With temperatures set to soar higher than Ibiza this week, parents across the UK are seeking advice on keeping their little ones cool in the car. Vehicles can become greenhouses in direct sunshine, reaching dangerously high temperatures that make plastic and metal components untouchable and leather seats sweltering.
Kat Gemmell, a car safety specialist at Silver Cross with 16 years of experience, has shared five golden rules to help. She urges parents to fit multiple UPF-approved sunshades on rear passenger windows and the back window, offering protection against UVA and UVB rays for children and adults alike.
Gemmell also advises covering the child's car seat with a light-coloured muslin or cloth when not in use, to keep plastic buckles out of direct sunlight and prevent the seat cover from fading. This ensures the seat remains comfortable for the child.
Dressing children in light, breathable clothing and switching on the air conditioning a few minutes before they enter the car can help regulate their temperature. Gemmell recommends turning on the air conditioning and placing the child in the seat once it feels cool.
For parents considering a new car seat, Gemmell suggests looking for designs with breathable fabrics and built-in seat ventilation for added airflow. Silver Cross uses temperature-regulating bamboo fabric on newborn inserts to keep children cool during longer journeys.
