This one goes out to all the parents and caregivers who dedicate themselves to their children daily. Caring for kids is an incredibly demanding task, and most days, it feels like having five extra hands would be a lifesaver. While growing extra limbs isn’t an option, the responsibilities of feeding, bathing, and bedtime persist. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were some clever shortcuts to make parenting a bit easier? Good news: whether you’re a mom, dad, or babysitter, these stroller tips and tricks can help lighten the load. While they might not solve every challenge, they’re sure to ease some of the pressure.
Maximize storage space
Strollers are fantastic for outings with your little one. Most models are foldable and fit neatly in a car, but they can still take up valuable space at home, even when folded.
To save room, consider hanging your stroller on sturdy hooks mounted on a door or wall near your entrance. This keeps the stroller out of the way and reduces the risk of young kids bumping into it or accidentally toppling it over.
Add safety lights
Heading out with your baby after dark? It’s an inevitable situation at some point in your child’s early years. To ensure your stroller is visible to others in low-light conditions, try adding stroller safety lights.
These lights, available on Amazon, are great for enhancing visibility and keeping your child safe. Plus, they’re entertaining for kids since they come in various colors.
Secure with a bike lock
Certain places, like small stores or venues, may not allow strollers indoors, requiring you to leave them outside. This can be risky since strollers are expensive and easy targets for theft.
Using a bike lock or chain can help protect your stroller. For added security, D-locks are an excellent choice. Losing a stroller can be a major inconvenience, so it’s worth taking precautions.
Keep cool with a clip-on fan
Hot summer days can make it hard to keep your baby comfortable, no matter how lightweight their clothing is. An easy fix is a clip-on fan that attaches to your stroller.
Attach the fan to the handle facing your baby or on the hood to blow a gentle breeze from above. This not only keeps your baby cool but also helps prevent crankiness and tantrums.
Install cooling pads
Another option for beating the heat is to use cooling pads. These are subtle, functional, and can complement the stroller’s appearance for parents who prioritize aesthetics.
Cooling pads are available on Amazon and are simple to place on the stroller seat. For a DIY approach, use fabric, fleece, and water-absorbing crystals to create your own cooling pad on a budget.
Use a hands-free solution
Juggling work and parenting simultaneously can be challenging, especially for busy parents. A hands-free solution can help you manage both tasks during stroller outings.
Install a car phone holder on your stroller’s handlebar. This allows you to check notifications and respond to messages using voice-to-text, keeping your hands free for other tasks.
Stroller tablet holders
While limiting screen time is essential, sometimes a little entertainment is necessary to keep a child calm. If you need a quick distraction, a tablet holder can come in handy.
Attach a tablet holder to your stroller’s handlebar and play your child’s favorite show, like Peppa Pig, when needed. It’s a helpful solution for those occasional meltdowns.
Convert your stroller for exercise
Parents looking to stay active while caring for their child can try converting their stroller into a jogging stroller. This hack is perfect for those who want to combine fitness with childcare.
Numerous resources provide instructions for creating a DIY jogging stroller. Be sure to follow the steps carefully to ensure safety and efficiency.
Sippy cup leashes
Parents know the struggle of lost sippy cups—toddlers tend to throw them away without a second thought. Avoid constantly replacing cups with this clever trick.
Purchase a sippy cup leash or cups with built-in leashes. These can be attached to the stroller or high chair, preventing cups from disappearing.
Extra stroller storage
While most strollers include a basket for storage, items often shift around, causing spills or messes. To keep things organized, create additional holders.
Cut a shoe organizer to fit your stroller and secure it with zip ties. This hack prevents spills and keeps all essentials in place.
Shop smarter with strollers
Shopping while managing a stroller can be overwhelming, especially during larger hauls. Here’s a simple solution to free up your hands.
Attach a carabiner to your stroller’s handlebar to hang grocery bags. This keeps your hands free to push the stroller back to your car with ease.
Upgrade the handlebar grip
After years of use, stroller handlebars can become worn and slippery, making them difficult to push. Refreshing the grip can improve usability and safety.
Buy handlebar grips and attach them to your stroller. Not only do they improve functionality, but they also come in various colors to personalize your stroller.
Streamline assembly
Some strollers can be tricky to fold and unfold, leaving you frustrated at the worst moments. A simple color-coded system can make things easier.
Use colored stickers and a Sharpie to mark the areas where you need to press, fold, or lock the stroller. Label them as needed to create a clear guide for yourself.
Enhanced Wheel Grip with Zip Ties
Your stroller’s handle isn’t the only part that requires proper grip. Ensuring that the tires are in excellent condition is equally important, especially in icy or wet conditions during winter or rainy weather. The last thing you want is for the stroller to slip on a slick surface, potentially putting your baby at risk.
To enhance the traction of your stroller’s wheels, wrap zip ties around each tire. This simple hack increases friction between the tires and the ground, providing additional grip and making the stroller safer to maneuver in challenging conditions.
DIY Sleep-Friendly Headrest
One of the perks of taking your child out in a stroller is that they can nap on the go. However, many parents face the issue of their child’s head flopping forward while they’re asleep, which can lead to discomfort or strain on their neck.
To address this, consider using a padded head support band. These bands are soft and easy to attach to the sides or sun canopy of the stroller. They gently hold your child’s head in place, preventing it from falling forward and ensuring a comfortable nap.
Mess-Free Snacking Solutions
When your baby gets hungry, letting them snack in the stroller can quickly turn into a messy affair. A lunchbox full of snacks might seem convenient, but there’s always the risk of spills or your child tossing the entire container onto the ground.
A stroller snack tray is an excellent alternative. These trays come in a variety of fun designs and attach easily to the front of the stroller. Your little one can enjoy their snacks without creating chaos, and cleanup becomes a breeze for you.
Thorough Stroller Cleaning Tips
It’s easy to overlook, but cleaning your stroller is a necessary task. Regular cleaning not only keeps it looking good but also ensures it’s free from dirt and grime that could affect its functionality and your child’s health.
Prepare a mixture of warm water and dish soap in a bucket. Involve your kids in the cleaning process for a fun, car-wash-like activity. Use a hose to rinse the stroller thoroughly and leave it out in the sun to dry before your next outing.
Baby Bottle Sling: A Handy Helper
While sippy cup leashes are common, a baby bottle sling can be a game changer for infants who aren’t yet able to hold their bottles. These slings are readily available online or at baby stores and offer a practical solution for feeding on the go.
The sling attaches to the stroller’s sun canopy, holding the bottle securely within your child’s reach. However, be cautious not to push the stroller too forcefully, as the swinging bottle could accidentally hit your baby.
Maintaining Stroller Stability
Overloading your stroller’s handlebars with shopping bags or other items can be dangerous. The added weight at the back can cause the stroller to tip over, creating a safety hazard for your child.
To counterbalance the weight, attach ankle weights to the front legs of the stroller. This affordable and straightforward hack helps maintain stability and ensures that your stroller remains safe, no matter how much you’re carrying.
Space-Saving Stroller Storage
Traveling with kids often means dealing with limited car space, especially when a bulky stroller takes up most of the room. A simple solution to this problem is using bungee cords to keep your stroller compact and secure.
Wrap a bungee cord around your car’s headrest and the stroller to hold it in place. This hack not only prevents the stroller from tipping over but also allows you to optimize trunk space for other essentials.
Personalizing with Luggage Tags
Leaving your stroller unattended in public spaces poses two risks: theft and accidental mix-ups. Even with a bike lock for security, how do you ensure no one mistakenly takes your stroller?
The answer is luggage tags. Attach a tag with your contact details to the handlebar. This not only makes it easier to identify your stroller but also discourages others from mistakenly taking it.
Weatherproof Your Stroller
Unpredictable weather can ruin a day out. Even if the forecast predicts sunshine, sudden rain showers might catch you off guard, leaving both you and your baby drenched.
A universal rain cover is a great investment. These covers are designed to fit most strollers, shielding your baby from the rain while keeping the stroller dry. Once home, simply hang the cover to air dry for future use.
DIY Handlebar Extensions
While strollers are built with your baby’s comfort in mind, they often overlook the parents’ experience. Short handlebars can force parents to hunch over while pushing, leading to back pain over time.
Create your own extendable handlebars using PVC pipes, bike handles, and velcro ties. This simple modification allows you to adjust the height of the handlebars, ensuring a comfortable and strain-free stroll.
Turn Your Stroller into a Longboard Adventure
Want to add some excitement to your outings? Transform your stroller into a longboard stroller for a unique and memorable experience. This unconventional hack makes strolling with your child both fun and fast.
By attaching a longboard to the stroller, you can turn an ordinary walk into an adventurous ride. Not only will your child enjoy the thrilling experience, but you’ll also cover more ground in less time.
Skateboard Stroller Fun
If longboarding isn’t your thing, a skateboard offers another playful alternative. It’s a versatile option that can be enjoyed by both you and your child.
You can push your child’s stroller while riding a skateboard, or let your child push their own stroller while on a skateboard. It’s a fun way to engage with your child’s active energy and create lasting memories.
Protecting Floors from Stroller Dirt
Strollers are indispensable outdoors, but they can bring unwanted dirt and mud inside your home. Wet or dirty wheels can leave your floors messy, especially after a rainy day.
To keep your floors clean, cover the wheels with large shower caps before bringing the stroller indoors. This quick fix traps the dirt, leaving your home spotless. Just remember to remove the caps before heading back outside.
Extra Storage Solution
This might be a trick you’re already familiar with for stroller storage, but it’s worth mentioning again for new parents. Simply hang a large IKEA bag or any roomy carrier bag on the stroller handlebars for some added storage space.
This hack makes grocery shopping a breeze, even letting you go hands-free. Just make sure not to overload the bag, as it could cause the stroller to tip over. If that’s a concern, check out the ankle weight trick we shared earlier!
Spooky Stroller Costume
Does your child refuse to leave their stroller, even on Halloween? Turn the situation around by incorporating the stroller into their costume. You’ll be amazed at how many creative options there are!
One standout idea is transforming the stroller into a podium for a government official costume. Drape a black cloth over the back to act as a backdrop and add props like faux microphones and tiny flags on the food tray. It’s a creative and easy way to make Halloween even more fun!
Additional Bottle Holders
Bringing multiple bottles for you or your baby? This simple hack lets you neatly store them without spills in the stroller basket.
All you need is a shoe organizer and some adhesive Velcro. Attach the organizer to the stroller’s handlebar, place bottles in the compartments, and enjoy an efficient storage solution for all your bottles.
Stroller Resting Trick
Even when sitting in a cozy stroller, kids can sometimes get fidgety. While strollers are meant to help them relax and nap, they often stay wide awake. Here’s a clever tip to help them rest.
Recline the stroller backward and lean it against an empty seat, creating a comfy resting angle. Just be cautious and keep an eye on the stroller at all times. Weighing it down or holding the handlebar ensures extra stability.
DIY Double Stroller
Have two kids close in age and struggling to push two strollers at once? Here’s a hack to convert your strollers into a tandem setup and make your walks much easier.
Purchase stroller connectors online, such as on Amazon, and strap the strollers together side by side. This setup not only lightens your workload but also keeps your kids entertained with each other’s company.
Transform Stroller into a Bike Trailer
Looking to stay active while spending time with your kids? A bike trailer is a fantastic alternative to a traditional buggy. Let your kids ride in the bike trailer’s passenger seat as you pedal around town.
It’s a fun family activity that keeps everyone happy. While the kids enjoy the ride, you’ll get a cardio workout and take in the sights. Just don’t forget helmets for safety!
Enhance Stroller Visibility
Evening strolls can be a calming activity, but it’s crucial to ensure your child’s safety in low-light conditions. Here’s a hack to make your stroller more visible.
Apply reflective tape to the stroller’s handlebars and front section. While it may not be as eye-catching as colorful lights, it effectively improves visibility to passing vehicles.
Comfortable Pool Noodle Handlebar
Carrying baby gear for extended periods can be tiring. This simple hack using a pool noodle can make the journey easier for you.
Cut the pool noodle to your desired length and slip it over the middle of the stroller or baby carrier handlebar. It’s a quick fix for a more comfortable grip during outings.
Stand-Out Stroller Flags
For a quick way to make your stroller recognizable in a crowd, try adding a flag. While luggage tags and lights are great, flags can be a unique option.
Pick a bold, colorful flag to attach to your stroller. It may seem over the top, but it’s an effective way to ensure your stroller stands out wherever you go.
Stroller Hammock for Fun
Kids can easily get bored during long walks. A stroller hammock is a great way to keep them entertained and occupied before any tantrums arise.
Available on sites like Amazon and Etsy, these hammocks attach to the stroller’s handlebar. They can accommodate an older child while your baby rests in the stroller, keeping everyone happy.
Repurpose for Shopping
Don’t throw away your stroller once your child outgrows it! Instead, convert it into a shopping aid.
Remove the seat to reveal the frame and use it to hold grocery baskets. It’s a simple way to upcycle the stroller and make grocery shopping more convenient.
DIY Buggy Board
If you have an older child and a baby, this hack is perfect for you. A buggy board provides your older child with a fun ride and keeps them feeling involved.
Build your own DIY buggy board and attach it to the stroller. It’s an engaging way to let your older child help “push” their sibling and make them feel like a big kid.
Convenient Cell Phone Holder
For busy parents, staying connected is sometimes a necessity, even during a stroll. A cell phone holder on the stroller can help you manage calls and notifications effortlessly.
With your phone secured in front of you, you can stay connected without taking your eyes off your child. It’s an easy way to multitask while ensuring your little one’s safety.
