How to Make Your Own Umbrella Stroller Handle Extender

Strollers are a relatively easy way to transport a baby: Being able to push a baby instead of carry their weight in your arms, especially for a long walk or trip, can make travel much more enjoyable. However, some strollers, particularly umbrella-type strollers, are often uncomfortable for parents to push. In order to make these strollers compatible with travel and small to fold up, the handles are quite short, even for the average-height parent. Fortunately, there are easy ways to remedy this.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic zip ties, at least 6 (from a hardware store)
  • 2 1-by-2-inch boards, about 1 foot in length each
  • Saw, optional
  • Sandpaper, optional

Instructions

    • 1

      Cut boards to length, if they aren't already. Most home improvement stores can cut boards on-site if a saw isn't available. However, if the boards are not 12 inches each, cut these lengths.

    • 2

      Place each board along the shaft handle of the stroller. This works best with an umbrella-type stroller, but will also work with most other strollers if the boards are placed along the two vertical bars of the handle (which either terminate to give 2 separate handles to grasp, or join together in the middle to form one horizontal "handlebar").

    • 3

      Use a zip tie, and wrap it around both the wood board and the handle together. Place it loosely in the center of the board, and position the board so that the length of it extends beyond the length that is already provided with the stroller. The end of the board will be what is grasped to push the stroller, so be sure the end extends as high as is needed to give a good fit for the parent pushing the stroller. Once the board is positioned well, be sure the zip tie in the center is tightened to hold it. Secure the board further by using at least two more zip ties to reinforce the hold.

    • 4

      Repeat with the other side.

    • 5

      Sand the board smooth, if necessary. The person pushing the stroller will have a lot of contact with the boards, so be sure there aren't places for splinters or other injuries.

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