As much as it is hard keeping a baby cool when they are indoors, it becomes even a bit more challenging when you are out in a stroller. In addition to making your little one restrict movement due to discomfort, high temperatures also bring on heat related illnesses. There is no need to stress, as I will present you with some of the easy steps that should help you avoid a too hot environment and have a great time with your baby.
Why Staying Cool Matters
See babies cannot regulate their body temperature as anyone can do in his or her middle age. When the sun is out the stroller is not all that different from a greenhouse which can get very hot very fast. It might look reasonable to cover the stroller, but in fact, this will only make the temperatures rise, and your baby will be even hotter. Now let me give you some useful advice on how to make your baby comfortable without overheating your home.
1. Choose the Right Stroller
Stroller provides perfect comfort to the baby and if such stroller is made of breathable material and with good ventilation it could make a big difference to help the baby to remain cool. Try to find one with a kind of mesh design in the sides and back so as to have some ventilation. If, however, you are using a stroller that more massive or less airy, there are ways to assist – simply, read on.
Pro tip: In this context, some strollers have UV protective canopies on their fabrics that could well afford even more protection to the child.
2. Keep Out of Direct Sunlight
Preferably do not walk during midday to lessen exposure from the direct heat of the sun. Avoiding direct sunlight and going out in the early morning or late afternoon, or choosing a shady route, also greatly reduces the risk of heatstroke. Ensure you go for your walks early in the morning or in the evening and avoid the midday sun if you are walking close to parks or if there is a lot of tree cover.
3. Use a Cooling Stroller Liner
And sometimes, a cooling liner can well prove to be that game-changer. Nursery bumpers available in moisture-wicking materials reduce temperature inside the stroller and do not require additional fuss. Choose a liner of natural fabric, preferable which are breathable such as cotton and bamboo and avoid those of synthetic materials which may heat up.
4. Pack a Cooling Towel
Mini evaporative cooling towels are easy to use, portable and reasonably priced. Fold it and rub in under running water then rinse then put the towel on the baby legs or arms when he/she is in the stroller. These towels are easy to fold and dry quickly, and can provide your baby with some cool time for several hours without having to wet or discomfort them.
5. Dress Your Baby in Light Layers
One of the easiest ways to avoid your baby overheating is to dress him or her in loose, lightweight clothing. Don’t use weights like silk or wool to sew; try using cotton or linen since they are breathable fabrics. That means that layers are quite important, as person simply rolls them over to the other side when temperature rises.
Quick tip: Deep colors should also be shunned since they conduct heat better. Thin and light colors are effective during the sunny days.
6. Don’t Forget the Stroller Fan
If you have a stroller fan you will find it easier to travel when the temperatures are high. Fix a portable fan on it, so that the stroller becomes a means of blowing a steady stream of air that cools down your baby. Therefore while purchasing a fan consumer should consider a fan with variable speeds and soft blades for safety.
When using a fan, make sure it was placed at a safe measure and locked to avoid falling down or to close to the baby. Further, many stroller fans are rechargeable do not need batteries and this means that when you are mid-walk, the fan can suddenly conk off.
7. Provide Plenty of Hydration
In hot weather, children need to be reminded of this all the more often to drink plenty of water. If your baby is already in the stage that they can take water, encourage him or her to take big sips periodically. If they are below the age of two years and were breast fed or formula fed, it is helpful to feed them more often since this will imply that he or she is well hydrated.
It is also not a bad idea to have a water bottle for yourself because, as they say, water is life for you and the baby.
8. Use Sun Shades Carefully
This is a good time to put a blanket or a cover over the stroller so that the heat can be excluded, but this is a big mistake because it actually bakes things up. However, properly chosen stroller sunshade that is mounted directly on the stroller and has proper air circulation. It is also useful when the stroller has an adjustable canopy, which, however, should let fresh air in.
Friendly reminder: Don’t pack the plants too close together also to minimize building up hotbox effects in the cabin.
9. Monitor Your Baby for Signs of Overheating
Despite all measures taken, it is advisable to observe the baby carefully to prevent him or her becoming too hot. The warning signs of their condition include skin erythema, respiratory rate increase, crying or irritability, lethargy respectively. If you experience these symptoms, go inside, to a cooler area or just lie down, and offer the child something chilly to drink.
10. Time Your Outings Wisely
Overall temperatures can rise during the day and even the best equipped stroller might feel the heat. You should make an effort to venture out into the outdoors quite early in the morning, or late in the day. This way, you can go out and have lots of fun without a constant concern of getting too hot.
The following articles are related to baby stroller. It could be helpful for you.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Umbrella Strollers
Umbrella Stroller Vs Regular Stroller : The Parents Guide
The Key Differences Between Baby Stroller vs Pram
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Outdoors Safely
Sticking your baby in a stroller during hot weather can be challenging, but with proper planning and some gear, a trip out is well worthwhile. Using these tips, you will be sure that your child will remain comfortable, not overheated and happy during strolls.
Remember the saying the boy that dares and the boy that cares – there is so much truth in that adage when it comes to preparing for disaster. High temperatures can be dangerous and uncomfortable to both you and your baby, but using these tips the next time you go for that fast walk around the neighborhood or a long day out will help you avoid a potentially hazardous situation.
