You’ve already chosen the right stroller for your baby – but now you’re wondering which accessories you’ll actually need?
Find out which stroller accessories are absolute must-haves and which extras can make everyday life as a new mum or dad that little bit easier.
These five essentials are indispensable for daily life with your baby in a stroller:
1. Rain cover: always have it with you
Unless you’re planning to spend your child’s first three years in California or Ibiza, a rain cover for your stroller is a must.
A rain cover is a basic stroller essential and should ideally stay in your stroller at all times.
2. Footmuff: a must from October to March
No winter without a footmuff. From around October to March, a good footmuff is essential in most climates. After all, you don’t want your little one getting cold in the stroller.
Whether you choose a fleece, sheepskin or down-filled model is ultimately a matter of personal preference – the main thing is that the footmuff keeps your baby warm and has the right harness slots for the seat unit.
3. Sun sail or parasol: shade for little ones
A sun sail or parasol not only protects your baby’s sensitive skin from harmful UV rays, it also prevents them from being dazzled by bright sunlight. Especially in the first few months, babies are extremely sensitive to light and don’t appreciate even the smallest ray of sunshine disturbing their gentle sleep.
If your stroller’s canopy isn’t large enough to fully shade your spring or summer baby, an additional (universal) sun sail is an accessory you shouldn’t go without. When buying, look for a UV 50+ rating.
4. Stroller bag or organiser: essentials within easy reach
Anyone who has ever pushed a stroller knows that a handbag just gets in the way. But where do you put your keys, phone and wallet when you want to keep your hands free? A stroller bag keeps your everyday essentials within easy reach on the handlebar. Ideally, it should be made from water-repellent material.
A stroller bag is slightly larger and can also be attached to the handlebar. It offers space for everything you might need when you’re out and about with your baby or toddler, in addition to your personal essentials:
5. Car seat adapters: protect your baby’s sleep – and your back
Your baby has fallen asleep peacefully in their Maxi-Cosi in the car, but you still have a walk ahead of you from the car park to the paediatrician or the supermarket? With the right stroller adapters, you can simply click the infant car seat onto the stroller frame.
This saves you the effort of carrying everything (your baby plus the infant car seat will only get heavier over time) and means you won’t have to move your baby into the stroller.
Practical and clever: more stroller accessories
Hand warmers or hand muffs: no more frozen fingers
During the colder months, hand warmers or a cosy lined hand muff keep your hands warm and dry on the handlebar. Your baby benefits too – whether you need to lift them out of the stroller or check their temperature at the back of their neck. After all, no one likes being touched with icy fingers.
As with footmuffs, hand warmers for strollers come in different materials. Genuine sheepskin is usually more expensive than fleece, but it also provides extra warmth. In any case, a weather-resistant outer fabric is ideal to prevent the hand warmers from getting soaked in rain or snow.
Stroller garland: a play arch for walks
A colourful stroller garland is like a play arch for when you’re out and about. As soon as your baby starts enjoying bright, moving objects and tries to reach for them, you can attach a stroller garland. Simply see how your baby responds to the colours, shapes and perhaps even the little bells.
Hang the stroller garland slightly lower and your little one can happily play with it to their heart’s content.
Individual, flexible plastic loops that can be linked together are also a great option. You can attach them to the infant car seat, for example, or use them to secure a dummy.
Universal clips: one for everything
Large universal stroller clips let you turn a lightweight muslin cloth into a sun or wind shield (as mentioned above, never stretch blankets tightly over the stroller) or quickly secure items such as shopping bags, a bag of beach toys or gloves to the handlebar.
Magnetic stroller clips are also a practical option.
Insect net: a summer essential
Whether you’re at a local beer garden, enjoying an evening walk by the lake or on a long-awaited trip to Sweden, summer brings insects everywhere – and babies are too young for mosquito spray. An insect net that fits over the carrycot protects your baby from painful bites. A worthwhile accessory, especially for summer babies.
Cup holder: refreshments on the go
Whether it’s your favourite (decaf) coffee to go or your baby’s bottle, a cup holder on your stroller makes relaxed walks much easier – in any season. If you’re breastfeeding, always bring a bottle of water for yourself.
An insulated bottle holder that attaches to the frame with Velcro is also a practical option.
When buying, make sure the cup holder is actually compatible with your stroller frame.
Buggy board: for proud older siblings
Are you expecting a baby and wondering how to manage longer stroller walks with a toddler who isn’t keen on walking? A buggy board is often the perfect solution: great fun for your older child, always ready to use and far more affordable than a double stroller.
As a general rule, stroller ride-on boards are suitable for siblings aged between 2 and 5 years, with a maximum weight of around 20 kg. As practical as a buggy board is, pushing the stroller does become a little more challenging as your older child gets bigger and heavier – it’s worth keeping that in mind. Still, it’s far better than dealing with a grumpy toddler who might end up waking the baby ;-)
Stroller reflectors: extra safety in winter
Reflectors on the stroller frame improve your visibility and safety during evening walks on poorly lit paths.
Products with Velcro fastening are particularly practical, as you can attach and remove them easily. Once your child has outgrown the stroller, you can reuse them on a scooter or balance bike, for example.
Stroller Accessories: Popular Brands
