During the summer months, although most parents with young children go outside during the recommended hours—before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.—it is still common to see parents covering a stroller with a cotton muslin cloth or another type of fabric to protect the child from the sun. It might seem natural to believe that by draping a light, breathable fabric over the stroller, you are doing something good—shielding your baby from direct sunlight and creating shade to protect them from the heat.
If you believed this would keep your baby cool, you are mistaken—just like many other parents.
Risk of overheating inside the stroller
While adults can regulate their body temperature well, young children have a less developed ability to do so meaning they can overheat, become dehydrated, and even suffer from heatstroke in a very short time.
A Swedish study highlighted that even covering a stroller with a light fabric can lead to dangerous overheating. A similar test was carried out by Australian journalists and featured in a YouTube video—in just one hour in partial shade (a typical outdoor walk duration), a stroller covered with a muslin cloth heated up to over 45°C (113°F).
Poor air circulation in covered strollers
Beyond the biggest issue—overheating the air under the fabric—if you cover the stroller completely from edge to edge, you block all airflow, creating additional problems. When a stroller is covered this way, continuous air circulation is prevented, and the child ends up breathing the same stale air for an extended period. This can increase the risk of respiratory infections. During the summer, lack of air circulation may also cause stuffiness and excessive sweating.
When the stroller is covered, you can’t see the child
By completely covering the stroller, you create an additional problem. A small child cannot tell you how they feel—they communicate through crying and body language. When you're in a city or on the move with your child in the stroller, surrounding noise might prevent you from clearly hearing your child.
Additionally, overheating and stuffy conditions can cause the child to become lethargic, and they may not have the energy to cry or otherwise signal that they are unwell.
When the stroller is covered, you can't see the child, which means it may take longer for you to notice that something is wrong or that it is time to take the child out of the stroller. Delayed reactions can be very problematic—especially in the summer.
In these conditions, during hot weather, the situation can lead to dehydration in the child.
Signs of dehydration in young children
● Drowsiness (especially in infants)
● Weakness, particularly if the child lacks strength in their arms and legs
● Irritability
● Dry skin
● Few wet diapers
● Concentrated, dark urine
● Sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on the baby’s head)
Signs of overheating and heat exhaustion in children
● Drowsiness
● Irritability
● Damp skin
● Paleness
● Dry mouth, eyes, and/or skin
● Rapid, shallow breathing
● Sweating
● Weakness (the child is tired and lacks energy, responds less to you and to stimuli)
● Excessive thirst
● Vomiting
What to do if you suspect your child is overheated
● Move to a cooler place, preferably an air-conditioned room or deep shade with airflow
● Breastfeed the child or offer another type of fluid
● Cool the child by wiping their face, neck, arms, and legs with a damp cloth or wet wipes
● Check whether the child is behaving normally—do they respond to you, communicate (depending on age), and drink fluids without vomiting?
● If you are concerned—seek medical attention.
What to use instead of a stroller cover
Now that you know it is not safe to cover a stroller—even with breathable fabric—you may be wondering what you can do when it is hot or sunny and you want to take your baby outside.
● Use a stroller made of lightweight, breathable materials, preferably one with side vents or panels that can be opened to allow airflow.
● Make sure your child has access to fresh air. If possible, open additional windows and mesh panels on the stroller, and remove any extra padding, such as cushions on the backrest, to improve air circulation.
● Check on your child frequently and take them out of the stroller regularly.
● Use a stroller sunshade or attachable umbrella that creates shade but still allows for air to flow.
● Avoid going outside between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. if possible. If you must go out, try to walk in shaded areas and keep outdoor time short.
● Dress your child in light clothing, make sure they wear a sun hat, and if they are older than 6 months, apply sunscreen.
● Depending on your child’s age, increase the number of breastfeeding sessions during hot weather, or offer water regularly.
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