As soon as it gets colder outside, a pushchair footmuff is one of the handiest things you can have. Your baby lies or sits in it snugly, you don't need to bring a pile of blankets and everything stays neatly in place. But which footmuff fits your pushchair, and how warm is warm enough? In this article we set out the most important points.
Why a footmuff instead of a thick coat?
Many parents dress their baby in a thick coat or padded suit in winter. Under the pushchair harness that is not ideal: a thick layer compresses, so the straps are looser than you think. A footmuff solves this. Your baby wears normal clothes in layers, the straps fit properly, and the warmth comes from the footmuff around them.
Universal pushchair footmuff: will it fit yours?
A universal footmuff is made to fit most pushchairs and buggies. Even so, it is wise to check a few things:
- The harness openings. Check whether the openings in the footmuff match the harness system of your pushchair, so you can simply thread the straps through.
- The length. A longer footmuff lasts more winters, because your child fits in it for longer.
- Opening and closing. A footmuff that opens easily is convenient when lifting your baby in and out and in shops.
Winter footmuff: what to look for
A winter footmuff above all needs to keep out wind and wet. A waterproof or water-resistant outer layer is welcome in Dutch and Belgian weather, and a soft lining provides the warmth. A hand muff is a nice extra on cold days. For the rest of your things on the go, have a look at on the go and at our changing bags.
The Soosie footmuffs
Our own footmuffs are all three universal and made for cold days:
- Winter Kinderwagen Voetenzak + Handmof: universal, waterproof, 110 cm long, in seven colour combinations of melange and teddy, such as black, pink, grey and brown melange with teddy.
- ESKIMO footmuff: 110 × 55 cm, universal, with hand warmer, in red and grey.
- POLAR footmuff: 110 cm, for buggy and pushchair, with hand warmer, windproof and water-resistant, lined with coral fleece, in beige and pink.
At 110 cm long, all three have room to grow into.
Not too warm: how to keep an eye on it
A footmuff is meant for outdoors. Indoors it quickly gets too warm. A few habits help:
- Feel the back of your baby's neck. Warm and dry is good; clammy or sweaty means your baby is too hot. Cold hands say little, as babies' hands are often a bit cooler.
- Open the footmuff or take your baby out as soon as you go into a shop, a house or a warm car.
- Don't dress your baby too warmly underneath. A normal layer of clothing is usually enough.
If you are unsure whether your baby is warm enough or too warm, for example with a newborn, feel free to ask your health visitor.
And in summer?
When the weather warms up, the footmuff goes into the cupboard. Then a mosquito net for the pushchair is more useful; you will find them under mosquito nets.
You can see all models and colours together in the footmuffs collection.