Should You Put A Ceiling Fan In The Nursery?
There are so many considerations to make when planning your baby’s nursery. While the fun design items may be easy to check off your list, there are others that won’t be so simple.
Have you thought about the temperature and cooling situation in the nursery yet?
Depending on where you live and the climate you’re in, cooling down the room will be a high priority, especially if you’re bringing home a newborn in the warmer months.
It may seem like a no-brainer to have a ceiling fan in the nursery; however, there are some drawbacks you should be aware of before installing one. We’re here to help!
Is it okay to have a ceiling fan in a nursery?
It is perfectly safe and okay to have a ceiling fan in the nursery. A ceiling fan is a convenient way to keep your baby’s room cool and to keep the airflow consistent.
In the summertime when things heat up, it’s important that the nursery stays cool and dark for naps and nighttime sleep.
Ceiling fans help circulate air, including air blown into the room from the AC, to keep your baby comfortable.
Can I have a fan on in my baby’s room?
Putting a fan in your baby’s room is a great idea, especially when the weather warms up. Fans are a great way to cool down a room (and keep it cool longer) so your baby gets restful sleep, no matter what the temperature is outside.
Benefits of a ceiling fan in the nursery
The perks of having a ceiling fan in the nursery are monumental in terms of safety and peace of mind, so let’s discuss those first.
Ceiling fans can lower the risk of SIDS
Particularly in the summer months, you will be grateful to have a ceiling fan to keep the room within the recommended temperature of 68 to 72 degrees.
This study showed that the risk of SIDS increases in the warmer months because babies aren’t able to regulate their body temperature.
You can ensure the safety of your baby when they’re asleep by also dressing them in one layer of clothing, placing them on their backs to sleep, and making sure there aren’t any toys, blankets, or other items in the crib while they’re sleeping.
Ceiling fans can lull babies to sleep
Most ceiling fans make a slight humming noise as the blades turn in the air.
This humming can lull a baby to sleep; it has the same effect as a calming sound machine and can help your baby drift off.
White noise can also provide a distraction from any loud noises in or surrounding your home.
Whether your children are running around the house or the neighbors are doing yardwork near the nursery window, a ceiling fan (especially when paired with a sound machine) will help drown out those sounds and help to keep your baby sleeping soundly.
Ceiling fans are out of reach
You don’t have to worry about this until your baby is mobile, but freestanding fans can pose a threat to the safety of a baby if they are unsupervised.
Freestanding fans can be knocked over, little fingers can get caught in the blades, and they can mess with the cord or power outlet.
Ceiling fans remove this risk by remaining out of reach of curious little fingers.
AC units can be disruptive
Some AC units, particularly older models, are notorious for being loud when kicking on.
This sound may disrupt your baby’s sleep if the unit is constantly turning on to keep the room temperature down.
Ceiling fans, on the other hand, are relatively quiet and don’t make additional noise once they’re turned on or when the settings are adjusted.
Drawbacks of a ceiling fan in the nursery
Having a ceiling fan in your nursery may present some challenges; make sure you are aware of the drawbacks before having one installed.
AC is more effective at regulating room temperature
While ceiling fans are great for circulating air to cool down a room, an air conditioning unit is the best way to regulate the temperature of a room.
When it’s hot outside, you can set the AC to your desired temperature. The ceiling fan simply moves that air around the room; it doesn’t create colder air.
Sleeping with a fan on can trigger allergies
Ceiling fans can stir up dust and pollen into the air and then your baby may breathe it in.
If your baby has allergies, it may be best to avoid a ceiling fan to exacerbate those symptoms. Or if you plan to sleep in the nursery on a daybed, it could affect your allergies as well.
Installing a ceiling fan is an additional cost
You might need an electrician to come out and install a ceiling fan; if you are tight on time or money, you may elect to use a freestanding fan because it’s more convenient.
Alternatives to nursery ceiling fans
If you are skeptical about using a ceiling fan in the nursery, we get it! Here are a few alternatives you can try instead.
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Standing fan
Standing fans can be set on the floor and are effective at cooling down rooms of various sizes. You can go with the classic blade fan, or splurge on a blade-free tower fan, like this Dyson model.
If you are tight on space, a standing or tower fan may be a better option for the nursery.
Tabletop fan
Another alternative is the tabletop fan. You can set this on the changing table, dresser, or a side table so that it oscillates around the baby’s crib, wrapping them in cool air.
Tabletop fans are powerful enough to push air across the room, so you don’t need to place the fan right next to the crib. These fans are extremely affordable, compact, and you can move them anywhere you like.
Summary
Ceiling fans are the most effective method of cooling down a room when it’s warm. You’ll have peace of mind knowing it’s out of reach when your baby becomes mobile.
If you are hesitant to install a ceiling fan in the nursery, we recommend trying out the alternative options to see what works for you.