Baby Parenting Guide

Can the use of a propane heater cause health problems to a baby?

My in laws recently opened a store where I work mon-fri and bring my 9 month old baby girl. There is no heating unit so we bought a propane heater. She has a gate so I'm not worried about her getting close to it, but I am concerned. Can the fumes or gases cause a problem with her health?

Public Response to Can the use of a propane heater cause health problems to a baby?

1. Propane heaters must be used according to the manufacturer's certified installation instructions. Read them very carefully. If it is not used properly, it will be dangerous for everyone in the area, not just a baby. IF the manufacturer allows it to be used indoors the way you are wanting to use it, make sure you give the unit lots of air. It requires air for combustion as well as to ensure the products of combustion are vented away. The general rule of thumb is 1 square inch per 1000 btu's of input. So if it is a 30,000 btu heater you need a fresh air supply of 30 square inches to ensure adequate burning of the propane and to allow the spent gases to escape. Again...I can't stress enough! Read the manufacturer's operating instructions very carefully!