The hardest part about caring for an infant is the fact that you have to know what they need at all times. They can’t tell us directly when they’re hungry, uncomfortable, dirty, or tired, so we have to interfere and fix it. It’s a constant cycle of observation, guesswork, and care; sometimes invisible, but always essential. Our ability to do this is one of the things that makes parenthood so amazing . . . and exhausting.
What’s one of the most difficult things to read? Our baby’s temperature. We’re never sure if they’re feeling too hot or too cold, especially during car rides. But as the temperature rises, it’s extremely important to know the signs of overheating and plan accordingly to prevent it.
Today we’re sharing a helpful guide to car seat safety in the warmer months. We’ll discuss how to keep your car seat cool and your baby comfortable on every ride.
How to Keep Baby Cool in Car Seat
Babies are much more susceptible to overheating than adults because they can’t regulate their body temperature as well. They have immature sweat glands, a faster metabolism, and an underdeveloped temperature regulation system. This means they can overheat 3 to 5 times faster than adults. On top of that, cars heat up quickly! So, to keep your baby cool and safe on your next drive, keep reading; we’ve got all the info you need:
What Are the Signs of Overheating in Babies in Car Seat?
Since babies heat up so much faster than adults, you need to be mindful of the temperature at all times. Even if you're not feeling particularly warm, your baby could be overheating! Not only do their little bodies have a harder time adjusting to extreme temperatures, but they’re also cradled in a hot car seat.
Car seats naturally retain more heat than vehicle sears due to the foam fading, thick material, and dark fabric colors. That means if the temperature is over 70°F, you need to be vigilant for signs of overheating. Below are some of the common signs. If you see any of these symptoms, act immediately:
- Flushed or red skin on the face and/or neck
- Sweaty or damp skin on the back, neck, and/or head
- Hot skin on the forehead or tummy
- Rapid breathing or panting
- Lethargy or unusual sleepiness
- Out of the ordinary irritability or fussiness
- Heat rash (tiny red bumps on the neck, chest, and/or back)
- Pale and clammy
- Exceptionally dry skin
- Vomiting
- Weak or absent crying
- Unresponsiveness or difficulty waking
- Seizures
How to Keep Babies Cool in Car Seats
Cool the car down before putting baby inside.
Vehicles can get hot! Depending on the outside temperature, cars can be upwards of 120°F. Instead of putting your baby inside of that hot box, start the car and let it cool down first. Running the AC even when parked for a while will help circulate air and bring the temperature down to a much safer level.
Use reflective car seat covers.
Ever sat on a vehicle seat after the sun’s been beating down on it and nearly burned your bottom? Those things get hot, and your child’s car seat heats up just the same. To prevent them from trapping heat, use a reflective cover when it’s not in use. That way, when it's time to put baby inside, you can just pull off the cover and have a much cooler place for them to sit.
Use car seat coolers before you take off.
Car seat coolers, like the Little Bum Cooler or Carats Car Seat Cooler, are another way to cool down car seats before you put your baby inside. You put them in your freezer like an ice pack until you're ready to drive somewhere. Then, while your car is cooling down, place the coolers inside the car seat. When you're ready to go, simply take them out and put them back in the freezer. Now your baby has a cool spot to ride on a hot day!
Ensure your car’s AC is working properly.
Although air conditioning may seem like a "nice to have" for you, it's an essential safety feature for your kids. If your AC isn't working or just not working well consider having a professional take a look at it. It’s normal for AC units to need maintenance, and sometimes, a simple recharge can make all the difference.
Place sun shades on the windows.
The sun is one of the main reasons cars heat up so quickly. Sunlight shines through the windows, heating the air inside. The trapped air has nowhere to go, so the temperature just continues to rise. Window Shades can help reduce the amount of light that shines into the vehicle, keeping the car cooler. Plus, the shades also prevent the sun from shining directly onto your little one while you drive.
Instead of window shades, you could also look into window tinting. This is a more expensive option, of course, but it is effective and permanent! Before tinting your windows, check your state's window tint laws to make sure the levels are within legal range.
Transport cool air to your baby with the Noggle.
In most vehicles, a majority of the air blows from the front by the driver and passenger. Back vents usually have less powerand some vehicles are without them altogether! This means that even if you're comfortable in the front seat, your baby could be hot in the back seat.
The Noggle provides the perfect solution to this problem! It attaches to one of your front air vents, and the flexible tube transports air to a different location in the vehicle. A small strap wraps around one of the headrests and delivers a consistent stream of cool air to one of your little passengers.
Place a cooling neck towel on them.
Cooling neck towels and water are great things to keep in your car for hot days! To use, you soak a towel in water, wring it out, and place it in your baby’s lap. It’s completely safe for your little one because it cools through evaporation. This essentially means it draws heat out from the skin as it dries. It’s actually the same way sweat cools your body!
Avoid overdressing your baby.
Be mindful of what your baby is wearing in their car seat. Even if it’s breezy outside or your destination is air-conditioned, the heat inside the car is what matters most. If the vehicle is warm and the outside temperature is over 70°F, dress your baby in light, breathable clothing. You can always add a blanket if they seem chilly later.
Shop for a cooler car seat for your climate.
Car seats, as we mentioned, just naturally run hot. However, there are car seats out there that are specifically designed to stay cool in hot climates. if you live somewhere consistently over 70°F, you may want to look into one of these car seat options:
- Maxi-Cosi Pria Chill: Built-in VentMax™ fans and breathable, light-colored mesh fabrics provide active air circulation.
- Evenflo Gold Revolve360 with SensorSafe: Temperature-regulating fabrics and SensorSafe technology that alerts you when your child is too hot.
- Clek Foonf: Available in Merino wool fabric (“Mammoth”) that’s naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and ideal for hot or humid conditions.
Want more help finding the perfect seat for you? Use our Car Seat Finder Tool.
Keep your baby safe with these cool car seat tips.
Every baby is unique, and tuning into their needs takes practice and patience, especially when it comes to keeping them comfortable in the car. By staying mindful and proactive, you’re doing everything you can to protect your little one from the heat. That care makes all the difference, turning every drive into something safe, cozy, and cool!
Want more info? Here are more posts about summer and warm weather safety:
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