How to keep RFers cool in the summer!

Madeline410 · #1 May 3rd, 2011, 06:55 AM

Don't use the excuse "they're too hot when rear-facing" to turn them forward-facing! They survived RF as infants. The 2nd (or 3rd.. or 4th..) year of life is no different. They are 5x safer RF, even if it means they get a bit hot.

To keep your RF cool:

Put a light colored towel over their seat when it's not in use. This helps a LOT. Not only will it keep the seat cool, it will keep the metal on the buckles from getting hot and burning them. (*You must remove the towel before you put your child in the seat.)
Point your A/C vent up at the ceiling so it "bounces" back down into their seat.
Cool off the car before you get it, when possible.
Give them a cup of ice water.
Older kids can use a small fan and/or mister to keep cool.
Tinted windows can keep them cooler. Don't use roll down window shades- they will become a projectile in a crash. If your windows aren't tinted, the stick-on kind is safe.

::er!ca:: · #2 May 3rd, 2011, 10:27 AM

Great post!

It's fixed now, but last year my car didn't have A/C. Isabel was happily rear facing. My car is also 2 door, so there is no window to roll down next to her. She was fine. A little sweaty, but fine. There was no danger. In the summer we almost always have cold drinks with us, so that helped her as well.

smileybrea · #3 May 3rd, 2011, 10:29 AM

Definitely no excuse

My kids survive Arizona summers where outside is 115 and inside is upwards of 200 when parked.

I have something similar to this that I bring with us when we'll be out for the day.

I also start the car before leaving just as you would in the winter to defrost and I point the air vents towards the ceiling to help with circulation. My FF is just as sweaty as my RF in the summer. It's hot and there's no way around it..might as well make sure they're safe!