Summer days out, trips to see family and holiday drives are part of the fun of warmer weather. When you’re travelling with a baby, though, hot weather needs extra planning. Babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults, and a car heats up far faster than most parents expect. Snug, padded car seats can also trap warmth around your little one.
This guide covers how to keep your baby cool in the car and how to ventilate the car properly. It also explains which fabrics to choose and the summer car seat safety rules every parent should know. If you’re heading out on foot too, read our guide on how to keep your baby cool in a stroller or pushchair.
Babies overheat more easily than adults. Their bodies are smaller, they sweat less efficiently and they can’t tell you when they’re too hot. In a car, several factors add to the risk:
This is the most important rule of summer car seat safety. Never leave your baby alone in a car, even for a minute and even with the windows open. The temperature inside a parked car rises quickly, and a baby can develop heatstroke in a short space of time.
To make sure you never forget your baby in the car, put your bag, phone or wallet in the back seat. You’ll then always check the rear seat before you lock up. Keeping baby cool in the car is as important as your existence hence it should be taken very seriously.
If you ever see a baby or child alone in a hot car and they seem distressed, call 999 straight away.
Good ventilation is the key to keeping your baby cool in the car.
Open the doors for a few minutes to let hot air escape, then run the air conditioning before you put your baby in. A car that’s already cool is much safer than one that’s cooling down around your baby.
Set the air con to a comfortable, moderate temperature rather than the coldest setting. Angle the vents so cool air circulates towards the back of the car, but don’t point them directly at your baby’s face. If your car has rear vents, open them.
Sit in the back for a minute or put your hand near your baby’s seat. What feels comfortable in the driver’s seat can be much warmer in the rear.
A small clip-on fan can help move air in the back. Choose one with a fully enclosed blade guard, fix it securely so it can’t come loose in sudden braking, and keep it well out of your baby’s reach.
Opening windows slightly can help air flow on slower journeys, although on fast roads it can be noisy and blustery for your baby. Always use the child locks on rear windows.
Direct sunlight through the side windows can quickly heat your baby and their car seat.
Dress your baby in a single light layer of breathable natural fabric, such as cotton or bamboo. Short-sleeved bodysuits in light colours are ideal. Avoid synthetic fabrics that trap sweat, and skip hats while travelling because babies lose heat through their heads.
Light clothing is also safer in the car seat. Harness straps sit correctly against your baby’s body when they aren’t wearing bulky layers. Loose or twisted straps are among the common car seat mistakes parents make without realising.
When choosing a car seat, look for breathable covers and ventilation features, such as mesh panels or air channels. Seats with washable, removable covers are easier to keep fresh after sticky summer journeys — see our guide on how to clean your baby’s car seat at home. Browse our full range of baby and toddler car seats. If you’re upgrading, our guide to i-Size car seats explains what the latest safety standard means for your family.
Cooling pads, gel liners and extra seat cushions may look helpful. However, they haven’t been crash-tested with your car seat and can affect how the harness fits. Only use accessories supplied or approved by your car seat’s manufacturer. Our article on common car seat issues covers more problems to watch out for.
Before every summer journey, run through these checks:
Hot-climate holidays bring extra challenges, from hire cars sitting in the sun to unfamiliar hire seats. Read our guide to taking your car seat abroad before you book.
Signs Your Baby Is Too Hot in the Car
Check on your baby regularly, using a rear-facing baby mirror if you’re driving alone. Feel the back of their neck or their tummy rather than their hands and feet, which often feel cool. Signs of overheating include:
If your baby seems too hot, pull over when it’s safe. Take them out of the car seat, move them somewhere cool and remove a layer. Then offer a feed.
Seek urgent medical help (call 999) if your baby is floppy, hard to wake, has a very high temperature, isn’t responding normally or has a seizure. These can be signs of heatstroke.
Keeping your baby cool in the car takes a little planning. Cool the car first, shade the windows and dress your baby in breathable fabrics. Most importantly, never leave your baby alone in a parked car. With the right preparation and a safe, comfortable car seat, summer journeys can be relaxed for everyone. Once the seasons turn, our car seat tips for bad weather guide will help you stay just as prepared.
Looking for a complete setup for days out? Explore our baby travel systems and prams and pushchairs. You’ll find more expert advice in our Guide & Advice hub.
