Pediatrician warns of common parents' summer habit that puts children at risk
A parental mistake that harms children has been named (photo: Freepik)
In hot weather, many parents, trying to protect their infants from the sun, cover strollers with blankets or swaddles. But this seemingly harmless habit can pose a real threat to a baby's health, the Ukrainian pediatrician Dariia Vlasenko explains.
Why you shouldn't do this
According to the doctor, this habit carries several health risks:
- Rapid overheating - a blanket traps hot air inside. Even at a moderate outside temperature, it can quickly become very hot in the stroller. A baby still can't effectively regulate their body temperature, so there's a risk of overheating or heatstroke.
- Disrupted air circulation - a blanket prevents free air circulation inside the stroller, causing the temperature to rise. As a result, the child breathes hot, stagnant air.
- Increased UV radiation - some fabrics allow sun rays to pass through and even intensify their effect.
- Life-threatening risk - in severe cases, overheating can lead to unconsciousness, dehydration, seizures, or even sudden infant death syndrome.
Recommendations for safe walks
The pediatrician advises avoiding covering the stroller with fabric, as it restricts ventilation and contributes to heat build-up.
Use a built-in canopy or a parasol - this provides shade without blocking airflow. It's also worth using a damp muslin cloth together with a fan, as this can lower the temperature inside the stroller.
A study showed that this combination could reduce the temperature inside a stroller by 4.7 °C.
It's important to regularly check the baby's condition - watch for signs of overheating such as skin redness, sweating, lethargy, or irritability.
Avoid walks during the hottest parts of the day - it's best to go out in the morning or evening when the temperature is lower.
"Don't be afraid to gently advise other parents if you see such a situation. Many simply don't realize the danger," the doctor noted.
Read also why children have bedtime tantrums and how to avoid them.
Earlier, we wrote about essential baby items recommended by a pediatrician.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
