Stroller Etiquette
If you are getting ready to enter into the world of New Mommy or New Daddy for the first time, then you probably already know that you are in for a big life change. What you may not know is that you’re about to enter into a world of unwritten rules that include how you talk to other parents, how you deal with other people’s children, and just exactly what you do with a poopy diaper when you are out in public.
First things first; let me introduce you to some of the rules regarding strollers.
You may think that strollers aren’t that big of a deal, but that’s probably because you haven’t hauled one around with you everywhere you go. There are many types of strollers and you will soon realize that your stroller becomes an ever-present, back-straining, mystery-stained tool that is useful while also being a bit of a pain. If you don’t believe that you can have a love/hate relationship with a stroller, just wait.
Here are some stroller etiquette rules you should know:
- No, you can’t park your stroller anywhere you please. Sometimes it’s difficult to remember that your baby isn’t the only other person around, but if you’re in a store you should not park your stroller smack in the middle of the aisle so you can peruse the produce. Your stroller should not become an obstruction that people can’t get around. Be polite and pull the stroller off to the side, and always keep it near you.
- Periodically clean your stroller. Don’t forget to clean off the tray too, especially if your baby delights in squishy snacks or dumping juice out. It’s good manners to not push around a sticky, smelly stroller, and it’s also better for your baby to have a clean place to hang out.
- Newborn babies always have the right of way, unless there is a screaming toddler. Some places will inevitably be more packed than others with strollers, like Gymboree stores and Toddler Time at the library. If you find yourself in a stroller traffic jam, yield to other strollers with itty bitty babies or with babies having tantrums. The general rule is this: The parent who is the most stressed out has the right of way.
- Don’t ever move another stroller unless you have asked first, especially when there is a baby inside. You may think you are merely scooting someone else’s stroller a little so you can get by with your own stroller, but what the other parent immediately thinks is either “How dare that person touch my stroller!” or “Someone is trying to steal my baby!”
One more thing: Enjoy that stroller while you have it. You will inevitably find yourself cursing the stroller more than once, most likely when pulling it out of the back of your car and your back starts to ache. Once your baby starts to walk (run), however, you will actually find yourself missing the days when your baby could be strapped safely into a stroller instead of making a run for it.
Do you have a stroller tip to share with Babies Online Members? Comment below …
anik pavlova says...
i frequently travel with a friend in a wheelchair. elevators are never ever optional for her – she has to use them. on many occasions she has been “bumped” by parents using the giant SUV style strollers without a second thought. i think there’s no reason everybody can’t share, but if you’re using the elevator for your stroller and somebody is waiting in a wheelchair, it might help a little to remember they may be on their way to the only accessible bathroom in the building. thanks for posting this guide – great idea!
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