happy baby sitting in a well cooled car seat

How To Keep A Car Seat Cool 14 Different Ways (Guide)

Chase Manhattan

Last Updated on October 16, 2023 by Chase Manhattan

As summer is upon us, the challenge of maintaining a comfortable temperature in your vehicle, especially for your young passengers, becomes increasingly paramount.

A hot car seat is not just uncomfortable but also poses a risk to the health of your child. This comprehensive guide aims to help you keep your car seat cool, offering practical, easy-to-implement strategies that ensure comfort and safety for your little ones during the hot months. So buckle up and lets go!

Actually, before we go more into depth, here’s a summary of all the different ways you can keep a car seat cool:

  • Choose light-colored car seats to reflect sunlight.
  • Use snap shades for windows to block out the sun.
  • Provide soft water bottles for hydration.
  • Keep car seats clean for added comfort.
  • Promote air circulation by cracking open rear windows.
  • Direct air vents toward the roof for better circulation.
  • Use sunshades to protect against sun rays.
  • Consider cooling towels like Frogg Togg Chilly Pads.
  • Lay a white towel over seats to keep them cooler.
  • Install window shades at the front for overall temperature control.
  • Opt for a car with a light exterior color.
  • Look for cars with rear air conditioning ducts.
  • Utilize preconditioning features for a cool environment.
  • Use a freezable child seat cooling mat (not with child in seat).
  • Choose breathable car seat liners for heat prevention.
  • Invest in tinted windows for UV protection.

Or maybe you prefer a video format? Anyways, keep reading after the video for more detail for each option!


Choosing the Right Car Seat

Selection of a car seat plays a significant role in mitigating the heat. Dark colors absorb more sunlight, which can subsequently transform your rear seat into a furnace. Opt for lighter shades when purchasing a car seat, as these colors reflect more light and keep the seat relatively cooler.

Car Seat Color Temperature Impact
Dark Colors Absorb more sunlight, leading to higher temps
Light Colors Reflect sunlight, keeping the seat relatively cooler

The Utility of Snap Shades for Windows

Snap shades for windows can be an effective way to block out the sun. They are easy to put on and take off, reflect sunlight efficiently and do not obstruct the driver’s view.

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Hydration is Key

To keep your car seat cool and your child comfortable, hydration is essential. Equip your little ones with soft water bottles, which are safer than hard sippy cups and help maintain their body temperature.

While we’re talking about water, be sure to keep your car seats clean to avoid any buildup that can contribute to discomforts.

The Magic of Air Circulation

A well-circulated car can significantly reduce the heat. By merely cracking open the rear windows, you facilitate air movement. Directing air vents towards the roof helps channel the air towards the rear seats, ensuring a more comfortable journey for your child.

Sunshades: Your Sun-Blocking Allies

Sunshades that cling to windows can be a great addition to your car. Providing extra protection against the sun’s rays, they don’t obstruct the view and eliminate potential projectiles.

The Wonder of Cooling Towels

Cooling towels like the Frogg Togg Chilly Pads are a godsend. They stay cool regardless of the outside temperature, simply needing to be moistened. They’re also soft, eliminating any risk of becoming projectiles.

The Benefits of a Protective Towel

Laying a simple white towel over the car seats helps keep the seats, and particularly the metal buckles, cooler. This simple act can greatly enhance the comfort of your child and keep your carseat cool.

The Power of Window Shades

A window shade at the front of your car can make a significant difference in the vehicle’s temperature, especially in the front seat. A cooler front seat aids in cooling down the rest of the car faster.

The Role of Car Color

The color of your car can significantly affect its internal temperature. Darker hues absorb more light and heat, while lighter shades reflect them. Therefore, selecting a car with a light color can help keep your carseat cool.

Importance of an AC Vents

Consider cars with rear air conditioning ducts while purchasing a new vehicle. They facilitate greater airflow to backseat passengers, ensuring a more comfortable ride for your child.

The Advantage of Preconditioning

Many modern vehicles come with features like remote start and cooled rear seats. By preconditioning the cabin and seat cushions, you can ensure a cool environment for your child even before entering the car.

The Efficiency of a Cooling Mat

A freezable child seat cooling mat can be a lifesaver during hot summer days. Placing it on the seat when you’re away from the car on hot days can help keep it cool. However, it’s important to remember that this should not be used with the child in the seat.

The Comfort of Breathable Liners

Opt for a breathable car seat liner to prevent heat buildup. These liners are designed with fabric that allows air to flow through more easily, ensuring a more comfortable ride for your child.

The Necessity of Tinted Windows

Tinted windows can protect your child from bright sunlight and harmful UV rays, making it an essential feature for those with young children, especially in cities with intense sun exposure.

In conclusion, to keep your carseat cool during hot summer months, the strategies shared above can be highly beneficial. By adopting these measures, you not only ensure a comfortable ride for your child but also safeguard their health. Stay cool and enjoy your summer drives!


FAQs and Related Questions

1. How can I choose the right car seat to keep it cool during hot months?

Opt for lighter-colored car seats as they reflect sunlight and prevent excessive heat absorption, ensuring your child’s comfort and safety.

2. What is the role of snap shades for windows in keeping my car seat cool?

Snap shades efficiently block sunlight without hindering the driver’s view, contributing to a cooler car seat environment.

3. How can I maintain hydration and a cool temperature for my child in the car?

Use soft water bottles for safer hydration, while ensuring air circulation through cracked windows and directed vents for a cooler ride.

4. Are cooling towels effective in preventing car seat overheating?

Yes, cooling towels like Frogg Togg Chilly Pads stay cool, need moisture to activate, and pose no safety risks, making them a reliable option for a cooler car seat.

5. How do tinted windows contribute to a cooler car seat environment?

Tinted windows reduce heat and block UV rays, creating a more comfortable and safer space for your child in the car seat.

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