The hot summer days are irresistible to going out, but can your baby with you? Can the baby be kept cool under the heating sun? Most babies indeed tend to get too hot under the scorching sun. You don’t bog down only because you can’t leave your baby back home. I am sharing some easy-to-follow tips and know-how to keep the baby cool. Just follow them and have all the fun this hot season has to offer!
9 Tips to Keep Your Baby Cool in a Stroller
#1 Choose the right stroller
If you have a baby, a comfortable, cozy, and protective stroller is your best friend for going out on a hot summer day. Choose a stroller with an extendable canopy UPF 50+ or SPF protection. Check out the fabric; breathable mesh fabric is great for long summer outings! To keep the baby cool and comfortable, choose the perfect stroller that is great for errands and travel. Stroller with a spacious seat or bassinet. However, the brand or model you choose, make sure the baby stroller has it all to be an excellent summertime stroller that cares for your baby!
Pro tip:
- Try to choose a lightweight umbrella stroller to ensure the utmost comfort for your baby and you.
- If your stroller does not have any canopy, don’t get frustrated just yet! You can always buy a separate canopy extender.
- Check if the back panel of the stroller is removable; consider removing it for more air circulation.
#2 Keep the baby hydrated all the time
Dehydration is dangerous for your baby. On long outings on hot summer days, your baby may have dehydration. What happens is the body-fluid level goes down under the summer sun. Additional fluid intake can be a lifesaver for your baby. Strollers with trays may keep you reminded to carry fluid/water all the time. Breastfed babies get all the hydration from your milk; formula-fed babies may need extra formula. For babies over the age of 6 months, excess water or juice will help.
How to know if your baby is dehydrated?
You can sneak on diapers for smelly, colored urine or check the number of diaper changes for signs of dehydration. If symptoms are there, offer more fluid.
#3 Summer-time seat liner helps
Some seat-liners help control moisture and offer comfort on hot summer days. I recommend liners with breathable fabrics and absorbent cushioning to comfort the baby while sweating and overheating. The gel-filled liners also provide superb comfort and help prevent heat from the baby’s skin.
A tip: For a better result, cool up the liner on a refrigerator for a few minutes to get a sustaining cooling effect under the scorching sun.
#4 Get cooling packs or make a water bottle sandwich
Cooling packs can be your lifesaver too. Keeping a few cooling packs or pads will cozy your baby on hot summer days. Don’t have cooling packs; a water bottle sandwich can do the trick for you. Fill up 2/3 of a water bottle, keep it in the refrigerator until it freezes, and wrap it in a towel. Then put it on both sides of your baby for a cooling effect.
#5 Get a natural air conditioner
Considering natural air-conditioning for your baby on a hot summer day outing? Wipe your baby’s entire body, including thighs and feet, with a wet towel. For added effect, put the towel around the neck. Just make sure the towel does not fall and obstruct your baby’s breathing.
#6 Add a stroller fan
Purchase a stroller fan for a cooling solution. These battery-operated fans are easily attachable to any stroller with a secure clip. A stroller fan is a great solution to keep your baby cool during the summertime.
#7 Choose light clothing
Babies usually tend to conserve more heat; on top of it, overdressing may lead to rashes or overheating. You can afford to underdress either, and it may lead to heatstroke! The best thing is to choose light and loose fit clothing. In terms of fabric, breathable cotton is highly recommended. It can soak up moisture away from their skin. Bamboo cotton can be a great alternative. It soaks up the sweat; unlike cotton, it does not retain any sweat. Cool, isn’t it?
#8 Stay in shade as much as possible
When you are out, if there is any shade, stay on it as much as possible. It may be under a tree or some shade of a building so that heat may neutralize.
#9 Clear the sweat
Usually, sweat is conserved heat that comes out of the baby’s body; excess sweat may lead to cold after drying sweat-check on your baby while you are out.
How Do You Tell If the Baby/Toddler Is Too Hot?
Here are some signs of whether your baby is overheated:
- The face turns red
- Less frequent diaper change
- Skin drier than usual
- Denying drinking
- More irritable and lethargic attitude
Note: if your baby has any of these symptoms or shows any out-of-normal behavior on a hot sunny day, don’t hesitate to take medical advice.
What Is the Ideal Temperature for Strolling with a Baby?
According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, a heat index below 90°F or 32°C is ideal for going out with your baby. A heat index higher than 90°F may threaten your baby’s wellbeing. As far as humidity is concerned, a heat index above 84°F with 70% humidity may be intolerable for your baby.
What To Do When Your Baby Is Too Hot?
First, undress your baby. Offer small portions of fluids and sponge the body with lukewarm or cooler water. If the situation improves, dress your baby in a light, loosely fitted dress. Otherwise, Consult with a doctor immediately for treatment purposes.
