Best Stroller Fans

Outdoor activities have plenty of physical and mental health benefits for everyone, and it can feel especially pleasant getting outside for a stroll with your little one. But parents need to keep a keen eye on infants and children (and know when to stay inside) when temperatures soar. 

Children of all ages can overheat, says Gina Posner, M.D., F.A.A.P., a board-certified pediatrician practicing at MemorialCare Medical Group in Fountain Valley, California. “If it is hot outside, don’t over-bundle the child, especially a newborn or infant who can’t tell you when they are too hot." Keep an eye on your little one for signs she is overheating, like increased sweating, tiredness or cool, clammy skin. "If it is too hot, just don’t bring them out if possible," Dr. Posner adds.

Additionally, infants and children under age 4 are among those at greatest risk for heat-related illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because babies have a more difficult time regulating their body temperature compared to adults, emergencies such as dehydration and heat exhaustion can come on suddenly. Suffice to say, keeping your little one cool on hot days is vital.

Strategies for staying cool when it’s hot outside

When out and about with little ones — especially with stroller-bound infants and toddlers — many parents say a portable, stroller-mounted fan is a must-have accessory when temperatures are on the rise. Several parents in the What to Expect community sing the praises of portable fans — for instance, one shared that they are “so great for car rides, walks, any time we were outside!”

While fans are not absolutely required (more on that later), experts agree that “stroller fans can be beneficial, especially on hotter days in warmer climates,” says Steven Abelowitz, M.D., F.A.A.P., a board-certified pediatrician and regional medical director of Coastal Kids Pediatrics in Newport Beach, California. That's because they can circulate the air around your little one, he says. 

It’s important to note, though, that while fans can provide comfort, they won’t prevent heat-related illness when temps reach the high 90s, according to the CDC. Fans don’t actually cool the air, and shouldn’t be used in extreme heat. (When the temperature is higher than your body temp, it may even cause you to gain heat rather than lose it, says the American Academy of Pediatrics, aka the AAP.)

Dr. Abelowitz notes that children at any age should avoid being out in the heat for extended periods during very warm temperatures — especially at a heat index at or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which can pose significant risk to kids, says the AAP. And make sure to follow other important tips for protecting your little one in hot weather, like dressing her in lightweight clothing and keeping her hydrated.

Do you really need a stroller fan?

While Dr. Abelowtiz and Dr. Posner agree that a portable stroller fan isn’t absolutely required, they can be helpful for a stroller-bound baby or toddler in a number of ways, such as circulating extra air around them and providing comfort in an otherwise uncomfortably hot situation. 

That said, keep these considerations in mind when you’re using a stroller fan:

• Make sure the portable fan is mounted securely and in the appropriate position so that it doesn’t accidentally fall out of place or blow air directly on your little one, as it might dry out her mouth and nostrils or circulate any allergens.
• Make sure the fan’s slats or grill openings are narrow enough so that small hands or fingers can’t get through and cause injury. 

And of course, a child should never be left unattended in a stroller or car seat under any circumstances — even if there’s a fan running.

Types of stroller fans

A wide variety of manufacturers produce small, portable fans that can be used with strollers. These portable fans primarily fall into three categories:

• Standard portable fans: These fans are miniature versions of traditional fans, with blades that create air movement blown through a self-contained frame or cage.
• “Bladeless” fans: Rather than having standard revolving fan blades, “bladeless” fans are equipped with a cylindrical drum that has multiple leaves that create air movement when spun and blown through a slotted enclosure.
• Foam-bladed fans: Whether they are housed in an enclosure or are fully open, these fans have soft, bendable foam blades that don’t hurt or cut skin when touched during operation.

In addition to the aforementioned fan designs, there are primarily four portable fan mounting styles:

• Clip-on mount: These use a squeeze clip to secure the portable fan.
• Flexible wrapping legs, either tripod or monopod: These are a common mounting style and allow for the most customizable setup on a stroller.
• Handheld: Mini, portable handheld fans are useful for older kids and adults.
• Around the neck: This collar-style fan typically has two cooling elements that hang around the neck, only suitable for older children and adults.

For this roundup of stroller fans, handheld personal fans and around-the-neck collar fans were excluded because these types of portable cooling fans are not recommended for infants and young children.

What to look for in a stroller fan

Selecting the right portable fan for your baby’s stroller can come down to personal taste, but it may help to keep the following features in mind when you’re shopping:

• Solid construction: The most common materials used to make portable fans are hard plastic, silicone and metal. For fans made with foam blades, the foam should be soft and pliable but solid (doesn’t feel as if it will fall apart). The fan enclosure should be sturdy and the slats or grill openings should be wide enough for good airflow, but narrow enough to prevent small hands and fingers from sliding in.
• Accessible, portable power supply: Unlike standard fans that have outlet plugs, portable fans are powered by replaceable or rechargeable batteries, sometimes with USB plugs.
• No sharp edges: Rounded designs and minimal exposed joints are preferred, with metal components covered or concealed.
• Secure mounting system: Whether using clip-on or flexible wrapping legs, the mounting system should be secure and stable.

How we chose the best stroller fans

Thanks to the wide selection of portable fans available, finding the right one for you and your baby can be overwhelming. We narrowed our selection for our top picks based on the following criteria:

• Durability and ease of operation
• Accessibility to power supply
• Price range and availability
• Recommendations and tips from parents in the What to Expect community who have first-hand experience with selected stroller fans

Beating the heat in hot weather requires some advanced planning and a little bit of ingenuity. Read on to see our top picks for stroller fans.