It’s a common scenario: you’re out and about with your little one in a stroller on a sunny day. Concerned about the heat and brightness, you rummage through your diaper bag, find a lightweight blanket, and drape it over the stroller to keep your baby cool. Seems perfectly reasonable, right?
However, this practice may actually do more harm than good. By covering the stroller—even with a breathable fabric like muslin—you risk trapping heat inside rather than providing shade. The temperature within the stroller can soar to dangerously high levels, which can pose serious health risks to your child.
Pediatrician Mia Jensen from the Children’s Hospital in Stockholm pointed out in a recent interview that covering a stroller can create a “thermos-like” effect. “It gets extremely hot under the cover, and the air circulation is poor, making it hard to monitor the baby,” she explained.
To illustrate this point, a local newspaper conducted an experiment. They left an empty stroller in direct sunlight between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Without any cover, the inside temperature reached 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when they covered it, the temperature skyrocketed to 93.2 degrees within just 30 minutes, and after an hour, it escalated to a staggering 98.6 degrees. That’s alarmingly hot!
You might think, “I’ve done this numerous times without issue.” But it’s possible you didn’t leave your baby unattended long enough for the stroller to overheat, or your baby was in a shaded area. Regardless, is it worth the risk?
Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, are serious concerns, especially for infants and toddlers. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes that young children can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults. Tragically, every year, children die from heat stroke after being left in hot cars; many of these incidents involve kids three years old and under.
While there’s no data specifically on stroller-related heat stroke, an average of 38 children die in hot cars annually. The way cars heat up is similar to how covered strollers do. It might only be 80 degrees outside, but temperatures can climb 30-40 degrees higher inside a covered stroller, just like in a vehicle.
How to Keep Your Baby Cool While Strolling in the Summer
So, how can you keep your baby cool while strolling in the summer? Here are some tips from the New South Wales Government Health website:
- Stay in the shade whenever possible.
- Dress your baby in a single layer of loose, light-colored clothing.
- Ensure your baby stays hydrated by breastfeeding or bottle-feeding more frequently.
- Use broad-brimmed hats and sunscreen (for babies over six months) to shield their skin from the sun.
- When heat waves hit, try to keep your baby indoors, especially during peak sun hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Utilize air conditioning, fans, or cold cloths to help regulate your baby’s temperature indoors.
It’s crucial to be proactive in preventing heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Familiarize yourself with the early warning signs, such as irritability, clammy skin, excessive sleepiness, decreased wet diapers, and an increased thirst. If your baby shows any signs of heat stroke—like a high body temperature, hot and red skin, rapid breathing, or confusion—seek medical attention immediately.
While it’s tempting to dismiss safety advice, there are certain guidelines that should not be ignored. The risks may seem small, but protecting your child from potential hazards is paramount. So, next time you’re out with your little one, resist the urge to cover the stroller with a blanket, even if the sun is blazing. The consequences could be dire, even after just a few minutes.
Spread the word—many parents may not realize the dangers of this common practice. For more insights on parenting and safety, check out our other posts, such as the one on home insemination techniques at Intracervical Insemination and learn from Make A Mom. You can also explore this excellent resource on In Vitro Fertilization for additional information.
Summary
Covering your baby’s stroller with a blanket can lead to dangerously high temperatures, posing serious health risks. Instead, keep your baby cool by staying in the shade, dressing them in light clothing, and staying vigilant for signs of heat exhaustion.