The atmosphere of the children’s room and respiratory problems

In the autumn and winter months, we spend a lot of time at home, which requires that the air quality in our apartment is adequate. Proper air quality is especially important in preventing respiratory and allergic illnesses, as various allergens and harmful substances are more likely to appear in heated rooms during the cold months. Children are particularly sensitive to air quality, so it is worth paying attention to their environment to avoid respiratory infections and allergic reactions.

The quality of indoor air depends on several factors, such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of pollutants. In winter, mold and dust mites often cause complaints, so it is important for the air in our home to be clean and healthy.

Setting the Right Temperature for Children

The temperature in a child’s room should be set carefully, as infants and young children spend a lot of time there. Cooler air provides better sleeping conditions than an overly warm environment. The ideal temperature is between 20-22 °C, as a room that is too warm can make it difficult for the child to fall asleep and can make them fussy. The number of nighttime awakenings may also increase if the room gets too warm.

After waking up, it is important to ventilate the room; at this time, the child should stay in another room. Ideally, the temperature in the living room should be between 23-24 °C, as cooler air can lead to reduced blood circulation and weaken the mucous membranes that protect the airways. This increases the likelihood of respiratory complaints. In the summer months, overheating in the apartment can also make children lethargic, which affects their well-being.

The Importance of Humidity in the Apartment

The ideal humidity level for the air in the apartment is between 40-60%. This level can be measured with a hygrometer. If the humidity is too low, dry air can lead to respiratory problems, such as coughing. Dry air is particularly common in centrally heated apartments or poorly insulated rooms.

There are several devices available for humidifying the air, which can help maintain the proper level. Cool mist humidifiers can be particularly useful, but it is important to also reduce the room temperature to avoid discomfort. However, the use of humidifiers is not recommended for allergic children, as it can lead to the proliferation of mold and dust mites.

Another way to increase humidity is to dry laundry indoors or place evaporators on the radiators. Water-loving plants can also be beneficial, as they increase indoor humidity.

If the humidity is too high, condensation on windows and doors may indicate a problem, creating an ideal environment for mold and dust mites. Persistent humidity levels above 70% can lead to mold growth, which may hide in the ceiling or behind wallpaper. To avoid dust mites, it is advisable to ventilate regularly and use a dehumidifier.

Creating a Dust Mite-Free Home

When furnishing a child’s room, pay attention to making it easy to clean and not conducive to dust mites and mold. Dust mites love to hide in carpets, upholstery, bedding, and stuffed animals, so it is advisable to minimize the use of these materials. The floor of the children’s room should be easy to wash, preferably hardwood, and the number of carpets should be reduced.

When cleaning, choose eco-friendly cleaning products, as the use of harmful chemicals can increase the risk of allergic reactions. Allergies can also increase children’s susceptibility to respiratory infections, so it is important to monitor air quality in the room.

Ensuring Smoke-Free Air

For families with young children, it is particularly important to avoid smoking in the apartment. Inhaling cigarette smoke not only increases the risk of respiratory illnesses but can also lead to allergic reactions. When ventilating, be careful not to pollute the air, especially in busy areas where exhaust fumes can irritate the airways.

Air purifiers effectively filter harmful substances from the air, such as pollen and viruses, but their high cost means they are not accessible to everyone. To maintain healthy air, regular ventilation and the use of proper furnishing methods are important.

To protect children’s health, it is worth considering the air quality in the apartment and taking appropriate steps to climatize the rooms. A proper environment not only supports children’s well-being but also has a positive effect on the health of the entire family.