How to Keep Babies Cool in Strollers: 4 Do's & Dont's
Published June 6, 2023.
Longer days and warmer temperatures must mean one thing, summer’s coming! This season of sunshine and warmth, ice creams, and picnics also brings its own unique challenges, especially for young children. With the excitement of outdoor activities, it's crucial to know how to keep your little ones safe and comfortable in the heat.
Here's what you need to pay attention to when out on a summer walk with your baby in a stroller.
Understanding Overheating in Babies
Can a baby overheat? Absolutely, yes. Overheating in babies is a genuine concern. With their inability to regulate their own temperature, babies can quickly become too hot. Warm to the touch, flushed skin, rapid breathing, heat rashes, and even vomiting can be tell-tale signs of an overheated baby.
What Outdoor Temperature Is Safe for Babies in Summer?
Temperatures exceeding 32°C are considered unsafe for young children. It's best to keep them out of the sun between 10am and 4pm when the sun is at its hottest.
How to Keep Your Baby Safe in the Stroller in Hot Weather
Here are some steps to make sure your baby does not overheat in the stroller:
Stay in Shaded Places
Limiting direct sun exposure is key, so it's a good idea to invest in a stroller that has a large canopy for extra UV protection. It's worth noting that using blankets or towels to create shade can restrict airflow and cause the stroller's inner temperature to rise.
How Long Can Babies Be in the Sun?
Babies and small children should be in the sun for no more than 60 minutes at a time. Do note that direct sunlight is not necessary to stimulate vitamin D production.
Keep Your Baby Hydrated
While breastfed babies get all the hydration they need from breast milk, they might need to be fed more often in hot weather. Similarly, formula-fed babies may need more bottles. Babies over six months can also sip cooled, boiled water throughout the day, up to 4oz daily. Keeping track of wet nappies and checking their fontanelle can be useful ways to monitor their hydration levels.
You can monitor your baby’s hydration levels by keeping track of the number of wet nappies they have throughout the day as well as checking their fontanelle (the soft spot on the head) to see if it’s sunken or not (sunken usually indicates the need for water).
Scheduled Walks Wisely
It's probably best practice to avoid taking your little ones out during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for early morning or late evening walks to avoid the peak heat hours. Always assess the situation based on your baby's comfort and tolerance. Remember that young children are unable to express whether they feel unwell or overheated, so it'll be up to you to make that call.
» Discover when you can take a newborn outside in a stroller
Use a Stroller Fan
We have learned to appreciate the comfort of a fan blowing a cool breeze around a room on those hot summer days and nights, so why not give your baby the same comfort whilst in a stroller? A battery-operated fan that clips onto the stroller can make a big difference. As a bonus, they aren’t limited to just strollers; they can also be used indoors to keep your tots cool during their naps or through those hot summer nights. Besides keeping your little ones cool, it also serves as a source of white noise and a captivating visual for them.
How to Tell if Your Baby Is Too Hot
If a baby is too hot, they will be warm to the touch, have flushed skin, rapid breathing, heat rashes and in some cases, even vomiting (if vomiting, please contact your child’s GP or dial NHS 111 for out-of-hours care).
» Explore fun outdoor activities you can enjoy with your children
Stroller Mistakes to Avoid in Hot Weather
If you are like me and last year’s heatwave was a battle to keep your little ones cool, and you are concerned about whether or not you are doing the right thing—here are some mistakes to avoid when going on walks with your child in a stroller:
- Don’t forget about hydration: Babies and toddlers are at a higher risk of becoming dehydrated and overheated for the reasons we've outlined above. So make sure to always have plenty of fluids readily available with you on your walks, not just for your little one but for you as well. Stopping for ice pops can be a great memory, treat and fun way to hydrate.
- Don’t overdress your baby: You might have those cute outfits ready to show off in the summer sun, but keeping your baby cool is of the utmost importance. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, or linen in light colours to keep your baby comfortable and prevent heat rashes.
- Don’t cover the stroller with a blanket: While it can be tempting to cover the stroller to block out the sunlight from your baby, it can actually do more harm than good. This reduces airflow, causing the stroller interior’s temperature to rise significantly, putting your baby at risk of heat stroke and even sudden infant death syndrome.
- Don’t leave your baby in the stroller for too long: Avoid keeping your baby in the stroller for prolonged periods. Regular breaks can help prevent overheating and related complications.
» Discover the signs your baby is overheating while sleeping
Embracing Summer Safely
Summer is indeed a magical time for children, filled with outdoor adventures and the thrill of basking in the sun's warmth. As you navigate this delightful season, remember that the key is balance—enjoying the outdoors while taking precautions to ensure your baby's comfort and safety.
Our SmarTrike x Kelly Anna STR7 is designed with this balance in mind. Its adjustable canopy offers sun protection and airflow, while other features like the 5-point harness ensure optimum safety. Designed for babies as young as six months, this stroller promises to be a trusted companion for your summer escapades. Get ready to make the most of the sun-kissed days ahead!
