Pram Coverings: The Dangers of Overheating & The Safest Way to Cover a Pram
Children overheating in the summer is a big concern. Especially for babies and toddlers who can’t cool down easily and overheat quickly.
Covering prams, even with "breathable muslin," causes limited airflow and trapped hot air. Inspired by a 2023 Australian study, we tested three pram-covering methods to see which one kept the pram coolest - dry muslin, mesh cover with a fan, and damp muslin with a fan.
We wanted to simulate the real world as much as possible. Many parents avoid having their little one in the direct sun, but what about under a shaded tree?
What we found out was surprising (and worrying!) and made us change our pram-covering practices for our own children, as well as our recommendations to families.
Why parents need to be careful about their baby overheating
Children get too hot and overheat much quicker than older children and adults. The younger the child the higher the risk of overheating.
this is why:
A limited ability to sweat, which is how adults' bodies keep themselves cool.
A large surface area. They absorb heat into their body quickly and can warm up - 3 to 5 times faster than adults.
Overheating in babies under one is a risk of seizures and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI, previously called SIDS), caused by their brains getting too hot.
Overheating in a Pram, Why a Muslin isn’t Recommended
Many parents cover their baby's pram to protect them from the sun. A common way is using a dry muslin with clips.
However, in 2023, an Australian study showed covering a pram with a dry muslin on a hot day significantly increased the temperature while a damp muslin + a fan was the most effective way to keep babies cool.
But What About in the New Zealand heat?
Is muslin covering a concern in our less hot but more humid New Zealand climate?
We tested three coverings to find the best way to prevent overheating and keep babies cool in our summer conditions:
Dry Muslin
Mesh cover + fan
Damp muslin + fan
Our Results
We ran two tests. The findings might surprise you (I know we were!).
test 1: A dry muslin cover vs a mesh cover + fan
tEST 2: Dry muslin vs a wet muslin + fan.
Dry muslin vs mesh cover + fan with rear panel open
Before this experiment, a mesh cover + a fan with the rear panel open was how I covered my daughter’s pram and what & Breathe First Aid recommended to families.
The temperature inside the prams started at 26.1°C
It took 10 minutes for the pram temperatures to increase but they then rose quickly.
At 20 minutes the dry muslin was 29.1°C and the mesh cover + fan was 27.6°C
The muslin cover increased by 3 and the mesh + fan by 1.5°C
Dry muslin vs damp muslin
We then repeated the test, comparing the dry muslin with a damp muslin + fan. We were sceptical at first whether this would work.
The temperature inside the prams started at 25.3°C
Very quickly the damp muslin showed to be the best way to cover a pram and is safer than a mesh cover.
At 20 minutes the dry muslin was 27.8°C and the mesh cover + fan was 23.7°C
The muslin cover increased by 2.5°C and the damp muslin + fan decreased by 1.6°C
Summary: When comparing dry muslin vs mesh cover + fan and Damp muslin + fan, the damp muslin showed the best cooling results, reducing the temperature inside the pram by 1.6°C. Temperatures increased with a dry muslin (+2.5°C/3°C) and a mesh cover + fan (+1.5°C).
What does this mean?
Covering a pram with dry muslin can cause prams to become too hot quickly. Even when they are in the shadE.
Be careful using a dry muslin covering in the sun, even when going for walks. On the day we ran this test, the pram covered by the dry muslin got to over 30°C when placed in the sun. A mesh cover + a fan has a lower risk of overheating but it still increases the temperature inside of the pram.
The best way to cover the pram was using a damp muslin with a fan.
How to use a damp muslin + fan
Here are the steps:
Wet the muslin under a tap with cold water and squeeze out the excess water
Pull the hood of the pram forward
Cover the pram with the muslin.
Spray to re-moisten every 20 minutes - This is an important step, the muslin will dry out overtime and the cooling effect will stop working.
Knowing how to keep children cool and prevent overheating is key for keeping them safe in the summer. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in keeping little ones safe. Share this post to let your friends and families know the dangers of using a dry muslin to cover a pram on a hot day.
If you want to know more about what you can do to protect your children from unexpected injuries and illness join us for a & Breathe First Aid Course.
Our comprehensive courses use immersive learning and are taught by experienced paediatric nurses.
This blog is written by Charlotte Young, a paediatric ICU Nurse with 8 years experience and a Master of Nursing (first class honours) Charlotte’s Masters focused on paediatrics and research.
Test Notes: Tests were started after the temperature between prams was stable for 10 minutes. The air temperature was 25 degrees (+/- 0.5) and we used Mountain Buddy Nano prams in partial shade under a tree. The air temperature measurement was taken between the prams at the handle end. The internal temperature was taken in the air at chest height on a manikin. The mesh cover was the Mountain Buggy Nano-specific type. The damp muslin + fan test followed the protocol as stated in the Australian study.
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