When you’re a parent on the go, a stroller is your best friend. It’s your extra set of hands. It’s basically your mobile command vehicle. You need your stroller to safely hold your child, diaper bag, toys, snacks, sippy cup, mommy’s drink of choice, cell phone and keys. But many strollers can’t do it on their own. They need a little help from their own kind of friends we like to call stroller accessories.
Whether you’re an urban or suburban on-the-go parent, here are some of the best and most useful stroller accessories to make your life out of the house a little easier.
1. Weather Shield
When partly cloudy skies turn to rain showers, a blanket or car seat cover won’t cut it. You’ll need a weather shield to keep your little one dry from rain and protected from the wind and bugs. It’s also a great option to keep your tiny tot safe while out and about in congested cities, stores or doctor’s offices, especially during cold and flu seasons. The Metro+ Stroller comes with a rain and wind cover and you can easily keep it in the lower basket for surprise weather!
2. Stroller Hooks
Even with a stroller, you don’t have enough hands or arms to carry all the things. From one mom to another, take advantage of this stroller hack: let the Mommy Hook hold your bags for you! Made out of heavy-duty aluminum and a foam grip, it easily attaches to a stroller handlebar and can hold up to 50 pounds without slipping or scratching your stroller. For safety purposes, don’t let go of a stroller with any bags hanging from the Mommy Hook. The weight of the bags could cause the stroller to fall backwards.
Protip: These hooks can also double has a handle for bigger kids that tend to wander! Put it on the side of your stroller for your busy walker to hold onto.
3. Snack Tray
It’s inevitable that your toddler will ask you for snacks or a drink while you’re out and about. Kids are always hungry, or at least they think they are, so if you have a toddler this is one stroller add-on you can’t live without. Rather than having to stop and hand them something every time they ask, attach a snack tray to the front of the stroller. Then your toddler can reach their crackers and sippy cup all on their own, and you’re free to do whatever it is you left the house for.
4. Drink and Cell Phone Holder
A cell phone holder that attaches to a stroller’s handlebar is what every modern parent on the go needs. It means no more trying to juggle your phone and steer a stroller, no more rummaging through the stroller’s undercarriage compartment looking for your phone, and maybe best of all, no more dropping your expensive phone or having it fall.
5. Secure-A-Toy Straps
Many kids like holding something while riding in a stroller. But ask any parent, you’ll spend more time stopping to pick up said item than they do holding it. Keep your child’s favorite toys and pacifier close and clean with Baby Buddy Secure-A-Toy straps. Simply attach a strap to your stroller, adjust the strap length as needed and then secure your child’s toy or pacifier to the strap. Best of all, this stroller accessory also works with car seats, shopping carts and high chairs.
6. Rechargeable LED Stroller Lights
A safe mom is a cool mom, and visibility is the key to stroller safety, especially when you’re out when it’s dark. Attach lights to your stroller to help keep you and your baby safe outside. Convenient and easy to attach and remove, you can find rechargeable stroller lights in various colors online and in many stores, such as Target and Buy Buy Baby. These lights not only provide better visibility for you, they also make it easier for drivers and cyclists to see you at dawn, dusk or on overcast days.
7. Stroller Controller
Have you ever tried to open a door while pushing a stroller? It’s an awkward struggle every time! The Stroller Controller allows you to easily open and walk through doors with a stroller. And that’s not all. This must-have stroller accessory is another way to improve visibility, allowing you to more clearly see and be seen by oncoming traffic on busy streets and in parking lots. You can also use it for one-handed steering and to walk beside your stroller to more easily keep an eye on your little one.
With the right stroller accessories, you won’t have to worry about leaving the house with a baby or toddler in tow. Instead, you can start enjoying your everyday adventures with your little adventure buddy!
Emotional Benefits of Getting Outside
Spending time in nature with your baby can strengthen the bond between you. The simple act of holding your baby close, feeling their warmth, and sharing new experiences together can create strong emotional connections. It’s also a wonderful way to reduce stress and improve your mood. When my littles were extra fussy, I’d take a walk around the neighborhood. Even though I don't live in an area with trails and surrounded by nature, simply behind outside changed everything. A little vitamin D does wonders!
Cognitive Development
Nature is a sensory wonderland for babies. The different sights, sounds, and smells can stimulate your baby’s senses and promote cognitive development. Watching leaves rustle, hearing birds chirp, and feeling the texture of a tree bark can all contribute to their learning and development.
All About Baby Carriers for Nature Adventures
Choosing the Right Baby Carrier
When it comes to selecting the best baby carrier for summer adventures, there are several options to consider.
Types of Baby Carriers:
- Wraps: Perfect for newborns, providing a snug and secure fit.
- Slings: Ideal for quick and easy use, offering good ventilation.
- Soft Structured Carriers: Versatile and comfortable for both parent and baby, suitable for longer trips.
Factors to Consider:
- Baby’s Age and Weight: Ensure the carrier is appropriate for your baby’s size and weight. For example, Ergobaby’s Embrace Newborn Carrier is perfect for the fourth trimester where baby is small and you’re looking for an easy way to stay close. As they grow, you’ll want to upgrade to an all-position carrier that’s meant for growing babies.
- Parent’s Comfort and Ergonomics: Look for carriers with padded shoulder straps and lumbar support if you’re planning on longer outings.
- Ease of Use: Choose a carrier that is easy to put on and take off.
- Climate and Breathability: Opt for carriers made of breathable fabrics to keep you and your baby cool in hot weather.
Safety Tips:
- Proper Positioning: Ensure your baby is seated correctly, with their legs in an "M" position and their head should be close enough to kiss.
- Checking for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect your carrier for any signs of damage.
- Ensuring Adequate Support: Make sure the carrier provides proper support for your baby’s head and neck.
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!