Ultimate Guide to Raincovers for Pushchairs

9 September 2024| Updated 14 October 2026|5 |How to|Tips and Tricks

Quick Answer

A pushchair raincover is designed to protect your child and their pushchair from rain and wet weather. Use a raincover made for your exact pushchair, carrycot or car-seat configuration, fit it according to the product instructions and keep all intended ventilation areas clear. Remove the raincover when it is no longer needed, particularly when moving indoors or into warmer conditions, and never use a plastic raincover as a sunshade.

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Use the raincover designed for your exact iCandy setup Raincovers can differ between pushchair generations and between a carrycot, seat unit and infant car seat. Check our raincover collection or your product user guide before fitting one.

British weather has a habit of changing halfway through a walk. One moment it's dry, the next you're dealing with a sudden shower and a very exposed pushchair.

A correctly fitted raincover gives you a simple way to protect your child's space from wet weather while you're out. But it is important to use it for the job it was designed to do: keeping rain out.

In this guide, we explain how to use a pushchair raincover correctly, what to look for when choosing one, how to fit and store it and why ventilation and temperature awareness still matter on wet days.

Main purpose Protection from rain and wet weather

Fit Match your exact pushchair configuration

Ventilation Never block the designed airflow

After use Remove, dry fully and store clean

iCandy pushchair carrycot fitted with a raincover during a wet-weather walk

What a raincover is really for

What does a pushchair raincover do?

A raincover creates a weather-resistant barrier around the relevant child position, helping to shield your little one and the pushchair fabrics from rain, spray and wind-driven moisture.

01 Helps keep your child dry The clear protective layer helps stop rainfall reaching the child directly while still allowing you to see into the pushchair.

02 Helps shield the pushchair Covering the seat or carrycot during rain can reduce how much water reaches exposed fabrics and helps keep the child space cleaner in wet conditions.

03 Makes sudden showers easier Keeping the correct raincover in your basket means you can respond quickly when the weather changes instead of cutting an outing short.

Using a raincover correctly

Are pushchair raincovers safe?

A manufacturer-approved raincover should be used according to the instructions supplied for that product. Correct fit, airflow and regular checks are all part of using it properly.

Keep ventilation areas clear Never cover, tape over or obstruct the vents, openings or airflow features designed into the raincover or pushchair.

Check your child regularly Continue to monitor their comfort and temperature while the raincover is fitted rather than assuming wet or cool weather means overheating cannot happen.

Remove it when the rain stops A raincover should not simply stay fitted all day. Remove or open it as directed once it is no longer needed so the child space can ventilate normally.

Take it off when you go indoors Shops, cafés, public transport and other indoor spaces can be much warmer than outside. Remove wet-weather covers and extra outer layers as appropriate.

Important distinction

A raincover is not a way to keep your baby warm.

We don't recommend using a raincover as an insulating layer or with the aim of trapping warmth inside the pushchair. Dress your child for the actual temperature and count footmuffs, blankets and outerwear as part of their overall layering.

Likewise, do not use a plastic raincover to create shade in sunny or hot weather. Use the pushchair canopy, a compatible parasol or an appropriate breathable sun-protection product instead.

Step by step

How should you fit a pushchair raincover?

Check the model and child position

Confirm that the raincover is designed for your exact iCandy model and whether you're using the seat unit, carrycot or compatible car seat.

Open the cover fully

Unfold it completely before fitting so you can clearly identify the front, rear, fastening points and any ventilation areas.

Position it as shown in the instructions

Fit the upper section over the hood or canopy area and secure the lower section using the attachment points designed for your product.

Check the fit around the child space

The raincover should sit in its intended position without loose material interfering with your child or the moving parts of the pushchair.

Check ventilation and visibility

Make sure all ventilation features remain unobstructed and that you can easily see and access your child.

Remove and dry it after the rain

Once you no longer need the cover, remove it and allow it to dry fully before folding or storing it.

Use the right accessory for the weather

Raincover, canopy or footmuff: what does each one do?

Raincover Wet-weather protection Designed to help shield your child and pushchair from rain and wet conditions. Remove when it is no longer needed.

Canopy / parasol Shade and sun protection Use the pushchair's canopy or compatible sun-protection accessories when shade is needed. A plastic raincover is not a sunshade.

Footmuff / clothing Warmth in cooler weather Warmth should come from appropriate clothing and suitable accessories, not from intentionally trapping heat underneath a raincover.

Finding the right fit

Which raincover do you need for an iCandy pushchair?

We design raincovers around specific pushchairs and child positions, so the correct cover depends on the model and configuration you own.

Current flagship Peach 8 Current Peach 8 pushchair and carrycot packages include a model-specific raincover. Double and twin setups require the correct rain protection for each child position. Explore Peach 8 Raincover

Premium single Core 2 Core 2 uses its own raincover setup. Check whether you're fitting it to the carrycot or seat unit and follow the Core 2 product instructions. Explore Core 2 Raincover

Growing families Orange 4 Orange 4 packages include dedicated raincovers for its child positions. In double or twin mode, make sure both positions have the correct covers for the setup you're using. Explore Orange 4 Raincover

Compact travel Pip Pip includes its dedicated raincover, which is designed to fit the Pip setup and is also available separately as an accessory. Explore Pip Raincover

Own an older iCandy? We also stock model-specific raincovers for selected earlier Peach, Orange, Core and other iCandy generations. Always match the raincover to the exact model rather than relying on appearance alone.

After the shower passes

How should you clean and store a pushchair raincover?

Looking after the cover properly helps keep it clear, flexible and ready for the next unexpected downpour.

After use

Let it air dry completely

Don't fold a wet raincover straight into the basket or leave it stored damp for long periods. Remove excess water and let it dry fully first.

Cleaning

Follow the product instructions

Use the cleaning method recommended for the exact raincover. Avoid harsh household chemicals or abrasive cleaning that could damage the clear material or fastenings.

Before folding

Check for trapped moisture

Pay attention to folds, elasticated edges and seams where water can remain even when the larger clear panels look dry.

Pushchair care

Dry the pushchair too

A raincover reduces direct exposure but the wheels, chassis and other areas may still get wet. Let the complete pushchair dry properly before long-term storage.

Dressing for wet weather

What should a baby wear under a raincover?

Dress your baby for the actual outdoor temperature rather than adding extra layers simply because it's raining. Check their chest or the back of their neck to judge how warm they feel, and adjust layers if they become hot, sweaty or clammy.

For more guidance on clothing, layering and changing UK weather, read our guide to dressing your baby in a pram for every season .

Common questions

Pushchair Raincover FAQs

Do you need a raincover for a pushchair?

A raincover is useful if you expect to use your pushchair in rain or changeable weather. It provides a dedicated wet-weather barrier around the appropriate child position and is much more suitable than trying to improvise with blankets or other covers.

Are pushchair raincovers breathable?

Raincovers are designed with specific ventilation or airflow features appropriate to the product. Always keep these areas clear and fit the raincover exactly as instructed. Do not assume that every universal cover has the same ventilation design.

Does a raincover keep a baby warm?

A raincover can reduce direct exposure to wet and windy conditions, but it should not be used as an insulating accessory or to deliberately trap warmth. Dress your baby appropriately for the temperature and monitor how warm they feel.

Can I leave a raincover on when it stops raining?

We recommend removing or opening the raincover as directed once it is no longer needed. This is especially important when going indoors or moving into warmer conditions.

Can I use a raincover as a sunshade?

No. A plastic raincover should not be used to create shade in warm or sunny weather. Use your pushchair canopy or an appropriate compatible sun-protection accessory instead.

Can I use a universal raincover on my iCandy?

We recommend using a raincover confirmed as compatible with your exact iCandy model and child position. Correct fit helps ensure the cover sits securely and that its intended ventilation and attachment points work as designed.

Are iCandy raincovers included with the pushchair?

Many current iCandy pushchair and carrycot packages include a model-specific raincover, including current Peach 8, Core 2, Orange 4 and Pip configurations. Package contents can vary, particularly between bundles, generations and replacement products, so check the individual product page before purchasing another one.

How do I stop a raincover steaming up?

Condensation can occur when warm, moist air inside meets the cooler clear material. Check that the raincover is fitted correctly and that all intended ventilation remains clear. Remove or open the raincover as directed when the rain stops rather than trying to seal it more tightly.

Should I dry a raincover before storing it?

Yes. Allow the raincover to air dry completely before folding and storing it. Your pushchair should also be allowed to dry fully after wet journeys to help prevent moisture being trapped during storage.

Where can I find the right iCandy raincover?

Visit our Parasols, Screens & Raincovers collection or check the user guide for your exact iCandy model.

Ready for changing weather

Keep the rain out without trapping the air in.

A good raincover should make wet-weather outings simpler: the correct fit, the right protection and nothing more complicated than that.

Match the cover to your exact pushchair, fit it as instructed, keep ventilation clear and take it off when the shower passes. Then let both the cover and pushchair dry properly before putting them away.

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