Hot weather and prams: why not to cover the pram with a muslin

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The sun is beating down, your baby has just fallen asleep in the pram, and your hand automatically reaches for a thin muslin to give them some shade. The urge is completely understandable – it comes from caring.

But here’s what we know today: draped over a pram, a muslin doesn’t work like a parasol – it works more like a lid. And there are much better ways to beat the heat.

The short answer: A muslin over the pram traps heat, like a little greenhouse, and stops you seeing your baby. Use a breathable mesh sunshade, a clip-on parasol or natural shade instead. Damp hair, a sweaty neck, flushed cheeks or unusual drowsiness mean your baby may be too hot.

Why isn’t a muslin a good idea?

When you cover the pram, the air inside stops moving and the heat gets trapped – like in a little greenhouse. In an Australian study cited by the organisation Red Nose, covering a pram on a hot day raised the temperature inside by almost 4 degrees. A Swedish test, widely reported in the British press, showed an even bigger difference with a thick cover.

The UK charity The Lullaby Trust explains two things. First, overheating during sleep is linked to a higher risk of sudden infant death (known as SIDS). Second, a muslin puts a barrier between you and your baby – you can’t see whether they’re too hot. This is easy to fix, so there’s no need to worry – just a few different habits.

How to create shade without blocking the air

• A mesh sunshade that lets air through and is designed for prams.
• A clip-on parasol for the frame, or an umbrella held over you both.
• The pram’s own hood – pulled all the way down, as long as the sides stay open.
• Natural shade – trees, buildings, parks.

How can you tell your baby is too hot?

Babies can’t say “it’s stuffy in here”, but their bodies speak pretty clearly. Look out for:

• damp hair and a sweaty neck;
• flushed cheeks;
• unusual irritability or unusual drowsiness.

If you notice signs like these, move into the shade, take off a layer and offer a feed or a drink. If your baby refuses feeds, is floppy or has a temperature, contact your paediatrician.

What else helps on hot days?

• Pick your time: go out in the morning and late afternoon. The NHS, the UK’s health service, advises keeping babies out of the sun as much as possible between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Protect the youngest: babies under 6 months are best kept completely out of direct sunlight.
• Light clothes: thin cotton, light colours, a hat with a brim.
• Fluids: frequent breastfeeds or bottle feeds. If your baby has started solids, offer water too.
• Never in a parked car: not even for a minute, not even in the shade.

Is a pram fan worth it?

Small clip-on fans can get the air moving, and many families like them. If you use one, check that the blades are well protected from little fingers and that it’s firmly attached. It’s no substitute for shade, but it can be a nice bonus.

For the dads

If you’re on pram duty in the heat, get into the habit of peeking inside every few minutes. A quick look, a quick touch of the neck – and off you go again. And the shade under a big tree is a great spot for a break for both of you. 🌳

📖 Read next: 3-in-1, 2-in-1 or lightweight pushchair: what’s the difference? · How to choose a pushchair: the questions to ask yourself

In short

Instead of a muslin – shade and airflow. Instead of a midday walk – a morning one. And a quick feel of the tummy every now and then. That’s all the magic there is – and it’s already in your hands. Summer can be wonderful with a baby, too. ☀️

Sources: The Lullaby Trust – Keep babies cool in hot weather; Red Nose Australia – The dangers of covering your pram; MadeForMums – Covering your baby’s pram in hot weather; NHS – Safety in the sun.