Whether you’re going on a leisurely walk, running errands, or traveling, your baby’s stroller becomes their little home on wheels. And just like at home, comfort is key! I’ve spent countless hours making sure my baby’s stroller was as comfortable as possible to ensure smooth rides, fewer meltdowns, and a happier baby (and mom).
In this article, I’ll share practical tips and tricks for transforming your stroller into a cozy, comfy space that your baby will love, based on my own experience and lessons learned along the way.
1. Choose the Right Stroller for Your Baby’s Age and Needs
It all starts with picking the right stroller. A stroller that fits your baby’s stage of development, your lifestyle, and your environment will automatically make things more comfortable for your little one.
Consider a Newborn-Friendly Stroller
If your baby is a newborn, comfort means ensuring that the stroller provides proper support for their developing spine and neck. For those first few months, a bassinet attachment or a fully reclining stroller seat is crucial. This allows your baby to lie flat, which is important for their physical development and breathing. If your stroller has a bassinet, you’re already halfway to providing maximum comfort.
When we first brought our baby home, we used the bassinet attachment for stroller walks, and it made all the difference. Our little one could nap comfortably in the fully reclined position, and I didn’t have to worry about his head slumping forward, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for newborns.
For Older Babies and Toddlers
Once your baby is a little older and able to sit up on their own, around 6 months or so, you’ll want to adjust the stroller to fit their needs. Look for a stroller with adjustable recline settings so your baby can sit up when they’re alert or lay back when it’s nap time. Having a stroller that offers these options makes it easy to keep your little one comfortable throughout the day.
For toddlers, look for extra padding in the seat and adjustable footrests to ensure they can ride in comfort as they grow.
2. Add a Stroller Liner or Seat Cushion for Extra Padding
Not all strollers come with enough cushioning, especially for long outings. To make your baby’s stroller extra cozy, you can add a stroller liner or seat cushion. These soft, cushioned liners offer extra support for your baby’s back, bottom, and head, turning the stroller into a plush and comfy spot.
Why Stroller Liners Are a Game-Changer
Stroller liners come in a variety of materials, from breathable cotton to memory foam, and they’re designed to fit most strollers. They provide extra padding, making the seat softer, and can help prevent your baby from feeling the hard surface of the stroller’s seat base during longer rides. The liner also makes the stroller feel more personalized and snug for your baby.
I invested in a cushioned stroller liner with memory foam for added support, and it made a noticeable difference. My baby was more content on long walks, and the liner doubled as protection for the stroller itself—easy to remove and wash if there was any mess!
Choose Breathable Materials
It’s important to choose a liner or cushion made of breathable materials to prevent overheating, especially in warmer weather. Look for fabrics like organic cotton or moisture-wicking mesh that promote airflow and help regulate your baby’s body temperature. This keeps your little one cool and comfortable, even on hot days.
3. Use a Cozy Blanket or Footmuff for Cold Weather
When the weather turns cooler, keeping your baby warm in the stroller is a must. A footmuff or cozy blanket designed for strollers can turn your baby’s seat into a warm, snuggly cocoon. Footmuffs are insulated covers that attach to the stroller seat, wrapping around your baby’s legs and torso to keep them toasty.
Choose the Right Blanket or Footmuff
For cold weather, I recommend a stroller-specific blanket or footmuff. These are designed to stay in place and offer warmth without being bulky or shifting around. Look for footmuffs that are fleece-lined or made from weather-resistant materials to protect your baby from wind and rain.
We used a footmuff during our winter stroller walks, and it was perfect. My baby stayed warm and comfortable, and I didn’t have to worry about blankets falling off or getting tangled in the stroller wheels.
Layer Up for Extra Warmth
In especially cold weather, I always dressed my baby in layers underneath the footmuff. A onesie, followed by a warm sweater or jacket and some mittens, kept him cozy even on chilly walks. Just be careful not to overheat your baby—if you’re warm, your baby might be too warm as well.
4. Keep Your Baby Cool in Warm Weather
On hot summer days, keeping your baby cool and comfortable in the stroller can be tricky. Babies can overheat quickly, so it's important to make sure their stroller environment stays breezy and comfortable.
Use a Stroller Fan
A clip-on stroller fan is a game-changer for keeping your baby cool in warm weather. These battery-operated fans attach to the stroller frame and provide a gentle breeze to keep your baby comfortable. I used one during summer walks, and it was such a relief knowing my baby was getting some air circulation even on the hottest days.
Opt for a Breathable Seat Liner
If you’re in a hot climate, or it's summer, a breathable stroller liner made of moisture-wicking materials can help keep your baby cool by allowing air to circulate. Some liners are designed specifically for hot weather, with mesh panels or moisture-absorbing fabrics that prevent your baby from getting sweaty and uncomfortable.
Create Shade with a Stroller Sunshade
Many strollers come with a built-in sunshade, but it may not provide enough coverage during peak sun hours. A universal stroller sunshade can offer extra protection by extending the stroller’s canopy and shielding your baby from the sun’s rays. A good sunshade should block UV rays, and some even come with mesh sides for ventilation.
During our summer walks, I always made sure to bring along a stroller sunshade and clip-on fan. These simple additions made a world of difference for keeping my baby cool and comfortable in the heat.
5. Bring Along Your Baby’s Favorite Toys and Comfort Items
Just like adults appreciate entertainment on long journeys, babies like to have something to keep them occupied while in the stroller. Bringing along your baby’s favorite toys, comfort items, or stroller toys can keep them happy and content during outings.
Clip-On Toys for Entertainment
Clip-on toys or stroller toys are a fantastic way to keep your baby entertained. These toys are designed to hang from the stroller’s bumper bar or canopy, within reach of your baby. Look for toys with textures, mirrors, or soft rattles—anything that engages their senses without being overstimulating.
I always attached a couple of clip-on toys to the stroller when we went for long walks. It kept my baby busy and distracted, especially during those times when we were waiting in line or just strolling around the park.
Don’t Forget the Pacifier or Lovey
If your baby uses a pacifier or has a favorite lovey, keep it within easy reach in the stroller. These comfort items can help soothe them when they’re feeling fussy or restless. I always kept a spare pacifier in the stroller’s side pocket because it was a quick fix if my baby needed soothing during a walk.
6. Adjust the Recline for Maximum Comfort
Babies nap often, and it’s important that their stroller is able to adjust to a reclined position to support healthy, restful sleep. A stroller with an adjustable recline allows your baby to lie back and sleep comfortably on the go.
Fully Recline for Naps
When my baby was ready for a nap, I always made sure to recline the stroller seat to a nearly flat position. This mimics the comfort of lying in a crib or bassinet, giving your baby a familiar and comfortable sleeping environment.
Upright for Playtime
When your baby is awake and alert, adjust the seat to a more upright position so they can see the world around them. Babies love to look out and observe their surroundings, and being upright allows them to do just that. Switching between these positions depending on your baby’s mood is a great way to keep them comfortable and content during long outings.
7. Use the Stroller’s Canopy for Protection and Privacy
A good stroller canopy can provide both shade from the sun and a sense of privacy for your baby. Many babies, including mine, are more likely to settle down and nap when they’re in a cozy, shaded space with fewer distractions.
Block Out the Elements
A stroller canopy with a good extension is great for blocking out harsh sunlight, wind, or even light rain. I’ve always appreciated a stroller with a large canopy that can adjust depending on the weather, providing full coverage on particularly sunny days.
Create a Quiet Space for Napping
If you want to create a calm, quiet environment for your baby to nap, pull the canopy all the way down to minimize distractions. Some strollers come with built-in privacy flaps that cover the front or sides, creating a darker, more enclosed space where your baby can sleep peacefully.
