Everything You Need To Know About Choosing The Best Footmuff

It's getting colder and your wondering, how do I choose the best footmuff? What should I look out for? 

In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about choosing the best footmuff and the key differences between models. That way you can face the winter months with style and warmth.

In This Article

• Choosing the Best Footmuff: Questions to Ask Yourself
• Choosing the Best Footmuff: Key Things to Look Out for
• Choosing the Best Footmuff: Stroller Brands vs. Other Brands

Choosing the Best Footmuff: Questions to Ask Yourself

What Stroller(s) Am I Using It On?

The first thing you want to think about is what stroller are you using the footmuff on. Are you going to purchase one footmuff that can toggle between your primary and lightweight stroller? Or will you have one that's fit for each stroller separately. 

Note that footmuffs are, for the most part, stroller agnostic -- meaning they can fit on any stroller. That's because all footmuffs are built more or less the same, with places for the stroller straps to go through and ways to affix it to the stroller. 

Footmuffs specifically made for smaller lightweight strollers tend to be a little more compact in comparison to muffs built for larger strollers. 

Do I Need It For A Car Seat?

It's very important to know that if you're planning to use your footmuff for a car seat (when the car seat is in use in your car), it cannot have a back. For safety's sake you want to have your child's back flat against the seat itself. Any plush layer between the baby and the car seat will affect how the straps of the car seat fit (the puff makes it seem fitted, but actually the straps will be quite loose.)

If you think you're going to need it for a car, be sure to choose a footmuff that's built specifically for the car (Nido, Car Seat Cocoon for example). 

How Old Is The Baby?

Another thing you should consider when choosing the best footmuff is how old the baby is. For the littlest babies, we suggest something that's more fitted and smaller --- especially if winter hits when baby is under 6 months. 

The larger "one size fits all" footmuffs have a lot of fabric and can be overwhelming, not to mention too warm for a little one who does not yet thermoregulate. We love the Nido by 7AM Enfant for the 0-6 month set!

Am I Happiest Matchy-Matchy?

Some people want to have their whole stroller set up a coordinated ensemble. If that's you, then shop within the brand you chose for your stroller. For instance, if you have an UppaBaby V3, then you might want a Cozy Ganoosh in the color of your stroller. 

However, if the matching aesthetics aren't a driver, you can consider the 7AM Enfant collection or even Bugaboo, if you prefer how it zips, or any of the individual features, as they'll all fit your stroller. 

Am I Prepared To Maintain It?

All of the footmuffs we offer are machine washable, but it's key to note that there are some on the market that require dry cleaning. This extra maintenance might be a dealbreaker, so it's important to double check any cleaning instructions. 

Choosing the Best Footmuff: Key Things to Look Out for

Washing Instructions

As we just said, check the washing instructions of any footmuff you're considering. You don't want and "dryclean only" surprises. All of the muffs we carry are machine washable so you don't have to worry shopping at Babesta!

Size/Ideal Age

Check what age the footmuff is for and cross check that with your little one. For babies 0-6 months, it's best to get a smaller footmuff that's fitted for littler babies. We love the Nido as it's a nice wrap that can sit inside a bassinet, with not too much fabric to be overwhelming. 

After baby grows out of the Nido, we suggest either the branded muff from your stroller company or a 7AM enfant stroller-agnostic model -- always oh-so-chic. 

Car Seat Appropriateness

You'll also want to check if your chosen muff is appropriate to go on car seats. The Nido, Car Seat Coccoon by 7AM, the Doona Winter Cover, and any other muff that has an open back is just fine for the car seat. The key is you can't have a plush back or else it renders the car seat unsafe. 

How The Footmuff Attaches

Here's another thing to check when choosing the best footmuff: how will the footmuff attach to my stroller. For those shopping in-brand (the same brand as their stroller) there's a good chance it will be a nice fit, as the footmuff was intended for your model. For stroller agnostic brands, depending on your stroller, it may anchor a little better or worse. Sometimes it takes a little extra creativity but for the most part it shouldn't be a problem. 

How The Footmuff Opens

Some footmuffs zip around the sides and some down the middle. The down the middle muffs are pretty convenient for in and out. If your little one heats up, just unzip like a jacket and give them a little air. It's also important to see if the feet can unzip so dirty boots can live outside, not inside the footmuff. 

Choosing the Best Footmuff: Stroller Brands vs. Other Brands

Bugaboo Winter Performance Footmuff

When choosing the best footmuff for the cold weather, the Bugaboo Winter Performance Footmuff is a great one to consider. It's water-repellent on the outside and features a removable down filling inside. This way you can manage the weather by either removing the liner on warmer days and reinserting it on colder. There's even a built in shoe shield to keep the inside dirt-free. 

The Winter muff has an adjustable hood, reflective elements and is machine washable. 

*Great, versatile footmuff as you can take the extra layer of warmth in and out as needed. 

Bugaboo Footmuff

The new Bugaboo Footmuff is comfy for all seasons. It's lighter than the Winter Performance Footmuff so your little one might need to have an extra layer in the winter. This footmuff is water repellent on the outside and has a soft, breathable fleece lining on the inside. The cocoon shaped headpiece helps shield your little one from the wind and there is a built in shoe-shield that keeps it dirt free inside. The Bugaboo footmuff features a magnetic closure reflective elements and a super compact fold. It's also machine washable. 

*Great for all weather, but not as warm as other options for the cold of winter. Therefore come winter you might require an extra layer. 

UppaBaby Cozy Ganoosh

The Cozy Ganoosh by UppaBaby comes in every color you can think of from the new V3 colors (Savannah, Kenzi, and Callum) to all of the old favorites. You can match your stroller just right! The soft, cozy fleece lining provides substantial warmth against the elements with a comfort rating to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. It also attaches super easily and it's simple to clean in the washing machine. 

*Great all weather footmuff. Keep in mind you might need an extra layer for the coldest days. Love the new Vista V3 colors!

Yoyo Footmuff

The Yoyo Footmuff is the perfect fit for your Yoyo Stroller by Stokke. Match your color and stay warm and stylish. The hood is reversible and the upper part of the footmuff is fully detachable if the day warms up (leaving you with a comfy seat liner). 

*Great all weather footmuff. Might need an extra layer for colder days. 

Doona Winter Cover

The Winter Cover for the Doona is a perfect warmer for the winter months. Because there is no back to the cover, it can be used on the street or in the car. The water repellant outside layer protects from the wind and cold and the luxurious lining ensures maximum comfort. The center zip means easy in and out as well as temperature management. It's also machine washable. 

*Good choice for the Doona stroller, especially if you're riding in the car and strolling.

Doona Footmuff

The Doona Footmuff is a nice option for the cooler weather. The high quality padded design features a removable lined blanket. The footmuff is made with water repellent materials and is machine washable. We prefer the winter cover if you're traveling in the car, as there is still a back to this one, but when strolling on the road it's a great choice. Note it doesn't fit just the Doona - like all footmuffs, it can be used on any stroller.  

*We'd say stick to this one for strolling but skip it for car rides. 

7AM Enfant 212 Footmuff

The 7AM Enfant Evolution 212 Footmuff is the chic and toasty standard for city moms. This comes in a range of colors, some with faux fur details, others with patterns and texture. Very fashionable! But that's not it. This is one of the smartest footmuffs we know. It works on any stroller, and it even grows with your child so you unzip the bottom to make it shorter and then add the extension as they grow. It's also one of the toastie-est!

The 212 footmuff is best for children 6 months to 4 years (or whenever they stop traveling in the stroller). There is an anti-slip back panel and hook and loop attachments to affix it to your stroller. The 212 is water repellant and is both machine washable and dryable. This is the one-and done from 6 months!

*This is a go-to for a stroller-agnostic super warm option that grows with you. Manage the heat by opening the center zip. 

7AM Enfant Nido

We love the 7AM Enfant Nido as it's super easy for your littlest ones. Wrap them like a little burrito and then tuck them in their bassinet, seat or car seat. This is a super alternative to a winter coat as it's very easy while being toasty. This was designed in conjunction with The Car Seat Lady, making sure it was safe as can be for car seats. The Nido features a oval back cutout that elimates extra layers of material between the harness and baby's back. It's also machine washable and dryable. This comes in small (0-6 M) and large (6-18M). We favor the Small size, as this is the perfect first footmuff. After that, we'd say move on to one that will take your little one the distance. 

*Perfect for those first months 0-6 months for strollers and car seats. 

7AM Enfant Car Seat Cocoon

The 7AM Enfant Car Seat Cocoon affixes to your infant car seat super snug thanks to the elastic base, allowing your baby the cozy warmth without impinging on the safety of the seat. If they get too hot in the car, you can even pop over the side shoulder sippers to uncover baby's head. Of course it's totally machine washable and dryable!

Works for infant car seats only (generally 0-12 months). 

* A great infant car seat solution. 

7AM Enfant Pookie Poncho

If you need a muff that can fit both your front carrier and stroller, the Pookie Poncho by 7AM is just the one you need. When carrying it will cover the stroller and offers a little hood for baby's head. For strolling, unzip the hood and attach it across the stroller. This one-ply solution is like a wearable blanket (rather than a sleeping bag. 

*This is our go-to for strolling and carrying. 

Footmuff Season Arrives

Choosing the best footmuff is a snap now that you know the skinny on all things footmuff it's time to choose the best one for you. 

At Babesta we can help fit your stroller for your footmuff of choice --- and a matching pair of handmuffs! City winters can be brutal but with a great footmuff, wheeling around the city streets will be a breeze.