When the temperatures start to rise, so does the risk to your child. Young children lack the same ability to regulate body heat that adults do. Furthermore, they don't know what to do aside from cry, whereas an adult knows to go inside or drink some cool water. That's why you as a parent must know how to keep your baby cool.
Option 1: Shade
One of the simplest ways to keep your baby cool outdoors is with shade. It could be a hat on your child, a stroller shade over your child or sitting in the shade. This approach has several downsides. You can cool off sitting in the shade of a tree, but this won't help you when you're walking on the open sidewalk.
It won't prevent your child from overheating if the temperatures are above their body temperature, despite the shade. You still have to monitor your child for overheating and dehydration.
The greatest benefit of stroller shades is that you probably already own one. If you don't, they're easy to find and install. And they fold up against the stroller arms when not in use.
Option 2: Fans
Fans are one of the best ways to keep your child cool. You can buy child-safe stroller fans. They'll help keep your child cool without toxic chemicals or maintenance beyond replacing or changing batteries.
It improves airflow on your child's skin, preventing rashes. It can improve airflow in a stroller that is partially covered up, too. You can reuse most stroller fans in your child's crib or car seat, too.
Option 3: Cold Pads
Cold pads may be plastic pads you put in the freezer and then lay down next to your child in the stroller. While they are cold, they introduce the risk of freezer burn on a child you're protected from overheating.
The condensation of water on the cold pad could contribute to fungal rashes. You shouldn't use standard freezer packs to keep your child cold, because they contain toxic chemicals you don't want around your child.
They're better used to keep your beverages cold. Use the cold pads that you would otherwise use for minor childhood injuries.
One downside of cold pads is that they have to be cold before you can use them. Another issue is that they aren't easy to "recharge" after they've been used. Remember that the surface can get contaminated, so wash it or sterilize it like a pacifier if your child chewed on it or sat on it.
Option 4: Wet Rags
Wet rags have their pros and cons. You can use any clean rag, get it wet, wring it out and put it against your child. This helps cool them down, and there is not the same risk that you have with literally freezing cold pads. They can be renewed by running them under a water faucet in the park or public bathroom.
Just make sure you're using clean water and clean material every time. The rags should be washed after every use, and they must be washed if your child gnaws on it or pees on it. Know that the wet material against your child can cause fungal rashes in their own right.
Option 5: Stroller Covers
Stroller covers are far larger than the small stroller shades that come with many strollers. It may surround the child on three or four sides and stretch from their head to their feet. A good stroller cover has excellent ventilation and provides shade will protecting your child from insects.
The issue is making sure your child has good ventilation and stays cool inside of it, when the worst designs create a dangerous greenhouse effect.
Option 6: Cold Beverages
Cold beverages are a simple way to keep your child cool. They keep your child hydrated, too. They're easy to pick up. The downside is that they may not be enough to keep your child comfortable. And it won't protect your child from sunburn.
Watch the calories and sugar content, because too much cold soda or juice is bad for your child's teeth even if it keeps them cool.
Option 7: Misters
Misters may be connected to fans or standalone items, though they're easy to use in conjunction with a separate stroller fan. They dispense a cooling water mist on your child. They don't involve toxic chemicals, though you don't want to let things get too wet.
They may be entertaining for your child. Refiling the mister generally isn't hard. But once it runs out of water, it can't do anything unless it doubles as a fan.
Summary
Know the various ways to keep your child cool, whether it is a hot summer day or a warm, muggy fall afternoon. Your child's health and happiness depend on it.
