Although thesummer months might bring trips to the beach, picnics in the park and fresh air, it also brings the heat. Lots of it. And, let's be honest - heat is not a toddler's best friend. Heat can make a toddler sticky, sweaty and downright cranky. But, that's where the best portable fan for babies and toddlers comes in.
As well as keeping them in a good mood, a fan is an essential part of making sure babies and toddlers aren't overheating in warmer weather. Become familiar with some of the signs that baby is overheating to ensure that they're safe.
Due to the fact babies struggle to regulate their temperature, babies must be kept cool. Therefore, a portable fan is a good investment, especially when there's a heatwave due. And we're not the only ones loving these portable fans, either.
Celebrity mum and former The Only Way is Essex star, Lucy Mecklenburgh revealed on her Instagram story that she uses a portable fan to cool down her little ones in the heat. Included in our round up below, this fan is universal and can wrap around pram handles, cribs and playpens.
What type of portable fans are there?
From battery operated to rechargeable fans, there's a wide variety of portable handheld fan options available for both adults and children. Thanks to advances in technology, these can be charged in several ways. Fans with USB ports make it convenient for different situations, like charging in the car.
However, the best portable fan for babies and toddlers are ones with foam blades or no blades at all. It's essential that the blades on the fan are made of a soft material, like foam, to protect little fingers. On the other hand, they should also have a fan cover or security cage to stop their fingers from being caught.
Best portable fan for babies and toddlers
Here are the best portable fans that are safe for babies and toddlers, to help cool them down this summer.
Best wrap around portable fan
Our top pick
As one of the most highly rated fans and an Amazon bestseller - we love that this portable option can wrap around any surface. From prams to cribs to playpens, the flexible stand makes this product versatile. This fan has it all with different colour choices, speed settings and even night light settings. It's the best option for little ones and our top pick from the list because it's a quiet and powerful fan with long battery life.
Rechargeable or batteries only?: Rechargeable
Review: "I bought this to take on holiday for my 6month old but I used it the day I got it. It’s amazing! And with it being able to wrap around anything it gets more use than any other accessory I’ve bought! AMAZING."
Pros:
• Highly rated fan and a bestseller on Amazon
• Flexible tripod can be wrapped around strollers, cribs and other surfaces
• Quiet and powerful fan with long battery life
• Fan cover to protect little fingers
• Different colour choices
• Three adjustable speeds
• Night light setting with three different adjustments
**
Cons:**
• Blue light cannot be turned off while fan is in use
• Foam tripod may get dirty quickly and discolour
Best portable fan on sale
For one that you can use on the stroller, high chair or crib - this foam blade fan is a solution for those humid days. As well as a wide variety of colours to choose from, you can clip it to a surface and turn it on for instant coolness. Powered by batteries, this little fan will help to keep your little one cool.
Rechargeable or batteries only?: Batteries (2 AA)
Review: "Great product. Foam blades so kids won’t hurt themselves. Great price and free delivery is fab. Will order from this website again."
Pros:
• Universal clip fits almost all strollers, cribs and playpens
• Flexible neck allows directional airflow
• Different colour choices available
• Soft foam blades to protect little fingers
**
Cons:**
• Foam blades may not be as robust against little hands!
Best clip on portable fan
www.argos.co.uk
Another brilliant option (which is selling well on Argos) is this clip on fan by Dreambaby. It's good to note that this fan is rechargeable, meaning you can plug it in while you're in the car with the USB cable. Perfect for a sunny day out, simply clip it onto the stroller and position it to provide a cool breeze for your bubba.
Rechargeable or batteries only?: Rechargeable (USB)
Review: "Haven’t had much chance to use the fan yet but seems good quality, quite powerful breeze for such a small fan. Like the way it can stand on a flat surface or use the clip to attach to things and the flexible neck to position the airflow exactly where you want. Really convenient to be able to USB charge too! Arrived quickly looking forward to using it on warm summer days. Definitely worth spending slightly more on this product than the really cheap flimsy ones elsewhere."
Pros:
• Secure cage to protect little fingers
• Universal clip fits almost all strollers, cribs and playpens
• Flexible neck allows directional airflow
• Three adjustable speeds
**
Cons:**
• We can't think of any!
Best handheld portable fan
Simple, but does the job. With no worry that the foam blades will cause any injury, we adore that this fan can be freestanding on a high chair for a nice breeze during feeding times. It's a nice size, so it can be stashed in your bag when you're the go. Not to mention, reviewers have commented on their surprise at the power and battery life.
Rechargeable or batteries only?: Batteries (2 AA)
Review: "Very calming and easy to use. It is safe because of the foam propellers. Would recommend."
Pros:
• Fairly strong and quiet
• Angle adjustable design
• Freestanding
• Different colour choices available
• Soft foam blades
**
Cons:**
• Foam blades may not be as robust against little hands!
• Issues with quality
Best portable fan with nighlight
Not only does this portable fan clip to a number of different surfaces, but it also has a built-in nightlight with two different settings which your tots may find soothing at night. It's totally rechargeable, has a strong clamp and features four different speeds. Perfect for keeping them cool in this weather!
Rechargeable or batteries only?: Rechargeable
Review: "This is perfect for my son's pram. It clips on and keeps him cool so he can nap in the hot weather.
It’s also excellent to attach to his cot for hot evenings. Charges easily and battery lasts well. Would definitely recommend. Can also be used as a desk fan/back of the car for kids etc. Very pleased with this purchase."
Pros:
• Night light setting with two different adjustments
• Secure cage to protect little fingers
• Universal clip fits almost all strollers, cribs and playpens
• Three adjustable speeds
• 360 degree rotation
**
Cons:**
• Longer lead would be ideal
Best versatile portable fan
This cute portable fan that's shaped like a paw goes down a treat with children and adults alike. It can be used freestanding on the high chair or worn as a necklace - although this option wouldn't be suitable for babies and younger tots. With three adjustable speed settings, this little fan packs a punch.
Rechargeable or batteries only?: Rechargeable
Review: "This is amazing I'd recommend this for any child who needs to keep cool especially when it's very hot they love it."
Pros:
• Fun design that's appealing to little ones
• Versatile and can be used freestanding
• Three adjustable speeds
**
Cons:**
• Spacing between security cage might be a point of curiosity for inquisitive toddlers
• Issues with reliability
Best bladeless portable fan
There's no risk of trapping their fingers as this portable fan is bladeless, which is a safer option for babies and toddlers. Despite being loud, this fan is sufficient for creating cool air with its adjustable speed settings. It's free-standing and can be used on a high chair. However, the user feels the full effects by holding the fan to their face, which would be too heavy for babies and younger tots.
Rechargeable or batteries only?: Rechargeable
Review: "Oh I just love this little thing it may be little, but it's powerful."
Pros:
• Bladeless
• Freestanding
• Three adjustable speeds
**
Cons:**
• Noisy