To use the log burner with a newborn baby?

[Teenytinyfeet]

….given our circumstances?

We had a new log burner fitted last winter, defra approved etc etc. We have a carbon monoxide alarm in the living room and an air filter machine (no idea if that actually does anything)

We are oil central heating and the price of oil is just extortionate, with the government only offering £100 in support at the moment.

We are extremely lucky in that we get free wood so in previous years mostly use this to heat our home.

However, DC is 2 months old and I’ve said to DH I’m not happy using the wood burner this winter due to the increased risk of SIDS and asthma etc.

DH says I’m being ridiculous and that it doesn’t emit smoke into the room and with the monoxide alarm and air filter it’ll be fine. He says we can’t justify not using it this winter given that it’s a free heat source.

We’ve just had yet another row about it.

I don’t know what to think/ do.

Has anyone used their log burner around a young baby? AIBU to be worried?

We have one and we used it.. it keeps the house warm. The emissions should all be going up the flue. We've started using these coffee logs that you can get - it's compressed coffee grounds and they're cleaner apparently.
I used to worry about EVERYTHING when I first became a mum. Flat head, her eyes, her ears, her back, milk consumption you name it - it's hyper sensitivity as you want to keep your baby safe. But you need to be warm and if we have a cold winter it will help you stay toasty.
Men / fathers don't always get why we worry about everything the way we do - your feelings are totally valid but I don't think the wood burner is going to cause you any issues with baba x

If you have to have one then do it. If you have options then don’t.

I’ve read loads about them as they’re the thing to have in my middle class circle and I like to keep up with the Joneses 😂. I’ve decided against though as honestly, I just don’t see how they can be healthy. They might well be, but it doesn’t sit right with me so I’m going with my instincts! My DGF felt the same about smoking in the 1940s.

We used one with a newborn 13 years ago, she's fine, we actually lived in a house where it was the main heat source.

I think people forget how damp and mouldy houses are when they're not heated, and this would be far worse than in terms of respiratory health. Think about putting shoes away in a cupboard, and then bringing them out months later covered in green mould. I really do think some people are in for a shock because we're so used to heating these days, and the drying effects of central heating. And I'm not smug, I'm horrified that children will be exposed to this.

So I think the priority is keeping your house warm. If this means stretching your oil by using the log burner then so be it.

OP I can really sympathise with you that it is a tough decision to make. It feels awful that we are having to make these choices to stay warm this winter.

If you don't have any other options are you able to come to a compromise, such as making sure the room with the wood burner door in and the bedroom doors are closed whilst you are using the log burner? And maybe if you are able to consider getting a good air purifier for the bedroom which baby sleeps in. I'm not sure how much pollution/particals this will reduce, but might be worth looking into more if you are feeling anxious about it all? X

It depends what you are burning and how you are burning it.

id stick to woods like ash, hawthorn, oak and the like and make sure it’s well seasoned

lime, elder , alder would be a no for me.

when you look at these reports of particulates in the home, they don’t take into account what you are burning- some people burn absolute crap.

I have a log burner and until this thread I hadn’t even considered the dangers. Now
Im scared to light it! Does anyone use it with an air purifier?!