So many of us do it, with all of the best intentions. When the Sun is out and you have your baby in the pram, it is a natural response to want to protect them from the Sun in a way that keeps them cool. You see others doing it… so why not pop a light muslin cloth or wrap over the pram to protect them?
Kidsafe SA operations manager McKeely Denholm said while parents may think they are doing the right thing by using a blanket to shield children in prams from the sun, they are putting them in grave danger.
“It can actually heat up quite quickly — much like a car,” Ms Denholm said.
“A lot of people aren’t aware that with the pram — by covering the pram, by putting a cloth over the pram — you can actually cause it to retain heat.”
“Air can’t circulate inside the pram, so it heats up.”
Ms Denholm said research showed just how much hotter a pram got if it was covered.
“Some of the experts from Queensland are saying it can even heat up 15 degrees [Celsius] hotter than the outside temperature,” she said.
“An enclosed pram can get very hot; try to ensure that the air circulates around your baby by removing the back panel (if possible) or placing them in more open strollers.”
In the warmer weather, be sure to keep baby hydrated and in an open pram with good airflow.
Use shade, proper clothing (including a hat), and a baby-safe sunscreen. Most importantly, always frequently check on your baby when they are in the pram.
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