Everyone knows leaving children in hot cars is a big no-no, even for a few minutes.
Everyone knows leaving children in hot cars is a big no-no, even for a few minutes.
But as temperatures continue to soar in Ireland this week, this common mistake with your babies’ pram could also be putting babies at risk. Covering a pram with a blanket to shield your baby from the sun, even if it’s with a very thin cloth can actually have a furnace. In fact, doing this can cause the temperature inside the pram to skyrocket to dangerous levels.
Research shows
Without a cover:The temperature inside a pram left out in the heat was 22 degrees Celsius.
With a thin cover:In 30 minutes, the temperature rose to 34 degrees Celsius. After an hour, it was at 37 degrees Celsius.
Who would have thought something as innocent as covering your baby’s pram with a blanket on a hot day could be a recipe for disaster? Young children are especially at risk for overheating and even heatstroke. Signs of heatstroke can include hot, red, dry skin, rapid pulse, restlessness, lethargy, rapid, shallow breathing, vomiting and even unconsciousness.
What parents can do to avoid heatstroke in babies:
- Dress your baby in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Try to keep your baby in the shade when outside and check to make sure that they’re cool during car journeys.
- Give them more fluids than usual on hot days.
- If the temperature is especially hot, keep your baby inside if you can.
- Never cover your little ones pram with a blanket/muslin cloth.
Definitely something to keep in mind with this heatwave we are having in Ireland at the moment.