Introduction: $2.49 Stroller Blanket
During the winter, many parents often feel limited by the cold weather and worry about taking their kids out. Sure, it's 30 degrees outside, but that doesn't mean you have to be stuck at home! And it doesn't mean you have to wrap your babies and toddlers in ten layers of clothing (okay, maybe 3 or 4?) just to go out for a coffee or pick up some groceries.
Sure, you could just use any old blanket and drape it over the kid in the stroller, but any toddler's parent will tell you, just two kicks and that blanket'll be mopping up all the dust and dirt from the ground. What you need is a stroller blanket that stays off the ground and wraps around your child comfortably.
You could shell out $40-80 for a fancy one. But why pay for it when you could just make one for $2.49??
Here, I've used a cheap Ikea fleece blanket and converted it into a handy stroller blanket customizable for most strollers. You can embellish the finished blanket as you wish with a simple button design; or if you want to go fancier, try using ribbons, sequins, or other trimming. This also makes a great and easy handmade gift for parents with young children.
I hope you and/or your recipient love this stroller blanket too!
Sure, you could just use any old blanket and drape it over the kid in the stroller, but any toddler's parent will tell you, just two kicks and that blanket'll be mopping up all the dust and dirt from the ground. What you need is a stroller blanket that stays off the ground and wraps around your child comfortably.
You could shell out $40-80 for a fancy one. But why pay for it when you could just make one for $2.49??
Here, I've used a cheap Ikea fleece blanket and converted it into a handy stroller blanket customizable for most strollers. You can embellish the finished blanket as you wish with a simple button design; or if you want to go fancier, try using ribbons, sequins, or other trimming. This also makes a great and easy handmade gift for parents with young children.
I hope you and/or your recipient love this stroller blanket too!
Step 1: Gather Supplies
Supplies needed:
- blanket (Ikea's is 67" x 51")
- sewing machine (or hand sewing is fine)
- snap buttons, at least 10-12 small or 6-8 large
- needle
- thread
- decorative buttons (optional)
- embroidery floss (optional)
- ribbon/trim (optional)
Step 2: Sewing
Steps:
- Lay blanket flat, fold in half as pictured.
- Sew all around the edges to close the blanket.
- Cut slits for the stroller seat belts. An easier way to do this is to simply place blanket flat on stroller and cut slits where the straps are. For Maclaren's 5-point harness, I omitted the two top horizontal slits by laying the blanket lower than the shoulder straps. If no stroller is available for reference, you need to cut these slits: top shoulders 1.5" wide (with 4.5" space between the two), bottom sides 1.75" high, and center buckle 3" wide.
- To make a rounded bottom for the blanket, fold the blanket inside out, sew around the bottom, and trim corners if desired. I kept mine intact and used it as an extra pocket to stash small toys instead.
- Sew snaps or zippers along the two sides of blanket. I used 6 small snaps on each side.
- Time to decorate and personalize your blanket! Use ribbons tied into bows to sew onto front, sew on small buttons arranged in cute animal shapes, or embroider an initial with a colorful contrasting floss. The possibilities really are endless!
Step 3: Use
This stroller blanket should fit most strollers. And the best thing about it is that you can remove the child, fold the stroller, and still leave the blanket on the seat. For Maclaren strollers, just push all fabric towards the center when collapsing the stroller. This is especially useful for urban commuters: you can grab the child, fold the stroller, and even hold your bags in under two minutes!
Now, go ahead and take your child out for a walk outside even though it's chilly! You now have no excuse not to!
Now, go ahead and take your child out for a walk outside even though it's chilly! You now have no excuse not to!