Best stroller accessories for fall
What are key items that keep you and your baby dry and warm?
As we are heading into the fall season, those late summer days are coming to an end. Now you will probably continue to be out and about, even on rainy or snowy days. We want you to be prepared for those. Here is a short list of fall and winter weather gear for your baby AND yourself that will make outings during the coming months just as enjoyable as your summer strolls.
What are key fall weather accessories for your little explorer?
The every day companion: the rain cover
This one is really straightforward but there are a few things to watch out for.
In most cases, rain covers for the toddler seat come with your stroller if you buy new. If not, tailored rain covers are usually available through the stroller manufacturer’s website or any of their retailers. The included covers are typically for the seat and usually don’t fit well over a bassinet (if you have a stroller that includes one). So before you go out with your fall or winter baby we’d recommend getting a rain cover that fits the bassinet well.
Getting the matching covers for seat and bassinet ensures full coverage for your little one and ideal protection from rain and snow without any leaks. If those aren’t available for your specific stroller brand and model, there are generic options from independent brands. Either way, choose one that is durable. The rain cover will be crunched up and stowed away in the stroller storage frequently and should withstand this kind of use.
Safety tip: Dry the rain cover right after your walk to avoid any mold developing inside the folded rain cover and it’s ready to use when you need it.
Must-Have: Footmuff
THE cold weather gear for little ones! A footmuff is great to protect kids in their seats from wind, rain and cold weather. It’s like a super cozy sleeping bag for the stroller seat, keeping them nice and toasty. Some stroller brands have their own accessories but there are also plenty of independent brands who offer functional and stylish models.
One of our favorites is 7AM Enfant because of their stylish urban designs and use of vegan and functional yet pretty materials. They are offering a broad range of models that fit all popular stroller models.
Safety tip: If you choose an independent brand for your little one’s winter gear make sure that it is compatible with your stroller and allows you to use the seat belt properly inside the muff to keep them not just warm but also safe.
Car seat cover for quick transitions
If you move around outdoors with your baby in the car seat, there is a cozy cover option as well. Babies shouldn’t wear too many layers in the car seat to ensure the straps are tight enough. This can make it challenging to keep them warm during transitions in and out of the car. That’s what the car seat covers are for. They are a puffy cover that fits the majority of car seats seamlessly, slipping on and off in seconds and fitting snugly thanks to a convenient elastic base. It's a true timesaver.
Safety tip: Remove the cover once you are back in the car to avoid your little one overheating as the car warms up again.
Storm cover for rough weather conditions
Similar to the rain cover the storm cover wraps around the stroller seat to protect your little one from rain, snow and wind. In addition, it acts as insulation thanks to its added padding to provide more protection from the cold. Not a must have for most geographic areas in our opinion but if you live in a particularly cold location you might want to add this layer for increased protection and warmth.
Now, how do YOU stay dry and cozy during walks?
Umbrella or shall I say MUMBRELLA™ ?
Chances are you’ve been on a rainy stroller walk before. The options are to either wear a rain jacket and not be completely sheltered from the rain or hold an umbrella for yourself while pushing the stroller with one hand. Neither of those options are really comfortable. This is where the hands-free umbrella for moms (and dads) comes in. It is built to protect from the rain and snow, so you can stay dry while pushing the stroller with BOTH hands. It’s definitely a really-nice-to-have for the pacific northwest where the next rain cloud is never far away.
Hand muffs for the win!
Mom’s and dad’s hands get cold and uncomfortable really quickly when exposed to the weather while pushing a stroller. Yes, you can just wear regular gloves, but there is a more convenient solution that allows you to transition easier in and out of the gloves and stay cozy during winter walks. Hand muffs attach right to the stroller handlebar which makes “runaway mittens'' a thing of the past. Who hasn’t lost a glove on a cold winter walk - while juggling a stroller and a fussy baby. Just slip your hands in and stay toasty. When your little one needs something, slide your hands out, do what you need to do, and slide right back into those toasty muffs. Transitioning between pushing the stroller and tending to your little one has never been easier.
There are many options out there, some are individual muffs others are more like a classic tube muff wrapped around the whole handlebar. We like the ones from 7AM Enfant that let you select matching stylish weather gear for you and your little one.
Last but not least, don’t forget about your safety!
Add reflectors to the stroller
As the days get shorter those morning walks or after work adventures likely happen during dusk and dawn where visibility is limited. Stay visible as you cross the streets by adding reflectors to the stroller. Some manufacturers have their own kits that nicely integrate with the stroller design but you can also use any other reflector kit for bikes, backpacks etc. to increase your stroller’s visibility while out and about.
