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Stroller
Accessories
With just a few added accessories that fit your own lifestyle, you can customize
your stroller into a comfortable vehicle for both you and baby! Depending on
the model and design of the stroller, age of the child and type of terrain you
are strolling on, accessories can be chosen for comfort, safety, weather protection
and entertainment. Strolling with your child is a bonding activity to do that
will create memories and new discoveries for your child as s/he grows.
Toy Tips, Inc conducted research with parents who have triple-tested each product
for functionality, performance and continued usage. Products were reviewed and
tested on single, jogging, double and umbrella strollers in all kinds of weather
and ground terrain. We found that there are products with features for specific
lifestyles and others suitable for all strolling parents.
WEATHER PROTECTORS:
In changing climates and weather conditions, it is important that children need
to be protected from the sun, rain, wind and snow. There are a variety of brands
that offer similar products, however be aware that some stroller manufacturers
only make these products for their own models. The following seem to adapt to
most strollers that we tested. Be sure to know the model and size of your stroller
before purchasing these products in order to have a correct fit.
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Stroller
Netting
Protects from mosquitoes during evening walks.
Graco
$3.99
gracobaby.com
Netting protects a child from the sun, insects and
debris while providing adequate ventilation for
the child. For use on any regular size stroller,
the netting covers the seat completely. It is not
recommended for oversized jogging strollers because
it will not fit as well. The netting can be hand
washed and should always be dried before storing
or used again. |
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The
Baby Shade Stroller Cover
Small enough to store in stroller basket for
days with light rain.
Kiddopatamus and Company
$19.95
kiddopatamus.com
This cover is a combination protector of rain, wind,
bugs and the sun’s harmful UV rays. Featuring
a 50+ UPF Solar Guard panel that snaps on and off,
it can be adjusted to allow for ventilation and
visibility according to the direction of the sun.
A zippered canopy pocket holds pacifier, keys or
a small toy. This is appropriate for standard size
strollers and joggers and a double version fits
standard size side-by-side double strollers. Made
of nylon and mesh fabric, it is hand washable and
can be left to drip dry. This is ideal for traveling
or days when the weather is unpredictable. |
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Strollerstand
Parentwise
$12.99-16.99
www.parentwise.com
Kickstand for stollers! Fits lightweight umbrella
strollers. Easy to attach to prevent stroller
tipping. Made of lightweight aluminum. If used
with a double stroller, it is recommended to use
two of these-one on each side.
When
choosing a stroller, make sure the child fits
comfortably in it and make sure there are straps
to tie the child snugly inside.* We also recommend
not to hang any diaper bags, purses or shopping
bags on the handle. This could cause the weight
to change and the stroller could still tip over.
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Stroller
Rain Cover
Protects child's face from unsuspecting wind,
rain or snow.
Graco
$14.99
gracobaby.com
Designed to fit a forward facing position of a
single stroller with a canopy, this covers the
child and protects from rain or snow flurries.
It is made of plastic and should be washed by
hand and left to drip dry. A child’s feet
are still exposed.
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DAYTIME
STROLLING:
Whether you live in a big city or a small town,
strolling kids around needs to be safe. A stroll
during the day may expose a child to harmful UV
sunrays. There are a variety of products available
to prevent your child from getting t sunburned
or too warm.
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Stroller
Shade
Allows parent to see the child and has an
easy to assemble pop-up design.
Prince
Lionheart
$13.97
princelionheart.com
A foldable mesh fabric shade features a window
on the top so the parent can see the child. This
protects a child from the sun and provides adequate
ventilation. It pops up in design, is adjustable
to the stroller and fastened with hook and loop
straps. We found this easy to assemble, take down
and store.
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Pinwheel
Fan
Quick solution to keep child cool on long walks
in theme parks or other places where a child is
sitting
sun.
Kel-Gar, Inc.
$12.99
kelgar.com
This clip -on fan provides a soft breeze and can
be attached to a horizontal or vertical bar on the
stroller. Ideal in warm weather or for long strolls,
it requires 2 AA batteries, which are not included.
This can also be attached to the stroller handle
to be used by the parent. |
Infant
Umbrella
Protects child's head from sun's rays and light
raindrops
Graco
$9.99
gracobaby.com
This is a small umbrella that clips onto a side
stroller bar to protect the child from direct sunlight.
We found this easy to assemble. This is also ideal
for climates with scattered unsuspecting raindrops.
There is an adjustable clamp with a flexible shaft
that can be easily positioned to provide protection
where needed. This may not fit strollers with thick
stroller bars. |
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NIGHTTIME
STROLLING:
A stroll in the evening hours can experience cooler
weather, flying insects and traffic on the streets.
Make sure your stroller is visible to traffic
and child is protected from annoying insects.
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Stroller
Strobe Lite
Provides added Protection for visibility at night.
Prince Lionheart
$4.97
princelionheart.com
This is a clip-on light that mounts on the stroller
to enhance visibility on sidewalk or street traffic.
Batteries are included and the unit will last for
approximately 75 hours. When the light is switched
off, this acts as a reflector. Also, if the mounting
clip is left on the stroller, it can be used to
attach other Prince Lionheart accessories. (see
princelionheart.com
for details) |
The
Frog'r Mosquito Repeller/Safety Light
A child under 6 months should not be exposed
to chemical repellants. This is an alternative to
protect child from insect bites.
Kelgar, Inc.
$8.99
kelgar.com
Nightime strolling in some climates brings bugs
and insects of many kind. It is important to protect
a child from unwanted bites and stings This is a
clip on frog that emits a soft light and the sound
of a dragonfly, which is the enemy of the mosquito.
There is a mechanism that when switched on, the
sound repels mosquitoes and keeps them away from
the child. The frog slips on either a horizontal
or vertical bar on the stroller next to the child.
NOTE: Children under the age of one are not recommended
to use insect repellent on their skin. |
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STROLLER
BLANKETS:
Whether it is a night chill or a cold day, there
are a variety of blankets that will keep a child
warm while in the stroller. Blankets should fit
in the stroller and cover the child completely.
They should be able to attach to the stroller
to avoid dragging on the ground or getting entangled
in the wheels. It is also important that the child
be able to be removed easily from the blanket,
in case of an emergency.
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Cozy
Rosie
Compact blanket to take on full day or cool
nights walks.
Sew Beautiful
$50-$56
cozyrosie.com
For chilly nights or a windy day, this is a polar
fleece stroller blanket that has a pouch-like design.
The hook and loop fasteners and ribbons securely
affix the blanket to the stroller's handles and
supports. While this blanket is designed to keep
a child warm in cooler temperatures, an optional
front flap can be used for colder days, but it is
not warm enough for extreme cold weather. The blanket
is machine washable and is available in navy, red,
leopard print and zoo animal print.
It attaches to single, jogging and double strollers. |
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Runneroo
Heavy weight blanket for cool and cold weather.
$60
runneroo.com
For cold climates, this is a bunting bag that attaches
by seat belt slots to jogging strollers. It is made
of nylon supplex on the exterior and polar fleece
on the interior and is water resistant and machine
washable. The elastic top can be used as a hood
around the child’s head. The zipper up front
creates easy access for the child to be placed in
and out. Available in red, purple and blue. One
size fits infants to age five. |
Teddy
Toes
Ideal to also use in a car seat!
Sisters 3 Ltd.
$44.95
teddytoes.com
A cozy blanket with feet! Using a swaddling wrap
technique to snuggle a baby in cold weather, shoulder
straps can be attached through the blanket and each
leg is secured and wrapped for comfort. One size
is appropriate for newborns through 18 months. It
is made of Dacron polyester and can be machine washed. |
The
Original Gingerbee
Cute blanket to attach familiar toys to entertain
baby.
Ginger Magnolia
$30-$48
gingermagnolia.com
A 17” x 17” lap blanket featuring a signature
bandana print design that has 4 PVC-free detachable
toy rings to attach a teether or toy for entertainment.
This is appropriate for infants through age three
encouraging tactile and visual development. There
is a matching 8 “ x 12” tote bag that
ties closed and can hang on a stroller hook for
bottles, keys or anything lightweight. Made of 100%
cotton, it is machine washable but the rings should
be detached first. We found this to be ideal for
day strolling while a child can play with the attached
toys. (The blanket is available without the matching
tote bag and comes in a variety of other fabric
designs). |
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SAFETY
AND COMFORT:
To make the stroll enjoyable for both parent and
child, there are a variety of products designed
for heightened safety and comfort. Be aware that
toys, bottles and snacks that children hold may
fall out of the stroller and lost. Depending on
the age of the child, it is best to make sure
toys are attached and secure and bottles and snacks
are given while not in motion.
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Strollerstand
Prevent tipping and secures child on windy days.
ParentWise
$12.99
parentwise.com
A kickstand for lightweight umbrella strollers can
prevent tipping over when not in motion. Made of
lightweight aluminum, it attaches easily and if
used with a double stroller, two stands should be
installed- one on each side. NOTE: We suggest not
hanging any diaper bags, purses or shopping bags
on the handle. This could cause the weight to change
and the stroller could still tip over even with
the strollerstand in place. |
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The
Piddle Pad Waterproof Seat Protector
Accident prevention for potty-training age children
Kiddopatamus and Company
$6.99
kiddopatamus.com
Adaptable to strollers of all kinds, this terry
cloth pad easily fits on the seat to prevent messy
accidents for potty training toddlers. It is backed
by waterproof nylon to prevent the seat from becoming
stained or soiled. There is no need to attach any
straps or added safety devices and it is machine
washable. |
Elephant
Activity Bar
Provide entertainment for a child that is able
to sit-up in the stroller (about 6 months).
Infantino
$13
infantino.com
Promoting visual stimulation and entertainment once
a child is old enough to sit alone encourages sensory
and motor development. This activity bar clips on
the stroller bar across a child’s lap and provides
tactile and touch for the child while riding. Multicolored
toys set on a foam bar include a purple elephant
with ring rattle ears, crinkle leaves, a stuffed
zebra and lion to bat and a dumbbell rattle to hold.
It can easily be attached and removed. |
Stroll'r
Swivel'rs
Ideal for shopping and trips to the mall.
KEL-GAR
$2.99
kelgar.com
These 2 S-hooks can clip onto a horizontal stroller
bar or u-shaped handle to hold keys, a purse, diaper
bag or lightweight shopping bag. It is very important
not to hang anything heavier than the child or it
may cause the stroller to tip. They swivel 360 degrees
and fit all stroller types. |
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Stroller
Bag
When the bag is empty, it hangs flat and does
not provide any bulkiness. It is ideal for extra
storage when needed.
Prince Lionheart
$9.97
princelionheart.com
Most strollers do not have large compartments to
store diaper bags, toys or additional items needed
for a stroll. Easy to assemble, this mesh bag has
two sets of flexible fasteners that attach the bag
securely to the back of the stroller. The top is
elasticized to keep contents secure. Made if 100%
cotton, it is machine washable and can drip dry.
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Stroller'r
Hold'r II
Can be easily attached and stored in a stroller
basket when not in use.
Kel-gar
$7.99
kelgar.com
This clip-on cup holder fits on a horizontal bar
or an umbrella stroller to keep drinks in an upright
position. Ideal for cold drinks, it is completely
insulated and holds a variety of sizes including
cans, cups or bottles. It is detachable
and washable. |
Stroller
accessory safety tips:
Assembly Pieces- With all the accessories we
tested, the assembly pieces that are made of plastic
are delicate. Be sure to be gentle while assembling.
Extra Reflectors- These are recommended for nighttime
strolling in rural areas and subdivisions with scarce
traffic lighting. Most new strollers have them built-in.
Airport transport- In most U.S. airports, everything
in the stroller needs to be folded or dismantled and
put on the conveyor belt before going to a gate check.
Keep this in mind if you plan on taking a stroller with
assembled accessories before you travel.
Stroller Connectors- These are designed to allow
strollers to be used side by side for twins or children
of different ages. We suggest you only use these to
connect the exact same stroller make/ model to avoid
tipping, height differences and safety of the child.
Cup and snack holders- Most new models of strollers
have these already built-in for both child and parent.
However, purchasing a clip-on model to hold an additional
bottle, cup, can or a handful of crackers can provide
a special treat for another child or second parent along
for the stroll. It is never recommended to ever put
hot beverages in these cupholders to prevent scalding
or burning in the case of an accident or to put snacks
that are not age appropriate for the child seated in
the stroller.
Stroller clips and hooks- Most strollers have
small compartments to hold diaper bags, backpacks etc.
Be aware that the more weight you add to the stroller
by way of handle or clip, the greater the chance of
tipping over. Never leave a child unattended and NEVER
place ANYTHING on top pf the canopy above the child.
Buddy boards- This is an attachable board that allows
another child to stand between the parent and the stroller
and be pushed for a ride. Before purchasing, be sure
the model of the stroller supports the riding child
well and strolling conditions are safe. It is best to
first survey the style and size of the stroller and
measure if there is enough space to comfortably fit
a child. Also, the child should not ride on these up/down
curbs, around tight corners or in crowds.
Air Pumps: If the stroller has inflatable tires,
make sure you ALWAYS carry a small inflatable pump for
emergency use.
Height adjustment bar: Is the stroller comfortable
for you while walking? If not, consider purchasing an
adjustable accessory bar that can be raised. This is
ideal for tall people over 5”9”.
Enjoy your walks together!
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