Home / Health & Wellness / Children's Health Here’s why using a stroller cover in summer could be dangerous When the temps rise, so does the risk of heatstroke. By Jessica D’Argenio Waller, MS, CNS, LDN Updated June 14, 2022 Rectangle A version of this story was originally published on July 13, 2021. It has been updated. Inside this article How to keep baby safe from heatstroke Warning signs of heat exhaustion in babies and children It seems like common sense: It’s already a scorcher of a summer day when you’re about to head out on a morning walk, so you cover the opening of your baby’s stroller with a cloth cover to add a little shade and protect their precious skin from sunburn. You just want them to be comfortable, of course—but this seemingly harmless step might actually be putting baby at risk for dangerous heatstroke. Experts in Sweden discovered that covering a baby’s stroller with even a thin cotton or muslin blanket can unknowingly create oven-level temperatures while contributing to a higher risk of heatstroke—and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Stroller covers inadvertently reduce air circulation and trap heat within the stroller, creating dangerously high temperatures. They also block visibility—essential for spotting signs of heat exhaustion (a precursor to heatstroke), given the fact that babies are more sensitive to heat than older children and adults. “It gets extremely hot down in the pram, something like a thermos,” Svante Norgren, M.D., a pediatrician at a children’s hospital in Stockholm, commented in Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet. To show the effects of using a stroller cover in summer in action, the paper conducted a quick experiment in 2014: With no cover, the interior of a stroller left out in the heat measured 72º Fahrenheit.With a thin cloth covering the opening, the interior of the stroller reached 93º Fahrenheit in 30 minutes.After an hour with the cover on, the interior of the stroller reached 100º Fahrenheit. It’s the same concept as sitting in the car with the windows rolled up: On a hot summer day, temps can get sweltering and the situation can become dangerous—fast. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cathy Pedrayes (@cathypedrayes) Related: 5 safety apps and tools to remind you there’s a baby in the backseat How to keep baby safe from heatstroke So how do you keep your little one protected from both the heat and sun’s rays while also still getting out for some necessary fresh air? Here are some safer options: Avoid using any type of cover over the stroller opening—even muslin or cotton swaddles or receiving blankets can contribute to rising temperaturesChoose a stroller with a large canopy to provide shadeTry propping an umbrella or parasol through the top handlebars to add extra coverage, or look for an umbrella attachment for your strollerOpt for light-colored strollers with limited padding, as dark-colored strollers can absorb more heatLook for a back air vent made of mesh to promote air circulationAttach a mini stroller fan to the handlebars or front tray Be sure to also follow these safe sun habits: If your baby is over 6 months old, use SPF 30+ sunscreen for any outdoor timeIf your baby is younger than 6 months, aim to restrict walks to outside peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Related: Want a safe summer camp experience? Here’s what experts say to look for Warning signs of heat exhaustion in babies and children Signs of heat exhaustion (which may lead to heatstroke if left untreated) and dehydration aren’t always obvious in babies and young kids. Keep these in mind as you venture out in the heat: Skin that feels clammy and coolIrritabilityExtreme thirstActing tired, lethargic or weakRapid, shallow breathingReduced number of wet diapersNausea or vomitingMuscle cramps If your baby seems to be suffering from heat exhaustion, be sure to quickly get them into a cool, air-conditioned environment and offer them plenty of fluids. If you’re worried that their symptoms aren’t improving, call your child’s pediatrician immediately. Sources Kids Health from Nemours. First aid: heat illness. Updated July 2018. Related Stories News CDC warns flu deaths in children spiked amid decline in vaccinations Children's Health Whooping cough cases are double what they were last year, CDC says News Popular hair and skincare products contain concerning chemicals that could harm kids Inside this article How to keep baby safe from heatstroke Warning signs of heat exhaustion in babies and children The latest Viral & Trending Reddit post about not missing the ‘newborn stage’ has over 1,000 responses News Study shows semaglutide use while breastfeeding is ‘unlikely to pose significant risks’ Birth Stories American mom gives birth in Japan and the amenities are jaw-dropping Children's Health Why is there no universal screening test for CMV?