Beat the Heat: Car Seat Safety Tips for Parents During the Hot Summer Months

When temperatures climb in the summer, car seat safety in hot weather becomes even more critical. Cars can heat up rapidly—putting young children at serious risk for heatstroke, burns, and dehydration in hot cars. Tragically, an average of 37 children die each year in the U.S. after being left in hot vehicles, and in 2024 alone, there were 39 reported deaths due to vehicular heatstroke (National Safety Council).

At Tot Squad, our mission is to help parents navigate every stage of parenting safely. We asked our resident car seat safety expert, Nina Zook, to share her top strategies to help keep kids cool, comfortable, and protected in their child car seats during extreme summer heat.

1. Use a Car Seat Cover or Towel When Not in Use

Why it matters: When your car is parked in direct sunlight, the interior—and especially the baby car seat—can become dangerously hot. Metal buckles, plastic harness components, and dark fabrics can absorb heat quickly, creating burn hazards for young children.

What to do: When your car is parked or not in use, drape a light-colored towel, car seat sunshade, or breathable blanket over the seat to block direct sunlight. Avoid thick or dark fabrics, which can retain heat. This simple step can help keep the surface temperature of the seat and its hot buckles significantly lower, making it safer when you’re ready to go.

Bonus tip: Some brands make specially designed infant car seat covers for summer that reflect heat—just make sure they’re approved for your specific seat model.

Side Note: It might seem helpful to drape a blanket or towel over your baby’s infant car seat to block the sun, but this can actually trap heat and limit airflow—raising the risk of overheating. Instead, opt for a car seat canopy or stroller shade designed for breathability, and dress your baby in lightweight, sun-safe clothing.

2. Pre-Cool the Car Before Placing Your Child in the Seat

Why it matters: Even when it’s just 80°F outside, the interior of a parked car can reach approximately 99°F in 10 minutes and 123°F within 60 minutes, according to research published in Pediatrics and supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A hot toddler car seat can raise your child’s body temperature quickly, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke in children.

What to do: Start your car a few minutes before your planned departure and turn on the air conditioning. Let the cabin cool down before placing your child in the rear-facing or forward-facing car seat. If your car allows for remote start or pre-cooling from an app, use that feature strategically!

Another safe way to help your little one stay comfortable is using a Noggle—a flexible tube that helps direct cool air from the front vents straight to the backseat. It’s designed to improve airflow without compromising car seat safety.

Safety reminder: Never leave your child alone in the car while it’s cooling—even for a minute or two.

3. Install Window Shades to Reduce Interior Temperature

Why it matters: Sunlight streaming through car windows creates a greenhouse effect, rapidly increasing the temperature inside the vehicle. Children sitting in direct sunlight may become overheated, and the heat can affect car seat materials and surfaces as well.

What to do: Use car window sunshades or cling-on window films to block sunlight from side and rear windows. These shades reduce glare and help keep the car cooler. Be sure to avoid shades with rigid or heavy frames, which can pose a car seat safety risk in the event of a crash.

Additional tip: A windshield sunshade can also reduce the overall cabin temperature when parked.

4. Park in the Shade Whenever Possible

Why it matters: Where you park can significantly impact how hot your car gets. Shaded parking spots may keep interior temperatures several degrees cooler than vehicles left in full sun.

What to do: Prioritize shaded areas when parking—under trees, next to buildings, or in covered garages. Even partial shade can help reduce the heat buildup inside the vehicle and keep your child’s seat more comfortable when you return.

Pro tip: If your city or state allows, consider using UV window film for cars to reduce the impact of sun exposure and heat.

5. Always Check Buckles and Straps Before Buckling Up

Why it matters: Metal and plastic components on a car seat can become dangerously hot in the sun. Even brief skin contact (just a few seconds) can result in buckle burns and deep tissue damage. A quick buckle check could prevent a painful accident.

What to do: Before securing your child in their car seat, touch the buckle and harness straps to check their temperature. If they feel hot, wait for the car to cool, or use a cool, damp cloth to lower their temperature.

6. Keep Your Child Hydrated on the Go

Why it matters: Young children are more susceptible to dehydration than adults and high temperatures can make it harder for them to regulate their body temperature.

What to do: Offer water to toddlers and young children before and during car rides, especially on warm days. If your child is old enough, keep a spill-proof water bottle within reach during the ride. For infants, plan extra nursing or bottle breaks on longer trips.

Signs of dehydration in children: If you suspect your child may be dehydrated—such as showing signs like dry lips, fewer wet diapers, or unusual tiredness—find a way to cool them down and offer fluids right away. Contact your pediatrician or seek medical care for advice.

7. Never Leave Your Child Unattended in a Car—Even for a Minute

Why it matters: Leaving a child alone in a car, even for a short time, can have fatal consequences. A vehicle’s interior can heat up by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. Children’s bodies heat up 3–5 times faster than adults’ making them especially vulnerable.

What to do: Make it a strict rule: never leave a child unattended in a car, whether it’s running or not. If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call 911 immediately. It’s a key part of hot car safety awareness and a vital reminder during the summer months.

8. Make “Look Before You Lock” a Daily Habit

Why it matters: Most child hot car deaths are unintentional, often caused by a distracted parent or a change in routine. Simple car safety tips for parents can help prevent tragedy.

What to do: Always check the back seat before locking the doors and walking away from your vehicle. Place your purse, phone, or shoe in the back seat to force a glance before leaving the car. Set a calendar reminder or use car seat safety alert systems to keep yourself accountable.

Tech tip: Some newer car models include rear-seat reminders. Use them if available, or consider third-party car seat safety sensors for extra protection.

Protecting Your Family with Car Seat Safety Experts

Summer should be a season of fun—not fear. With a few smart precautions, you can protect your child from the dangers of extreme heat while also practicing everyday child car seat safety best practices.

Tot Squad is here to support you with one-on-one help from certified car seat safety professionals. Whether you need a proper installation check, guidance on transitioning to the next stage, or help choosing the right seat, we’ve got your back.

Nina Zook is a passionate advocate for child passenger safety with over 5 years of hands-on experience supporting families across the United States. As Provider Relations Coordinator at Tot Squad, Nina plays a key role in building and managing relationships with a nationwide network of parenting experts, helping connect families to trusted support services.

A Certified Passenger Safety Technician since 2019, Nina has worked both independently and at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she provides expert car seat safety guidance to parents and caregivers. Her work blends technical expertise with a warm, approachable style, empowering families to confidently navigate important safety decisions for their little ones.

With a unique combination of freelance consulting, hospital-based service, and provider relations experience, Nina is deeply committed to making every ride safer for children and supporting parents during their most critical stages of care.