Strollers — every parent needs one. Convenience — every parent wants it. And with these 12 stroller hacks, you can make using your stroller more convenient and functional, as well as provide a safer and more comfortable ride for your little one.
1. Stickers Make Strollers Easy to Understand
Use colored stickers to label the buttons and levers of the stroller with instructions, i.e. pull and push, so your partner, grandparent or whoever is walking your child can remember how to use your stroller.
2. Corral Containers in Hanging Shoe Organizers
Use one or two sections of a hanging shoe organizer to keep bottles or sippy cups that won’t fit in cup holders (or if you don’t have them) from spilling. Put adhesive velcro on the back and stick it to the inside part of your undercarriage storage basket on the side closest to you.
3. Use Grip Tape
Use tennis racket grip tape to wrap around your handles when the material starts wearing off. This tape is made for people to have a good, comfortable grip, and it comes in a variety of colors.
4. Hang Shopping Bags on Carabiners
Use large, heavy duty climbing carabiners on your handlebar so you can shop hands-free, while your stroller acts as your butler or partner, carrying multiple bags for you. You can also clip on a utility tote to hold your bags.
5. Ankle Weights Keep Your Stroller Upright
For those shopping days, it’s also smart to wrap ankle weights to the front of your stroller around the bottom of its legs. This little hack will keep your stroller from tipping over backward because of too much weight.
6. A Battery-operated Fan Will Keep Baby Cool
Another summer hack — Get and attach a small, battery-operated fan to keep your baby cool on those hot days.
7. Zip Ties Help With Stroller Traction
During the icy and snowy winter months, put zip ties around the stroller’s wheels—be sure to cut off any excess. This will help you get better traction on slippery surfaces. It’s a great hack for all you walkers, joggers and runners who brave the cold!
8. Secure Your Stroller in the Car
Pack your stroller upright in your van or SUV by wrapping a bungee cord around your backseat headrest. This saves space, allowing you to fit more than just your stroller in your trunk. You can also keep shower caps in your trunk or put a cheap plastic bin to put your stroller in, so if the wheels get dirty they won’t get your car dirty.
9. Use an Umbrella to Protect Yourself From the Sun
Your child isn’t the only one who should be protected from the sun. Especially if you’re extra fair like me, then a portable, swiveling umbrella that clamps onto your stroller and keeps you shaded is a must-have item. It can be used in other places as well, like on the top bleachers during football games, so it will pay for itself quickly and save you money in store aloe vera runs during the summer.
All About Baby Carriers for Nature Adventures
10. Bike Locks Add Extra Security
Use a flexible bike lock to keep your stroller safely locked up, so you can rest easy when you need to leave it unattended in a public place.
11. Make Snacking and Sipping a Breeze
Get a cup strap and stroller snack tray. Stopping to bend over and pick up a thrown bottle or sippy cup 10 times during your 15-minute walk will get old fast. A cup strap ensures that even when your toddler sends his cup flying, it won’t roll away or land face down in the dirt.
12. Dish Soap Keeps Your Stroller Clean
Easily clean your stroller with dish soap, warm water and a sponge, and then rinse it off with a hose and set it out in the sun to dry. But that’s not the real stroller hack here. When you’ve got a toddler, make her do it. Tell her it’s her very own car wash, give her all the supplies and let her clean away. Use her not knowing this is really a chore to your advantage while you can.
No matter what accessories you decide to pick to help make your outings easier, they are guaranteed to make your trips much more enjoyable for both you and your little one.
Exploring Nature with a Baby Carrier
Ideal Spots for a Nature Walk with Baby
- Parks and Gardens: Great for leisurely walks and picnics.
- Nature Trails and Forests: Perfect for more adventurous outings.
- Beaches and Lakesides: Wonderful for enjoying the water and sand, with the right carrier.
Activity Ideas
- Hiking: Enjoy a scenic hike with a hiking baby carrier that offers support and storage.
- Bird Watching: Use your carrier to keep your baby close while you explore and observe wildlife.
- Picnics: A carrier can free up your hands, making it easier to carry picnic supplies.
Advantages of Using Strollers for Nature Adventures
While baby carriers are fantastic for mobility and closeness, depending on the adventure of choice you might want to be a stroller along too.
There are a LOT of baby stroller options on the market. So we understand how confusing it can be to choose the one that’s right for your family. Not only are there a variety of brands, but a variety of strollers that serve different purposes.
There are a few types of strollers on the market:
- Full-sized stroller: This is typically the stroller parents thing of buying for all its versatility.
- Lightweight or umbrella stroller:These compact strollers are perfect for on-the-go adventures.
- Jogging stroller: Designed for parents who want to combine fitness with outdoor adventures.
- Double stroller: Designed for parents with multiple kids, especially twins.
- Car seat carrier: These strollers connect to a specific car seat. We don't typically recommend these as they can be unsafe for baby and uncomfortable for parents who are pushing.
Learn more about the types of strollers and which one would be best for you.
Benefits of Bringing a Stroller
- Storage Space for Gear: Ample room for carrying all your essentials like a diaper bag, beach toys and more.
- Shade and Weather Protection: Built-in canopies to shield your baby from the sun when they are lounging.
- Options: If you have more than one kid, you can stroll with one and carry the other. Or, if you’re getting warm or your little one is getting fussy, you can switch up their position from stroller to carrier or vice versa.
Safety Tips for Strollers
- Ensure your stroller is in good working condition. Make sure buckles are still buckling and that there are no rips or holes that could compromise your baby’s safety.
- Use sunshades or bug nets to protect your little one’s skin.
- Securing the baby properly: always buckle up your baby for safety even if you think they are old enough to go without the buckle.
Combining Baby Carriers and Strollers
For the ultimate flexibility, consider using both a baby carrier and a stroller on your outings.
Combining both options allows you to adapt to different situations. Use the carrier for more rugged trails and switch to the stroller for smoother paths or when your baby needs a nap.
Transition Tips
- Smooth Transitions: Plan stops where you can easily switch from carrier to stroller.
- Pack Light: Only bring essentials to make transitions easier.
Tips for a Successful Adventure
Planning Ahead
- Route Planning: Choose baby-friendly trails and parks. Check local mom groups or outdoor groups and get recommendations for the best outings for kids.
- Check Weather Conditions: Avoid extreme heat or unpredictable weather. Even with our most breathable carriers, when it’s hot, it’s hot. And having two bodies against each other in the heat will be naturally hot and sticky already.
- Packing Checklist: Include diapers, snacks, water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. These all-position carriers have storage pockets where you can fit some of the items easily!
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Pack healthy snacks to keep energy levels up and bring plenty of water for both you and baby.
Summer adventures with your baby are a wonderful way to create lasting memories and enjoy the beauty of nature together. From baby carriers to strollers, Ergobaby products are designed to provide comfort and ease for both you and your little one. So, gear up, get outside, and explore the world with your baby by your side.
Ready to embark on your own summer adventures? Check out Ergobaby’s range of baby carriers and strollers to find the perfect match for your family’s needs. Visit our website today and start planning your next outdoor excursion!