Baby, it’s cold outside! But, NYC moms might have a secret weapon to stay warm.
A couple of weeks ago, I frantically bundled my toddler in four layers, braced the polar vortex, and trekked to Central Park to build a snowman. Like many cold-weather outings, much of my time was spent chasing my daughter in circles as she attempted to unzip her jacket and fling her mittens into a pile of snow.
As all this was going on, something caught my eye. Nearly every small child that passed us was burrito-wrapped in an insulated pod from head to toe — snug, cozy, and totally undisturbed by the cold. Some strollers I’ve tested come with plastic rain covers or footmuffs, designed to keep little ones warm from the lap down (the Mockingbird Stroller and Doona, for example). But, this was something else.
It wasn’t a lap cover, swaddle, or ordinary baby blanket, but a stroller blanket. A plush, weatherproof, zip-up cocoon that has taken New York City by storm.
Many parents pushing these bundled-up babies were also sporting puffy, matching gloves clipped to said strollers. In that morning alone, I clocked dozens of different styles, from a sleek monochromatic star pattern to many fur-lined neutrals, and many more that were surprisingly chic — which sometimes feels like just as much of a requirement in this city.
Curious, I asked a passing mom where her stroller blanket and mittens were from. She told me she got it from 7 A.M. Enfant during a rare sample sale, but that they’re also on sale on Amazon. She also claimed that the little contraption was the only reason she dared to leave the house in the winter.
“You have to have one,” she told me. “They’re so worth it.”
At roughly $225 a piece, that seemed like a lofty claim for what is essentially a high-tech sleeping bag.
But, after some research, I began to understand why they’re so popular. The design is simple and fits on nearly every stroller. An adjustable cover slips over the frame, creating a fully insulated nest that zips and keeps kids warm — down to -4 degrees. The outer shell is also machine washable, so it’s storm-proof, too.
Skeptical but intrigued, I decided to test one out myself. It took a few minutes to attach it to my stroller, but once all the straps were aligned it was easy to adjust the length. My toddler, who has long despised jackets and skillfully unswaddled herself as a baby, initially protested a bit. But after a few tears, she settled in peacefully. Five minutes later, she was smiling. Now, we don’t go anywhere without it.
I no longer have to bundle her up like a marshmallow, and lately, I’ve noticed that she falls asleep faster during our morning strolls. As someone who tests baby products for a living, I can confidently say this one lives up to the hype — and that’s no blanket statement.
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The 7 A.M. Enfant Stroller Blanket comes with footmuffs in three sizes, and a back panel that provides access the the five-point safety straps. The buttoned hood is adjustable, so you can create a more relaxed feel for milder temperatures. The water-resistant outer shell and premium micro-fleece insulation provide a warm, and cozy barrier from the weather.
Color Options: 22
Pros:
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The 7 AM Enfant Warm Muffs, also dubbed “mummy mitts,” offer a universal fit with hook and loop fasteners that conveniently attach to any cross bar or double-hand stroller. Like their matching Stroller Blankets, the Warm Muffs keep hands dry and protect from temps down to -4 degrees. They’re machine washable, as well.
Color Options: 18
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Cold weather may require heavier coats and layers, but too much bulk can create extra room in the car seat harness or belts, causing a looser fit that puts the child at risk for injury, according to the National Highway Safety Administration. The 7 A.M. Car Seat Cover is a great workaround, as it keeps kids warm and cozy during travel, without interfering with straps and belts.
Color Options: 20
more cold-weather baby gear
Stroller Rain Cover
This simple, plastic rain cover fits over most strollers, providing a safe barrier from the elements.
RUVALINO Diaper Bag Backpack
Looking for a waterproof diaper bag? The Ruvalino is made of lightweight, durable, and waterproof fabric ideal for winter.
Water-resistant, winter baby clothes are a must-have — this suit is fully lined with soft microfleece to keep kids cozy and warm.
The design and intended use of stroller blankets is quite different than ordinary baby blankets.
A stroller blanket is designed to fit neatly over a baby stroller and stay in place, without dragging on the ground. A stroller blanket is specifically designed for on-the-go warmth, acting like a shield to protect babies from wind, rain, and snow.
Baby blankets come in different sizes, but they are typically rectangular and smaller than stroller blankets. A baby blanket may be draped over a baby while they are in the stroller, but it can also be used for different functions, such as a swaddle, nursing cover, or a foundation for tummy time.
Built-in stroller blankets are safe as long as they are used for appropriate cold weather and stay in place. It’s always important to monitor your baby for overheating and follow best practices for dressing in cold weather.
Additionally, air circulation is very important — especially in the summer. Michelle Pratt, founder of the Florida-based child safety organization Safe in the Seat, has previously warned that shielding children from the sun on a hot day with a blanket over their car seat or stroller could be dangerous, and lead to heatstroke.
Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.