A recent study conducted by Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif., and published in the October issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine associated fan use during sleep with a 72% reduction in SIDS risk. The effect of fan use was especially pronounced (94% decreased risk) in rooms with the windows closed or where temperatures exceeded 69°F and for infants who did not use pacifiers.

SIDS, or Sudden infant death syndrome is marked by the sudden and unexplained death of a baby between one month and one year old. Although there is no proven method for prevention, one leading theory is that exhaled carbon dioxide can be trapped near the baby’s face and re-breathed. Since the early 90s, avoiding pillows, blankets and stuffed animals in baby’s bed, placing babies to sleep on their backs and using a pacifier has been linked to a significant decline in SIDS deaths.

Increased air movement in the room of a sleeping infant may potentially decrease the accumulation of carbon dioxide around the infant’s breathing airways and decrease the likelihood of re-breathing exhaled gas. Dr. Li, a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist, and the lead researcher of the study said, “If parents want to take an extra measure, they should consider using a fan."