Are fans bad for babies? Funny but living in Korea, I’ve learned a lot of quirky and unique things about the culture, including a somewhat eerie belief: fan death. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s the idea that sleeping in a closed room with an electric fan running can somehow cause death—either from suffocation or hypothermia—if the fan is left on for too long.

Now, before you panic, I promise we’re not here to explore the more superstitious side of things (although it’s fun to discuss on a lazy weekend!). Instead, I’ll dive into the practical side of the question that often comes up for new parents: Are fans bad for babies?
As a dad raising a little one here in Korea, I’ve spent plenty of time figuring out the best ways to keep my son comfortable in both the steamy summers and chilly winters. Fans are a staple in Korean homes, particularly in the warmer months, so when it comes to using them in the baby’s room, I had to figure out what’s safe.
Here’s what I learned about using fans around babies and some essential tips that every new parent should know to ensure their child is in a comfortable and safe environment.
Fan Death: What’s the Deal?
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: fan death. It’s a concept that’s part of Korea’s folklore, and while I can’t personally attest to whether it’s true, it’s a fun topic of conversation.
Essentially, some people believe that if you leave a fan on in a closed room, the fan can supposedly deplete the oxygen in the room or cool the body down too much, leading to death.
As a Canadian who grew up using fans like they were going out of style, I can tell you it sounds a little extreme, but it’s deeply ingrained in Korean culture.
You’ll find warning labels on fans here, cautioning users about this phenomenon. While it’s good to be cautious, the truth is far less dramatic.
However, that doesn’t mean fans in babies’ rooms should be used carelessly. We’ve got to take a closer look at the practical factors involved to make sure we’re keeping our little ones comfortable, safe, and well-cared-for.
Are Fans Bad for Babies?
The Ideal Room Temperature for Babies
The first thing to consider when using a fan with your baby is the temperature of the room. Babies are especially sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and parents need to maintain a balanced environment.
According to pediatricians, the ideal room temperature for babies is between 68 and 72°F (20 to 22°C). Too hot or too cold can disrupt their sleep and increase the risk factors and issues like SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Not sure? Install a nursery thermometer to gauge the temp in the room.
In the humid summer, a fan can create that cooling breeze and air circulation necessary to keep your baby’s room at the right temperature.
However, it’s important to note that a fan alone may not be sufficient during extremely hot weather. On days when the temperature rises above 80°F (27°C), you might want to consider a portable air conditioner to ensure the room stays comfortably cool.
Fan Use in Baby’s Room: Key Considerations
When it comes to using a fan in your baby’s room, here are a few essential factors to keep in mind to make sure you’re making the right call:
1. The Right Kind of Fan
When selecting a fan for the baby’s nursery, it’s essential to consider both safety and functionality. Ceiling fans are a great option for larger rooms, but make sure the blades are well-secured and high out of reach.
For smaller rooms or nurseries, a portable fan works well and can be moved around depending on the needs. Simply make sure that your baby is not positioned in front of a fan for too long.
2. Fan Speed
You might be tempted to crank the fan up to full speed for a stronger cooling breeze, but that’s not always the best approach for a baby’s room. A low-speed setting provides a gentle, steady airflow without making the room too cold or drying out the air too much, which could cause skin irritation or respiratory issues.
Aim for a white noise effect, as it can help your baby sleep, but avoid having the fan directly blowing on their skin.
3. Positioning the Fan
Make sure you don’t position the fan directly in front of the baby. Fan blades moving quickly can cause a breeze that could dry out their delicate skin or even irritate their respiratory system. Instead, place the fan to the side of the room where it can help circulate air without directly blowing on your baby.
4. Avoiding Fan on Baby’s Skin
Babies have soft, sensitive skin, and prolonged exposure to moving air could lead to dryness or irritation. Keep the fan from blowing directly on your baby’s skin, as this could lead to skin conditions like eczema or chafing. It’s always a good idea to check their skin for any signs of redness or irritation after a night during the use of a fan.
5. Fan Safety
Just as with any electrical appliance, fan blades can pose a safety risk, especially if the fan is not properly secured or if the baby is old enough to reach out and touch them. Keep fans out of baby’s reach and consider models that have protective coverings over the blades.
6. Air Circulation vs. Air Conditioning
While a fan can help maintain air circulation and keep the room cool, it is not a substitute for an air conditioner in particularly hot weather. A fan alone might not be enough to regulate the room temperature if the environment becomes too hot.
Using a fan alongside an air conditioner can keep the air from feeling stuffy and ensure your baby stays comfortable, especially during summer months.
The Importance of a Comfortable Environment
New parents often struggle with the challenge of keeping their baby’s room comfortable without overdoing it. A comfortable environment means paying attention to the child’s room temperature, humidity, air quality, and noise levels.
For some babies, the white noise of a fan can help them sleep soundly. For others, it might not be as effective. If you have a fussy baby who’s sensitive to noise, you may want to skip the fan altogether or use it intermittently.
The Risk of SIDS and Safe Sleep Practices
We also need to consider the connection between fan use and SIDS. Research has shown that using a fan in a baby’s room can actually reduce the risk of SIDS. A study published in the journal The American Academy of Pediatrics showed that babies who slept in a room with a fan had a lower risk of SIDS, likely due to the improved air circulation and the prevention of overheating.
However, using a fan alone isn’t enough. Make sure to follow all other recommended safe sleep guidelines, such as placing your baby on their back to sleep, using a firm mattress, and avoiding loose bedding.
These precautions, combined with the right room temperature and airflow, create the safest environment possible for your baby.
Are Fans Bad for Babies? Bottom Line
I’ve seen firsthand the importance of finding the right balance between safety and comfort for my boy. While the fan death phenomenon might seem a little overblown (and likely a part of Korea’s unique culture), it’s still crucial to use fans properly in your baby’s room.
They can be a fantastic tool to help regulate the room’s temperature, provide white noise for better sleep, and help keep the air circulating on hot summer nights.
However, always take the necessary precautions to ensure your baby is safe, comfortable, and not exposed to the fan for too long or in a way that could affect their delicate skin or respiratory health.
Remember to keep an eye on your baby’s body temperature, and if you’re unsure about the room’s air circulation or if the fan is doing its job, it’s okay to switch to the cold air of an AC as well.
Safe sleep and a comfortable environment and common sense are the most important things to focus on as a parent—whether you’re dealing with summer months heat or the colder winter months.
And if you ever feel unsure about the potential risks or other questions, don’t hesitate to ask other parents or professionals for their thoughts. After all, we’re all just trying to keep our little ones safe while ensuring they get the sleep they need for those big days of growing up!