Get rid of the old air
Let the fresh air in! Indoor air should be replaced by fresh air on a regular basis. Otherwise, harmful substances (volatile or semi volatile organic compounds), too dry or too damp air, unpleasant odours and carbon dioxide, increased indoor air toxins, increased tiredness, reduced concentration, irritated eyes or mucous membranes and, even, mould formation can easily wreck their havoc. By following a few simple rules, you and your baby don’t have to suffer from these indoor air problems.
Regular airing – three times a day is good – ensures good temperature, humidity and particle dust exchange as well as removing unwanted substances such as pathogens. Airing is especially important before putting the baby to bed. By the way the room temperature for sleeping need be no more than 15 to 17 degrees. Living spaces can be 19 to 22 degrees. Overheated rooms increase the concentration of harmful substances and dust, and dry out the mucous membranes.
This is how to do it
Open the windows a few times a day – regardless of the season. Tilting the window is not enough and just leads to unnecessary heat loss. If possible, create a draft through the whole flat or house. Make sure your child is not exposed to the full effect of the draft. Secure windows and doors from slamming shut. During winter time, it is good to turn down the heating while you are airing. And do not leave your child unattended in a room with an open window.
After three or five minutes – longer in the summer – you can close the windows again. The rooms that have a high humidity – bathroom and kitchen, or rooms with a lot of romping – need to be aired more often. But make sure the walls around the windows do not cool down too much otherwise dampness can occur easily leading to mould formation.
