Winter has a firm grip on large parts of Germany. In many places the temperatures have crept towards freezing point. Hat, gloves and a thick jacket are always ready. Because long walks have blossomed into a popular hobby for many Germans (also due to a lack of alternatives). This includes those with children. Because even the little ones feel like they're going to fall on their heads at home - the fresh air strengthens their immune system. So everyone who is still a little shaky on their feet, can't walk at all or is just a bit lazy is put in a pram or sports buggy. Because they only sit or lie there, they should be wrapped up as warmly as possible. The winter footmuff is a source of warmth that has proven its worth for winter walks in the freezing cold. The best thing about it: Contrary to its name, it not only protects the feet, but also arms, upper body and optionally even the head.

In this article you will find out what to look out for when buying the cozy footmuff, which material warms best, why belt slots are important and how to take care of a winter footmuff.

When it comes to footmuffs for autumn and winter, what matters most is what's on the inside. The outer shell usually consists of washable artificial fibers, mostly polyester, which should also be windproof. The different models hardly differ here. Inside, parents have three options: lambskin, fleece or down.

In order to be able to use the winter footmuff as flexibly as possible, it should have generous and sensibly integrated belt slots for 5 and 3-point belt systems. The footmuff can be easily transferred from the baby seat, the stroller or the sports buggy to the bicycle trailer - and the child not only rides warmly, but also safely. The following rule of thumb applies: the more generous the belt slots are, the less fiddly the conversion is. And speaking of fiddly:

Well thought-out zips are also essential for a winter footmuff. You are literally completely carefree with a winter footmuff that is equipped with an all-round zip and, in the best case, with two zips. This not only gives you quick access to the soother you thought you had lost and sorely missed, but you can also turn the winter footmuff into a snuggly soft blanket within seconds. In some models - like this winter footmuff from Kaiser - the lambskin can be unbuttoned and used, for example, for car seats, as a warm pad for buggies or spontaneously as a changing blanket.

In the ranking of the most easy-care winter footmuffs, the models made of synthetic fibers such as fleece are the undisputed number 1. They can be machine washed at 40 degrees without hesitation (ideally turn inside out), dry quickly and are quickly ready for use again. Tip: Use mild detergent and avoid fabric softener!

It gets a bit trickier and, above all, more time-consuming with winter footmuffs that are lined with down or (merino) lambskin. The good news: skins have a self-cleaning effect and don't have to be washed at the first small stain. When the time comes, they should be cleaned at a maximum of 30 degrees on a wool cycle and later gently dried in the dryer. The natural material must then be kneaded and shaped while it is still slightly damp. Caution: Never lay lambskins on a heater or in the sun to dry.

Down footmuffs should also be cleaned at 30 degrees, but on a gentle cycle. Here, too, fabric softener has no place in the drum. If you don't have a dryer, then hang the footmuff up to dry - but you should shake it up several times so that the down is evenly distributed again. Tip: Put two or three tennis balls in the dryer. This prevents the down from clumping in the footmuff.

Finally, a tip on the size of the winter footmuff. Models that are supposed to fit in a pram or baby seat should not be longer than 85 centimeters. The footmuffs for buggies or sports seats are usually between 90 and 100 centimeters long.

Sources: "lammfellhaus.de"; "wishchild.at"

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