Adjustable Stroller footrest (footboard): No more dangling legs

Baby stroller footrest / footboard to make your kids more comfortable in the stroller. One the footboard is attached to the stroller, your little one’s feet are no longer suspended in the air. We will take a look at few more stroller footrest extension options, including DIY options.

Introduction

Lot of kids sit on a seat/chair of a stroller with their legs dangling (not touching the ground), which becomes uncomfortable after some time. A footrest solves this problem.

While these are available in various designs, the most common design is where the footrest extends the seat, allowing the baby to be more comfortable while seated. It allows the baby to sit and sleep more comfortably.

This accessory (known by various names – Footrest, Feet Extension, Footboard Armrest) can be bought for your child when s/he’s over a year old (depending on their height).

Most parents prefer strollers that come with an extendable leg-rest. You can read more on footrests in the detailed guide towards the end of this page.

Stroller Footrest Options

• Topwon universal stroller pedal foot rest

Baby Stroller Footrest by HEEPDD

12.6 x 8.3in stroller extension foot pedal ideal for 1-3 year old kids. This footrest lengthens the stroller making it more comfortable for the child to sit and sleep. The best thing about this footrest is that its angle can be adjusted depending on your baby’s need. It is very easy to install and remove.

• Buy on Amazon

Stroller Leg Rest Extension by Nanyaciv

This Leg Rest Extension is made of Oxford cloth and it adds around 4 inches of leg length to the seat. It measures about 35x30cm(13.78×11.81in). It comes with a hook, loop and adjustable belt, which makes tying the footrest to the stroller quite easy.

The footrest is inexpensive but it is not very sturdy, so it may not be very convenient for older/heavier kids.

With this attached, you cannot fold the stroller, so you can perhaps keep it in the storage basket below when not in use.

• Buy on Amazon

Topwon Baby Stroller Pedal Foot Rest

A universal stroller pedal foot rest , this one fits most stroller models as the collet design adopted on both sides can be adjusted according to different sizes of pipe type. It is easy to set up – just open the collet on both sides and fix it on the baby cart.
The angle can be adjusted, the length of the pedal can be adjusted: 15inch to 17.5inch. Suitable for tube diameter between 0.4″ – 1″ (1cm – 2.5cm)

• See PRICE on Amazon

DIY Stroller Footrest

One of the users suggested this DIY stroller footrest, using a snack tray as a footrest. Attach velcro to both the end of the stroller (where the length of your baby’s feet would go) and use a snack tray (or an old snack tray from another stroller) as a footrest. You will need to drill and screw the snack tray on the ends.

You could also take a thin piece of plywood or plastic about the size of the footrest, drill holes on each side, you could loop some strong velcro through those holes and around the posts of the stroller, then another loop or two around the original footrest and this piece. This could flip up when not in use or be taken off easily.

Either that or if she is willing maybe try something like those slings you can get for arms and velcro or tie that to the stroller tight enough that it won’t sag down to the ground, but she would have to be willing to put her feet in there.

Two pieces of pressboard about 1/8 in thick, each half the width of the seat, and lengthwise, as long as the length from the top of your child’s leg to the middle of her calves. Make a foam-padded sleeve for them, with a line of stitching between the pieces, so that they fold lengthwise. Put two lengths of velcro loop side onto the seat interior, and put matching hook strips on the padded board set. When your child sleeps, put the extension under her tush, so that the board supports her legs.

You could even use a piece of heavy canvas as footrest and attach/remove it with velcro.

In general, avoid anything that is made of wood to make a DIY stroller footrest as it would make the overall structure too heavy.

Stroller Footrests: Buying Guide

Most strollers come with a footrest nowadays, but the shape/design may not be the best fit for your child.

Some strollers do come with a footrest but they are not big enough, or the legs won’t reach the footrest (because the footrest is not adjustable) and so the legs dangle putting pressure on your baby’s lower back, which is not a great experience for the child seated in the stroller.

• Stroller footrest extension makes it more comfortable for the baby/toddler while sleeping in the stroller
• These are wide enough to accommodate your baby’s feet (both of them), for kickback and for relaxing
• The most common footrest extension design is the one where it looks like an extension of the seat.
• These are Easy to install and easily removable.
• When not in use, the lightweight design of these adjustable leg rests easily slips into your carry-on
• You don’t have to remove it when folding the stroller, and most models are washable.
• Some footrest designs also serve as a handy catcher (when the child tosses his/her toys down, they fall on the foot rest, so you don’t have to bend down and collect it, keeps the toys germ-free)

Stroller foot rest – Sitting mode, Sleeping mode
Factors to consider
When looking for a footrest, do keep these things in mind:

• Buy something that is easy to install and adjustable.
• Allows you to fold the stroller without having to remove the footrest
• Is easily removable, and easily slips into your carry-on when not in use.

Closing Thoughts
Should you really be getting a footrest extension for your stroller, assuming yours didn’t have one?

As one user puts it, its the parents who feel uncomfortable looking at the dangling legs of their little ones and assume they’re uncomfortable. Most kids don’t complain. If given the option of a legrest, some kids seem to like them, whereas some don’t.