Parents who are outside to walk their baby in the summer sun should never attempt to cover the stroller to protect their child from its harmful rays. A pediatrician warned against this dangerous practice as the babies could suffer from a heatstroke.
Some parents may even think of covering the top side of the stroller with thick and dark blankets or towels, believing it might help keep the baby cooler. But pediatrician Dr. Rahul Chodhari told The Sun that covered strollers have the "highest risk of overheating," especially between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Chodhari advised parents who are in the habit of covering the stroller to either ditch the practice or opt for mesh covers with light colors that will not absorb the heat. Otherwise, thick and dark covers will trap the heat and easily increase the temperature inside, where the baby rests.
What Covers Can Do to Strollers When It's Hot
Chodhari's advice is supported by an experiment conducted by Swedish pediatrician Svante Norgren, who placed a stroller under the sun's summer heat. The stroller without a cover reached a temperature of 71.6°F, but it was hotter at 93°F with a thin cover. After an hour, the stroller with the cover reached a temperature of nearly 99°F, per Today.
The cover may create more heat and prevent proper air circulation inside the stroller, which may affect the baby's temperature and breathing. In turn, this will lead to three things: dehydration, heat stroke, or sunburn.
Babies are more vulnerable to the rise in temperature compared to adults because their bodies are still unable to sweat normally. They also won't be able to tell their parents that the heat inside their stroller is making them uncomfortable.
TikTok mom Cathy Pedrayes also did a similar experiment and shared the results in a viral video. She said that if it's too hot outside, it's best not to take the baby out and stay home. Per Childrens.Com, experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said it would not be a good idea to take the baby out for a walk when it's beyond 90°F outside.
@cathypedrayes Careful with the stroller sun covers! & best to avoid hot days. #safetytips #mom #baby #parents #learnontiktok ♬ Elevator Music - Bohoman
So, How Can Parents Keep Their Babies Cool and Safe?
For added safety and protection, parents may use a stroller with a large and light-colored canopy that can provide better shade. If not, they may use an umbrella or a parasol to attach to the handlebars of the equipment to protect the baby from UV rays. They may also install and use a mini fan designed for strollers on the front side.
Parents must also ensure that the baby is dressed appropriately for the summer season. Choose absorbent fabrics like cotton or linen over nylon and polyester.
If the babies are older than six months, they should have water every now and then during the walk. Schedule this activity during the coolest part of the day, such as the early morning or late afternoon.
Lastly, parents may apply hypoallergenic and baby-safe sunscreen for older babies at least 30 minutes before stepping outside. Reapply every two hours as needed.
