Optimal low-cost cooling strategies for infant strollers during hot weather

The current study aimed to identity the optimal low-cost stroller cooling strategies for use in hot and moderately humid summer weather. A commercially available stroller was instrumented to assess the key parameters of the thermal environment. The cooling efficacy of eight different stroller configurations was examined in a counterbalanced order across 16 hot summer days (air temperature (T-a) = 33.3 +/- 4.1 degrees C; relative humidity = 36.7 +/- 15%; black globe temperature = 43.9 +/- 4.6 degrees C). Compared with a standard-practice stroller configuration, combining a moist muslin draping with a battery-operated clip-on fan provided optimal in-stroller cooling, reducing the end-trial air temperature by 4.7 degrees C and the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) by 1.4 degrees C. In contrast, in-stroller temperatures were substantially increased by draping a dry muslin (T-a = +2.6 degrees C; WBGT = +0.9 degrees C) or flannelette (T-a = +3.7 degrees C; WBGT = +1.4 degrees C) cloth over the stroller carriage. These findings provide empirical evidence which may inform guidance aimed at protecting infants during hot weather. Practitioner summary: This study examined the efficacy of traditional and novel stroller cooling strategies for use in hot and moderately humid weather. Covering the carriage with a dry muslin cloth substantially increased stroller temperatures and should be avoided. Evaporative cooling methods reduced in-stroller temperatures. A moist muslin cloth draping combined with a fan provided optimal stroller cooling.