Medical researchers in Sweden are warning parents about the dangers of draping blankets over strollers during the hot summer months.
Research shows even thin blankets, including muslin cotton, can create a Thermos-like effect because of bad air circulation.
“If a child is unable to dissipate the heat and they find themselves in that situation they become dehydrated,” said Ian Pike with the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit.
“Then things sort of get into heat exhaustion and if that’s not taken care of then this quite quickly progresses to heat stroke.”
Test have shown if the temperature is 22 degrees, a stroller draped with a blanket – even a thin one – can have the inside temperature rise up to 34 degrees in just half an hour.
“There’s a balance between using a blanket to try to shade from the sunlight versus sort of trapping heat within the pram,” added Pike.
The warning applies to light weight cotton such as muslin.
Alternatives recommended include a parasol or a canopy that rest off the stroller rather than over it.
With files from John Hua