we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
Best Child Snack Trays (with cup holders) for Strollers. As a parent, keeping your child fed and occupied while out and about can be a challenging task. This is where a stroller snack tray comes in handy, providing convenience and organization while you’re on-the-go. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a stroller snack tray, the features of a good stroller snack tray, different types available, factors to consider when choosing one, and tips for using it effectively.
What is a Snack Tray?
I know how important it is to have the right stroller accessories to make your life easier. And let me tell you, a stroller trays is a life saver as it will make your life a lot easier.
Snack Tray is a useful accessory that allows you to keep snacks when its feeding time for your little one. Not all strollers come with a snack tray, in which case you will need to buy a universal stroller snack tray separately that will work with your stroller and let you carry snacks with you.
When you’re outdoors, having snacks readily available can make all the difference in keeping your child content instead of having a complete meltdown.
With these snack and drink holders, you can keep juice, crackers, or cereal within reach and prevent them from ending up on the floor or getting stuck in seat cushions.
They are mostly universal, fitting most stroller frames, car seats, and shopping carts, and cleaning up is hassle-free since they are dishwasher safe.
Benefits of Using a Stroller Snack Tray
Convenience is the first benefit of using a stroller snack tray. You don’t have to carry your child’s snacks and drinks separately, as everything is within reach. This saves time and energy, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with your child.
A stroller snack tray also keeps your child occupied, preventing boredom and fussiness. This can be especially helpful when running errands or waiting in lines.
A snack tray also allows easy access to snacks and drinks. Your child can grab what they want without interrupting your activity or requiring you to stop and take things out of a bag. This independence is crucial for your child’s self-esteem and development.
Additionally, stroller snack trays usually provide storage space for other items like toys, wipes, or a pacifier.
A stroller snack tray also reduces mess. When your child eats or drinks, spills can happen. A stroller snack tray keeps these spills contained, so they don’t end up all over your stroller or the floor. This makes clean-up a breeze and prevents potential accidents.
While some kids like to munch on something all the time, some kids may have a medical condition which requires them to eat frequently, which is where the snack tray is so useful.
However, just like the parent tray/organizer, the child snack tray is not offered on most strollers (along with the purchase).
Lot of strollers do not come with a child tray, but is a useful accessory to have. Most lightweight strollers (umbrella strollers) usually do not come with a snack tray (in order to keep the costs down).
The good thing is that you can always order it separately.
Various Types and Features
There are four main types of stroller snack trays: built-in, universal, clip-on, and detachable.
Built-in trays are attached to specific stroller models and are not removable.
Universal trays are adjustable and can fit most strollers.
Clip-on trays are easy to attach and remove, while detachable trays can be used as a stand-alone tray or attached to the stroller.
You get universal child snack tray’s that work with most brand of strollers. You could even buy a snack tray made by your stroller brand.
Features of a Good Stroller Snack Tray
Here are the important features of good snack trays.
A snack tray is usually attached to the belly (bumper) bar. A tray is easy to attach and remove (when not needed).
There is space to keep snacks as well as a bottle (sippy cup).
These are sturdily built, and most models are adjustable to fit different stroller models and sizes. A clip-on or detachable tray is ideal for convenience and flexibility.
Tips for Using a Stroller Snack Tray
To get the most out of your stroller snack tray, ensure that it is compatible with your stroller model.
Pack snacks and drinks carefully to avoid spillage.
Clean the tray regularly to prevent the build-up of dirt and bacteria.
Avoid overloading the tray with too many items, as this can make it unstable.
Lastly, remove the tray when not in use to preventit from getting damaged or lost.
Snack Trays: Things to look for
Here are a few things that you should keep in mind when buying a child’s snack tray.
Compatibility
The snack tray should be compatible with your stroller model. Most snack trays are actually universal and will attach to most brands of strollers.
A lot of parents nowadays own multiple strollers and alternate between them depending on where they are going. Such parents are not going to buy a separate snack tray for each of their strollers.
A universal snack tray works best for such parents who own multiple strollers.
Ease of Installation
Parents are always in a rush, so any extra time spent fiddling with a tray can be frustrating.
The installation process should be simple and it should be easy to remove and attach. You don’t want trays that come with screws, which take longer to install and remove.
The good thing is that most snack trays nowadays are easy to set up. Most of them have clip/Velcro or snap on cup or snack holders.
Read the instructions on how to attach the tray to a stroller. Most of the manufacturers provide a manual so that you can attach the snack tray to the stroller.
It should stay in place
Most universal snack trays attach to the stroller belly bar. The issue with the cheaper ones is that they usually tend to slip away and do not stay in place. The better ones have non-slip straps that firmly grips the handle bar thereby ensuring the snack tray stays in place.
So, take care to set up the snack tray properly, else it may sag or slant, and the bottle or cup could easily fall out.
If you have ordered a new snack tray, I would recommend you to test the snack tray with the stroller before you take it out. Just place a cup of water and a couple of things such as mobile phone, keys and see if the snack tray stays upright. If it does, it is good to be used.
Universal snack trays usually work best with a straight bumper bar. Most recent strollers are compact and come with curved bumper bar, so some universal snack trays may attach poorly to such strollers.
So do keep that in mind. For such strollers, it may be a good idea to buy the snack tray from the stroller brand itself.
Size of the Tray
Universal stroller snack trays are suitable for most strollers, and they are usually medium sized trays. Medium size trays are easy to install on most strollers. Choose a tray that you feel can fit enough snacks and drinks for your child without being too bulky.
Material Used
A tray that is easy to clean and made of durable material will last longer and provide better value. Different types of stroller snack trays are available in the market. You get trays that are made of plastic, steel, and even fabric. So, you can choose as per your preference. In general, plastic stroller snack trays are easy to clean and maintain (they are dishwasher safe).
Best Stroller Snack Trays
A snacks stray comes in various designs, and may have three or more compartments for keeping different snack items. Its better to choose a model with a cup holder, which will allow you to carry a drink too. One cup holder with two compartments is the most popular model among parents looking for snack trays.
Universal Stroller Trays
Universal stroller trays are suitable for most strollers, but you also get good quality snack trays that are made by the various stroller brands, which only works with strollers of their own brands.
Universal 2 in 1 Stroller Tray & Cup Holder Attachment (by LUFFCABO)
This is a cute looking 2 in 1 stroller snack tray with a cup holder that can be easily attached to a range of strollers and also to baby carriers, shopping carts, and bikes/scooters. The anti-slip clamp with rubber spacer and silicon tabs ensures the snack holder secures nicely in place
The best part is that it is 360-degree rotatable making it a lot more convenient to use and supports multiple applications.
Universal Stroller Tray (by Swanoo)
This universal snack tray for strollers fits on Umbrella strollers, double strollers, and a variety of brands including BOB, Graco, Britax, Chicco, Uppababy Vista, Cruz, City Mini, Bugaboo, and more. The tray attachment is easy to setup (o the belly/bumper bar.) and remove.
This snack tray features non-slip straps that tightly grip the bar and will not tilt or slide down. So you don’t have to worry about the tray tipping over and spilling all over your child’s lap. The insulated sippy cup holder is perfect for your child’s drink and will keep it at the desired temperature. Plus, there’s a divided snack compartment for easy snacking on the go! The best part is that it’s easy to clean up your child’s messes since it’s made out of durable washable fabric.
The Stroller Tray Universal is very adjustable and should fit most stroller bars. Just make sure to follow the detailed instructions for a proper fit. The upper fabric portion of the tray must rest on top of the stroller bar to provide the necessary support for the tray.
Munchkin Brica Deluxe Snack Pod
This innovative snack pod includes a snack catcher and drink holder to keep your child’s snacks off the floor and out of the seat cushions. It is spill-resistant, which means you don’t have to worry about cleaning up a mess. Plus, the self-adjusting drink holder securely accommodates many drink sizes, so you don’t have to worry about your child’s drink spilling either.
The Quick-Attach clamp with secure grip can attach to almost any shape, tube, rail or seat, so you can use it on stroller frames, car seats, and shopping carts. And the tray easily detaches for dishwasher cleaning, which makes cleanup a breeze. The snack pod is BPA-free and phthalate-free so you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals coming into contact with your child’s snacks or drinks. Just keep in mind that the clamp does not rotate, so it needs to be mounted horizontally.
Liuliuby Stroller Snack Tray
The Liuliuby Stroller Snack Tray features a cup holder compartment, a snack bowl compartment, and a flexible silicone-covered arm that can be easily attached and reattached to strollers, shopping carts, and other horizontal or vertical tubes, bars, or rails. It has a universal design that fits any stroller belly bar, frame, hand bar, or shopping cart.
The snack tray has a solid, yet flexible core wrapped in silicone that provides a secure grip and keeps the tray in place. It is made from non-toxic materials that are safe and suitable for babies. The snack tray is detachable from the silicone arm and is dishwasher safe.
Food ‘N Fun Stroller Snack Tray (by J.L. Childress)
The Food ‘N Fun Stroller Snack Tray is insulated and is designed with multiple compartments, pockets, and loops to keep toddlers’ needs organized and within reach. It is designed to attach securely over the stroller front bar using a heavy-duty non-slip hook & loop strap.
The tray includes three center compartments, an expandable mesh pocket, five loops and straps to attach toys, and a no-throw strap to prevent cups from dropping or throwing. The tray is made of sturdy high-density foam to prevent sagging and keep the tray upright.
The tray is designed with loops and an elastic strap to hold toys, cuddle buddies, or blankets.
DIY Stroller Trays
What you need: Tray, Paint, Fabric, Mod Podge, Foam brush, Scissors, Polyurethane/Clear coat
Directions:
- Lay your fabric over the snack tray, do a trace around the bottom edge so you know where to cut.
- Paint the tray.
- Pour Mod Podge onto the tray and cover the entire base using a foam brush. Stik the fabric with your hands on the tray.
- After its dry, spray with a clear coat spray (or brush on a polyurethane coat).
Final Words
A stroller snack tray is a must-have accessory for parents on-the-go. It provides convenience, organization, and reduces mess. When choosing a stroller snack tray, consider stroller compatibility, size and capacity, material and durability, and price. Ensure that the tray is easy to attach and remove, dishwasher safe, and adjustable. Use the tray responsibly by packing snacks and drinks carefully, cleaning it regularly, and avoiding overloading it. With a stroller snack tray, parents can enjoy their time out with their child, knowing that snacks and drinks are readily available and spills are contained.
When looking for a stroller snack tray, keep your requirements in mind and opt for the features accordingly. Don’t forget to attach it properly to the stroller.
Please share your experiences or questions (if any) pertaining to the best snack tray for strollers.
StrollerBoards is a family managed website with me (Ben) and my wife doing most of the work. We are proud parents of two wonderful kids and love reviewing baby travel gear. We have a firm but friendly “democratic parenting” style and offer several practical solutions backed by extensive research. Our own experience with raising two children prompted us to share our knowledge. Read more.
Leah Thomas says
Baby tray for jogger stroller (baby trend/expedition)
I am currently looking for a baby tray that fits my jogger stroller, I’m having problems locating this brand.
Greg says
We recently bought a compact stroller that perfectly fits in the trunk of my mini cooper. But, it doesn’t come with a snack tray. I am looking for universal, detachable snack trays, but am unable to find lots of options, even on Amazon!
Note: I already Have the stroller and just need a nice universal snack tray. My daughter has a medical condition that causes low blood pressure and blood sugar and we need a snack tray so that she can have snacks frequently. My hand has been in a brace for several months due to de quervains and I absolutely cannot carry her OR safely hold her hand while she walks, so I really need a stroller.
Liz says
There are lot of strollers (especially umbrella strollers) that do not come with a snack tray, and there are some advantages to it as well. If an older toddler is going to use the stroller, an easily accessible seat is much better (after my experience) as older kids can feel a powerful urge to be in and out of the stroller every one minute or so, when they are not in a mood to sit.
Haven’t seen many universal snack trays tough, but there are lots of options for clip/velcro or snap on cup or snack holders.