The Dangerous Stroller Mistake You May Be Making

Have you ever tried to block the sun from hitting your baby's stroller by covering it with a blanket or cloth? It turns out that by trying to keep our little ones in the shade with this method, we may actually be doing them more harm than good.

According to Svante Norgren, MD, PhD, a pediatrician at Astrid Lindgren children's hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, draping something over the top of a stroller—even the thinnest of blankets—can create a furnace-like heat inside. This leads to a reduction in the air circulation and puts kids at risk of heatstroke and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as their body temperatures reach dangerous levels.

Here's everything you need to know about this potentially dangerous stroller mistake and how to best protect your toddler from suffocation.

The Dangerous Stroller Mistake, Explained

Parents are advised not to cover their toddlers with blankets in the stroller as it can significantly reduce the air circulation and lead to suffocation. "It gets extremely hot down in the pram, something like a thermos," explains Dr. Norgren. "There is also bad circulation of the air and it is hard to see the baby with a cover over the pram."

The Global Heat Health Information Network found that covering a stroller with a blanket can lead it to heat up by 32 degrees in just 20 minutes during hot days. Which is a significant difference in a short amount of time and for a young child it can lead to overheating .

Rashmi Jain, MD, a concierge pediatrician in Irvine, California, and founder of BabiesMD, agrees covering a baby's stroller with a blanket can be dangerous. "It can prevent proper ventilation and trap heat in the stroller, thereby causing the baby to overheat," she explains. "In the scariest of situations, if overheated, your baby could stop breathing in this hot and poorly ventilated environment."

On top of that, adds Dr. Jain, a blanket is a loose cloth, which carries its own risks. "If it falls into the stroller, on the baby's face, it can pose a suffocation risk," she says.

How To Protect Your Toddler From the Heat

So, how can you effectively block the sun while keeping your baby safe? It's important to choose the right stroller for you baby —one that is light in color and has light fabric, for example.

Another important tip includes selecting a model with a large canopy and removable back panel. "Good strollers may have a back flap that you can open up to allow for air to flow into the stroller from behind," says Dr. Jain. " Good strollers may also have a canopy that provides coverage from sun & heat but doesn't obstruct airflow. These canopies are often UV protective/reflective. In certain situations, a canopy extender can be used to protect a greater portion of the stroller seat."

Aside from choosing the right stroller, there are other ways to protect your child from the sun.

• Avoid direct sunlight. It's best not to take the baby out in the direct sun between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. That’s when sun rays are strongest. “If the baby must be out in the sun during this time of day, or at any time for that matter, remember to keep the baby shaded and take frequent breaks by going inside where it is cooler,” says Dr. Jain.
• Check the temperature. Don't take the baby out when it is greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit if possible.
• Keep your baby well hydrated. “Remember, their sweat glands are still immature,” says Dr. Jain. “Sweating is how our body cools itself.” If they are younger than 6 months, they need to drink more breast milk or formula since they should not be drinking free water yet.
• Use cool washcloths. These can help moisten the baby's neck and face.
• Don't forget sunscreen. If your baby is over 6 months of age, use mineral-based sunscreen to protect their sensitive skin.
• Get a small fan. This can be attached to the stroller tray to help keep your baby cool. “Make sure it is not easily reached by your baby's hands,” suggests Dr. Jain.
• Check in with your baby. As you're out and about, make sure to keep checking in on your little one and know warning signs of heat exhaustion . Those include extreme thirst, sweating, acting tired or weak, skin that is red or hot to the touch, and rapid, shallow breathing.

Key Takeaway

Avoid covering your baby with a blanket in a stroller as it can cause the temperature to significantly increase and can lead to overheating. This can be prevented by choosing a stroller that allows for airflow, or taking precautions on what time you walk your baby outside and how hydrated you keep them. If you do suspect your baby is suffering from heat exhaustion , it's time to head indoors. Make sure to give your baby fluids and monitor how they are acting. If symptoms persist and your child seems off, call your child's health care provider immediately.

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