Baby in a stroller during summer – how to avoid overheating
A stroller 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 helping your baby lie comfortably in the stroller on hot summer days.
How hot can it get inside a stroller?
The temperature inside a stroller can be higher than the temperature outside. The sun heats the canopy, mattress, and fabric, while limited air circulation makes it harder for the heat to escape.
This means that the stroller can feel warm even when the temperature outside seems pleasant.
The risk of your baby becoming too hot increases especially when:
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The stroller 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 stroller
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The baby lies for a long time without being checked
Can you cover the stroller with a muslin cloth?
You should not cover the entire stroller opening with a muslin cloth, blanket, or other heavy fabric. This can reduce air circulation and cause the temperature inside the stroller to rise.
Sundhed.dk recommends not hanging heavy fabric in front of the stroller and not using plastic covers in warm weather, as it can become very hot for the child.
Use instead:
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The stroller’s canopy
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A parasol designed for strollers
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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 a baby wear in a stroller in summer?
Clothing depends on the temperature, wind, sun, and how sheltered your baby is.
As a general rule, you can choose:
| Temperature | Suggested 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 |
| Above 30°C | As little clothing as possible, shade, and frequent checks |
The table is for guidance only. Babies react differently to heat, and the temperature inside the stroller 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 hot?
Feel your baby’s neck, back, or chest. The skin should feel comfortably warm and dry.
Signs that your baby may be too hot 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 may 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 rouse, or has trouble breathing, move the child to a cool place immediately and seek medical attention.
Can a baby sleep outside in the stroller during summer?
A baby can sleep outdoors in the summer as long as the stroller is in the shade, there is good air circulation, and the child 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 child'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 child is breathing normally
Does a baby need a duvet in the stroller during 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 clothing, a thick sleeping bag, and a duvet all at once.
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 babies 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 do without a footmuff altogether and choose a short-sleeved bodysuit or a light layer of clothing.
Always check your baby's temperature during the outing. 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 stable shade, and be aware that the shade changes location 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 go for a walk with a baby?
There is no single specific temperature that is suitable for 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.
If possible, avoid longer trips in the middle of the day. Choose a route with shade, and keep the trip shorter if the baby gets hot.
At temperatures around or above 30°C, you should be extra careful. A short trip in the shade may be more appropriate than a long stroller walk.
Remember fluids on hot days
Newborns and young babies need frequent feeds in hot weather.
Breastfed babies may need to be offered the breast more often. Babies who receive formula should continue to be fed formula prepared correctly according to the instructions.
Contact your health visitor or doctor if you are unsure whether the baby is getting enough fluids.
Signs of possible dehydration can include fewer wet diapers, a dry mouth, or unusual lethargy.
A simple checklist for hot stroller trips
Before setting off, you can check the following:
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Is the stroller 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 baby's neck along the way?
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Can you go indoors to 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 baby becomes hot, sweaty, or uncomfortable.
Frequently asked questions
How warm can it be in a stroller?
There is no single fixed temperature limit that applies to every situation. The stroller should feel comfortable, have good ventilation, and be in the shade. Check the baby's neck and back regularly.
Can a baby sleep in a stroller at 25 degrees?
Yes, if the stroller is in the shade, has good ventilation, and the baby is lightly dressed. Check the baby frequently, as the temperature inside the stroller may be higher than outside.
Can you hang a muslin cloth over the stroller?
No, not if it covers the stroller opening. A muslin cloth or blanket can restrict air circulation and cause the temperature to rise.
Should a baby wear a hat in the stroller in summer?
A baby normally does not need a hat when their head is protected in the stroller on a warm day. Outdoors, a lightweight sun hat can be used when the baby is not protected by the canopy or shade.
How do you cool down a hot stroller?
Move the stroller into the shade or indoors, open the ventilation, and remove unnecessary blankets and layers. Do not put the baby back until the mattress and the air in the stroller feel comfortable.
Can a fan be used near the stroller?
A fan can help with air circulation, but it must be placed safely and must not blow strongly or constantly directly at the baby. It does not replace shade and regular checks.