Why Do Fans Prevent SIDS?

Like sleep position and soft bedding, ventilation during sleep is a critical factor for a healthy baby. According to some child care providers, adding a top-tier fan to your infant’s room might prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Keep reading to learn why do fans prevent SIDS and limit the risk factors in your child’s sleep environment.

If you need a few ideas for your nursery, read our Vornadobaby Breesi LS nursery fan review for an idea of the greatest fans for baby rooms. Just keep in mind that, like all electronics, you’ll need to do some troubleshooting eventually, such as when a hot breeze leaves you asking, “Why is my fan blowing hot air?” You’ll also need to consider why you feel sick after sleeping with a fan, especially at cooler room temperatures, before you put one in your child’s room.

How Do Fans Prevent SIDS?

Health care providers are divided on exactly how fans fight against unexpected infant death, but studies suggest that fans can mitigate crib death risks. A 2008 study from the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine found that running a nursery fan reduced the sudden infant death rate by 72%.

The scientists found that combining a warm room with a fan yielded the best results. They theorized that the increased airflow stops the accumulation of carbon dioxide around a newborn’s crib. In addition to a fan, the infants slept in a room with an open window.

Do Fans Actually Help SIDS?

Unfortunately, a definitive answer isn’t available. Despite the study noted above, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that fans help mitigate SIDS risk. They caution new parents against relying exclusively on fans to prevent infant deaths, claiming that the 2008 study has too small of sample size and has possible result-altering biases.