When a child grows up a bit, they can express how they feel about their environment, such as feeling cold, hot, or dry. However, newborns can't speak. Their respiratory system and skin are still in their developing stages. The average body temperature of a newborn is also higher than that of an adult, and they tend to sweat more, making it challenging to adjust the indoor atmosphere to their needs.
Average Body Temperature:
👉 Newborns: 37.5℃ vs. Adults: 36.5℃
So, I did some research on the best temperature and humidity for babies.
Ideal Temperature for Newborns
The most suitable temperature for newborns is around 20-22°C. This is an average, and a slight variation depending on the season, the clothes the baby is wearing, etc. is acceptable.
Adults might find this temperature slightly chilly, but it's said that a somewhat cooler environment promotes adaptability and immunity in babies. Overheating can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), so it's essential to be informed and cautious.
Ideal Humidity for Newborns
A humidity of around 50% is ideal. If it's lower, the air becomes dry, leading to respiratory and skin dryness and frequent nasal congestion in babies. If the humidity exceeds 60%, it becomes conducive for dust mites and mold, so it's essential to strike a balance.
If you have a separate room for your child, maintaining the humidity between 50-60% is best.
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Recently, after reading a neighbor's blog review, I purchased a Xiaomi temperature and humidity meter for the space where our baby will stay.
The product I bought from Coupang didn't include batteries. Once I inserted a flat lithium battery (CR2032), it displayed the temperature and humidity simply.
The current temperature was 20.8°C, and the humidity was 47%! I need to increase the humidity a bit before our baby arrives in ten days.
Tip
Though some might consider Xiaomi products as "cheap Chinese goods," many people, including me, use them. I've connected other Xiaomi products to the Mi HOME app, and this device can also be linked.
Once connected, you can check the temperature and humidity through the app and even activate a 'Baby Mode'. The settings in the 'Baby Mode' suggest:
👉 Ideal temperature: 20-24°C
👉 Ideal humidity: 45-70%
Using this mode can be helpful as you'll get notifications when the indoor air quality goes beyond the set range, prompting you to take actions like turning on the AC or ventilating the room. However, when I tried testing it by creating unfavorable conditions, no alert came through. Maybe I changed some settings for other devices? I'll need to check on that.
Ways to Increase Humidity
I noticed that the humidity was a bit low from the readings. Some easy ways to increase it include using a humidifier, spraying water, boiling water, or drying laundry indoors. I'll consider these options since I have some time.
Date of research, April 13, 2023