The Common Stroller Mistake Many Parents Make In The Summer
June 7, 2019
source: ABC News
An average of 38 children die each year as the result of being left inside a hot car. To put things in perspective, that’s one child death every nine days. You already know how important it is to never leave a child or pet in the car during warm temperatures, even if it’s only for a few minutes. However, many parents don’t consider that a similar dangerous situation can occur by leaving a child in a stroller.
While stroller covers and blankets draped across a stroller are great for cooler weather, both of these things can prove extremely dangerous in warm weather. On a hot day, the air beneath that stroller cover is similar to the air you would find in a hot car. It can become extremely hot and with no air circulation, can even be fatal.
Babies and toddlers are quite vulnerable to heatstroke, particularly because they sweat less. Because of this, they have a more difficult time keeping their bodies cool. On a hot day, it’s important to keep your baby’s stroller uncovered and to never park it in the direct sun. Always look for a cool, shady spot, or bring a portable beach umbrella if you don’t think you’ll be able to find one.
Keep babies and young children dressed in lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton. Ensure they are wearing a hat and sunglasses to protect their face and eyes from the sun. Babies older than six months are okay to wear sunscreen, but babies younger than this should stick to the shade and breathable clothing methods.
The majority of parents who leave a child in a hot car do so by accident. Because of this, always make sure you are looking in your back seat every time you exit your vehicle. With the stress and chaos of daily life, it’s all too easy to become distracted and completely forget you have a passenger with you. Never leave a child or pet in a hot car, even if you crack the window or are only going to be gone for a few minutes. If you are unable to bring them into a store or other place with you, leave them at home with a caregiver. Please share these important stroller and car safety tips with your friends and family!