Many parents worry about keeping their little one safe and comfortable in their strollers when summer rolls around—and with good reason.
Hot weather can make stroller outings less than fun, and sometimes it can even put an early end to your day.
One way to avoid fussiness and tears from your infant or toddler is with a stroller fan. This device makes them more comfortable in their stroller, and it can also help protect them from the potentially dangerous effects of soaring temperatures. But which one should you choose?
After conducting extensive research, the Yxwin Mini Stroller Clip Fan emerged as the best option. We’ll go over why it topped our list in just a minute, and we’ll also take an in-depth look at all the top models on the market.
Keep reading to find out what they are, and don’t miss our handy buyer’s guide at the end.
6 Best Stroller Fans
Here is our roundup of the highest-rated stroller fans, starting with our choice for the best overall.
Best Overall—Yxwin Mini Stroller Clip Fan
- 40 hours max runtime
- Practically silent operation (40dB)
- Four speed settings
- USB charging
- Rechargeable batteries
There are plenty of reasons why the Yxwin Mini Stroller Clip Fan won our top prize.
The first is its impressive battery life, one of the most critical features a stroller fan can have. The Yxwin provides a whopping 40 hours of runtime on the lowest of the four settings, and 4.5 hours of runtime on the highest. Most other models don’t come anywhere close to this battery life, and when the time to charge finally does occur, you can do so using USB cables.
The Yxwin rotates 360 degrees horizontally and vertically, allowing you to position it as needed. At just 40dB, it’s almost entirely silent, and you won’t have to worry about the sturdy clip sliding. Plus, the blade housing has the most minimal of gaps, so kids can’t put their fingers in it.
Besides providing everything parents need in a stroller fan, this model includes another thoughtful feature we love: a sponge tank on the back of the unit where you can place aromatherapy oils or mosquito repellent. And it’s so versatile that you can use it in many other places—in offices, when camping, in the kitchen, etc.
Best Value—Opolar Clip Fan
- USB charging
- Multi-use
- 360-degree rotating head
The Opolar Clip Fan won the “Best Value” prize, and it comes in just behind our “Best Overall” pick. The brand recently updated the model, and the new version adds a lot to what was already a fantastic stroller fan.
For starters, the blade design was changed. The blades provide even better airflow than before, and charging now takes just four hours. According to Opolar, the 6700mAh rechargeable battery offers 8 to 26 hours of battery life, depending on which of the three settings you use. In reality, the battery life is not quite that high, but it’s still impressive.
We like that the clip part of the fan is extremely wide, accommodating strollers of up to 2.4 inches. And aside from all the upgrades, the unit remains practically noiseless, so you won’t have to worry about damaging your baby’s hearing. Plus, it has a timer for one, two, and four hours, and it’s available in three beautiful colors.
If we had to find a negative, it would be that the Opolar Clip Fan is not the lightest model available, but for everything else that it offers, we still highly recommend it.
Easiest to Carry—BLUBOON Clip On Fan
- 360-degree rotating head
- Three speed settings
- 2200mAh battery-powered
Our next choice is the BLUBOON Clip On Fan, another popular model among parents. The BLUBOON gets our award for being easiest to carry, thanks to its lightweight design that’s fantastic for use on stroller canopies.
The battery life of this fan ranges from 2.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on the speed setting you’re using. It may be slightly less than other models on this list, but it is easy to charge using several sources, such as laptops, power banks, or USB car chargers. Keep in mind that if you’re using it while recharging, the fan only runs at one speed.
Besides working well on canopies, another thing parents like about this fan is the sturdy clip with foam protection pads. It grips securely onto stroller handles of up to two inches, and thanks to the foam, you won’t have to worry about it damaging your stroller. It makes very little noise and is available in a few fun colors.
Most Resistant—Hijan Clip Fan
- 360-degree rotating head
- Battery or USB-powered
- 0.6 pounds
This stroller fan, which we would consider a mini version, does everything it needs to do despite its small size. It will help make running errands and outings more comfortable by keeping your baby cool, but you can also use it at home, in the office, on planes, etc.
The Hijan Clip Fan includes everything you need. It features a large clamp that grips stroller handles (and many other surfaces) securely, has adjustable speed settings, and it rotates in all directions, so you can point the air where you need it.
Overall, it’s incredibly lightweight, but at the same time very durable, and it has a long-lasting battery life. You can use it while it’s charging, but one thing to know is that you only have one mode option if you charge it with the USB port. And if style is your thing, the Hijan Clip Fan comes in several fun colors.
Best Extra Features—SkyGenius Clip On Mini Fan
- 360-degree rotating head
- Up to six hours of run time
- Various speed settings
The SkyGenius Clip On Mini Fan features a 2-in-1 design—clip it onto your child’s stroller when you head out, or use it as a table fan at home. It has many uses (some people even like to take it on planes), and it stands out for being extremely lightweight (9.6 ounces) and portable.
The SkyGenius is powered by a 2600mAh rechargeable battery, which you can charge using a type A USB. Expect anywhere from 2.5 to six hours of runtime, making it perfect for taking your little one out on runs or doing errands. It’s also fairly durable, so you won’t have to worry about replacing it.
We awarded this model the “Best Extra Features” prize, primarily for one reason. It includes a built-in diffuser like the one the Yxwin model has, which you can use to insert aromatherapy capsules. Although it doesn’t appear that you can use it with mosquito repellent, many parents appreciate the diffuser feature for a bit of extra freshness.
One issue that some users report having with the SkyGenius is that the USB cord sometimes slipped out while charging, but this doesn’t seem to be a frequent problem.
Budget Option—Glovion Fan
- 360-degree rotating head
- Battery-operated USB rechargeable
- Lifetime guarantee
Maybe you live in an area that sees relatively few warm days, and you want something budget-friendly that won’t break the bank. If so, the Glovion Fan is an excellent economical option that delivers. It’s available in four beautiful colors to match your stroller, and it has a flexible neck that allows you to point the fan wherever you need.
The unit is battery-powered, but you can recharge from a USB cable using a power bank or similar. We like that the fan has a charging light that tells you how much power is remaining, a feature that many users find useful on stroller fans. Depending on the speed mode you choose, battery life ranges anywhere from four to six hours.
It weighs in at 14.9 ounces, which is pretty middle of the road in terms of weight. The only real downside to mention is that tiny fingers might be able to find their way into the fan, so we recommend keeping it well away from babies.
Buyer’s Guide
Knowing which stroller fans are the best is just part of the equation. Don’t buy one until you’ve had a chance to read through our comprehensive buyer’s guide, which includes some must-know information for parents.
What Is a Stroller Fan?
Although strollers are now more comfortable than ever, sometimes the weather puts your child’s comfort in jeopardy. Never is this truer than in the summer months. If dealing with the heat is difficult for adults, imagine how challenging it is for young children, especially when seated in a stroller.
Though stroller canopies are indispensable tools for blocking the sun, they have one downside: they trap heat inside the stroller. Canopies make it difficult for air to circulate, and they can lead to a sweltering environment. Stroller fans can help you avoid this uncomfortable—and even dangerous—situation.
So what are they? As you might guess from their name, stroller fans are fans explicitly designed to be used with strollers. They help alleviate high temperatures by moving the air inside the stroller.
They function just like their standard-size counterparts, though they are smaller and include a clip that attaches to the stroller handle.
Most are battery-operated and have uses beyond keeping your child cool. Many people use them at work, in their cars, or their backyards. Stroller fans are convenient practically anywhere!
Why You Should Buy a Stroller Fan
The number one reason that parents buy stroller fans is to prevent overheating. Even if your little one is wearing appropriate light clothing for the weather, the stroller can still get too hot.
A fan helps keep them cool and happy while on the go. Plus, they can help reduce the risk of skin conditions (like heat rash) that are caused by excessive sweating.
Stroller fans have other benefits, too. The hum of the fan has a calming effect on many children and can lull them to sleep. Or if your child is awake, the movement of the fan may keep them entertained.
You can use stroller fans to cool your baby’s face or diaper area, and they’re a safer option than misters. Though misting fans may seem like the better alternative, they can sometimes get moldy.
4 Things to Know for Best Stroller Fan Use
While using a stroller fan may seem straightforward, there are some things to keep in mind. Let’s go over some tips that will allow for the best and safest experience possible.
When to Use a Stroller Fan
It may seem obvious, but you should only use the fan when it’s hot outside.
This point is critical because babies and toddlers lack the ability to regulate their body temperature the way adults do. They need some help to keep their temperature in check, which is why using a stroller fan is only recommended when the weather calls for it.
Where to Place a Stroller Fan
Make sure only to place a stroller fan where it’s out of reach of your baby or toddler.
The curiosity of a young child has no limits, especially when it comes to something that moves, and you don’t want them to put their fingers in the fan or otherwise manipulate it. Paying attention to the distance will ensure safe use.
Keep a Power Bank on Hand
Another tip for using your stroller fan is always to have a power bank on hand if you’re using a rechargeable battery-powered type.
There’s nothing worse than dead batteries on a hot day and several errands still to tackle. Having an extra power supply eliminates this worry.
Make Sure the LED Indicators Are on
Finally, you’ll want to make sure the LED indicators are on, which lets you know whether the battery is charging.
The indicators also tell you when it’s finished charging and give you information about how fast the fan is operating.
Features to Look for in a Stroller Fan
Though they may look similar, not all stroller fans are created equal. Here are some features to pay attention to when making your purchase.
Design
Proper design is one of the most critical aspects to look for, as the ideal stroller fan should be designed for the curious mind of a child.
While the vast majority of models are designed this way, make sure to choose one with a shield and a guard that’s closely spaced to keep the blades totally enclosed. Although the fan should be out of your little one’s reach, extra safety measures never go amiss.
You may see fans with sponge blades and no guard, but these types don’t work as well. They also have the downside that your baby could potentially pluck off the blades.
Material
There’s nothing worse than spending money on a stroller fan and having it break after a fall. To get the most prolonged use out of your fan, avoid models that use cheap plastic in their design. Instead, look for robust hard plastics.
We recommend polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which are regularly used in toys for children. They are also commonly used in stroller fans.
Oscillation
While not a make-or-break feature, oscillation can be nice to have. Instead of moving air in one fixed direction, an oscillating fan moves from side to side, allowing it to provide airflow to all areas of the stroller.
One thing to keep in mind is that small children lose body heat more rapidly than adults do. If they’re asleep in the stroller, make sure not to point the fan directly at them.
Noise Level
One reason some parents love stroller fans is that the noise they make can be incredibly soothing to young children. But you don’t want it to be too loud that they can’t fall asleep—or worse, that the fan noise is unsafe for their young ears.
To prevent hearing damage, any stroller fan you select should be less than 80 decibels, though the recommended level is 40dB or lower.
Fan Clip
Take a minute to think about all the different types of terrain you encounter when using your stroller. If you’re like most parents, you probably have to negotiate uneven terrain from time to time. Keeping in mind the potential for bumps, it’s easy to see that the right clip is an essential fan feature.
The best stroller fan models all have clips that keep the device firmly in place. There’s nothing more annoying than having to constantly re-adjust the fan, and you want to avoid any falls, which may harm your baby.
Another thing to note is that the fan clip should open wide enough to fit around your stroller.
Adjustability
Adjustability is another feature to pay attention to. We recommend models that have an adjustable head, allowing you to change angles when needed.
Adjustability helps achieve the cooling effect you want, no matter how your child is positioned in the stroller.
Batteries and Charging
Stroller fans are portable devices that require you to power them with batteries, USBs, or both.
The type of battery/charging capabilities on your device can be the difference between keeping your child cool on a hot day and having to head home early. So is one type better than the other?
Both battery-powered and USB-powered fans work well, so the choice is up to you. What’s more important than the kind is how long you’ll be able to use the fan. Typically, stroller fans with rechargeable batteries have the most extended battery life. We recommend a model that runs for 4-6 hours on a single charge for maximum peace of mind.
And remember, how you use the fan will influence battery life. If you’re using a higher speed setting, for example, the battery may not last as long as it would if you were using the lowest speed setting. Plus, the hotter the day, the more quickly the battery will drain.
Weight
Weight might seem like a feature you can ignore, as you’ll just be clipping the fan to your stroller instead of carrying it around. However, it’s a good idea to find the lightest model possible, as you may need to clip it to the stroller canopy.
If the fan is too heavy, it can cause the canopy to sag and lead to deformities.
Speed
Finally, for most parents, having a fan with adjustable speed settings is handy.
Some models give you options that range from a mini breeze to a more powerful gust, which allows you some room to adapt to various kinds of weather conditions.
How to Clean a Stroller Fan
Most stroller fans are low maintenance when it comes to cleaning, but you shouldn’t neglect cleaning yours every few days, as they do accumulate dust and germs.
The method is straightforward. Make sure to dust the fan, and if you want, you can give it a quick wipe-down with an antibacterial cloth. Every now and again, you may want to deep clean it with a fan cleaner liquid.
Pro Tip: Fans with removable casing types are the easiest to clean, as they allow fast access to blades.
Conclusion
Keeping your little one safe and comfortable during the summer means selecting the right stroller fan. While you can’t go wrong with any of the models on our list, we do feel that the Yxwin Mini Stroller Clip Fan stood above the competition. Features such as outstanding battery life, silent operation, and the slot for mosquito repellent sealed the deal.
If we had to recommend a runner-up, it would be the Opolar Clip Fan, which offers a similar experience in terms of battery life, adjustability, and quiet operation. The clip’s ability to accommodate wider stroller handles may be of particular interest to some parents.
Finally, one thing to keep in mind is that stroller fans needn’t have lots of bells and whistles to do their job. Something simple and durable with excellent battery life will do the trick and allow you to get on with your daily activities.
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