Is putting a blanket on a pram dangerous?
Over 10 years ago, a story was circulated widely from a Swedish newspaper that claimed putting a blanket over a pram in hot weather could put babies' lives at risk. It caused panic - and understandably so.
But as a parent and the founder of SnoozeShade, I want to calmly break down the facts, offer some practical guidance, and help you feel empowered - not fearful - about how to keep your little one safe in the sun.
What that viral article got wrong
The article was based on a basic test: a pram was left in the sun, covered with a blanket, and a thermometer was used to track the heat increase. The results were presented as if they were scientific fact, with a quote from a paediatrician who wasn't even involved in the test.
The problem is that this kind of test isn't scientifically valid. A proper scientific experiment needs to control its variables - meaning you test one thing at a time under consistent, measurable conditions. The viral test didn't do that. There was no control for ambient temperature, humidity, wind, sun angle or duration. There was no control group - for example, comparing the temperature inside an uncovered pram in direct sun against a covered one under the same conditions. The fabric type wasn't specified or compared. And the setup wasn't standardised or replicable, meaning no other researcher could repeat it and verify the results.
In short, a pram left stationary in full sun with a blanket draped over it is nothing like a real-world scenario where a parent is pushing a pram along a pavement or sitting in a park with a breeze. The test created artificial conditions that don't reflect how any pram covering - whether a blanket or a purpose-made shade - actually behaves in everyday use.
A dramatic demonstration is not the same as a scientific experiment - even though they can look similar to a non-specialist audience. Treating all pram coverings as identical is like saying all liquids are dangerous to drink because some are poisonous. A thick cotton muslin that traps heat behaves completely differently from an air-permeable mesh that allows airflow.
At SnoozeShade, we've invested tens of thousands of pounds in independent lab testing - controlled, standardised tests with calibrated instruments, documented methods and verified results - because parents deserve real, reliable information, not scary headlines.
Are blankets always unsafe?
Let's be clear: a thick blanket tightly covering a pram in hot weather can be dangerous because it traps heat and restricts airflow. But when there is no shade available, a lightweight muslin draped loosely over can provide some short-term protection if you're regularly checking on your baby.
Direct sun exposure is more dangerous than a carefully draped cover in the short term. Doctors and paediatric experts worldwide agree: babies under 6 months must be kept out of direct sunlight. It only takes five sunburns in childhood to raise the risk of melanoma later in life by 80%.
What should you use instead?
The safest option is a sunshade that's been designed specifically for prams and babies. Look for something that is made from woven mesh (not solid or fluffy fabrics), is air-permeable (you should be able to breathe through it), blocks at least 97.5% of UV rays (UPF40+), and is free of chemical UV treatments if possible.
Why black isn't bad
Some parents wonder why many sunshades are black. It's simple: darker fabrics block more UV. Our EziBreez® mesh was developed specifically for sun protection and comfort and is air-permeable for safe airflow, lab-tested for UV protection, free from chemical additives, and approved to the same safety standards as a newborn toy.
And yes - it's safe for use from birth.
If you can see baby, so can the sun
Some sunshades claim UPF50+ protection - but have large see-through mesh panels. Here's the reality:
Unless a fabric is chemically treated, see-through mesh cannot block maximum UV. And chemical treatments aren't ideal for delicate baby skin.
At SnoozeShade, we use our specially woven EziBreez® mesh, which blocks 80% of UV with a single layer - and does so without any chemical treatments.
But we take it further: every SnoozeShade product uses two layers of mesh, which together block up to 99% of UV while maintaining airflow.
Many competitor shades use only one layer. That means they either don't block as much UV as claimed, reduce airflow to block more UV, or rely on chemical UV treatments. That's also why SnoozeShade may cost a little more - it's built to offer maximum protection and peace of mind, not shortcuts.
Breathability vs air permeability - what's the difference?
You'll see the word "breathable" on lots of baby products, but it's often misunderstood.
"Breathable" usually refers to moisture wicking - like sportswear. It doesn't always mean air can flow through the fabric.
Air-permeable means air can physically pass through. A simple test: hold it over your mouth and nose. Can you breathe through it easily? If not, air isn't moving through freely. That's why we never use heavy, fluffy fabrics like minky on our products - they trap heat and limit airflow.
What actually causes heat stress?
Heat stress is not simply a matter of how hot the air feels. Scientific research consistently shows that three environmental factors combine to create heat stress:
| Factor | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Humidity | 70% |
| Sun exposure | 20% |
| Air temperature | 10% |
This means that a warm, humid, sunny day can pose a serious danger to babies - even when the temperature alone does not seem particularly high. Because humidity is by far the dominant factor, it limits the body's ability to cool itself through sweat evaporation, while direct sun exposure adds a significant additional heat load. This is why both adequate airflow and reliable sun protection are essential when caring for babies in warm conditions.
Practical safety tips for hot days
Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight. Stay indoors between 11am-3pm when UV is highest. Dress baby in loose, light layers. Use air-permeable, purpose-made sunshades. Check on your baby often - comfort is key. Test the fabric yourself - if you can't breathe through it, baby can't either.
Shade is always safer than sunburn. You don't need to fear the sun - just respect it.
A final word on parent wisdom
This isn't about scaring parents or judging choices. It's about making sure you're armed with the facts, so you can make the best decision for your baby - especially when marketing claims aren't always crystal clear.
Always check what UV protection a product really offers, whether it's chemically treated, if it's been tested for air permeability, and what safety standards it meets.
