Best tips for keeping your baby cool in the stroller and protected from the sun during outdoor adventures!
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Keeping your baby comfortable and safe in their stroller during warm weather is a top priority.
It’s essential to protect babies from overheating, as they cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as adults can.
Several effective strategies can help you maintain a comfortable environment for your baby in their stroller. With these tips, you can feel confident and stress-free even on scorching days.
Please note, I am not a doctor/this is not medical advice – just a mom sharing what has worked well for keeping my babies cool and out of the sun! 🙂
How to Keep Baby Cool in Stroller
1. Consider Your Timing
If possible, avoid going out in your stroller during the hottest part of the day (late morning/afternoon). Instead, go outside in the morning or evening.
If you are outside during the hottest part of the day, try to stay in the shade or limit the time you are out in the heat. I wouldn’t try going for a two-hour walk on a hot summer afternoon.
If you do plan to be outside for an extended period, plan to take some indoor breaks. Go inside (whether it’s a store, restaurant, your house, etc.) and let your baby cool off a bit before heading back out.
If you don’t have air conditioning in your home or you are away from home, be strategic and plan breaks at a coffee shop, community center, mall, etc. with AC if possible.
2. Use a Stroller Fan
A stroller fan is a compact, battery-operated fan that can be easily attached to your stroller’s canopy or frame. Here are some key features to look for when selecting a fan:
- Adjustable speed settings
- Rechargeable batteries (most can be charged with a USB cord)
- Flexible neck for easy positioning
- Attachment style – some have clips, others have bendable legs (I prefer the bendable legs)
3. Keep Baby Shaded
Babies under 6 months old cannot wear sunscreen, so it’s important to keep them shaded from the sun while in the stroller. Plus being shaded will help keep your baby cooler.
If your stroller has a shade canopy, pull that down to protect your baby from the sun.
Using a lightweight, breathable blanket to shade your baby could work, but on really hot days, even lightweight blankets can significantly increase the temperature inside the stroller.
A portable stroller sunshade (we use this Uppababy one on our Chicco car seat) can help protect your baby from harsh sunlight and harmful UV rays, while still allowing for adequate airflow. And it keeps the bugs out as well!
Some features to consider when choosing a sunshade:
- UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating
- Breathable material that allows for airflow
- Universal fit to ensure compatibility with your stroller
- Easy installation and removal
When using a sun shade or lightweight blanket, monitor your baby’s temperature and ensure proper air circulation to avoid overheating.
4. Use a Cooling Seat Pad
A cooling seat pad can make your stroller more comfortable and helps keep your little one cool. These liners are designed to draw moisture away from your baby’s skin, keeping them dry and reducing the chances of skin irritation.
On really hot days, you can pop the cooling pad in the fridge for a couple of minutes before you head outside, but the seat pad will keep your baby cooler whether or not you put it in the refrigerator.
Make sure to choose a seat pad that is easy to clean and compatible with your stroller.
5. Dress Baby in Breathable Clothing
Pay attention to the material when choosing your baby’s outfit. Avoid heavy fabrics. Lightweight, breathable fabrics, such as cotton or moisture-wicking materials, will keep your baby cooler.
Avoid using synthetic materials like polyester, as they can trap heat and make your baby uncomfortable.
Stay away from tight clothing and opt for loose instead for increased airflow. These will help keep your baby cool and comfortable in the stroller.
Consider a lightweight sun hat (if you can get your baby to keep it on!) to ensure the sun stays off your baby’s head and face.
6. Keep Your Baby Hydrated
To keep your baby cool in their stroller, always ensure they are well-hydrated.
Offer them regular sips of breast milk/formula and/or water. For babies under 6 months, breast milk/formula is sufficient.
Older babies can have water-rich fruits like watermelon or cucumber as snacks.
If your baby is not having frequent wet diapers, then they could be dehydrated. Offer more liquids.
Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated as well!
7. Use a Cool Mist Fan
A mist fan can provide even more cooling than a regular stroller fan. You can get one that wraps around your stroller or use a handheld one if your baby is older.
8. Cooling Towel
If your baby is older, you could roll up one of these cooling towels and place it behind their neck in the stroller.
I would only do this if you can keep eyes on your baby to make sure they don’t put the towel over their face or wrap it around their neck.
Another option is to wipe your baby down every so often with a cooling towel to provide some cool relief.
9. DIY Ice Packs
A few DIY ideas to keep your baby cool in the stroller:
- Fill a ziplock bag with dish soap (alternatively you could use corn syrup or a 2:1 ratio of water and rubbing alcohol). Seal it. Place it inside another ziplock bag to prevent leaking. Freeze and wrap in a light towel or paper towel before using it as an ice pack.
- Fill 2 water bottles halfway & freeze. Wrap them in towels and place them on each side of the stroller
- If you know how to sew, fill up a sock or a fabric pouch with rice and sew the edge to seal it. Freeze it to make it a cold pack or put it in the microwave for a couple minutes to make a heating pad.
Of course, you can also use a store-bought ice pack. Make sure to wrap it in something before putting it on your baby’s skin.
*Keep an eye on your baby if you use any of these DIY cooling packs, as plastic bags and water bottle caps can be choking hazards.
10. Choose the Right Stroller
When selecting a stroller to keep your baby cool, opt for one with breathable fabric. Materials like mesh or air-filled cells allow for better air circulation, keeping your little one comfortable in warm weather.
Strollers with removable seat pads can also be useful, as they enable you to adjust the stroller’s temperature according to the climate.
Some strollers also have a removable back panel to allow for more airflow.
Look for a stroller with a wide, adjustable sun canopy with UV protection. If your stroller doesn’t have a good sun canopy, you can buy a universal fit sun shade to hook on your stroller.
11. Monitor & Adjust as Needed
Check your baby’s temperature to ensure they are comfortable in the stroller. You can do this by touching their forehead, neck, or chest.
If you notice any signs of overheating, such as flushed cheeks or sweating, take immediate action to cool them down. Remove excess clothing, adjust the stroller’s shade, use a portable fan to increase air circulation, or go inside for a bit.
How to Tell if Your Baby is Too Hot in the Stroller
It is important to monitor your baby often when you are out in the heat. Babies can’t tell us when they are getting too hot and they cannot regulate their body temperature as well as we (adults) can.
Here are some signs that your baby may be getting too hot or could be suffering heat exhaustion:
- Baby’s skin feels hot to the touch
- Sweating
- Baby has flushed cheeks or looks red
- Fussiness, crying, restlessness
- Baby seems sluggish, lethargic, or unresponsive
- Appears confused or dizzy
- Fast heart rate
- Vomiting
If you notice any of these signs, get to a cool place as soon as possible and take measures to cool your baby down. Make sure to offer plenty of liquids. Contact your pediatrician if you are concerned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is too hot for a baby in a stroller?
A temperature above 75°F (24°C) can be too hot for a baby in a stroller. If you are prepared and take measures to keep your baby cool in the stroller, you will likely be fine in temperatures warmer than 75°F.
Always check your baby’s temperature by feeling their neck, back, or tummy to ensure they’re not overheating. If your baby appears flushed or sweaty, it’s time to take some measures to cool them down.
Do babies need a stroller fan?
Though not necessary, a stroller fan can help keep your baby comfortable on hot days by providing a gentle breeze. Ensure that the fan is securely attached to the stroller, away from your baby’s reach, to avoid injuries.
How to keep the sun off baby in the stroller?
To protect your baby from the sun, use a stroller with a large canopy or use a stroller sun shade. Alternatively, you can use a breathable muslin cloth to create shade without blocking airflow.
I hope these tips leave you feeling confident and prepared to take your baby out and about in the stroller in warm weather!
