Summer strolling
Is it safe to cover a stroller with a blanket?
First of all, it’s important to keep the stroller or car seat out of direct sun. If you find yourself in a full sun situation while strolling with your baby, it is best to use a white blanket to cover only the black or dark canopy portion of the stroller. A white blanket will help reflect the sunlight and reflect the heating rays of the sun, whereas black and dark colors absorb the heat. Be sure not to enclose the car seat or stroller with a blanket or car seat cover because air circulation is important to keep the temperature down. Even the thinnest covers can reduce air circulation and the temperature inside can raise to dangerous levels. Covering the entire seating area of the stroller by encapsulating it to keep the sun out is not recommended because it can overheat your baby.
What happens if you cover a stroller with a blanket?
It is only safe to cover the black or dark canopy portion with a white blanket and leave an ample opening for air circulation. Covering the entire seating area of the stroller, even with a thin cover, is not safe because it can make it dangerously too warm for baby.
How do you cover a stroller in the heat?
Only cover the dark or black canopy portion of the stroller with a white blanket. A white blanket or white with light printing will help reflect the heat of the sun rays much better than a black canopy. White is the best at reflecting heat followed by other light colors. Do not enclose baby under the blanket. Leave one side open, such as the front, so you can always see baby and for air circulation.
SwaddleDesigns offers a large range of white and light-colored blankets to help reflect the sun’s heating rays. Our Muslin, Marquisette and Cotton Flannel blankets are all available in white, white with light printing and soft pastel colors to help reflect the sun off of the stroller’s canopy. Fold a large white blanket and drape it only over the canopy. Fresh air should always flow freely around baby.
