The Daily Telegraph | October 28, 2015 (direct quotes have been edited from original)
MANLY mother of two Emma Lovell has an important message for northern beaches parents this summer — Not all pram covers are created equally and covering your baby’s pram inappropriately can be dangerous and lead to your babies core temperature rising to dangerous levels.
The enterprising mum designed the world’s first sleep and sun cover for both prams and airline bassinets after realising that her first baby needed complete darkness to sleep when she had to fly between Australia and the UK many times with her second child.
Since Fly Babee featured on the Channel 10 show, Shark Tank, earlier this year she has sold 1500 of the pop-up black out mesh canopies.
As we head into summer, Mrs Lovell wants parents to be aware that covering prams with blankets, towels and baby wraps to block out sun and light can be dangerous, raising the heat inside the pram and not providing adequate sun protection.
“I want them to know there is a safe alternative because experts warn that by raising a babies core temperature can contribute to SIDS.So many parents are unaware that a makeshift alternative can literally put their child’s life at risk,” she said.
It is 100 per cent breathable as well as providing air permeability which means the air flows around the pram, it blocks out 97 per cent of light and has a UV protection factor of UPF 50+.
“Not all pram covers are created equally. Grabbing what is at hand such as towels, blanket or baby wraps prevent adequate airflow when covering the front of a pram and they cause heat to build up,” she said.
“By trying to protect their babies from the heat, parents may be putting their children’s health at risk.
“As a mum of two young kids, I believe in keeping your babies in routine as much as possible, however, we must ensure that their sleeping environment is safe.”
Mrs Lovell also carried out her own test on a hot day by placing a pram in direct sunlight with a Fly Babee attached to it.
One thermometer was put inside the pram and a second outside the pram, and after one hour both thermometers read 35 degrees celsius.
“I’ve had laboratory tests conducted but I decided to do my own quick test and I found that the temperature stayed the same inside the pram as it was outside,” she said.
“This means that obviously while the Fly Babee doesn't cool the baby, it doesn’t create a hothouse.
“It also allows the air to flow and the sun off.”
