Footmuffs: For When The Weather Outside is Frightful

Maybe you're already getting snow where you live or you just know it's coming soon. In Boston it's been cold enough for me to wonder whether all the neighborhood kids will come trick-or-treating bundled up so that I can hardly tell what they are.

It's definitely time for big, warm coats and wool blankets...and stroller footmuffs!

Stroller Footmuffs are a wonderful invention. They keep your baby warm without restricting movement--minus the hassle of having to dredge that stroller blanket off of the slushy pavement every five minutes (yuck).

Footmuffs may be designed for use with particular strollers or for a variety of brands. Of course, if you're thinking of giving someone in your life a footmuff for the holidays (good idea!), you might want to stick with the kind that will work with many different strollers, unless you know what type of stroller they have. A Brooks Pond Perrenial Stroller Footmuff is one option I blogged about back in September.

If you're lucky enough to own a Stokke Xplory Stroller, then you can purchase one of my favorite stroller footmuffs. The Xplory Stroller Footmuff (shown) features a snug hood to keep baby extra warm and a split in the legs to give baby a little extra wiggle room. Plus, in typical Stokke style, the muff is fun and stylish with its modern, graphic pattern.

No matter what stroller you own or what style preference you have, I highly recommend getting a footmuff for your baby. Now if only they came in adult sizes...

Stroller Liners Keep Baby Warm and Cozy

Well, according to the calendar and the temperature, it's officially Fall and that means crisp, windy strolls with your baby. A Stroller Liner is a great way to keep baby snuggly no matter how chilly the day or evening.

Stroller Liners line the stroller seat to add extra warmth and cushioning. They don't offer as much coverage as a footmuff so they're perfect for Fall and Spring when a footmuff might be too heavy. They're also great for warmer climates where an entire footmuff just isn't necessary, even in Winter.

Another reason to consider a Stroller Liner is that it's great for squirmy babies that like to move around as much as possible. Your baby won't feel constrained as she might with a footmuff and she won't be able to kick it off like she would with a Stroller Blanket.

Finally, stroller liners tend to come with a much lower price tag than footmuffs, which one can't help but appreciate at the moment.

I like B.O.B.'s White Warm Stroller Fuzzy. It's easily inserted into any stroller's seat (single or double stroller) thanks to Velcro at the openings and it's made of thick fleece and padded quilting. The design covers the entire stroller seat like a blanket but without the hassle.

Or, if you're looking for a serious deal, try Dreamer Design's Shearling Insert (shown). Made of synthetic shearling, this stroller liner will keep your baby snuggled up for a mere $20!

What does your baby prefer on chilly strolls: a footmuff, stroller blanket, or stroller liner?

The Perennial Stroller Blanket: For Fall, Winter, and Spring

It may not be cold out yet but Fall is just around the corner and Winter won't be far behind. Now is the perfect time to purchase a stroller blanket or Footmuff that will keep your child warm and snug in the coming months.

Brooks Pond makes a chic, practical option that you'll use not only in the Winter but in Spring and Fall as well. It's called the Perennial Stroller Blanket and it can be used with a variety of strollers including Bugaboo, Maclaren, and Phil & Ted, as well as car seats. It also comes in a variety of colors so you can choose the one that best suits you, your stroller, and your baby.

(Holiday Hint: Purchase it in Black for a luxurious and practical holiday gift that will compliment any stroller.)

The Perennial Stroller Blanket features high performance Thinsulate insulation quilted between a suede cloth interior and a wind and water-resistant nylon shell. The Thinsulate liner can be removed during warmer months to keep your child comfortable.

It fits infants to preschoolers so you won't have to worry about your child outgrowing it. The squared bottom and two-way zippers give growing kids plenty of room to move around but no matter how much they fidget, the non-slip backing, suspenders, and straps will keep this Stroller Blanket firmly in place. It also has an integrated boot pouch, which protects the interior from wet or muddy shoes.

Whether you buy one for yourself or a friend, the Brooks Pond Perennial Stroller Blanket is a wonderful investment that will be used and enjoyed throughout the year for years to come.

Footmuffs Keep Baby Warm No Matter What

Spring may be here, but that doesn't mean the weather is going to play along. Keep your little one warm on those windy walks with a snugly stroller footmuff. This ingenious stroller accessory attaches to the stroller for a soft, warm lining and sleeping bag cover for baby. Footmuffs are perfect for cool days when baby needs extra warmth and protection. If you live in New England like I do, you're going to need a footmuff now or just down the road (not to skip over summer, but let's be realistic here)!

I love the Bugaboo Frog Footmuff. The roomy design ensures baby will be comfortably snug--not cramped. It's lined with fleece so it's soft and warm and (in typical Bugaboo fashion) it's also understated and attractive. The fleece interior is a cozy shade of oatmeal while the outside comes in five classic colors: aubergine, blue, black, grey, and red.

Buy one for your baby or give one to a friend. There are plenty of footmuffs to choose from. Browse our full selection at Strollers.com!