Keep cool on your summer strolls

Summer is here and it won’t be long before we start feeling the heat ☀️

Because babies are not as good at regulating their temperature as adults, they are very vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, and heat exhaustion (1,7).

A recent study looked at the best method to reduce your stroller temperature when out for a walk. They found that using a piece of dry fabric alone (i.e. flannelette or muslin), to provide shade, quickly increased the temperature in the stroller. While the piece of fabric does provide shade, it does not prevent radiation from the sun from penetrating and heating up the space. Plus the fabric will prevent air from circulating creating conditions similar to those of a car parked with the windows closed (1).

The method that yielded the best cooling result was using a fully moistened muslin cloth over the stroller with a small fan to increase air flow. The water evaporating from the moist cloth along with the extra air-flow can lower the stroller’s ambient temperature by almost 5°C (1).

You want the muslin to be fully moist, but you don’t want it to be dripping water onto the stroller. You can bring a spray bottle to keep the muslin moist during your walk. Make sure to monitor the temperature frequently (1).

*The stroller icon used in our slide is showing something that can look like a covered bassinet. Keep in mind that anything covering the baby and preventing air flow could cause an increase in temperature.

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Summer is here and it won’t be long before we start feeling the heat ☀️

But babies are not good at regulating their temperature which makes them very vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.#ScienceUpFirst

[1/2] pic.twitter.com/lrqmm61hCZ

— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced’Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) June 22, 2023

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