People generally tend to give way to a parent with a stroller. It’s called good manners, for, after all, there is a little child in it, right? However, on the parent’s part, it does not mean that it’s alright to take things for granted.
There are rules to being a polite parent with a stroller, and we’re sure you’d want to be one, so do read on.
A stroller is an absolute necessity if you tend to walk about a lot with your little one and although everyone should be giving way to the lady with the baby, courtesy is necessary to be on the good side of people wherever you may go, with your baby and stroller. Along with that, some common knowledge on how to best handle a stroller on the road, sidewalk, grass, marble floor, or whatever terrain your stroller wheels may be over. will be helpful, or you could easily lose control over a stroller, which can be both dangerous to the little one in it and also annoying and offensive to those you may knock into as you struggle to maneuver it along.
And now, back to our focus: stroller etiquette. It is essential for the last thing you want is to give onlookers fodder to frown on you as you go about your day with your little one. Here are some stroller codes of ethics to give you an idea of what’s acceptable and what’s not.
Keep on your side (the inside) of the pavement
People instinctively understand parents’ natural tendency to keep their young ones safe on the inner side of the pavement or sidewalk. However, it does not mean that you blindly push your stroller along and expect everyone approaching to give way. For instance, if another parent with a stroller approaches and the pavement gets too narrow, would you:
A. Politely make eye contact with the other stroller pusher, give a little smile, and nod for them to go first
B. Pretend not to see them and hope they’ll move out of your way.
Our advice is ‘A’ and we hope you agree with us.
Don’t make any sudden or abrupt stops
It makes absolute sense that you would never stop while you’re driving on the road, for it can spell disaster for those behind you. So, why should it be any different when you’re pushing your stroller on pavement or anywhere else where there is a steady flow of traffic? It’s just as unacceptable. Not only is it rude to do so, but a person walking fast could just bump into you and your stroller. In case of emergencies, try your very best to eye gesture any other pavement user in front or at the back of you, to give them an idea that you’re about to stop, handle your emergency, and be off with the flow as quickly as you can.
A little politeness goes a long way
Pay attention when you’re pushing your baby in the stroller, to ensure that people can walk past you safely and quickly. This will deter any awkwardness of anyone having difficulty trying to walk past you due to not having enough space, etc. Always be polite to others if you have to ask them to make way for you to pass. If an aisle or sidewalk is too narrow for stroller and a person to pass by each other, remember that you can and should practice some graciousness and gesture for others to pass. In any case, we’re pretty sure you’ll be shown that same courtesy and be given way to pass with your little one.
Please watch where you’re going
Just because you’re pushing a stroller, does not mean that everyone around will suddenly be careful and be warier of how they walk by you. It’s actually up to you to be aware of your surroundings and watch that no one accidentally bumps into your stroller, or worse, fall onto it! So, watch your way!
Rules & regulations for strollers in buildings
Some establishments (even certain restaurants, believe it or not!) do not allow strollers parked inside while parents eat or shop. If a shop or eatery doesn’t allow strollers, instead of trying to buck the system and attempting to convince the owners to allow it just this one time, either follow their rules or leave. You do not have to stoop so low as to pick a fight with them. Instead, take your business elsewhere where your bub, your stroller and you are more welcomed!
The brakes are meant to be used!
Nothing is more alarming than the sight of a stroller straying away from its owner with bags full of groceries in it, or worse still, with a child in it! So, do us all and yourself a favor and engage those breaks whenever necessary!
