A ceiling fan is not only safe for installation in a baby's room, it is also considered to be a helpful parenting aid to help aid the baby to fall asleep. In addition, according to a 2008 "New York Times" article, ceiling fans may help lower the risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome.
Comfort and Safety
Contrary to harming a baby, the feeling of cool air floating over a baby provides a source of comfort, especially during hot summer months. In addition, because manufacturer recommendations normally call for a ceiling fan to be installed at a height from eight to nine feet above the floor, the fan is out of a baby's inquisitive reach. This is a benefit of a ceiling fan over a floor fan, which may present an inviting target for a baby to poke his fingers inside while the blades spin.
Possible Sleep Aid
Although it is an unproven idea, a ceiling fan is believed to act as a sleep aid to get restless babies to fall into slumber. The constant rhythmic hum that the fan emits while spinning, along with the continuously spinning blades the sight of which are usually are thought to overstimulate the child, will lead her more quickly into growing relaxed and sleepy. The baby will be able to lie still, without moving, and fully indulge her fascination with the stationary but spinning fan, until sleep results.
Aesthetic Benefits
In addition to the comfort benefits that a ceiling fan offers, it brings along the added bonus of allowing you to further decorate the baby's room. Be sure to wipe the blades clean with a ceiling fan duster, feather duster or dust wipe, and keep the blades clean. Paint the blades to match, or stand out from, whatever color scheme is already in place within the room. Be creative and attach whatever stickers or pictures will catch and hold the baby's attention.
Lowered SIDS Risk Possibility
Laying the baby on his back, which aids in the baby noticing the ceiling fan, is also considered the safest position to lay a baby in to prevent sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. A 2008 study also examined the effects that room ventilation had on a sleeping baby's risk of SIDS. An October 8, 2008 article in "The New York Times" cited an October 2008 "Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine" article about the study, which concluded that fan use "may be an effective intervention for further decreasing SIDS risk in infants in adverse sleeping environments."
Considerations
A ceiling fan does not create cool air; it simply circulates air around a room. In the summer, with the blades spinning counterclockwise, the room air is forced straight down. This makes anyone directly underneath the fan feel cooler. Prevent the baby from feeling the full wind chill effect of the fan by moving her from directly beneath it. Also, lower the fan speed when necessary. In the winter, fan blades adjusted to run clockwise draw cooler air up and force warm air down and out toward the walls.
Tags: also considered, baby room, blades clean, death syndrome, infant death