Sleep routines
A baby's nap in the pram on a sunny day: what the Lullaby Trust says about shade and covers
Not a blanket over the pram: the Lullaby Trust's top tip is a clip-on sunshade or parasol. A short sheet on shade, checking a baby's temperature and room temperature for naps.
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A pram nap on a sunny walk is a small, ordinary thing, and the sun is the part parents ask about. The Lullaby Trust’s hot weather page gives a clear answer on covers and shade. We read it on 2 November 2026. The quoted points are the Trust’s; the table after them is our own arrangement. Lumuwala and Calm Eden share an owner.
What the Lullaby Trust says
- No covers. “Don’t cover prams, buggies and travel systems with blankets, cloths or any cover.” The page says covers raise the risk of overheating and make it harder to see the baby or gauge their temperature.
- A clip-on sunshade or parasol. It calls this its top tip: shade, with air still moving and a clear view of the baby.
- Out of direct sun. Keep babies out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
- Check the baby. Feel the chest or the back of the neck. Clammy or sweaty skin is a sign of overheating, and the advice is to remove a layer.
- A cool room for sleep. A fairly cool 16 to 20 degrees Celsius, with a room thermometer because the temperature is hard to guess. In very hot weather the page says a short-sleeved vest or just a nappy is acceptable if the room cannot be kept in that range.
A sunny-day nap sheet
| Moment | What the Trust’s page says | What it means for the walk (our reading) |
|---|---|---|
| Setting out | Keep babies out of direct sun as much as possible | Pick shaded routes and the cooler end of the day where you can |
| The pram is in the sun | No blankets or cloths over it | Use a clip-on shade or parasol instead, not a draped cloth |
| Baby is asleep | Check chest or back of neck regularly | Make the check a habit at every stop, not only when you worry |
| Skin feels clammy | Remove a layer | Carry an extra layer you can take off, not only one you can put on |
| Back home, nap continues | Keep the sleeping room fairly cool, 16 to 20 degrees | Use a thermometer rather than guessing |
Where an umbrella fits
The Trust names a clip-on sunshade or parasol. It does not say anything about handheld umbrellas, so we will not either. For parents who want to look at pram-fitting options, Calm Eden’s guide to an umbrella for a stroller or pram goes through them.
The Haven Umbrella from Calm Eden is a handheld umbrella and is not sold as a pram shade; we have not tested it on a pram. For a parent’s own shade on the walk, it has an SPF 50+ canopy that the maker says blocks 99.99% of UV, folds to 40 cm, weighs about 390 g and opens to about 105 cm. The swivel carabiner handle clips to a bag. It has a lifetime warranty, and a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee that accepts opened or used umbrellas, with free returns. Every order includes a Haven Cover and the Wellness Journal (digital); Buy 2 Get 1 Free adds the UV Charm and the Rain Poncho, and Buy 3 Get 2 Free also adds the Haven SPF 50+ Silk Square Scarf.
In short
- Do not cover the pram with a blanket or cloth.
- Use a clip-on sunshade or parasol, and keep the baby out of direct sun.
- Feel the chest or neck; clammy or sweaty means too hot.
- Keep the sleeping room around 16 to 20 degrees.
Source: The Lullaby Trust, Safer sleep in hot weather, accessed 2 November 2026. The sheet and the notes on our own reading are ours. This is general information, not medical advice; ask your health visitor or GP about your baby.
Common questions
Should I cover the pram with a blanket to block the sun?
The Lullaby Trust says not to cover prams, buggies and travel systems with blankets, cloths or any cover. It says covers raise the risk of overheating and make it harder to see the baby or judge their temperature.
What does the Lullaby Trust suggest instead?
Its top tip is a clip-on sunshade or parasol, which it says gives shade while air can still move around and you keep a clear view of your baby. It also says to keep babies out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
How do I check whether my baby is too hot?
The Trust says to check regularly by feeling the chest or the back of the neck. It lists clammy or sweaty skin as signs of overheating and says to remove a layer if that happens.
What room temperature does the Lullaby Trust recommend for sleep?
A fairly cool 16 to 20 degrees Celsius for the room where the baby sleeps, and it suggests a room thermometer because the temperature is hard to guess.
Is the Haven Umbrella a pram sunshade?
No. Haven is a handheld umbrella and is not sold as a pram shade. We have not tested it on a pram. The Trust's wording is a clip-on sunshade or parasol, so check the product you plan to use is made to fit a pram.
Sources & editorial notes
Sources and linked product information checked November 2, 2026. This is a researched guide; we did not conduct product trials or assign performance scores.
Products and specifications can change. How we research · Suggest a correction