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Original poster

When will parents realise that covering pushchair with blankets and muslin sheets is actually dangerous?

87 replies

longlocks · 12/05/2025 11:37

Already seen two mums doing this and its just turned 11:30am. They have no idea that putting a blanket over the pushchair traps air and makes the pushchair area warmer. Babies can die of SIDS if they are overheated. Put a parasol or a sun cover instead.

OP posts:
TotHappy · 12/05/2025 12:52

Yeah, it's not that dangerous is it? The air inside might be warmer than without but its not crazy hot. Its to keep the sun off the baby's face, not to keep them cool.

SwanRivers · 12/05/2025 12:52

You don't know they have no idea.

It was very common for a lot of African women at my son's nursery to do this and when it was pointed out, two of them they said it's just what they do in their country.

Some parents choose to do different things even if they're not particularly well thought out.

Digdongdoo · 12/05/2025 12:46

It's not really hot enough to be an issue here. I appreciate that it is in theory dangerous, but there's no evidence to suggest babies are actually coming to any harm because of it. The overwhelming majority of parents are attentive enough that it never gets beyond being a little bit warm.

Duckyfondant · 12/05/2025 12:41

I think you'll find most mum's do know. Often they've left room for air flow or they're doing it temporarily to protect the baby from direct sunlight. Women are not idiots

DeedlessIndeed · 12/05/2025 12:18

Most mums I know have those pram fans that essentially make it air conditioned.

Smittenkitchen · 12/05/2025 12:17

Agree!! I see this a lot in Spain 🤦🏼‍♀️ I really think a huge amount of people don't know.

SnippitySnappitySnop · 12/05/2025 12:15

I did this with my DC, I didn't block the entire opening of the 'hood' but say 2 thirds were covered. I thought muslin cloths were breathable, they're even used to strain because they have holes.
I think just tell them with a smile and a gentle tone. If a mum snaps back she could just be feeling vulnerable and exhausted, don't take it personally. She probably will think about what you said and google it then feel bad for snapping at you. I think if you're gentle and discreet in letting them know it should be well received.

Wolfiefan · 12/05/2025 12:11

I had a snooze shade too. It let air circulate and I would lie the pushchair down flat which allowed a real breeze through. I wouldn’t cover with a blanket though.

ChickalettasGiblets · 12/05/2025 12:11

Ah yes, the yearly summer mum shaming posts have started.

“They have no idea that putting a blanket over the pushchair traps air and makes the pushchair area warmer” - so as the first poster said, a kindly comment might help them to understand. They may genuinely not know this is a thing or that alternatives exist!!

Straightomyhead · 12/05/2025 12:09

I have only selected you are being unreasonable as some of the snooze shades which you can buy are a special breathable fabric to encourage air flow. I also have one of these built into my pram.

Also last summer was my baby was around 6 months I popped a clip on fan pointing into the pram in the hood and it was lovely and cool in there.

I am not supporting using muslins or blankets to cover prams but some parents may have done their own research and using materials to keep it cool.

Katemax82 · 12/05/2025 12:05

I did this years ago..not all the time but I was horrified to learn what it actually did

MidnightPatrol · 12/05/2025 11:43

I don’t think it’s well know as we don’t typically have a climate where it is a problem.

Honestly - in this scenario I think a very kindly put comment saying, ‘I have just learned this, I had no idea’ is fine.