Cool Off This Summer: The Best Stroller Fans for Baby
If you’re looking for a stroller fan to keep your baby (and you) cool while you’re out and about, we recommend the ones that are easy to use, portable, rechargeable, and reasonably priced. They should also be noticeably quieter than the competition and more stable in stronger winds. After testing more than 20 fan models and consulting with an electrical engineer, a fan design expert, and a baby-product consultant, we chose these stroller fans to suit a range of budgets and needs.
# | Name | Preview | Rating | Action |
1 | SkyGenius Battery Operated Stroller Fan | 8.6 | ||
2 | WiHoo Mini Handheld Stroller Fan | 8.4 | ||
3 | Stroller Fan – 65H 12600mAh Rechargeable Fan | 8.0 | ||
4 | Battery Operated Stroller Fan | 7.9 | ||
5 | Portable Stroller Fan | 7.9 |
The Approach We Took for Testing
Though we tested stroller fans—a compact device that attaches to the handle of a stroller or infant carrier and provides cooling airflow—during the summer of 2015, we took them along on our recent trip to Miami. We used a total of nine stroller fans over the course of our trip, testing them on two different strollers: an umbrella-style baby jogger, and a standard infant car seat carrier that’s compatible with all major infant car seats.
To test the fans, we started by placing them on the strollers and walking around, noting any noise levels, and seeing how well they provided cooling airflow. We also ran each fan for about an hour, measuring the range of speeds, noise levels, and durability.
We also took note of any additional features that the fans had. For example, some fans have “smart” capabilities, allowing them to connect wirelessly to other smart home devices or to a smartphone app.
The most important thing to consider when shopping for a stroller fan is where you plan to use it. If you live in a hot climate, you probably want something compact that can attach to your infant carrier or car seat. If you plan to travel with your baby, you’re probably looking for a more portable model that can easily fit into your diaper bag or luggage.
For most parents, compact stroller fans are the best choice. The ones we tested ranged in size from 2 inches by 2 inches (the smallest) to almost 6 inches by 6 inches (the largest). Larger fans are typically too big to fit on a small stroller handle. If you don’t need a super-compact model like our top pick, we recommend going with one that has at least two speed settings and offers maximum airflow of about 2 feet per second (fans with top or side air outlets may provide more air than those with bottom or front air outlets).
To test durability, we tried twisting each fan between our fingers. We also dropped each one from about 4 feet onto various surfaces—the hardwood floor in our living room and the sidewalk outside—to see if it survived the fall intact. Finally, we tried mashing the buttons on each controller; if they didn’t get jammed during this process, we considered them easy to use.
For noise testing, we measured how loud each fan was at its highest setting, both when placed flat against the stroller handlebar and when placed flat against the stroller canopy (which is made of mesh).
We also took note of any additional features these fans had. For example, some fans have “smart” capabilities like smartphone compatibility or remote control capabilities.
This doesn’t mean that you need to buy a “smart” stroller fan—but some options may be more convenient than others depending on your needs.
SkyGenius Battery Operated Stroller Fan
Our Verdict
The SkyGenius Battery Operated Stroller Fan is easy to use, portable, and inexpensive, and the flexible rotation helps you stay cool from any angle. It’s also exceptionally quiet and powerful, with an impressive wind speed of 16.5 feet per second on high.
The fan has three different speed settings, and the fan’s body is made of sturdy, lightweight plastic. It also comes with a replaceable and rechargeable battery that should last around three to six hours on a single charge.
This fan is small and light enough to carry in a purse or backpack and should fit easily in a glove compartment or cubbyhole. It can also be mounted on a variety of surfaces with the attached clip, including a stroller, a desk, or a car seat.
WiHoo Mini Handheld Stroller Fan
Our Verdict
The WiHoo Mini handheld stroller fan is built around a flexible tripod that allows you to bend the fan into any shape you like. The fan itself is made of high-quality metal and silicone, and the tripod is sturdy enough to grip, wrap, stand, and otherwise secure the fan in place, regardless of the angle or surface.
The fan is powerful and portable enough to secure to a stroller, car seat, and more. It also has a USB connector and a battery compartment that is located inside the fan’s body, so the fan itself is sleek and streamlined.
It comes with a 6500mAh rechargeable, polymer battery that can last up to 15 hours on a single charge, depending on the speed setting. The fan’s blades are also upgraded from the previous version, making it quieter and more efficient.
The WiHoo Mini handheld stroller fan is cute, sturdy, and stylish enough to be appreciated by you and your toddler. It’s also a thoughtful gift for anyone expecting a baby.
Stroller Fan – 65H 12600mAh Rechargeable Fan
Our Verdict
The Midea 65H 12600mAh Stroller Fan is one of the most versatile portable fans we tested because it offers a range of options for use, including a 360-degree pivoting design, a folding design, and a built-in tripod.
It can run for up to 65 hours—the longest of all the fans we tested—on one charge, and it recharges in just four and a half hours. The MIt’s powerful enough to cool you down quickly, and because it’s so quiet, you can leave it on all day without getting annoyed.
The fan’s sturdy construction and 360-degree pivoting design make it easy to use in a variety of situations. The fan’s sturdy construction and 360-degree pivoting design make it easy to use in a variety of situations, including on hot days on a patio, at the office, in a car, or in a stroller.
The fan comes with a two-year warranty and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Battery Operated Stroller Fan
Our Verdict
The Summer Infant Stroller Fan is lightweight and portable, and its design makes it easy to attach almost anywhere on a stroller, car seat, or high chair. It also has three speeds, and its flexible tripod design allows you to tilt the fan head 360 degrees.
We found that it worked well, even on the slowest speed, despite its small size and minimal weight. The fan itself is small and simple, with only one button, and it doesn’t have bright colors or flashing lights that might distract or upset a baby.
The fan has a removable plastic cover that protects the fan’s spinning blades from curious little fingers. Our experts also liked that the fan is easy to clean.
Portable Stroller Fan
Our Verdict
The Anker Nebula Capsule II has a better battery than any other fan we tested: It ran at the lowest setting for 65 hours and the highest for 12 hours on a single charge. The built-in USB port for recharging makes it easy to keep the fan going for a long weekend away or a weeklong vacation.
It’s also a powerful, quiet, and supremely portable fan that can act as a backup power bank for your phone or tablet. It can even use the flexible tripod legs to sit securely on your desk or car seat. Our testers loved the three fan-speed settings, the 360-degree rotation, and the quiet, powerful, yet tiny and light fan. It’s also one of the most affordable fans we tested, and Anker offers a 700-day warranty and 100\% hassle-free customer service.
Go Through These Factors Before Clicking “Add to Cart”
A fan isn’t much good if it breaks the moment your kid leans on it, or if you can’t get it to work in the first place. Here’s what we looked for when choosing a fan to recommend:
Portability and Ease of Use
A stroller fan should be light enough that you don’t mind bringing it along on walks, and small enough that you can easily stash it in your diaper bag. It should also be easy to assemble, easy to operate (especially in the heat of summer), and safe.
Safe Operation
We looked for fans that had auto-shutoff features—that is, they turn off when they are lifted from their base or tipped over—to avoid fire hazards.
Many fans also come with a warning not to put them directly against baby skin lest the motor overheat. This didn’t worry us too much; as long as there is some air circulation between the baby and the fan, overheating shouldn’t occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best fans for strollers?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different parents have different preferences. Some people prefer fans that plug into the stroller’s power outlet, while others prefer fans that run on batteries. Some parents prefer fans that are quiet, while others prefer fans with more power. Ultimately, it is up to the individual parent to decide which fan is best for them.
2. Can you use a fan with a stroller?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific fan and stroller in question. However, in general, it is likely that using a fan with a stroller would be unsafe and not recommended.
3. Are box fans safe for baby?
Yes, box fans are safe for baby. They are a great way to keep your baby cool in the summer and can be used to circulate air in their room.
4. What is the best speed for box fan?
The best speed for a box fan is medium speed.
5. What are the ideal stroller toys to pair with a stroller fan for my baby?
When choosing stroller toys for your baby, you should consider those that will engage them both physically and mentally. Some great options include stroller toys that feature lights and sounds, as well as toys that can be manipulated in different ways.
These types of stroller toys will keep your baby entertained while also helping to keep them cool and comfortable during hot weather.
6. Do box fans make noise?
Yes, box fans make noise.