As UK temperatures soar towards 40°C, parents are being urged to avoid covering pushchairs with towels or blankets, a practice that can dangerously increase internal temperatures and raise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Consumer champion Which? issued the warning in an Instagram post, citing research showing that draping fabric over a buggy can cause temperatures to spike by up to 6°C more than using just the hood after 60 minutes in hot weather.
Why Covering a Pushchair Is Dangerous
Which? explained that whether using a muslin, towel, or fleece blanket, trapped air can make the temperature inside the pushchair dangerously high. With outdoor temperatures already exceeding 30°C, conditions under a blanket can become extremely hazardous quickly. The organisation advised: "When temperatures soar, it may cause your baby to overheat, increasing the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). On a hot day, get into the shade if possible, and avoid staying out in the warm weather for too long."
Instead, parents are encouraged to use the pushchair's built-in hood to shield their child. If additional shade is needed, attaching a parasol or small umbrella can extend the shaded area without trapping heat.
Children Heat Up Faster Than Adults
According to Save the Children, young children are particularly vulnerable during hot weather because "they heat up three to five times faster than adults." Their bodies are less able to regulate temperature, making simple precautions essential. The charity recommends keeping babies and toddlers in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest.
Tips for Keeping Babies Cool at Home
At home, parents can use a fan to circulate air, but should never aim it directly at the baby. Placing a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of the fan helps cool the air. During the day, draw curtains and blinds to block direct sunlight, and open windows at night to let cooler air in. Regularly check the baby's chest or back of the neck; if it feels clammy or sweaty, remove a layer of clothing.
A lukewarm bath (not cold) before bedtime can reduce core temperature and soothe sticky skin. Breastfeeding mothers may find their baby wants to feed more frequently to stay hydrated.
Additional Advice
For more guidance, the NHS website offers a dedicated section on keeping babies safe in the sun. The key message from experts is clear: use the pushchair hood, not a fabric cover, to protect your child from extreme heat.
