periods can lead to dehydration, dry skin, and create favorable conditions for bacteria to thrive and cause respiratory problems.

Air conditioning can dry out the respiratory tract, leading to difficulty breathing, and in young children, it can cause fever and diarrhea. In particular, if children are not properly supervised and cared for while using air conditioning, they can suffer dangerous complications. So, how should air conditioning be used correctly?

Ideal temperature difference: 7 degrees Celsius

When children are asleep, their body temperature drops, making them susceptible to sore throats, fevers, and diarrhea. However, many parents overuse air conditioning, setting the temperature much lower than the outside temperature, which is not good for young children.

For children's safety, when using air conditioning, parents should only set it to 25-27 degrees Celsius. A temperature difference of 7 degrees Celsius between the indoor and outdoor temperatures is also beneficial for children (for example, if the outdoor temperature is 35 degrees Celsius, the air-conditioned room should be set to 28 degrees Celsius) and will not affect children if they frequently run outside to areas without air conditioning.

Usage time: No more than 4 hours continuously.

Sitting in an air-conditioned room all day is absolutely not recommended. Young children who spend more than 4 hours in an air-conditioned room continuously often develop dry skin and a dry throat. Ideally, mothers should take their children out into a normal temperature environment every 2-3 hours.

Before leaving the room, turn off the air conditioner 30 minutes beforehand, open the door to allow air circulation, and let the baby's body gradually adapt to the outside temperature.

Ensure hygiene

Parents should pay attention to regularly cleaning air conditioners to prevent mold and germs from accumulating inside. Otherwise, the air conditioner could become a source of illness for children. Rooms where air conditioning is frequently used should also be cleaned regularly. When the air conditioner is not in use, open the room doors to allow for ventilation.

Avoid sudden changes.

When a child comes in from the sun and is sweating profusely, parents should avoid immediately taking them into a very cold air-conditioned room. Before letting the child into an air-conditioned room, parents should let the child sit outside for a while and wipe away the sweat. If they want to take the child out of the air-conditioned room, parents should open the door and let the child stand for a few minutes to adjust to the surrounding environment before taking them outside.

Furthermore, when using air conditioning, parents should limit children from going in and out of areas with large temperature differences. In addition, if using air conditioning for children, a humidifier should also be used. However, only use it for light humidification; excessive humidity can easily lead to respiratory infections in children.

Drinking water

Children should drink plenty of water, especially in hot weather and when they spend a lot of time in air-conditioned rooms, to prevent dehydration. Dehydration in young children weakens the body's natural defense mechanisms for maintaining respiratory hygiene.

Caring for children when using air conditioning.

You should regularly use saline solution to clean your baby's nose to maintain the necessary moisture and prevent nasal dryness.

Give your child cooling foods and drinks such as orange juice, lemon juice, etc.

When your child is sleeping, cover them with a thin blanket, especially around the abdomen, to prevent pores from dilating, which can easily lead to a cold. Choose clothes for your child that absorb sweat well, such as cotton.

You should turn on the ventilation fan when using the air conditioner.

Avoid directing the air conditioner's airflow directly at a child's face or head, as this can easily cause nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, and respiratory illnesses such as sore throats.

When children experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest tightness, they should be taken to a doctor for examination; do not self-medicate.

However, if the weather isn't hot, there's no need to use air conditioning for the baby. Natural breezes and fresh air, even a fan, are still best for the baby and for everyone else.

According to Health & Life - PC