How to Choose an Air Conditioner for a Baby Room: A Guide for Parents

But, no doubt, when shopping for an air conditioner for the baby room, you want to know if it’s safe and what features you need to look for. 

Our guide will give you all the info you need to make an informed decision when choosing an AC. We’ll even give you our top six recommendations.

Let’s dive in.

Important Features to Consider

Air Filters

You want bub to breathe fresh, clean air, which means finding the best air conditioner for the baby room that removes germs, dust and allergens while purifying the air. Air conditioning units with these features are especially beneficial for little ‘uns with asthma. Also, check whether the air conditioner you select makes cleaning easier with removable, washable filters. 

Noise Levels (dBA)

A calm, quiet environment for your baby will see them sleep soundly through the night—touch wood.

The noise level of your unit can make an impact on exactly how soundly they’ll sleep.

Noise levels are measured in decibels (dBA). You’ll find air conditioners that run as low as 18 decibels on a low setting and up to 60 decibels on turbo. 

To put decibels into context—our regular voices reach around 40 dBA and the TV around 60dBA. So, the lower the dBA on your unit, the better. 

In our reviews of air conditioners for the baby room, we’ve provided a range for the noise levels. The first figure represents the dBA on a low fan speed, and the second figure represents the sound levels when the unit is on full bore.

Coverage

Finding the right-sized unit is essential to its efficiency and the impact it has on your power bill.  

If your baby’s room is up to 20m², a 2.0 to 2.5kW unit will suffice. Up to 40m² sized rooms will suit a 2.5 to 5kW unit.

Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL)

Energy efficiency is classified using a star system by defining the ratio of power input to cooling and heating capacity. All new household air conditioners must display the new ZERL—the more stars, the higher its energy efficiency.

Performance

Reverse cycle units are incredibly convenient because you can use them year-round. The chances are that if you require cooling in your baby’s room in summer, that a heater will also come in pretty handy during the colder months.

Remote Control or Wi-Fi Capability

Units with remote and Wi-Fi capabilities allow you to easily change the bedroom air conditioner settings without stepping into the nursery and waking sleeping beauty. Some models also offer voice control using your smart home devices.

Warranty

The models we recommend (and sell) are all top-quality air conditioners designed for the Aussie climate. But, sometimes, sh*t happens. So you need to know where you stand when it comes to broken or malfunctioning parts. But, what’s good to know, is most models come with a minimum of 5 years parts and labour warranty.

Now let’s get onto our list of the best air conditioners for a baby room. 

1.Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Wall Mounted Split System Avanti Series

MHIAA’s super quiet air conditioner packs a powerful punch, heating or cooling your room pronto. Three independent motors deliver an effective and efficient airflow to deliver clean, fresh air throughout your baby’s room. Activate the Night Setback mode to maintain a steady room temperature on extra chilly nights.

This intelligent system also removes fine smoke particles, allergens, odours, bacteria and viruses from the air. A specially formulated filter neutralises airborne nasties before the self-cleaning mode kicks in and dries the internal components to inhibit mould growth.

What We Like

• ✓ Extremely energy efficient
• ✓ Attractive design 
• ✓ Glow-in-the-dark on/off button
• ✓ Voice-activated controls

Visit the manufacturer’s website or our product page for more information.

2.Mitsubishi Wall Mounted Split System AP Series

If you’re looking for the ultimate quiet air conditioner with extra energy savings, here she is. Enjoy silent operation day or night with high-speed heating or cooling. 

Use the ‘i-save’ function to set your baby room’s ideal temperature and activate it at the press of a button via the remote. The night-time mode provides the perfect bedroom air conditioner settings for the little one to get a good night’s sleep. This setting also reduces the brightness of the LED and disables any beeps.

In addition, you can set temperature rules to ensure your baby’s room maintains a consistently warm or cool temperature. 

What We Like

• ✓ 5+ star energy efficiency
• ✓ Compact outdoor units
• ✓ Register your new unit online within 90 days of installation to receive an extra 5 years of protection on parts and the compressor
• ✓ Wi-Fi voice control

Visit the manufacturer’s website or our product page for more information. 

3.Carrier Wall Mounted Split System Aura Ultimate Series

Carrier supplies two small, energy-efficient air conditioners for a baby room.

Warm up or cool down your baby room in an instant with the touch of a button. Whether you live in big-sky country or a concrete jungle, these units work well in any climate—heating or cooling your room with temps as low as -15°C or as high as 50°C. No sweat.

While in heating mode, if the outside temperature drops suddenly, the unit will increase the temp automatically without blowing unwanted cold air. After 8 hours, night mode switches off, and the system returns to its regular operation.

The outdoor unit operates at a lower frequency allowing for a quieter indoor operation. Sleep Mode ensures a cosy sleep for baby by adjusting the temperature and fan speed automatically. In addition, Bub will breathe cleaner air thanks to a two-step filtration system. The first step removes airborne dust particles and pet fur, while the second step neutralises odours.

What We Like

• ✓ X-ECO mode maintains comfort while lowering running costs
• ✓ 3D airflow circulates fresh air around the room and into all nooks and crannies
• ✓ A timer allows you to program the unit for weekly schedules

Visit the manufacturer’s website or our product page for more information. 

4.Rinnai Wall Mounted Split System Q Series

Rinnai designed their units with our extreme Aussie temps in mind—heating and cooling with outdoor temps ranging from -15°C right up to 52°C.

A two-way temperature control mimics the outdoor ambient temperature at night for a comfy snooze. Is your home subject to below freezing temperatures? In that case, you’ll appreciate the outdoor unit that runs an anti-frost operation to ensure high-performance heating to keep baby warm and cosy throughout the night.

Each time you switch the unit off, a cleaning operation kicks in to remove excess moisture to extend the unit’s life and ensure maximum hygiene.

What We Like

• ✓ 5-star heating and cooling 
• ✓ Self-Diagnosis capabilities display an error code in the case of malfunction
• ✓ Set or adjust the programmable timer using your smartphone

Visit the manufacturer’s website or our product page for more information.

5.Toshiba Wall Mounted Split System N3 Series

A high-performance, easy-to-clean filter blocks dust, while the air ioniser inhibits the production of 99.9% of harmful bacteria and viruses such as H5N1 Avian influenza. In addition, a deodoriser absorbs and destroys smoke, ammonia, volatile organic compounds (i.e. paint and cleaning products), food smells and nasty odours.

As you switch off your AC, an internal fan kicks in to dry the unit out, preventing mould growth. 

Program your desired temperatures and activate at the touch of a button. A Comfort Sleep Mode automatically lowers to match the night-time temperatures for a comfier night’s sleep.

What We Like

• ✓ High energy-efficiency
• ✓ Washable filters
• ✓ Super-quiet outdoor unit

Visit the manufacturer’s website or our product page for more information.

6.Daikin Wall Mounted Split System Cora Series

Daikin’s Cora series is whisper-quiet and perfect for ensuring bub gets a night of restful sleep.

A deodorising air purification filter traps microscopic particles, neutralises odours, and destroys bacteria. Daikin's AC units are approved by the National Asthma Council Australia Sensitive Choice® program, which means bub breathes clean, fresh air at all times.

An Intelligent Air Flow function automatically reduces humidity in the air—great for tropical climates.

What We Like

• ✓ 2-Area-Intelligent Eye sensor enables energy-saving when the room is unoccupied for 20 minutes.
• ✓ Delivers rapid cooling and even temperature distribution.
• ✓ You can set the room temperature in 0.5°C increments.

Visit the manufacturer’s website for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are air conditioners safe for children?

Babies can’t yet regulate their body temperature as well as us, which means they are susceptible to overheating and heat-related illnesses such as heat rash, dehydration, and heatstroke. 

For this reason, an air conditioner for the baby room is an excellent idea in steamy conditions. A properly cooled and ventilated room not only helps bub sleep comfortably but also reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

But, set the temperatures too low, and you could risk your baby's body temperature dropping significantly, which can lead to hypothermia.

Wait!

Before you start to panic, don’t. As long as you take the necessary precautions as we list below, you’ll find each baby air conditioner we have recommended is entirely safe for your little one.

What is the ideal temperature and positioning of a nursery AC?

Ensure you position the kid’s AC vents away from the crib or bed, and aim for a room temperature between 23 and 26°C, depending on the season.

When should parents avoid using an AC in a child’s room?

Parents should only use an air conditioner if there is no natural ventilation in the room or you live in extreme temperatures. 

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t add an air conditioner to your baby’s room. Simply follow these tips to help keep your baby safe and comfy in dreamland:

• Get your AC regularly serviced for clean and efficient cooling to prevent germs and allergens from getting lodged in the air filters, which can cause respiratory issues.
  
  
• Air conditioners can also deplete moisture from your baby’s skin, so moisturise bub well before nap time.
  
  
• Don't take your baby to a warm place immediately after leaving an air-conditioned room.
  
  
• Draw the curtains to keep the sun out.

What should a baby wear to sleep in AC?

Dress your baby in light layers or a onesie that covers their arms and legs. Place a soft cap on their head and some lightweight cotton socks or booties on their feet. You don’t want to dress your baby too warmly; just pop them in one more layer than you’re wearing.

Where is the best place to buy the best air conditioner for the baby’s room?

Here at Hello Breeze, we sell only the best and most reliable brands built for Australian conditions. So you can trust you’re receiving a high-quality, efficient system backed by top-notch service.

Why Choose Hello Breeze?

Because we:

• Know everything there is to know about air conditioning
• Won’t try to pull the wool over your eyes and rip you off
• Listen to you
• Are super professional
• Have impeccable manners
• Are punctual and won’t cancel on you
• Return calls quick-smart
• Won’t leave your home looking like a tornado ripped through it

Come and see why we’re becoming one of Australia’s most trusted air conditioning specialists. Give us a call on 1300 712 732 to chat about the best air conditioner for your baby room now!