Are stroller rain covers safe?
We’re still in the midst of an ongoing pandemic. Therefore, going for walks can be a safe activity to do with your kids. Babies do need fresh air and sunlight to stay healthy. Besides, a 20 or 30 minutes walk can be therapeutic for both, the parent and the child. As we all know, using a stroller is the most convenient way to bring out your little one into the outside world. However, the outside environment is different from the home. Entering the rainy/windy season – you might need a stroller cover. Most experts recommended using stroller rain covers as the best way to protect your baby from weather like rain, snow, wind, and everything in between.
It is also believed that this can be a great way to keep your child protected from COVID and germs in general if they’re too young for a mask. But are stroller rain covers safe? Did you know that choosing the wrong stroller rain cover will increase the health risks of your baby? You surely don’t want this. Every parent tries to choose the best thing for their children. In this case, you also need to choose wisely. Sometimes, you may be doing more harm than good. Let’s find out what you might be doing wrong.
What are stroller rain covers?
As mentioned before, a stroller rain cover is an accessory designed to protect your stroller and your child from getting wet when it’s raining, snowing, and cold from strong winds. We strongly believe it is a must-have item for parents with small kids. Sometimes, rain happens. Of course, getting caught in the rain might sound adventurous and fun, but not for a mother pushing their baby in a stroller. Whether you’ve got a twin stroller (such as Hop), a jogging stroller (such as Jump), or the most-expensive stroller out there, you know how important a stroller rain cover is. Remember that investing in a stroller cover should not be confused with a stroller blanket.
Anyways, there’s no need to worry as it is not a huge investment. Stroller rain covers are all pretty reasonably priced. When the weather conditions outside are bitterly cold, this item is going to help keep your baby dry, warm, and comfortable. Most stroller rain covers are usually made with water-resistant material. Did you know that they have transparent windows to allow your child to see outside? What’s more, they come with ventilation holes for free air circulation. These are the basic features. There are more expensive rain covers featuring a user-friendly design with zippers, UPF protection, handy storage pockets, a storage pouch, etc.
Benefits of stroller rain covers
Stroller rain covers are helpful in many ways. We all know that they play an important role in protecting your baby from the harsh elements of the environment. If you have a stroller rain cover, then you can walk without having to hurry back home due to impulsive weather changes. Their main benefit is that they save you from most weather conditions like rain, snow, wind, and cold temperatures. Furthermore, your baby will have a clear view through a clear optical window. Stroller rain covers also contain compact size that can store at the bottom of the stroller. Parents can easily install and remove the cover at any time. Lastly, when the covers get dirty, you can use a washing machine to clean them off.
Stroller safety warning for every parentAre stroller rain covers safe?
We previously mentioned some of the many advantages of having a stroller rain cover while touring outside. It is worth noting that there are some disadvantages of stroller rain covers too. So, if you do happen to turn to this approach, be extra careful as any over a pram can be dangerous. This is one of the things that makes stroller rain covers unsuitable.
Referring to different researchers, if you drape something over the top of the stroller like rain covers or thin blankets, they can create a furnace-like heat inside the stroller. This reduces air circulation. We all know that young children are more sensitive to heat than older children or adults. Their body temperature can rise three-to-five times faster. As a result, the heat inside the stroller puts them at greater risk of heat stroke and other health risks such as SIDS as their body temperature reaches dangerous levels much sooner.
But what can you do to keep your baby safe? First, try to always monitor the temperature inside. Make sure prying little hands aren’t reaching in without you noticing. Also, try to consider giving it a quick wipe down before you take the baby out so you don’t transfer anything from the outside in. Most importantly, if you suppose your baby is having heat exhaustion, bring your baby out and get them into an air-conditioned environment. Then give him some fluids. Remember, no matter what, you can not detach the rain covers forever. All you have to do is choose the right rain covers that make sure a healthy temperature inside the stroller.
Different types of stroller rain covers to help you choose one
1. A fully enclosed rain cover
This type is able to cover the whole stroller. It usually comes with a medium-sized plastic window so you can be directly connected with your baby. The material is light and breathable (usually the same as used in parachutes). That’s why it dries in a couple of minutes. This stroller rain cover is foldable and you can take it anywhere you go. It’s a great option for cold and rain. However, we don’t recommend using it in hot weather. That’s because it is closed from all sides and this might be suffocating for the baby in hot weather. Plus, it is mostly available in black color.
2. An Open-Air Rain Cover
This one is opened from all sides and only the front part is attached to the stroller. As a result, air circulation is easy. It’s made from a material that is light and soft (usually the same used in parachutes too). Therefore it dries easily and can be taken anywhere. Your baby can look around and enjoy his ride as it comes with a large plastic window.
The hooks are fastened to the front and back parts of the pushchair and the sides are left open. It is worth noting that you can use this cover in both winter and summer. This comes as a result of the fact that it is open from the sides and allows for better air circulation. What’s more, this type of stroller rain cover is available in many colors. However, we recommend choosing white because white color can reflect UV rays. So, it doesn’t raise the temperature of the stroller quickly. We all know that the black color absorbs light and quickly raises the temperature.
3. Covid stroller cover
Lately, a lot of baby products manufacturers have started producing Covid covers for strollers. These covers are different from common ones available in the market because they don’t use parachute material. The whole cover is made from thick transparent plastic with a net on the lower sides for breathability. This design is efficient for protection. However, as far as we know, it doesn’t necessarily make it more special or different from the other rain covers. Therefore, if you choose to purchase this cover, at least try to buy it at the same price as the rest. Otherwise, you’re being ripped off. This type of stroller rain cover is transparent – there are no colors.
4. The mosquito net
Can the mosquito net be used as a rain cover? Using mosquito nets as rain covers would not be the best choice. So the answer is no. This one has tiny holes in it. As a result, it will not protect your baby in heavy rain. What’s more, a mosquito net is also not ideal in the post-pandemic world because it doesn’t offer the same protection. Tiny droplets present in the air can easily enter through the net and babies can inhale them. Instead, we recommend you invest in a proper rain cover.
UNIVERSAL STROLLER RAIN COVERS
Stroller rain covers can be found in different shapes, sizes and designes. However, certain things apply to all of them, such as the use of clear/transparent material that is waterproof, durable. Some of them are big enough to cover the entire stroller, along with the canopy.
In addition, it is also worth noting that some strollers may come bundled with a rain cover (like Kinderwagon strollers). We believe that is something you should consider when buying a new stroller. Of course, you can always buy these as separate stroller accessories. Most stroller covers are made in such a way that they fit most different brand of strollers.
Ventilation is very important
We all know that rain covers do a good job of keeping away the rains. However, as mentioned before, it can get suffocating inside if there’s no adequate ventilation. They must have openings on both sides in the form of holes, and a small portion could be netted for proper ventilation.
How to properly attach an universal rain cover to a stroller
Universal rain covers are easy to fix into the stroller protecting your baby from wind and rain. If it starts to rain, and you are outside with your baby in the stroller, here’s what you have to do:
* First, you have to roll out your stroller cover if it is attached to the stroller or pull it from your baby bag. Then, try to tuck it well according to the manufacturer instructions.
* Open the ventilation of the stroller rain cover to allow free flow of air, to prevent suffocating the baby
* Lastly, remember to keep your baby safe and enjoy your stroll.
Can babies breathe normally inside the stroller rain cover?
Your baby can breathe normally inside the rain cover only if the rain cover has ventilation holes. The ventilation holes are responsible for keeping the inside air fresh and make sure your baby doesn’t have any irritation.
Here’s what to consider when choosing the right stroller rain cover for you?
COLOR
The first thing to consider is the color of the stroller rain covers. As mentioned before, the light-colored ones would be a wise decision. That’s because deep colors absorb heat and light colors reflect the heat. Therefore, white or other colors will be perfect for your baby.
All-Round Protection
The reason why you are buying the rain cover is for your baby’s protection. So, you have to make sure it provides your baby with the full protection you need. Remember, it should be 100% waterproof and cover the stroller from head to toe.
Material
We all know that every chemical product affects the baby’s health. Therefore, you must choose non-toxic material for the rain covers too. Non-toxic materials are always safe for your little ones.
Full Visibility
We recommend you pick a stroller rain cover that comes with a transparent large window. It allows you to notice your baby. You can also check your kid all the time. Keep in mind that it would be better if there are fasteners to the window so that you can open the window when the weather is calm.
Breathability
Breathability is, without doubt, the most significant consideration while purchasing a rain cover. It helps in allowing the stroller to escape inside air while keeping your baby dry and normalizing the temperature inside the coverage. It is a very important feature in the rain cover. A lot of stroller covers have ventilation holes to maintain suitable air circulation. Overall, it protects your baby when the window is closed.
Easy Access
Don’t forget to see if it can be easily installed and removed. Remember that hook and loop fasteners are relatively much easier to remove and install the cover.
Compact Size
Of course, you don’t want to put the rain cover on sunny days. Anyways it is not yet too late for the weather to become harsh. Choose a stroller cover that comes with a compact size so that it can easily be stored at the bottom of the stroller. This way you’ll be able to put it anytime when the weather is getting harsh. Compact size is important for storage.
Is it a good idea to let children play in the rain?
Experts say that there is no harm in children playing in the rain. However, they should not stay drenched for too long. It is worth noting that parents should be concerned if their child is playing in standing water. There is a good chance of them contracting a number of diseases from playing in standing water because it is not purely rain water. It is mixed with sewage that has a high fecal content. Furthermore, standing water also becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, responsible for the spread of dengue. Children will also be at risk of diarrhoea and skin infections. So, as far as simply enjoying the monsoon rain and splashing around rain water is concerned, doctors say parents need not worry.
Can babies play in the rain?
It is okay for the babies to play in the rain for a few minutes. Especially children under two years of age should not play in the rain for longer than an hour. Don’t forget that it puts them at risk for hypothermia. Young kids might lose too much body heat if they stay in the water too long.
Let the fun begin on every rainy day
Once you step outside, try to make it fun by being creative with your rainy day activities. You can talk to your baby about what you see and let the weather stimulate his/her senses. Go out in nature and listen closely to the pitter patter of raindrops. Examine leaves and flower petals up close to see how the water drips off of them. Enjoy it by gazing up at the clouds and allowing your baby feel the wet wind on the face and hands. Serenade your baby with songs like “Singing in the Rain” or try to dance in some puddles together. If your little one can walk (and you dressed him/her in rain boots), allow him/her to explore on his/her own, splashing in puddles or catching rain on the tongue. How about bringing a bucket and letting your kid collect rainwater?
Do you really need a rain cover for your stroller?
Has the weather ever switched from partly cloudy into stormy faster than your weather app predicted? In this case you’re going to need a rain cover to keep your little one dry and protected from rain, snow or wind. If you’re a city parent who’ll be doing lots of walking a weather cover is especially important. As mentioned before, it is supposed to have features such as ventilated sides, a large front window and a snap pocket in the back for umbrella storage. The universal fit works on all strollers. However we recommend you to measure before buying to make sure it works for you.
Don’t forget to choose the right baby stroller
Any baby stroller will add an extra layer of warmth and weather protection for your little one. We recommend strollers with some adjustability. This will allow you to get truly comfortable if you’re wearing a few extra layers. Adjustable pouches, wraps, ring slings, mei tais, and buckle strollers – all have the ability to adapt to thick sweaters and coats. You also need to consider a stroller that is easy and simple to get on and off. Every parent wants to be able to pop baby out quickly if s/he gets unhappy which, of course, happens more easily in cold weather!
Take a look at Skip
Skip strollers are one of those baby products that are a must-have as they provide a great deal of safety, comfort and convenience. Being a lightweight umbrella stroller, Skip makes travel and storage easy, while high-function stroller systems boast helpful features like extra storage and snap -on bassinets or car seats. Usually, this baby stroller makes all the difference for the parents in how they go about daily activities with their baby. With 6 1/2 inch wheels you will be able to conquer whatever terrain gets in your way. Quick, nimble and folds up in a flash to be stored in the trunk of your car or the tiniest of closets. Skip baby strollers are convenient for both newborn and older babies. While most umbrella strollers are designed for children 6 months and up, Skip is suitable from 3+ months, or birth with a compatible infant car seat. So, if you want a stroller for everyday use that’s lightweight, quick & simple to fold, as well as easy to carry, you might be best to look at SKIP.
The bottom line
Remember that baby’s protection starts with choosing the stroller rain cover. We know that parents are really caring about their kid’s health. Therefore these considerations should not be neglected. When buying a rain cover, you need to make sure all the features are in favor. When using it, try to avoid excess cushioning your baby because it restricts the baby’s skin from breathing normally. Now you have a proper idea about how to choose a rain cover and if the rain covers are necessary. You also know what materials and colors to choose from. Keep this guide in mind when you go looking for a rain cover for your tiny tot. It is surely going to help you choose the best rain covers according to your weather and availability.