How do I keep my baby cool in a stroller?
It’s so lovely to get outside with your baby! Those beautiful spring and summer days are perfect for a walk. Your baby will likely enjoy the fresh air and a relaxing stroller ride.
If you have other kids, they will probably have fun riding their bikes or walking with you, too. Walks are a great spring or summer activity!
Plus, you can get some much-needed vitamin D while out in the sun. Before you put your baby in the stroller and walk down the street, there are several precautions you should take.
Unfortunately, your baby can quickly get hot in a stroller without taking the proper steps. There are several ways to ensure your baby doesn’t overheat while being outdoors in the warm weather and ways to help cool your baby down if they overheat.
What happens if my baby gets too hot?
It’s essential to keep your baby cool for several reasons. For one, babies who are too hot will likely be irritable. They might also be restless, which will make your time outdoors less enjoyable for both you and your little one. Your baby can also develop a fever while being out in the heat as well.
In extreme cases, babies can even get heatstroke, which can be very dangerous. These reasons are why it is so important to keep your baby cool when they’re outside.
What are signs of an overheating baby?
When out in the warm weather with your baby, you should be aware of any signs your baby is overheating. If you think your baby is overheating, get medical attention. Symptoms of overheating include:
- Flushed or red skin
- Dry skin
- Less frequent diaper changes from less urination
- Lethargy
- Refusing to drink
What are some tips to keep my baby cool in the stroller?
Because there are risks when you’re outdoors in the heat with your baby, try to be proactive. Try a few of these products or ideas to help keep your baby nice and cool!
Creating Shade
While your baby is in the stroller seat, you can easily keep them in the shade. Most strollers include a canopy or umbrella.
Canopies and umbrellas are made from lightweight materials that typically have openings to create a little airflow. If your baby’s stroller didn’t come with a canopy or umbrella, you should be able to find an attachment.
You might also buy a new canopy or umbrella if the one that came with the stroller isn’t adequate. Some stroller canopies don’t provide full shade. You can look for a new canopy with extended coverage to ensure your baby stays out of the sun and heat.
Most canopies and umbrellas are also water-resistant. This feature makes for a great, year-round purchase!
Now you can keep your baby cool in the warm months and dry during the rainy seasons too. Just make sure you check the specifications before purchasing a new canopy or umbrella.
Hydration
Keep your baby hydrated while out in the sun. You can do this by feeding your baby plenty of bottles or by breastfeeding.
You can even give your baby extra. If your baby is over six months old, they can have an extra four ounces of water.
Stroller Fans
Buy a cordless stroller fan! There’s a wide selection of stroller fans available in all sorts of fun colors and designs.
They typically clip onto the stroller creating a convenient cooling system. An oscillating stroller fan will cool your baby most effectively.
Stroller Liners
You might also buy a stroller liner. Some stroller liners are designed to help keep your baby cool. They generally wick away moisture, promote airflow, and move warm air out.
There’s a variety of stroller liners on the market that can keep your baby cool. I would suggest choosing one in a light color to help reflect the sunlight and keep your baby even cooler.
Can Babies Wear Sunscreen?
The simple answer, no. Babies under six months should not wear sunscreen. Babies’ skin is too fragile and porous to use sunscreen safely. For this reason, it’s even more important to make sure your baby has protection from the sun.
That’s where a canopy or umbrella can come in handy. You can also walk in shady areas to keep your baby away from direct sunlight.
Does placing a blanket over the stroller keep my baby cool?
Again, the quick answer is no. Some parents want to place a muslin blanket over the stroller to block their infant from the sun.
While it’s entirely rational to believe you’re protecting your baby, it’s unsafe to use a muslin blanket or any other blanket.
Unfortunately, the temperature continues to rise because the muslin blanket prevents airflow!
What should my baby wear in warm weather?
Parents often wonder whether they’re dressing their babies appropriately for the weather. Babies and young children are still learning how to regulate their body temperature. Because of this, babies conserve more heat than adults and children do.
It’s necessary to find the right balance between overdressing and underdressing. If you overdress your baby, they could overheat. If you underdress your baby, they could become sunburned.
Lightweight Clothing
It’s a good idea to dress your baby in lightweight loose clothing that is lighter in color to help reflect the light.
Bamboo and cotton are two breathable materials to try. Try choosing loose clothing that covers your baby’s arms and legs to minimize sun exposure.
Hats
Hats are another excellent option for keeping your little one cool! Look for a hat that provides full coverage, so your baby is protected from the sun. The hat rim should shade the baby’s face, neck, and ears.
Where and when should I go out in the warmer weather?
If you want to take your baby on a walk in the warm weather, you can be strategic about when you go out. It’s a good idea to go out in the morning or evening when the weather is cooler.
While out on a walk, try to find a path that has some shady areas to walk. The extra shade will keep you and your baby nice and cool, even in the warmer weather.
When you’re on a walk with your baby, plan to take breaks. You might walk to a coffee shop or the library to cool down in the air conditioning halfway through your walk. You can also take a little break to enjoy the shade under a tree at your local park.
What are some ways to keep my baby cool in a car seat?
Keeping your baby cool while they are in their car seat in the car is equally important. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your baby cool in the car.
Car Seat Sunshades
Using a sunshade on the car seat will help keep your car seat cool until you return to the car. Now you can relax a little knowing the car seat won’t be too hot for your little one! There are a variety of sunshades available to fit all different types of car seats.
Tinted Windows or Window Shades
You can also consider getting your car windows tinted. Some tinted windows are designed to block UV light.
It’s worth noting that a car’s light-colored interior will keep baby cooler than the dark-colored interior. This option isn’t something people always have control over.
If you’re looking for a new or used car, consider getting one with a light interior. You can search for a light-colored car seat for your child as well!
How do I cool my baby down after overheating?
If your baby gets too hot in their stroller or car seat, it’s important to cool them down. Remember that you should always take the necessary precautions to ensure your baby stays cool.
If your baby does get too hot for some reason, you can use these tips to help them cool down.
- Bring your baby indoors and in a cooler environment.
- Give your baby extra milk or water.
- Give your baby a cool sponge bath.
- Undress baby or change baby into lighter clothing.
If your baby gets too hot and is not cooling down, you should call your pediatrician and seek medical attention ASAP.
What is the ideal room temperature for a baby?
To keep your baby safe at all times, you should ensure they are in the right environment. Experts recommend that babies sleep in a room that is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
If a baby overheats while sleeping, the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) increases. To keep your baby safe, keep their room cool enough.
In the summer months, it’s okay for babies to sleep in less clothing. Some parents put their baby to bed in just a diaper on hot and humid evenings.
The Ultimate Goal Is to Keep Your Baby Comfortable
There are a few risks to keep in mind as you take the baby for a walk in the stroller during the spring and summer months. Make sure you provide a cool environment for your baby so they can stay comfortable.
If your little one overheats, they may become irritable or restless, develop a fever, or even get heatstroke.
It’s essential to keep your baby nice and cool with a little shade, a fan, and lighter clothing to keep them comfortable in the warmer temperatures.
- Create some shade with a stroller canopy
- Attach a little fan to your stroller to improve air flow
- Dress them in lightweight, breathable, and loose fitting clothing
- When in direct sun, have a cute hat available
- Offer extra water, bottles, or opportunities to breastfeed
- Invest in a stroller liner specific for summer months