Baby in a stroller during summer – how to avoid overheating
A pram can quickly become hot in summer, especially if it is in the sun or the opening is covered. Therefore, it is important to choose lightweight clothing, ensure good air circulation, and check your baby regularly.
Here is a practical guide to help your baby lie comfortably in the pram on warm summer days.
How hot can it get inside a pram?
The temperature inside a pram can be higher than the temperature outside. The sun heats the hood, mattress, and fabric, while limited air circulation makes it harder for the heat to escape.
This means that the pram may feel warm even when the temperature outside seems pleasant.
The risk of your baby becoming too warm increases especially when:
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The pram is in direct sunlight
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The opening is covered with fabric or a blanket
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The baby is wearing several layers of clothing
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A thick duvet or sleeping bag is used
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Fresh air does not enter the pram
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The baby lies there for a long time without being checked
Can you cover the pram with a muslin cloth?
You should not cover the entire opening of the pram with a muslin cloth, blanket, or other heavy fabric. This can reduce air circulation and cause the temperature inside the pram to rise.
Sundhed.dk recommends not hanging heavy fabric in front of the pram and not using plastic covers in hot weather, as it can become very hot for the baby.
Use instead:
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The pram hood
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A parasol designed for prams
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A sunshade with good ventilation
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Natural shade
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A mosquito net when necessary
Always make sure that air can still circulate freely around your baby.
What should your baby wear in the pram in summer?
Clothing depends on the temperature, wind, sun, and how sheltered your baby is lying.
As a general rule, you can choose:
| Temperature | Recommended clothing |
|---|---|
| 18–22°C | Bodysuit, lightweight trousers, and possibly a thin extra layer |
| 22–25°C | Short-sleeved bodysuit or a lightweight summer outfit |
| 25–30°C | Short-sleeved bodysuit or just a diaper, depending on the conditions |
| Over 30°C | As little clothing as possible, shade, and frequent checks |
The table is only a guideline. Babies react differently to heat, and the temperature inside the pram may be higher than outside.
Also read our guide: What should a newborn wear in summer?
How can you tell if your baby is too warm?
Feel your baby’s neck, back, or chest. The skin should feel comfortably warm and dry.
Signs that your baby may be too warm include:
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Damp or sweaty neck
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Very warm back or chest
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Red cheeks
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Damp hair
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Rapid breathing
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Restlessness or unusual lethargy
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Fewer wet diapers than usual
Hands and feet can feel cool, even when the rest of the body is at a suitable temperature. Therefore, do not check only the child's hands.
If the baby seems lethargic, is difficult to engage, or has breathing problems, immediately move the baby to a cool place and seek medical attention.
Can a baby sleep outside in a stroller during summer?
A baby can sleep outdoors in the summer when the stroller is in the shade, there is good air circulation, and the baby is checked regularly.
Do not place the stroller in direct sunlight. Also remember that the sun moves, so a spot that is in the shade at naptime may later be in the sun.
Therefore, check regularly:
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Whether the stroller is still in the shade
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Whether there is air circulation
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Whether the baby's neck feels dry and comfortable
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Whether the clothing or bedding has become too warm
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Whether the baby is breathing normally
Should a baby have a duvet in the stroller in summer?
On warm days, a regular duvet is often unnecessary. A lightweight bodysuit, a thin blanket, or a lightweight summer sleeping bag may be sufficient, depending on the temperature.
Avoid combining several warm layers. For example, a baby normally does not need summer clothes, a thick sleeping bag, and a duvet.
If you use a baby sleeping bag, it should be suitable for the current temperature. You can read more in our guide to summer sleeping bags for warm nights and 25–35°C.
Can you use a footmuff in summer?
A thick winter footmuff is normally too warm for summer use. A 2‑in‑1 footmuff with removable padding can be more flexible because it can be adjusted according to the temperature.
On milder days, the footmuff can be used without the extra padding and combined with light summer clothing. On very hot days, it is often better to leave out the footmuff altogether and choose a short-sleeved bodysuit or a light layer of clothing.
Always check the baby's temperature along the way. Sun, wind, clothing, and the temperature inside the stroller are more important than the season alone.
Can the stroller be left in the sun?
The stroller should not be left in direct sunlight with the baby inside. Move it to a place with consistent shade, and be aware that the shade changes position throughout the day.
If there is not enough shade, it is better to go indoors or postpone the outing.
The canopy can provide some protection, but it does not necessarily prevent the stroller from becoming hot. Good ventilation and regular checks are still necessary.
When is it too hot to take a walk with a baby?
There is no single specific temperature that suits all babies and situations. On very hot days, the outing should be scheduled early in the morning or later in the evening, when the sun is less intense.
Avoid longer trips in the middle of the day if possible. Choose a route with shade, and shorten the trip if the child becomes hot.
At temperatures around or above 30°C, you need to be extra careful. A short trip in the shade may be more suitable than a long trip with the pram.
Remember fluids on hot days
Newborns and small babies need frequent feeds in warm weather.
Breastfed babies may need to be offered the breast more often. Babies who are fed formula should continue to receive it prepared correctly according to the instructions.
Contact your health visitor or doctor if you are unsure whether the child is getting enough fluids.
Signs of possible dehydration may include fewer wet diapers, a dry mouth, or unusual lethargy.
A simple checklist for warm pram trips
Before setting off, you can check the following:
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Is the pram positioned in the shade?
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Can air circulate freely?
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Is the baby wearing light, breathable clothing?
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Is a duvet, blanket, or sleeping bag necessary?
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Can you easily feel the child’s neck along the way?
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Do you have the option of going into a cool room?
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Are you avoiding the hottest part of the day?
The most important thing is to check the baby regularly and respond if the child becomes hot, sweaty, or uncomfortable.
Frequently asked questions
How warm can it be in a pram?
There is no single fixed temperature limit that applies to every situation. The pram should feel comfortable, have good ventilation, and be in the shade. Check the child's neck and back regularly.
Can a baby sleep in a pram at 25 degrees?
Yes, if the pram is in the shade, has good ventilation, and the baby is lightly dressed. Check the child often, as the temperature inside the pram may be higher than outside.
Can you hang a muslin cloth over the pram?
No, not if it covers the pram opening. A muslin cloth or blanket can restrict air circulation and cause the temperature to rise.
Should a baby wear a hat in the pram in summer?
A baby normally does not need a hat when their head is protected in the pram on a warm day. Outdoors, a lightweight sun hat can be used when the child is not protected by the canopy or shade.
How do you cool down a hot pram?
Move the pram into the shade or indoors, open the ventilation, and remove unnecessary blankets and layers. Do not put the child back until the mattress and the air inside the pram feel comfortable.
Can a fan be used by the pram?
A fan can help with air circulation, but it must be positioned safely and must not blow strongly or continuously directly at the child. It does not replace shade and regular checks.