6 Best Stroller Fans to Keep Little Ones Cool, According to a Mom of Three

This portable fan continues to be a top-bought product each month among What to Expect parents. It receives high marks for its long-lasting battery life (between six to 15 hours on a full charge, depending on operating speed) and its flexible mounting system. Each tripod leg can be twisted and wrapped around a stroller handle for a snug fit or configured to be free-standing. 

While the fan head remains in a fixed position (meaning it does not swivel or oscillate), it is small and lightweight enough to reposition as needed. Just make sure your baby can’t reach out and grab it — while the front fan slats are super narrow, little fingers might be able to fit through the back side.

As one of the larger fans on our list, the SkyGenius clip-on fan features a generously sized 6-inch wide fan enclosure and 360-degree rotation — vertically and horizontally — from the solid clip-on base. The included battery is rechargeable via USB cable (also included!), which can be plugged into a power source to operate the fan. With up to six hours of battery life available on a full charge, that’s more than enough time for a visit to the park.

Soft foam-bladed fans are a good option for parents who are concerned about injuries resulting from kids inadvertently putting themselves in contact with hard-bladed fans. The only downside is more limited airflow. The Dreambaby EZY-Fit Clip-On Fan is lightweight and utilitarian, featuring a wide and sturdy base clip as well as a flexible neck, allowing for more detailed positioning. Some parents might also appreciate that it’s AA battery-powered, so you don’t need to worry about charging it (just replacing the batteries when the time comes).

If you’re worried about potential blade-related injuries, a bladeless fan may be the way to go. The Skip Hop Stroll & Connect Bladeless Stroller Fan not only looks as unobtrusive as a stroller fan can possibly look, its compact rectangular frame makes it easy to pack for traveling or to toss into a diaper bag. The universal hub mount makes it easy to attach to any part of the stroller without having to fumble around with a massive claw clip-type mount that I’ve found refuses to stay put. 

This portable fan recharges with the complimentary USB cord, although using it at higher speeds will drain the battery faster, so you may want to carry around a portable charger for longer outings.

With up to 27 hours of battery life, the Momcozy Portable Stroller Fan is your best bet for an excursion to Disney or a day trip to the beach. The flexible tripod mount firmly wraps around bumper bars or handles, while smaller gaps between the fan openings make it safer for curious kids trying to poke their fingers in. Even at maximum speed, this fan is relatively quiet and won’t disturb your child’s stroller nap. It even has an LED light for when the sun goes down at Disneyland — you’ll be able to keep an eye on your little one and they won’t be scared of the dark. All these features make Momcozy one of the best travel stroller fans, in my opinion.

When my child falls asleep in the stroller, I want nothing — and I mean nothing — to wake them , including a noisy stroller fan (can you tell this has happened to me multiple times?). Thanks to a brushless motor, the SmartDevil Clip-On Stroller Fan only has a 40-decibel noise level (about what you’d expect in a library, according to IAC Acoustics), making it one of the quietest portable fans out there. It’s both USB- and battery-powered, so even if the charge runs out, there won’t be an interruption in air circulation or sound. I love that it’s small enough to fit into a purse or toss in the stroller so it’s always ready to cool the baby down.

Kipp Jarecke-Cheng contributed to this article.