How to Keep Baby Cool in Stroller : Top 12 Tips and Tricks from a Mom of Three
Summertime means lots of backyard play dates, splash pads, and outdoor activities. If you travel with someone under the age of one then you may be wondering how to keep baby cool in strollers while you are out and about. Let us help!
Keeping a baby from overheating is top priority when pushing a stroller in high temperatures. After all, these little people cannot regulate body temperature like older kids and adults can.
There are several ways to do this and several products that can help. As you read through our list of tips, please note that we are in no way medically trained professionals. We are, however, parents that work hard to keep our kiddos safe.
We share these tips and tricks with you so that you can do the same!
How to Keep Baby Cool in Stroller
Figuring out how to keep baby cool in a stroller during summertime could be something as simple as going out in the morning versus the afternoon, or it could mean creating a stroller cooling system that uses some cool gadgets.
Every family is different and has different preferences! Check out all of our suggestions below to find what is right for your family.
Choose the Right Stroller
Our top tip, truly, is to choose a weather-friendly stroller from the beginning. That does not mean the most expensive stroller or the one with the most features.
It also does not mean go out and buy a new stroller after reading this. If you already have one, scroll down for more ways to alter your current stroller environment. If you are already in the market for a new stroller, check out our post below and then keep reading to find out what to look for in a weather-friendly stroller.
See Our Top Stroller Recommendations HERE
A weather-friendly stroller is one that is well-ventilated by using mesh and other air-filled fabrics. These fabrics allow air to pass through the stroller rather than going around it which helps move hot air out from the inside of the stroller. Check out this stroller with a mesh back:
Baby Trend Passport Seasons All-Terrain
This awesome stroller/car seat combo set features a roll up back section to create a mesh backing for summer months. How cool is that?
The stroller itself is pretty awesome any way, with UPF 50+ canopy, cup holders, all-terrain tires, and easy collapse feature. But, that mesh backing feature is the selling point for us!
Another feature to look for in a stroller is a large sun-shade canopy that provides UV protection. The first stroller we bought had a very small sun shade so we ended up buying one of these universal fit sun shades that can attach to any stroller.
I have seen many moms forego the sun shade and opt to use a blanket instead. Please be mindful that most blankets are not made of breathable materials (or else they wouldn’t be very effective as blankets) which means they trap air in. Sun shades are breathable and allow air to pass through freely.
If you are in the market to buy a stroller and have it narrowed down to a few choices, check to see if any of your options have a removable back panel for additional airflow. I would choose that stroller any day over one without a removable back panel that has 100 other features.
Stroller Fan
One of the easiest ways to cool down the inside of a stroller is by using a stroller fan.
Stroller fans are compact, portable, and battery operated devices that make summertime adventures more bearable. They can feature flexible legs or clips, different fan speeds, and rechargeable or disposable batteries.
A stroller fan is a great way to keep your little one cool. Bonus points: it also helps circulate fresh air into the stroller!
We have found these are especially useful for outings that are primarily in the sun and for babies who still ride in their infant carseat within the stroller.
We even use ours when we get into a hot car during the summer months.
We have the stroller fan with a clip on the bottom and here is why: it attaches close to the baby.
If you buy a stroller fan with a clip, the fan can attach to the built in sun shade which puts the fan much closer to baby’s face (without being too close).
The stroller fans with flexible legs are great for attaching to a stroller handle bar or to the handle of an infant car seat. Just know that the air flow may not feel quite as strong if the fan is located a little farther away from the interior of the stroller.
Overall, I believe the fan with flexible legs is more versatile and can be used in more settings than just the stroller. We, personally, really like our clip-on fan though!
Time your Adventure: Earlier or Later in the Day
Truthfully, sometimes all you need is a little planning to be able to keep baby cool in the stroller. The coolest time of the day is earliest in the morning. If you cannot make it out early, then try later in the afternoon when the sun is not as high in the sky and there may be more shade.
If you are not sure if it is a safe temperature outside, a portable thermometer can give you some peace of mind.
We really like the Hipo thermometer pictured because it has a loop on top that allows it to clip onto just about anything. We have clipped it onto pack and plays, cribs, strollers, even the car seat in the car during the summer months.
This thermometer measures both temperature and humidity.
It is less than three inches tall and comes in four different colors (white, green, blue, and pink). It also features an Eink paper white screen so that it can be seen in any level of light.
The Hipo thermometer is definitely more convenient but the ThermoPro is a more widely trusted name and has a great rating on over 50,000 reviews.
Similar to the Hipo, the Thermapro measures temperature and humidity. It is also less than three inches tall so it is very portable.
The Thermapro stroller thermometer refreshes its temperature measure every 10 seconds. It has a magnetic back and on open mount for a small hook.
This thermometer can easily sit within the stroller but be sure it is not touching anything “warm” for a more accurate reading.
In general, midday sun is the hottest and the brightest so it is best to avoid the “nap time” hours outside if at all possible.
Keep Baby in the Shade
This may seem obvious, but I’m going to say it anyway. Keep baby in the shade! Almost everywhere we go there is an area right near where we are playing that is shaded by trees, a building, or even playground equipment.
Keeping baby positioned in those areas will help keep the internal temperature of the stroller lower.
If you cannot find a shaded spot, be sure to use the portable sun shade shown above, as well as one of the cooling accessories listed below.
Stroller Cooling Pad
One of our favorite accessories for summer days is the cooling stroller pad that uses refrigerated gel to keep baby cool in strollers! We have actually had two different cooling stroller liners: one made specifically for a stroller and one that is adapted for use in a car seat or stroller.
Cooling Stroller Liner
The cooling stroller liner made specifically for strollers is designed to fit in the seat of most strollers (jogging, umbrella, etc.) by threading seat belt straps through the pre-cut slits in the material.
The outside of the liner is made of breathable and washable material (though it is not recommended that it be machine washed).
This is one of the best cooling stroller liners because it is so adaptable to a variety of strollers.
Stroller Cooling Pad
This second cooling stroller liner option is actually shaped to fit in an infant car seat that could then be clicked into a stroller.
However, we recommend this stroller cooling pad for car seats or strollers! It is filled with a cooling polymer gel rather than cooling beads which seems to stay colder longer for our kiddos.
When we use ours, we put the pad in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before using to keep it cooler for longer. It can lower body temperature by 3 to 5 degrees!
Frequent Checks & Adjustments
Whether you have all of the gadgets listed above or none of them, you can still perform frequent checks and adjustments to baby and the stroller environment.
Check for things like flushed cheeks, too much sweat, an excessively tired baby, access to too much sunlight, and airflow.
If you notice any of these things being “off,” make necessary adjustments to remedy them. For example, move the stroller to face the breeze for better air flow, remove excess clothing/blankets from around baby, etc.
Dress Baby in Breathable Clothing
If you know ahead of time that your outing will be primarily outdoors, dress baby in breathable clothing to help keep cool.
Breathable clothing is made of lightweight material that allows air to pass through. These materials include muslin, bamboo, and/or cotton. We have an example of these linked below.
Breathable clothing is made of lightweight material that allows air to pass through. These materials include muslin, bamboo, and/or cotton.
The example we have pictured is just that: an example. It is shirt/pants set that is made of muslin which is very breathable!
Some of our favorite summer onesies are made of bamboo and not only are they super breathable, they are also super soft!
You can find 100% bamboo onesies in most boutique children’s clothing stores.
In addition to breathable clothing, a lightweight sun hat is also an excellent investment. We choose sun hats based on function and UV protection.
Organic Cotton Baby Clothing
We also understand that many families do not have a budget that allows for boutique baby clothes, no matter how soft and wonderful they may be.
So, check out this super soft organic cotton summer onesie! It is lightweight, so soft and smooth, and one of the most breathable baby clothing pieces we own.
It comes in 6 fun prints that could work for boys or girls. We were so excited to find these on Amazon and order them for our middle child, who then passed them down to our youngest.
Very stretchy and very soft! Plus, the sleeveless top and short bottoms are perfect for babies that are a little older that want freedom to move their arms and legs.
Breathable clothing is so nice to have on those hot summer days. Another thing we never leave home without are hats! Our older kids bring baseball caps but our baby has a nice sun hat to protect his skin.
Though it protects them from the sun, babies will still sweat while wearing a hat-there is no way around that. But the more lightweight varieties will allow them to cool off/dry out more quickly.
iPlay Baby Sun Hat
We have purchased two of these iPlay baby sun hats since having kids and we love them!
Really what makes a baby sun hat great is how securely it attaches to a baby’s head. Let’s be honest-most babies do not love a head accessory.
The iPlay baby sun hat secures in two different ways: a tie under the chin and a cinch strap on the back of the hat to tighten around the base of the babies head. That means it can’t be pulled upward, forward, or backward!
It comes in 10+ colors and four sizes, ranging from newborn to 4 years old.
Baby Girl Sun Hat
If you are looking for a baby sun hat with a little more flair, then check out this one by Danmy.
This is one of the best baby girl sun hats out there because it offers an extra wide brim, an adjustable chin strap (that does not require any tying), and a securely fitting cap.
The one thing I wish this hat had was an adjustable cap width, to accommodate baby as she grows. However, the chin strap adjuster does require a button be pushed before it will slide, making it baby-proof (unlike the hats with strings that tie)
It comes in a variety of solid colors and patterns and 4 sizes ranging from newborn to age 4.
Things I would avoid dressing a baby in if you are planning to have them sit inside a stroller or car seat:
- Swimsuits
- Closed toe pants/onesies
- Anything made of a heavy material like polyester, canvas/denim, spandex, etc. (These do not breathe well and can cause unnecessary sweating)
- Blankets
Keep Your Baby Hydrated
Keeping a baby hydrated may simultaneously sound like a difficult task and a no brainer. Most babies are on a primarily liquid diet, so the assumption would be that they are decently well-hydrated.
However, babies cool their bodies differently than adults do and a cool liquid is an easy way to help them with this process.
If your baby is 6 months+, a cup of cold liquid can be a perfect fit for a hot day. One of the easiest ways to keep the liquid cold while out and about is to store it in the insulated pouch of a diaper bag or to use an insulated sippy cup.
Insulated Sippy Cups
Insulated Cooler/Bag
***We list these products only to give you suggestions. Please do not feel like you have to have everything on our list! We have been told by readers that a visual is helpful as we describe certain items.
Cool Mist Fan
A cool mist fan is different from a stroller fan! It is not a “set it and forget it” fan that runs continuously. The main reason for this is so that baby does not end up taking a shower by being continually misted!
Cool mist fans combine both misting and fan functions for the ultimate cool down. The fan runs automatically when turned on and includes a water basin and trigger. While it’s running, pull the trigger to release a fine mist spray into the air stream of the fan.
O2 Cool Mist Fan for Baby
We really love this fan. We actually own three of them: one for each of my older kids and one for the adults.
It uses AA batteries to power the fan and has an easily refillable water basin. The mist is a true mist, not a shower or squirt gun.
The fan blades are very soft and flexible which is perfect for little hands that want to fan themselves. My younger kids have both experimented with sticking their fingers in the middle of the rotating fan blade and both have come out unscathed.
It also comes in 6 fun colors!
My toddlers and younger kids LOVE our cool mist fans. We take them on local adventures like the park but also on bigger vacations like the beach. They are so versatile and small enough to easily pack in a diaper bag or travel bag.
Kid Safe Ice Packs / DIY Ice Packs
We seem to always have ice packs on hand to keep our fruit or other snacks chilled during the summer months. I have started bringing along our “boo boo” ice packs instead of traditional lunchbox ice packs and here is why: they do the same thing but serve a dual purpose.
Let me explain. A traditional lunch box icepack is usually made of plastic (hard or soft) that helps it stay cold much longer. That’s great for food, but not so great if you need to use it for an ouchie. They are hard and can hurt if applied to skin for too long.
So, we have started packing our “boo boo” ice packs in our lunchboxes which help keep our food cold but are also available for any cooling needs that are unrelated to food.
Ice Packs For Kids
These ice packs feature a different material on each side: one side is silicone and the other is fabric. The fabric side features a child’s hand-sized handle that allows them to hold the ice pack on their own. The fabric also helps keep their hand from getting too cold.
The silicone side is the side we use to press against ouchies. However, these little ice packs are also great to rub across a babies forehead or to wrap in a burp cloth and press against the back of the baby’s neck.
**If pressing directly to the skin to cool them off, we recommend using the fabric side so that the baby is not quite so surprised by the change in temperature.
For DIY Ice Packs – There are a ton of ways to make your own ice packs. Head over to The Make Your Own Zone and check out 5 different ways to make ice packs out of supplies you already have at home.
Personally, I love the dish soap method and the salt method. I am always afraid the bag will bust so using rubbing alcohol makes me nervous. However, I do have friends that prefer this method and rave about how effective it is.
Cooling Towel
A cooling towel is one of the coolest (see what I did there) inventions. It requires nothing other than water. Just water! No freezer, no insulated bag, just water.
To use a cooling towel, you wet the towel, shake it a few times to create airflow through the mesh material, and then use it for up to 3 hours. How cool is that?
Large Cooling Towel
Mini Cooling Towel for Kids
We have the full-sized towels pictured above and our kids do not mind the extra length. However, for younger toddlers we would probably recommend the mini, kid-sized version also pictured above.
Vent the Stroller
Many strollers now come with adjustable or removable flaps on various parts of the stroller. These can help vent the stroller and increase airflow.
Our stroller has a flap on top of the sunshade as well as a removable panel on the back of the stroller for additional airflow.
Check your stroller to see what kind of features it offers!
How to Tell if Your Baby is Too Hot in the Stroller
If it feels hot outside to you, chances are it feels hot outside to your baby as well (even if the baby is shaded in the stroller). Here are a few things to check for to tell if your baby is too hot in the stroller:
- Skin color -baby’s face may become more red than normal or flushed. For darker skin, check for excessive sweat or skin that is very hot to the touch.
- Dry skin – baby’s arms/face may feel more dry than normal.
- Wet diapers – make sure baby is still producing a normal amount of wet diapers
- Lack of thirst – baby’s refusing to drink liquids could be dehydrated
- Lethargy/Change in demeanor – babies who seem extra sleepy or grouchy could be overheating
- Soft spot – always check the soft spot on a young baby’s head for sunken ness, which is an indicator of dehydration.
If you notice anything unusual, consult your pediatrician of a medical professional immediately! This list is not exhaustive and is only meant to help you identify some warning signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
➡ Are stroller fans worth it? This is a personal opinion based on how often you think you would use a stroller fan. Are stroller fans worth it for our family? Absolutely.
We use our stroller fan in the car when we first crank it up during the summer months to keep baby cool while we wait for the A/C to cool down. We even use our stroller fan on the side of the pack and play if baby is napping in a warmer home during the summer. Our family has definitely gotten our money’s worth!
➡ How Do I Protect My Kid From Sun In A Stroller? Finding natural shade outside is one of the easiest ways to protect a baby or kid from sun. You can also check out the stroller sun shades and baby hats we have listed above!
➡ What Temperature Is Safe To Take Baby Outside In Summer? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only taking baby outside in summer if it is 90 degrees or less.
➡ How hot is too hot for baby in stroller? When considering how to keep baby cool in strollers, keep an eye on the internal temperature of the stroller. As stated above, the recommended temperature is 90 degrees or lower.
➡ How to Tell if Baby is Overheating? See above for common signs of a baby overheating.
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