By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies.
Privacy Policy
Log in
The Best Baby Gear for Short Parents
The Best Baby Gear for Short Parents
Photo by @baileyjulio

The Best Baby Gear for Short Parents

Smart picks for parents who’d like to avoid climbing into cribs and cars.

author-Briana Engelbrecht
By Briana Engelbrecht
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On
Updated On
Our editors independently test and curate products. If you make a purchase via our links we may earn a commission.
Photo by @baileyjulio

In This Article

Bassinets + Cribs You Can Actually Reach
Car Seats That Don’t Require Acrobatics
Compact, Adjustable Strollers That Just Work
Carriers That Fit Petite Frames
Changing Baby Without the Backache
Maternity Clothes That Fit Just Right

Not all baby gear is actually one-size-fits-all—and if you're on the shorter side, you'll probably figure that out fast. From cribs that feel a mile deep to strollers with handlebars that sit somewhere near your collarbone, and even something as simple as a changing table can turn into a reach-and-stretch situation.

The good news? There’s gear that works with your height, not against it.

We asked Babylist newsletter editor Alainna Wurfel (who’s 5'2")—along with other short parents on our team—to share the products that made a big difference for them. From rotating car seats to mini cribs that don’t require tiptoes, these are their real-life registry heroes. (If you're on the taller side, we've got a gear guide for you, too!)

Let’s get into it, no step stools required.

Bassinets + Cribs You Can Actually Reach

Getting a baby in and out of a crib is tricky for most parents—but for short ones, it's often the first thing they realize they need to work around. 

One Babylist parent shared, “We were fans of the Halo BassiNest. It's height adjustable to be able to go over the side of a parent's bed, but during the day, my husband (a foot taller than me) and I both liked that whichever of us was on call, we could easily adjust it to work for our respective heights.” The adjustable height is key, as well as a crib that’s a bit lower profile than most options on the market. Alainna used The Wave crib with her second baby, and said it seemed much easier to get him in and out compared to her friends’ cribs. 

Here are a few options with lower profiles or adjustable heights that make reaching in easier.

Car Seats That Don’t Require Acrobatics

Rear-facing car seats can be a struggle when you’re trying to lean in and lift baby out—especially in taller vehicles. For many short parents, a rotating seat makes a huge difference. “It's nearly impossible for me to get in and over a rear-facing car seat in our vehicles (an SUV and a sedan). Rotating car seats were lifesavers for me and my 4'11" mom,” Alainna shared.

Here are some of our top picks for rotating car seats.

Compact, Adjustable Strollers That Just Work

Strollers are another category where height really matters—but it’s not just about how tall you are. If the handlebars are too high (or too low), or if the frame feels heavy or awkward, it can make walks and errands feel like a hassle.

That’s why many petite parents look for strollers with adjustable handlebars, lighter frames and more compact folds. These features make it easier to navigate curbs, store the stroller in a trunk or hallway and comfortably push for longer periods.

While the Doona is a popular car seat + stroller combo for many parents, it’s especially nice for those who aren’t very tall. “It is definitely a shorter stroller so it's great for short parents,” says Amanda, a mom of three. 

Alainna can’t recommend the BOB Wayfinder jogging stroller enough: “we have both the single & a double, and the adjustable handlebar is clutch to make us comfortable while pushing it.” It also works for her partner who is much taller.

These strollers are great picks for smaller frames—whether you're pushing for five minutes or taking a long walk.

Carriers That Fit Petite Frames

Some carriers are just too long or bulky for shorter torsos. “The lilibaby [was] easy to adjust & had enough structure/support to save my small frame from the weight of our bowling ball babies,” Alainna says. An apron-style structured carrier can also be ideal, since the panel folds under once (or twice, depending how old your baby is), making them short-torso friendly. And wraps are comfy for the newborn phase and ultra customizable to get the best fit.

Changing Baby Without the Backache

Standard changing tables can feel too tall and too awkward to use for shorter parents. “Using a changing table just didn’t work for me—they’re all too tall. A soft changing pad on the floor was a game-changer, especially postpartum when my body needed gentler movement,” says Alainna. 

Pair a portable changing pad with a diaper caddy and you’ve got a setup that works anywhere—floor included.

Maternity Clothes That Fit Just Right

For shorter parents, maternity clothes don’t always hit in the right places—literally. From too-long leggings to shoulder seams that land halfway down your arm, finding pieces that actually fit your frame can be a challenge.

These picks are soft, supportive, and designed with real bodies (and real bumps) in mind. Whether you're lounging or running errands, they move with you—and don’t need tailoring to work.

Stay Up-to-Date with Babylist