The Best Stroller Fans to Keep Kiddos Cool in the Heat
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These stroller fans can provide up to 65 hours of cool air on a single charge
Verywel Family / Alli Waataja
Medically reviewed by Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD
There’s nothing better than getting outside in the warm weather with your little one and watching them take in nature for the first time. However, there are concerns when you take your baby or toddler out for a walk during the sweltering summer months, including overheating. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, young children cannot regulate their body temperature and can be in danger of overheating. That’s where a stroller fan comes in: A small fan that clips or hangs from your stroller, pointing at your baby, can help keep them cool in the summer heat.
When shopping for a stroller fan, look for one that is bladeless or has a protective casing around the blades that little fingers can’t slip into and long battery life (or easy recharging) for long days out and about. To select the best stroller fans, we researched dozens of options available on the market, analyzed their pros and cons, and considered their value and convenience. We also spoke to parents and pediatricians to gain further insights into what to look for and safety concerns regarding stroller fans.
Benefits of a Stroller Fan
While a stroller fan isn’t an absolute necessity, it can be very helpful in calming a hot baby and regulating their temperature. “Strollers can become incredibly hot when left out in direct sunlight, making it uncomfortable—or even dangerous—for your baby,” explains Bidisha Sarkar, MD. “A stroller fan will provide gently circulating air to keep your baby cool and comfortable, no matter how hot it is outside.”
In addition to heat relief, stroller fans can provide a gentle breeze and humming sound that can soothe and calm babies who may be fussy or irritable due to the heat. “The sound of the fan can also act as a white noise machine, helping them settle down faster and stay asleep longer,” says Dr. Sarkar.
Types of Stroller Fans
There are three main types of stroller fans: bladeless, standard, and foam-bladed. Bladeless fans are equipped with a cylindrical drum that creates air movement when spun and blown through a slotted enclosure. Standard fans are akin to traditional fans, but they are smaller and have blades that create air movement when the blades spin. Foam-blade fans have soft, bendable foam blades that don’t hurt when touched.
Additionally, stroller fans have different mounting styles. One of the most popular is the twisting leg style, which can wrap around a stroller pole or be fashioned into a tripod. Also popular are clip-on and hanging styles.
Best Overall: WiHoo Handheld Stroller Fan
Pros
Cage around fan keeps little fingers safe
Available in four colors
Adjustable legs mean this fan can work in many positions
Cons
Doesn’t light up
Some may have issues charging with non-brand cords
This tough, versatile little fan is our pick for best stroller fan because of its great price, outstanding breeze output, and safety features that protect little fingers from getting hurt.
The three bendable legs wrap around almost any stroller handle or bar, and they can also be moved to support the fan on a flat surface—like a tabletop—with ease. You can hook the fan on your stroller, bring it in the car to keep your napping baby cool by securing it to their car seat, or pop it on a coffee table at home to keep baby (and you) comfy. You can also put the legs together and use it like a handheld fan. The WiHoo comes in black, white, blue, and pink to complement your stroller setup.
With 4.5-10 hours on every charge of the rechargeable polymer battery, this small but mighty fan can keep your little one cool all day. The fan runs out of juice faster if used on the highest setting, and according to the brand, it takes about 3.5 hours to fully charge. The fan also folds up with the legs wrapping around it, making it small enough to stash in a diaper bag.
Another thing to love? The fan's whirling blades are housed in a silicone cage with spokes structured to close up any space that little hands and fingers might try to explore. We also like that the fan blades are made from soft plastic.
Price at time of publication: $30
Key Specs:
Size: 4.5 in (diameter), 11.3 in (height) | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: 4.5-10 hours | Blades: Standard | Fan Speeds: 3
Best Clip On: Sky Genius Battery-operated Clip-on Mini Desk Fan
Pros
Fan head is adjustable to 360 degrees
Low noise
Wide clip attaches easily
Cons
Only works on one speed while charging
Longer charging time
While this little fan isn’t specifically for strollers, this simple clip-on model is one of our top picks because of its ease of use and durability. The clip attachment on the Sky Genius has a large, 2.5-inch opening, meaning you can attach it to just about anything—a stroller handle, a car seat, or even the edge of a table. The clip is padded, so it won’t scuff any of your belongings, and it works as a stand you can just set on a table and turn on. On the bottom, you’ll also find a hook, which allows you to hang the fan upside down if needed.
What many parents really like about this fan is that it’s very quiet compared to many smaller fans, yet it still blows a lot of air to keep your baby or toddler cool without waking them up. It also offers three speeds and a battery life of 3-6 hours, depending on the speed used. Keep in mind that it does take a bit longer to charge than other options (4.5 hours). Although it includes a USB cable, it does not include the wall charger (but this is pretty standard for stroller fans).
Price at time of publication: $30
Key Specs:
Size: 6.2 in (diameter), 8 in (height) | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: 3-6 hours | Blades: Standard | Fan Speeds: 3
Best Portable: Skip Hop Bladeless Portable Adjustable Fan
Pros
Bladeless fan is safer for baby
Universal hub allows for easy attachment
Automatic shutoff after one hour to conserve battery life
Cons
Charging cable is very short
This portable stroller fan from Skip Hop is our best portable pick because it's easy to attach to your stroller and get on with your day. With a universal adjustable hub that fits just about any stroller handle, this bladeless device features three fan speeds and can be turned to almost any angle.
Of course, beyond being small and portable, we like this bladeless fan because it's safer for little fingers. Bladeless fans typically have a hidden propeller in their base that draws air into the pedestal and the ring. The air exits the ring through small vents, blowing onto your baby.
Keep in mind that this fan shuts down after one hour of use to save battery power, but you can just switch it off and back on to keep using the fan. You can recharge it fairly quickly with the included USB cable.
Price at time of publication: $25
Key Specs:
Size: 3.58 in (diameter), 5.71 in (height) | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: 6 hours | Blades: Bladeless | Fan Speeds: 3
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Best Large Fan: Koonie Misting Fan With Clip
Pros
Misting can be constant or intermittent
Lasts 48 hours on low fan speed
Detachable battery can be used to charge other electronics
Cons
Could leak or get moldy
What’s better than a fan? Probably fresh water mist that keeps your baby cool. The Koonie Misting fan offers both constant and intermittent misting, along with three fan speeds. While not specifically for stroller use, the cage on this fan has tight slats that won’t allow little fingers to poke in and get hurt (but we still recommend keeping it at a safe distance so you don't end up with a soaked baby).
To add water, just open the rubber stopper on the top of the fan and pour it in (a water bottle makes this task a lot easier), shut the stopper and open the sprayer cover. When you’re ready, just select continuous or intermittent mist.
Another big plus? When used on low, the fan can last a long time: up to 48 hours on a single charge, which is pretty impressive. The fan’s battery is also detachable, so you can use it as a mobile power source to charge your phone or tablet in a pinch. The fan has a versatile, solid base that makes it quite sturdy when sitting on a table and a convenient clip with a 2-inch opening that can be attached anywhere. The fan also rotates 360 degrees, so it can be adjusted in any direction you may need.
Price at time of publication: $55
Key Specs:
Size: 4.4 in (diameter), 11.6 in (height) | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: 6-48 hours | Blades: Standard | Fan Speeds: 3
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Best Battery Life: Frizcol Portable Stroller Fan
Pros
Legs can wrap around anything
Lasts 65 hours on low fan speed
Quiet fan
Cons
No battery life indicator
Wider space between slats
While many of the fans we’ve selected have a long battery life, the Frizcol Portable comes out on top with an impressive 65 hours of battery life if used on a low fan speed. This makes this little fan an ideal choice for travel or long days on the go.
The battery that comes with the fan is so powerful that you can even use it as a backup power source if you need to charge your phone or tablet. However, if we could add one thing, it would be a battery life indicator, as there’s no way to tell if you need a charge soon, unfortunately.
The lightweight fan has three bendable legs you can wrap around a stroller handle or tray, and they can be configured like a tripod to stand on a table. The fan also has 360-degree vertical and horizontal rotation, and the brushless fan blades are among the quietest we’ve seen. Note that the space between the slats is a little wider than in other fans. Although it's still narrow enough to prevent little fingers from trying to touch the blades, it is best to keep this fan at a safe distance from curious kiddos.
Price at time of publication: $40
Key Specs:
Size: 5.5 in (diameter), 12.6 in (height) | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: 12-65 hours | Blades: Standard | Fan Speeds: 3
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Best Bladeless: TAECCL Stroller Fan Bladeless Portable Fan
Pros
Bladeless design
Quiet movement
Cons
Short battery life
If your baby is particularly curious and grabby, a bladeless fan could be what you need for your peace of mind and their comfort. The TAECCL Bladeless Stroller Fan has a spinning drum inside its case to create airflow at three different speeds. This fan is also lightweight and quiet, since the sound of the internal spinning drum is muffled.
This fan's bendable legs are covered in soft silicone, so they'll easily wrap around just about anything—a stroller, crib, or car seat—without damaging or scuffing it. You can also bend them into a tripod so the fan can sit on a flat surface or squeeze them together for a handheld fan. The fan head also oscillates 45 degrees, providing a nice, rotating breeze.
Compared to some of the other fans we looked at, this stroller fan has a shorter battery life, topping out at eight hours on the lowest setting (two hours on the highest). But depending on your family's lifestyle or the day's activities, that may be all you need
Price at time of publication: $30
Key Specs:
Size: 2.4 in (diameter), 12.6 in (height) | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: 2-8 hours | Blades: Bladeless | Fan Speeds: Spec
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Best With Foam Blades: Dreambaby EZY-Fit Clip-On Fan
Pros
Foam blade design
Simple clip
Very affordable
Cons
Only one speed
Another great option for parents concerned about little hands and fingers getting injured, the Dreambaby EZY-Fit Clip-On Fan has foam blades that are soft and bendable. If you’re running errands or have your hands full, this fan could provide a bit more peace of mind than a standard blade fan.
Of course, the drawback with a softer blade is that it won’t move air as forcefully, which is something to weigh before choosing this fan. Another feature to consider is that this fan uses old-school AA batteries, which means less worry about recharging daily and convenience if you’re away from a power source, but it also means you’ll need to replace batteries every so often.
This fan has a simple clip-on style design, making it straightforward to attach to a stroller or anywhere else you need to keep Baby cool. It will also sit easily on a flat surface.
Price at time of publication: $9
Key Specs:
Size: 4 in (diameter), 9 in (height) | Power Source: 2 AA batteries (not included) | Battery Life: n/a | Blades: Soft foam | Fan Speeds: 1
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Best Quiet: Snawowo Upgraded Portable Baby Stroller Fan
Pros
Quiet brushless fan
Available in multiple colors
Twistable legs
Cons
Long-ish charging time
This ultra-quiet brushless fan (meaning it moves more air than a traditional fan with less noise) will keep your baby cool and comfortable without a lot of noise to bother them. With a 20 DB noise rating (the same as a ticking watch), this is one of the quietest fans we have looked at—but it still provides a nice cooling breeze.
We love that this stroller fan is available in black, white, blue, and pink, so parents can pick an option to match their preferred color scheme. The fan cage has an ultra-fine mesh design that effectively prevents your baby from touching the fan blade and hurting themselves, and the twistable legs are covered in soft silicone. This fan head can also rotate 360 degrees in all directions (up or down and side to side), so it can pretty much be placed anywhere and in any position you may need.
This fan runs on a rechargeable battery that can last up to 16 hours on the low setting. When you do need to recharge, it will need to be plugged in for three and a half hours for a full recharge.
Price at time of publication: $33
Key Specs:
Size: 5 in (diameter, 11.8 in (height) | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: 4-16 hours | Blades: Standard | Fan Speeds: 3
Related: The 11 Best Double Strollers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best With Remote Control: Frizcol Clip On Fan
Pros
Timer setting
Can be used as a power bank
Has LED lights
Cons
Doesn’t work while charging
Wider space between slats
This little clip-on fan is quite versatile. With a battery life extending up to 65 hours, a wireless remote, LED lights, hook and clip design, and a timer, you're pretty much covered for most situations you and your little one may encounter, day or night.
We love the stand on this fan: It can be used as a clip, pull out a hook and hang the fan, or just stand it up on a flat surface. Also, the stand has a compartment where you can conveniently stash the remote when it's not in use.
One thing to keep in mind is that the space between the slats on this fan is a bit wider than in other options on our list. Although they're close enough to prevent little fingers from reaching the blades, we still recommend that this fan be kept at a safe distance from children.
The fan's timer can be set for increments of one, three, and five hours. The charger can also be used as a power bank to charge your phone or tablet in a pinch.
Price at time of publication: $30
Key Specs:
Size: 5.5 in (diameter), 6.73 in (height) | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: 12-65 hours | Blades: Standard | Fan Speeds: 3
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Best With Lights: AMACOOL Battery Operated Stroller Fan
Pros
Twistable legs
LED lights
Multiple color options
Cons
Shorter battery life
With three brightness levels, this fan not only keeps your child cool but also gives them light to play with a toy or book while they’re in their stroller or crib. The brightest setting is perfect for parents to see their children and help them with a bottle, while the lower settings allow for play or reading.
Available in black, blue, and pink, this portable fan, like many others on this list, has soft, shapeable legs that can twist to hold fast to a stroller or be shaped like a stand or handle. With a fan head that rotates 360 degrees, you can position this fan for reading and keeping cool with ease.
Price at time of publication: $36
Key Specs:
Size: 2.5 in (diameter), 11 in (height) | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: 2.5-10 hours | Blades: Standard | Fan Speeds: 3
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How We Selected the Best Stroller Fans
To find the best stroller fans, we started our research by interviewing Bidisha Sarkar, MD, and Preeti Parikh, MD, a board-certified pediatrician in New York City and executive medical director at GoodRx. We also talked to parents of young children to gain further insights into what to look for in a stroller fan and other safety concerns. With their feedback in mind, we looked at dozens of portable and personal fans available on the market, as well as fans specifically designed to be used in strollers. We narrowed down our selection by considering their cost, battery life, versatility, safety features, and overall quality. The strollers on our list meet all our requirements and are guaranteed to keep your little one cool during the hottest months of the year.
What to Look for in a Stroller Fan
Cost
Stroller fans are relatively affordable and can make summer outings much more comfortable. Our list includes stroller fans priced between $9 and $55, with an average price of around $30. The lower end of the price range will get you a basic fan, like the Dreambaby EZY-Fit Clip-On Fan, which features foam blades, requires AA batteries to run, and costs only $9. Although this option doesn’t feature many bells and whistles, it gets the job done and is quite convenient when you don’t have access to a power source to recharge a battery.
The higher end of the price range includes products like the KOONIE Misting fan, which can be used in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings and features a mister and a detachable battery pack that can be used to charge your phone.
Battery Life
Most of the stroller fans on our list rely on rechargeable batteries to operate. Their battery life ranges from 2 to 65 hours on a single charge, depending on the fan, speed, and additional features. You’ll get the most out of your battery on the lowest setting.
Our top pick for the longest battery life is the Frizcol Portable Stroller Fan, which can last up to 65 hours on low. Another Frizcool option, the Clip-On Stroller Fan, offers the same battery life and can be operated with a remote control.
All the stroller fans featured on our list include a USB cable to charge their batteries, but you will need a separate charging block to connect it to a power source.
Blade Styles and Safety
Little fingers and fast-moving fan blades are a potentially dangerous combination, which is why we looked for bladeless fans and options with blade cages that have tight slats that don't allow baby fingers in. Foam blades are also a safe option, as they aren't as rigid as plastic and will bend when they hit objects (or fingers), but be sure to keep them away from siblings' long hair.
Ideally, the fan's speed should be adjustable to keep the baby cool at a safe temperature. Children, especially newborns, can lose body heat faster than adults.
Secure Mounting
Any stroller fan with twistable legs is likely the best option for the most secure mounting, especially if you’re using a jogging stroller. The three prongs, often covered with easy-to-clean silicone, grip tightly to most surfaces.
Alternatively, clip-on fans have a firm grip and a wide mouth, allowing them to be attached to the poles of a stroller as well as the tray.
Be sure to give any kind of mounted stroller fan a good shake and tug after you attach it to your stroller to make sure it’s secured properly.
Adjustability
Stroller fans vary in their mobility and adjustability. Some fans are fairly fixed and only blow air in one direction. Most of the options on our list swivel or rotate 360 degrees up and down and side to side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can you expect to spend on a stroller fan?
The prices vary across the fans we tested, but for the most part stroller fans are a fairly reasonable purchase. Our highest-priced pick, the Koonie Misting Fan, has a price tag of $55, while most of the other fans hover in the $30 to $40 range. Our pick for best overall, the Sky Genius Clip-On Mini Fan rings up for an even $30.
Are stroller fans a good idea?
The benefit of a stroller fan is pretty straightforward: It’s going to keep your baby or toddler cool in hot weather. However, keeping cool isn’t just about comfort, says pediatrician Preeti Parikh, MD. “One of the benefits of a stroller fan is that it can help reduce the risk of SIDS and prevent overheating by providing a cool and comfortable environment for babies,” explains Dr. Parikh. “The fan creates a gentle breeze which helps keep the air circulating and regulates the baby’s temperature, reducing heat build-up in the stroller and preventing a baby from becoming too hot. An added bonus is the fan mimics a white noise machine, which can help soothe your baby to sleep.”
According to the AAP, young children don’t have the ability to regulate their body temperature like adults and they’re more vulnerable to negative health effects when exposed to heat. Prolonged exposure to high heat can lead to your baby becoming dehydrated and suffering heat exhaustion.
Where do you put the fan on a stroller?
You want the fan to be pointing at your child and giving them the best breeze possible, so position the fan accordingly. Clip-on and clamp fans should fit almost anywhere on a stroller, such as a handle, tray, canopy, or side bar. Fans with twistable legs can fit on any bar on the stroller, which makes them quite convenient.
Larger fans should be placed farther away from your little one, especially if they have a mister. You can also use them on the lowest setting to prevent too much wind on your baby or toddler.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Tanya Edwards is an experienced parents, food, beauty, and health journalist who has been writing parenting and lifestyle stories for over two decades. She has written for such outlets as Parents, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Huffington Post, CNN Underscored, and more.
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