can ceiling fan make newborn sick

Can Ceiling Fans Make Newborn Sick?

Nursery ceiling fans can benefit young infants and reduce the risk of SIDS by 72%. However, you must be careful with the (leave on a hanger to increase CTR)

ceiling fan newborn baby

Caring for a newborn can be scary and overwhelming; it will have us overthinking even the most minimal things. For example, we are constantly searching for the safest and most convenient way to help them rest. While ceiling fans create comfortable sleeping environments for adults, many parents wonder whether a ceiling fan in the baby’s room is appropriate. Some are concerned that sleeping with the fan on can dry out the air and others believe that it can cause a cold in babies. In this article, we will be disproving all of the myths so you can create the proper sleep environment for your newborn and enjoy peace of mind. Stick around to learn the benefits of a nursery ceiling fan, the pros and cons of sleeping with a fan on, and the best fan for your baby’s room.

Benefits for Infants

Studies have shown that just like adults, young infants benefit from cool and ventilated sleeping environments. In some cases, the air circulation from ceiling fans can even save your baby’s life!

#1 – Lower the Risk of SIDS

SIDS stands for sudden infant death syndrome and refers to the unexpected death of young infants, under the age of 1, during their sleep. While doctors have yet to find a cause or cure for this silent and devastating condition, many doctors believe it is linked to a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood that happens when infants “rebreathe” their own exhaled carbon dioxide. A study published by the Northern California Kaiser Permanente Division of Research shows that properly ventilated rooms can help decrease the risk of SIDS by 72%. The study notes that the increased room ventilation created while having a fan on can help diffuse carbon dioxide around an infant’s mouth and nose and prevent “rebreathing.” Installing a ceiling fan in your baby’s room is a perfect way to make sure the space is ventilated enough for safe sleep.

#2 – Reduce the Risk of Infant Eczema

You may be thinking if more air is better, why can’t I just leave my AC on? Unlike nursery ceiling fans, ACs can alter the humidity in your child’s nursery and have adverse effects on skin conditions. For example, if your baby is prone to Infant Eczema, constant AC use can push the humidity down to levels that will trigger an Eczema rash or reaction. Unless humidity levels are restored, treating your baby’s Eczema outbreak can prove difficult for the parent and uncomfortable for the baby. A ceiling fan cannot alter the air in the room, but it can deliver a cooling breeze for a comfortable temperature, proper air distribution, and a secure sleeping environment.

#3 – Help Falling Asleep

Do you have to spend hours rocking your baby back and forth to get them to fall asleep? This can be exhausting for new parents, especially after late-night feedings. Good news! A study on the effects of white noise concluded that 80% of the babies observed were able to fall asleep after just 5 minutes of white noise. The white noise created by whisper-quiet ceiling fans can help soothe young infants quickly, so you can both get back to sleep sooner! After all, a well-rested baby means well-rested parents.

Best Small Ceiling Fan

Things to Consider

While sleeping with a fan on can be safe and beneficial to your baby, there are other precautions you must take to ensure that it will not pose any additional risks.

#1 – Professional Installation or Easy DIY Installation

When installing a ceiling fan in the nursery, you have two options to ensure a safe and convenient setup.

a) Professional Installation:

Hiring a professional installer is the recommended approach for proper installation and minimizing the risk of accidents. Professionals will securely mount the fan to the ceiling and configure the electrical wiring correctly. The safety of your newborn is worth the investment, and professional installation typically costs between $150 to $360.

b) Easy DIY Installation:

For a safe and convenient installation, consider choosing a 24V DC motor ceiling fan specifically designed for easy installation. These fans are engineered with user-friendly features and streamlined installation processes. Look for models that come with clear instructions and require minimal tools. With an easy-to-install 24V DC motor ceiling fan, you can typically complete the installation within 30 minutes, making it suitable for individuals with or without DIY experience.

#2 - Adjustable Airflow for Baby's Needs

It's important to have a fan that provides gentle airflow and allows for different speed settings to meet your baby's needs. Ensure that the nursery ceiling fan you choose offers adjustable airflow and multiple speed options. This way, you can customize the fan's settings to provide the desired level of gentle breeze for your baby's comfort.

#3 – Monthly Cleaning

Because ceiling fans circulate air using blades, they will also circulate whatever is caught on those blades. This is why you must clean your fan at least once a month. Failure to clean your nursery ceiling fan regularly will result in the accumulation of dust and allergens on the fan blades. When you turn the fan on, these will be dispersed throughout the room. This harmful debris could be accidentally inhaled by your baby and cause harmful reactions. It is also recommended that you use organic cleaning solutions to wipe down the fan in the nursery room. You do not want to use anything made of harsh chemicals because it can be harmful to the baby if inhaled.

#4 – Keep it Clutter-Free

The American Academy of Pediatrics issues recommendations to create safe infant sleeping environments. One of these recommendations is to keep your infant's sleeping space clear of any items that can obstruct their breathing. For this reason, you should NEVER HANG anything from your ceiling fan in the nursery. There is no way of ensuring that it will not fall into your infant’s crib or sleeping cot and create an unsafe sleeping environment. Make sure that any decorative accessories are away from your infant's sleeping area to ensure that your baby can rest in the safest environment possible.

Best Ceiling Fans for Kid Room

Smafan Ceiling Fans for the Nursery

Create a comfortable and safe environment for your baby with our quiet and smart ceiling fans. Adjust airspeed, airflow direction, and lighting to suit your baby's needs. Dimmable lighting is perfect for late-night feedings without disturbing sleep.

Choose from flush-mount or downrod-mounted fans to fit any nursery. Our modern designs come in various sizes to match your style. Enjoy the convenience of smart features compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Control the fan remotely and explore functions like "Nature Mode" for a soothing breeze.

One less thing to worry about is remembering to switch on the fan. Our smart ceiling fans include a schedule function, allowing you to automate the fan to turn on automatically during your baby's nap time.

At Smafan, we prioritize the safety and well-being of your little ones. Rest assured that when you choose our smart ceiling fans, you are investing in a safe and high-quality product. We provide friendly customer service, hassle-free returns, and a warranty for replacement parts, ensuring your satisfaction.

For a well-rested baby and happier parents, visit Smafan.com and discover the perfect ceiling fan for your nursery.


We always want the best for our little ones, especially when it comes to their safety and well-being. With Smafan, you can rest assured you will be purchasing a safe and high-quality smart ceiling fan backed by friendly customer service, hassle-free returns, and a replacement parts warranty. For a well-rested baby and happier parents, shop Smafan.com.

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