Optimal low-cost cooling strategies for infant strollers during hot weather

The current study aimed to identity the optimal low-cost stroller cooling strategies for use in hot and moderately humid summer weather. A commercially available stroller was instrumented to assess the key parameters of the thermal environment. The cooling efficacy of eight different stroller configurations was examined in a counterbalanced order across 16 hot summer days (air temperature (T𝑎) = 33.3 ± 4.1 °C; relative humidity = 36.7 ± 15%; black globe temperature = 43.9 ± 4.6 °C). Compared with a standard-practice stroller configuration, combining a moist muslin draping with a battery-operated clip-on fan provided optimal in-stroller cooling, reducing the end-trial air temperature by 4.7 °C and the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) by 1.4 °C. In contrast, in-stroller temperatures were substantially increased by draping a dry muslin (T𝑎 = +2.6 °C; WBGT = +0.9 °C) or flannelette (T𝑎 = +3.7 °C; WBGT = +1.4 °C) cloth over the stroller carriage. These findings provide empirical evidence which may inform guidance aimed at protecting infants during hot weather.Practitioner summary: This study examined the efficacy of traditional and novel stroller cooling strategies for use in hot and moderately humid weather. Covering the carriage with a dry muslin cloth substantially increased stroller temperatures and should be avoided. Evaporative cooling methods reduced in-stroller temperatures. A moist muslin cloth draping combined with a fan provided optimal stroller cooling.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2023.2172212
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00140139
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Abstract reprinted with permission of Taylor & Francis.
• Authors:
  • Bin Maideen, Mohammad Fauzan
  • Jay, Ollie
  • Bongers, Coen
  • Nanan, Ralph
  • Smallcombe, James W
• Publication Date: 2023-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 1935-1949
• Serial:
  • Ergonomics
  • Volume: 66
  • Issue Number: 12
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis
  • ISSN: 0014-0139
  • EISSN: 1366-5847
  • Serial URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/terg20

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cooling; Cooling equipment; Fans; Hot weather; Infants
• Subject Areas: Design; Environment; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01910533
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 29 2024 3:54PM