If you're anything like me, you may have succumbed to buying one of those temperature alarms that very helpfully reminds you that yes, indeed, it is hot.
My particular alarm didn't come with a mute button. So not only was I already irritated that my butt was leaving a sweaty impression on every single seat, I also had to endure non-stop beeping! Well, you'll note I say "did" — its power source has now been forcefully removed. Another absolute win for money well spent.
Funnily enough, I've come across more families accidentally overheating their children in winter than in summer.
It's remarkably easy to forget how insulating a car seat is: they're lined with polystyrene, heavy padding and man-made fibres, and they hold onto a huge amount of heat. Add a layer of clothing, a nappy and a cosy blanket on top, and we've suddenly created a very warm recipe.
The same goes for baby carriers, slings, prams and pushchairs. We automatically take our own coats and layers off the second we step indoors, but we don't always think to do the same for our little ones. It isn't intentional, of course — it's usually just the consequence of the sleepless nights so generously gifted to us by those very same little darlings.
One of the trickier, more widespread habits I see is covering a child's head, or their pram, no matter how loosely. Part of me wonders where this even comes from. Is it because we see idolised celebrities covering their babies for privacy? Or is it just the internal conditioning telling us it must be dark to support sleep?
Many charities run campaigns throughout the summer warning of the dangers of overheating by draping muslins, blankets or even custom-made "sleep shades" over car seats, prams, slings and buggies. You've more than likely read that this traps carbon dioxide around your baby while driving up the temperature, which can slow their breathing.
But did you know that forcing darkness during daylight hours also affects your child's ability to naturally regulate their sleep?
Have you heard of the circadian rhythm? Maybe you call it the body clock. Your little one is still trying to work out their very own rhythm, and a lot of the information they're processing comes from a very primitive part of the brain. This basic brain is constantly seeking environmental signals to learn day from night. If it's suddenly pitched into total darkness in the afternoon, the signal it receives is: "Aha! This is night." Then, when the cover comes off, it thinks: "Wait, now this is day." Essentially, we're being sold products that may give our children jetlag.
So let's save ourselves some cash, increase their oxygen, prevent overheating — and ditch draping covers over buggies, slings and prams.
Instead, look for natural shade: sit under trees, pop up a parasol, head indoors, and get them out of the baking heat of their car seat as soon as you're not driving.
Let's keep things cost-effective and sleep-effective this summer by removing layers, rather than throwing more products at the situation.
More from Jodie: the baby industry and the pressure to buy, and taking a time out as a parent.
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