How to Repair a Broken Stroller

It takes just a few easy steps to repair a stroller and get you and your baby out and about again. Before you start making repairs, check out company and consumer recalls -- the problems with your stroller might be the reason for a safety recall 123. Although selling recalled strollers violates federal law, a number of firms fail to cross check inventory with recall lists. The recall page on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website lists recalled infant products, including strollers 1. If your stroller passes the general safety research check, you can repair it yourself.

Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission website to determine if the broken parts need to be supplied by the stroller manufacturer 1. Some broken parts must be replaced with factory-designed replacement mechanisms or additional supplemental devices to improve safety.

Check the stroller brake and wheel locks. These are typically located at the back of the stroller above the back wheels, though some strollers have locks on the stroller handle. Look for loose wires or rusted parts. Use lubricant to oil parts so the brake lock moves smoothly into and out of position.

Adjust the handle and check the folding mechanism for collapsing strollers. Unhook the latches or unlock the mechanism and move the handle up and down. Oil any parts that stick and clean any residue off the outside of the handle parts. Fold and unfold collapsible strollers to make sure everything works properly.

Examine the sun hood or stroller cover attachment to make sure it isn't loose and that the material keeps sun off the seat area. Repair missing material or buy a new sun shield if the protective feature is beyond repair. Use fabric incorporating sun block and a needle and thread to sew the replacement insert along the original seam lines.

Test the seat and the seating adjustments to make sure the locking mechanisms work to keep the seat in place. If your stroller reclines, test the reclining feature to ensure the bed stays locked when the stroller moves. Oil the mechanisms so that the movement is fluid.

Examine all parts on convertible strollers and convert the stroller into all different configurations, including the car seat. Oil the metal parts to create a fluid movement when using the conversion features. Wipe off any excess from the stroller's metal parts.

Test the wheels for balance and lubricate the metal wheel parts with a lubricant or penetrating oil to allow for smooth stroller movement. Fill stroller tires with air and straighten any bent wheels or axles with your pliers. Buy replacement wheels when the damage can't be repaired. You may not notice the movement from a bent or uneven wheel, but the jerking action may create an uncomfortable ride for your baby.

Tips

Stroller companies sometimes offer replacement parts or free repair kits to correct federal recall problems.