Prepare for sunny days with our guide to summer pushchair accessories. Learn how to keep your baby cool with the right canopy, fan, liner and hydration techniques, and enjoy safe and comfortable strolls.
Quick Summary: Babies are particularly susceptible to heat, and covering a stroller incorrectly can actually make it hotter. This article shows parents how to protect their little ones during summer outings by choosing the right pushchair accessories. It covers sun canopies, parasols, fans, breathable liners, misting sprays and hydration strategies, and emphasises evidence‑based cooling methods such as using a damp cloth and clip‑on fan. The guide also advises on timing walks, dressing babies appropriately and using insect protection.
Introduction
Sun‑drenched days are perfect for family outings, but babies and toddlers can overheat quickly. Their bodies have a limited ability to regulate temperature, and pushchairs can become mini greenhouses. Research by the Global Heat Health Information Network warns that covering a stroller with a dry cloth traps heat and can raise the temperature inside by nearly 4°C. On the other hand, using a damp cloth with a clip‑on fan can reduce the internal temperature by about 5°C. To help you keep your baby safe and comfortable this summer, here are the essential accessories and strategies for beating the heat.
Choose the right sun protection
Direct sunlight can scorch delicate skin and overheat your baby. A good pushchair canopy offers shade and reduces glare. Look for a canopy that extends far over the seat and includes ventilation panels to allow airflow. Many modern buggies come with UPF 50+ fabrics to block harmful UV rays. If your pushchair’s canopy is small, consider a clip‑on parasol or sunshade. A parasol can be positioned to follow the sun as you walk, ensuring continuous protection, while detachable sunshades can be adjusted to cover different parts of the pushchair throughout the day.
Don’t forget about your baby’s eyes and skin. A wide‑brimmed sun hat and infant‑safe sunscreen (applied to exposed skin if your baby is over six months old) provide additional protection. Avoid draping blankets or muslins over the entire pushchair; this traps heat and restricts airflow. Instead, use purpose‑built sunshades with breathable fabric and ventilation.
Cooling accessories
To actively cool the inside of your pushchair, consider these accessories:
- Clip‑on fans: A battery‑powered or USB‑rechargeable fan attaches easily to the frame or handlebar. Position it to circulate air around your baby without blowing directly in their face. Choose fans with flexible necks and child‑safe blades.
- Moistened muslin cloths: Lightly soak a muslin or bamboo cloth in cool water and drape it over the pushchair opening. Combine this with a fan to create evaporative cooling; research shows that this setup can reduce the temperature inside by up to 5 °C.
- Misting bottles: A small misting spray bottle lets you spritz your baby’s arms and legs with cool water. Avoid spraying their face or head directly, and use distilled or cooled boiled water to prevent contamination.
- Cooling seat liners and gel packs: Breathable seat liners with 3D mesh or bamboo fabric promote airflow and wick away sweat. Some liners come with pockets for gel packs that can be chilled in the refrigerator. Make sure any gel pack is covered so it doesn’t touch your baby’s skin directly.
Dress your baby for the heat
Clothing plays a crucial role in temperature control. Dress your baby in lightweight, loose‑fitting garments made from natural fibres such as cotton or bamboo. Light colours reflect sunlight and keep your baby cooler. In very hot weather, a nappy and a sleeveless vest may be sufficient. For infants under six months, avoid applying sunscreen under clothing; instead, rely on shade and breathable fabrics.
Consider adding a moisture‑wicking liner to the pushchair seat. These liners are typically made from mesh or bamboo and draw moisture away from the skin. They can also be removed and washed easily, keeping the pushchair clean and fresh.
Plan your outings wisely
Timing is everything when the temperatures soar. Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm. Early mornings and late afternoons are cooler and more comfortable. If you must go out during peak heat, seek shaded routes such as tree‑lined paths, parks with covered walkways or shopping centres.
Check the day’s forecast and pay attention to heat warnings. If you’re planning a long outing, identify places to stop and rest indoors. Remember that metal parts of the pushchair, such as buckles or frames, can heat up in direct sunlight, cover them with a cloth or keep them out of the sun when not in use.
Keep hydration front and centre
Hydration is essential for both baby and caregiver. Babies under six months should not drink water unless advised by a healthcare professional. They stay hydrated through more frequent breast or bottle feeds. In hotter weather, your baby may want to feed more often. For older babies, offer sips of cooled, boiled water and foods with high water content like cucumber or melon.
Parents and caregivers should also drink plenty of water; it’s easy to become dehydrated while concentrating on keeping your baby cool. Carry a water bottle with you and take regular sips. Encourage older siblings to drink water frequently as well.
Use insect nets and protective covers
Summer walks often mean bugs. A lightweight insect net keeps mosquitoes, midges and flies away from your baby without impeding airflow. Make sure the net fits your pushchair properly; too tight and it could tear, too loose and insects can sneak in. Some nets have an elastic rim to hold them securely in place. If you’re walking near water or at dusk, consider applying an infant‑safe insect repellent to exposed skin (check the product is suitable for babies).
In areas with high pollen counts, a net can also help reduce exposure to allergens. Some pushchair manufacturers sell universal nets that fit most models, while others offer bespoke versions designed for specific buggies.
Safety tips for accessories
When using any accessory, safety should always come first:
- Avoid covering the entire pushchair with a blanket or plastic rain cover in hot weather. It may seem like it provides shade, but it restricts airflow and can trap heat, raising the internal temperature significantly.
- Attach fans and parasols securely, ensuring they do not interfere with the pushchair’s folding mechanism or your ability to steer and brake.
- Check batteries in clip‑on fans and replace them regularly. A dead fan can lull you into a false sense of security.
- Keep cords, strings or straps away from your baby’s reach to prevent entanglement.
- Regularly inspect seat liners and covers for wear and tear. Replace or mend any damaged items immediately.
Accessories to consider
At Pushchair Expert, we stock a wide range of accessories designed to keep your little one comfortable through the summer months. Consider investing in:
- UPF 50+ canopies and parasols: Extendable canopies or separate parasols block harmful rays and provide flexible shade.
- Clip‑on fans: Look for models with rechargeable batteries and flexible necks. Some even include LED night lights for evening walks.
- Breathable seat liners: Mesh or bamboo liners that wick moisture and promote airflow.
- Misting spray bottles: Compact bottles with fine sprays to cool your baby and yourself.
- Insect nets: Lightweight, universal nets that protect against mosquitoes and midges.
Conclusion
Summer adventures don’t have to mean overheating. By selecting the right pushchair accessories and following evidence‑based cooling strategies, you can ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. Remember: never drape a dry cloth over the pushchair, as this can raise the temperature by several degrees. Instead, combine breathable sunshades, a moistened muslin and a clip‑on fan to create a gentle breeze and lower the temperature inside. Add a breathable seat liner, hydrate often and time your outings for cooler parts of the day. With these tips and accessories, you and your baby can enjoy sunny strolls while staying cool and protected.
