As parents, we frequently worry about hot cars in the summer months. There are the frightening headlines depicting the dangers of car temperatures. But, a less frequent topic is making a comfortable car ride for kids this time of year. For my family, the car discomfort is largely around how hot the seats get.
My two year old detests getting in his car seat. And I can understand why. With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees outside, the inside of a car is even hotter (some studies suggest car seats can be about 30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature). So, when his little body gets in his black car seat, he is certainly uncomfortable.
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To make our outings more tolerable, I’ve explored tricks to cool off his seat before we get in the hot car. My main strategy has been to bring ice packs or ice water with us wherever we go. Before we get in the car, I rub an icepack or ice water over his seat to cool it off and then let him hold the icepack while we drive.
Here are some other great ideas for a comfortable car ride in the hot summer months:
- Park in the shade wherever you can. The car is as much as 20 degrees cooler in a shaded spot!
- Use a car visor on the kids’ windows to block the sun.
- Use a specific car seat cover that serves as a sun shade.
- Connect an air-conditioner extender which blows air directly onto the child.
- Place a light-colored towel over the seat when you get out of the car.
As parents, we’re always thinking of ways to make sure our kids are comfortable. When we need to take them somewhere, either to just get out of the house or because we need to run an errand, it can be so helpful to have some methods ready to make the ride just a little more pleasant. When it’s more pleasant for the kiddos, it’s more pleasant for us!
What other ways do you keep your kids comfortable in the car in the hot summer?
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
