Let's face it, when it comes to the UK, we need to be prepared for all eventualities with the weather, which is why a footmuff is an essential you'll be reaching for when the cold hits. The good news is that there are plenty of universal footmuffs on the market to keep your little one toasty and cosy in their pushchair when out and about so you don't have to worry about finding one to fit your specific pushchair.
If you're not familiar with footmuffs, they're a snuggly addition to your pushchair that easily attaches to the part of your pushchair where their legs and feet go, meaning you'll only really need one once baby moves from pram to a seated pushchair position when they're around 6 months or can sit unaided. Not to be confused with pram liners which you can also add to their pushchair to keep them warm, liners are also great for protecting your pram from spills or accidents. Footmuffs are also sometimes referred to as pram muffs, but this can be confused with pram hand muffs which keep your hands nice and warm during walks.
While we've listed plenty of the best universal footmuffs to buy, there are also plenty of brand specific footmuffs, perfectly designed for whichever pushchair you have so they'll match in colour and texture. You may however prefer a universal fit that will go on a wide variety of different prams, strollers and pushchairs.
Best overall footmuff
www.johnlewis.com
Available in three stylish colours (we personally love the Forest Green), this footmuff fits perfectly to any Joolz strollers, however, it would easily attach to any other pushchair with a five-point harness. Although it keeps your little one nice and warm, it still remains lightweight and breathable with its soft fleece lining. The fabric is water repellent to keep them dry in the rain or snow and the windproof zippers shelter baby from the cold breeze.
Pros
- Fits pushchairs with a five-point harness (but especially well on all Joolz strollers)
- Water repellent fabric and windproof zips
Cons
- Can't be tumble dried
Best for extreme cold
www.boots.com
If you're expecting a serious cold snap or heading somewhere cold, then this Bugaboo Footmuff might be the best choice for you. Made with premium quality fabrics, ultra soft materials, you know your baby is going to stay warm, dry, and comfortable on colder days, even under extreme weather conditions. This footmuff is filled with responsibly sourced down filling that can be removed for warmer days. It also comes with an adjustable integrated hood, which will help protect your baby’s head from the cold. It also features a built-in shoe shield to keep it clean on the inside so you don't need to worry about muddy shoes. There's also reflective points which make it safe for walks in the dark.
Pros
- Comes with an adjustable integrated hood
- Features built-in shoe shield to stop it from getting dirty
- Reflective design for nighttime or early morning walks
Cons
- Can't collapse the stroller with the footmuff on
Best budget footmuff
www.johnlewis.com
This is the best footmuff for strollers, and you really can't go wrong with the price. Not compromising on quality, this footmuff is made using fuzzy-soft polyester to be comfortable and soft against baby while providing warmth on cold days. The footmuff fits most prams easily, although some testers did find that on some models, it had a tendency to slip down slightly.
Pros
- Affordable for all budgets
- Fits most prams easily
Cons
- Does have a tendency to slip down
Best footmuff for style
We just love how cosy and warm this Maxi-Cosi pram footmuff looks. Suitable for use with all Maxi-Cosi puschairs, it's lined with a soft fleece to keep your little one warm, cosy and comfortable during colder days and winter walks. As with some of the other models, this can transform into a seat liner if it's not quite cold enough for a full footmuff but you want to keep them a bit toastier still. With the easy zipper on the side, you can easily get baby in and out with testers also loving how durable this is, designed to last little one until they're over 3 years, making it a brilliant foot muff for buggies.
Pros
- Available in six colours
- Stylish design that doubles up as a pram liner
Cons
- Some parents found it a little fiddly to attach to the pram
Best footmuff for pushchairs
www.boots.com
Affordable, stylish and suitable for most five-point harness pushchairs, it's easy to see why the Clair de Lune Snug Pushchair Footmuff is such a popular choice. Featuring a showerproof outer layer, it's ideal for protecing your child in rainy weather and the ultra-soft and plush interior, provides the ultimate comfort for your tot to keep them warm and cosy on walks. Easy to install it also includes poppers on the front panel to give you the option to fit over the roll bar. Another popular feature is the dual-way zips which allow you to leave the top layer on for chilly days, or remove it to transform the footmuff into a cosy liner when it warms up. To avoid any unwanted slipping, it features an anti-slip fabric backing so it stays in place to avoid any need for readjustment of baby when you're out and about.
Pros
- Doubles up as a pram liner
- Features anti-slip fabric backing to stay in place
Cons
- Some parents said their little ones found it easy to pull the fluff out
www.mamasandpapas.com
If you're on the hunt for both footmuff and a new buggy, then it might make sense to buy the two in a bundle which is why we love the Cruise Buggy & Footmuff Bundle from Mamas & Papas. The footmuff, which is also available to buy separately is ideal for year round use as we know it remains pretty chilly in the UK all year round. Water and dirt-resistant for easier cleaning and drying, it's perfect for countryside walks where mud might splash up. The comfy padding on the liner provides a lovely level of comfort for little ones and is suitable from birth to 15kg.
Pros
- A buggy and footmuff in one
- Ideal for year round use
Cons
- Only available in one colour
The best footmuffs to fit specific buggies and strollers
We know if you have a specific buggy, you may require a certain footmuff to fit it with ease.
Best footmuff for mountain buggy duet
This softly padded footmuff is praised for its quality by parents, making it ideal for very cold weather. It comes with a warm fleece lining and extra quilting to keep them cosy and warm. Designed to fit all models with a five-point harness, it measures L100cm x W45cm.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Extra quilting for added warmth
Cons
- Some said it slips down slightly
Best footmuff for Uppababy Vista
Compatible with all UPPAbaby Strollers, this footmuff is suitable for babies from 3 months up to 83.8cm. Tested to keep your baby warm in temperatures of up to minus 20 degrees celsius in one layer of clothing, the outer shell is water and wind resistant and the soft fleece lining is warm and comfortable for your tot. The cosy hood provides additional warmth and it provides excellent value for money thanks to the zip-out extension which provides an additional 10cm length for growing babies. The nylon internal foot section stops dirty shoes from getting the fleece dirty and the anti-slip backing material helps prevent the Ganoosh from sliding down the seat.
Pros
- Available in 10 different colours
- Machine washable
Cons
- Some parents had issues with the zip
Best footmuff for Yoyo stollers
www.johnlewis.com
Perfect if you have a YOYO stroller, this footmuff is designed to keep little ones warm thanks to its toasty sherpa lining. When taking your baby out in very cold weather, the fleecey hood with cosy drawstring keeps your baby even warmer. The hood is also fully reversible and the upper part of the footmuff is fully detachable turning it into a pram liner in warmer weather. We love how easy it is to keep clean and wash in the machine as well as spot clean when needed. The 6 fixture points it attaches to ensures secure placement, allowing you. to keep it on when folding and unfolding the stroller. It also includes a small reusable bag if you do decide to remove it while on the go.
Pros
- Available in seven stylish colours
- Includes a small reusable storage bag
Cons
- Only compatible with YOYO strollers
Footmuffs FAQs
Are footmuffs safe?
Footmuffs are generally considered safe to use with babies, providing they reach the age requirements of use. For example, some are from newborn, some are from 3 months and some are from 6 months so do be sure to check the age guidance on whichever footmuff you go for. As when using any stroller or pushchair with any footmuff, it’s essential to ensure your little one is strapped securely in their chair before embarking on any walks or journeys to keep them safe and secure.
The other thing to consider when it comes to safety is temperature to avoid your baby overheating. Remember, thicker pram muffs are best suited to winter temperatures whereas thinner ones are better for cooler days year round. It’s always advised to keep an eye on your baby’s temperature when they’re in a footmuff and if they feel clammy and hot, remove the footmuff. As always, if you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to check our guide on what to dress your baby in for cold weather.
Does my baby need a footmuff?
This really depends on the climate you live in and the current temperature. Most parents agree they’re much more practical than a blanket for keeping little legs warm and in the UK, you’ll probably want to use one when it rains, when it’s windy and during the colder autumn and winter months.
What are the benefits of a footmuff?
Warmth – First and foremost, a footmuff provides an extra layer of warmth for your baby when walking outside so you don’t have to worry about extra blankets and layers which makes them very convenient.
Comfort – Most footmuffs are designed to be soft, cosy and padded for their comfort, so you’ll probably find your little one gets a lot more comfy with a footmuff.
Protection – as most are water and wind resistant, they protect your baby from the elements. They also keep their legs still which prevents them from kicking out and losing shoes or socks!
Versatility – Many pram muffs can be transformed into pram liners making them great value for money and they last through to their toddler years.
What to consider when buying a footmuff
Compatability – While many of the footmuffs here are universal, it’s essential to check the footmuff you buy is compatible with the stroller, buggy or pushchair you use it with and that it will attach securely. If you're unsure, it's best to opt for one that's the same brand as your stroller, buggy or pushchair to ensure compatibility.
Weather appropriate – Is it going to be warm enough for the climate you live in and the seasons you’ll need it for? For example, if you’re intending to use it throughout spring and summer in the UK, you may want a thinner footmuff. However, if you’re looking to use it in the winter months or head on holiday somewhere cold, then a thicker one is probably better suited.
Age appropriate – Many of these have a maximum height limit for little ones so be sure to check your child’s height against the limit. You may also prefer to buy one that can adjust and extend as your child grows. You may also want to get even more value for your money by choosing a footmuff that can turn into a pram liner too.
Care – Will it stand the test of time and still look good in years to come? If you’re hoping to use it with multiple children, then we’d advised choosing a footmuff made from quality fabrics that also washes well, ideally in the washing machine for ease.
Lorna White is the Products Editor for Mother&Baby. After running the Yours magazine website, specialising in content about caring for kids and grandchildren, Lorna brought her expertise to Mother&Baby in 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics from potty training and nutrition to baby names and early development and has a wide range of experienced medical experts and professionals at her fingertips. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two young sisters, dog walking and enjoying the outdoors with her family.