Your baby is bound to enjoy being taken for walks. You'll enjoy the experience, too --
if you take advantage of some of the baby stroller accessories available today! A few of these include:
Clip-On Toys
Many baby toy manufacturers make clip-on toys just for the stroller or car seat. These involve a plastic ring which goes around the arm-rest bar and from which hang a toy. Check out your options: there are dozens of clip-on toys on the market.
Rain and Wind Cover
For Baby's comfort, pick up a rain and wind cover. The cover fits from the top of the canopy down to just past your baby's feet. You can find these made of ventillated plastic, netting, or cloth.
Sun Protector
A step beyond the rain and wind cover is a sun protector. Sun protectors are made of materials opaque enough to protect your baby from eye and/or sunburn. (However, don't think of them as a substitute for sunscreen.) Sun protectors come canopy-style, leaving the sides free, or long, covering the front and both sides completely for full-body protection.
Hands-Free Trips
You will usually be using both hands to push the stroller. This makes carrying Baby's necessities, such as diapers, wipes, and her sippy cup, difficult. Look for a stroller with a basket underneath in which to place your purse and your child's accessories. Another option is to purchase a clip-on bag or pouch made especially for baby strollers. These often carry a surprising amount of goods, are made of strong and durable material, and fold up easily to be stored between trips.
Stroller Cover
On chilly days, a stroller cover will come in handy. This bunting-like cover protects Baby from neck to feet; some even have hoods. They offer protection not only from the cold but from wind as well, and are an easy and sensible alternative to a separate outdoor coat and pants.
Toddler Seat
Some strollers come with a toddler seat attachment. This is a boon for parents of more than one child. The toddler seat is attached near the top of the stroller, facing the person pushing the stroller. Be sure the attachment and the stroller are made by the same manufacturer and were designed to go together. An ill-fitting or incorrect toddler seat will imbalance the stroller and could be dangerous.
Snack/Drink Cup Attachment
Baby may get thirsty on her walk, so be sure your stroller comes with a cup attachment, or buy a snap-on one separately. Snack trays are also available. A drink cup attachment ensures that Baby's cup is always on hand. Putting her drink in the holder while she is busy looking around will also prevent the cup from falling and spilling.
Many strollers also come with a cup attachment for the grown-up. Be sure you use this attachment to hold only cold or lukewarm drinks. The attachment will be above your baby's head, and if you hit a bump in the road, the hot drink could spill.
For Moms of Two
For twins, or to accomodate a baby and an older child, stroller attachers are available. This ingenious bit of engineering clips two strollers sturdily together so you can transport both children at once. Make absolutely certain that the attacher fits the make and model of each stroller; an incorrect fit could be dangerous.
Find the right accessories, and you and Baby will have a great trip together.
