CityGrips – stroller handlebar grip covers

Whether you use your stroller for quick trips to the mall, jogging or – gasp! – strolling, chances are your handlebars have seen better days. Maybe you’ve (a) spilled Starbucks, (b) transferred the likes of sunscreen or random toddler snacks, or (c) dripped sweat all over them (in my case from walking on a hot day; never from running. Not ever. Not even once despite owning the jogging kit for our Chariot).

Maybe you’ve had one of those moments when you “invented” a fabulous fix for the problem that is your disgusting stroller handlebars. But you’d be too late, because mompreneur Camie Gontier beat you to the punch. She was kind enough to offer me a pair of CityGrips to review (and give away…we’ll get to that shortly). CityGrips are stroller handlebar grip covers that fit on any stroller and help eliminate handlebar nasties.

THE GOOD

Let’s start with the pattern/colour selection. It’s fabulous. You can go basic black or do the matchy-matchy thing with any of your baby accoutrements. I picked the ZigZag Colour because they have pink in them. I’m a pink fanatic (thank gawd I had a girl). In my first week of testing, I counted five CityGrips compliments from friends and strangers alike.

Even if your handlebar
s aren’t revolting or smelling of hand sweat, CityGrips will help your stroller be instantly recognizable when there are 14 other red UPPAbaby Vistas parked at the zoo.

The fabric is really comfortable. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love neoprene! It doesn’t get hot and it’s moisture-wicking (read: perfect for summer).

It’s machine washable and can go in your dryer, too – but they’re so small, you’d do well hanging them for an hour and they’d be dry. Tip of the day: be sure to close the Velcro strips on each handlebar cover before you throw them in the wash or risk getting them stuck to your lulus.

CityGrips are priced well at $12.95 (U.S.) a pair; there’s even a spot on the CityGrips website (just scroll down to the bottom left) where you can become a fan and get 25 per cent off your first order, making one pair just a little more than $9.

This is another PTPA award winner. So you know that means they’re good.

THE GAFFE

As the owner of an EasyWalker DUO, Britax Blink and Chariot Carrier Corsaire XL, I can tell you that if you have multiple strollers – some with one handlebar and some with two – this is not a one-style-fits-all solution. You need to order one set for each kind of handlebar. I ordered the single handlebar style and tried to use them on my Blink; they didn’t work at all. They were perfect for both the EasyWalker and the Chariot, though.

My thumb or fingers sometimes brush up against the velcro closure; not sure how you get around this, but I’d prefer not to feel anything but sweet, sweet neoprene.

I wish the CityGrips were slightly wider; my husband’s large mitts take up pretty much the entire width. Even an extra inch would be better.

THE GEARS

3.5/5

So…where can you buy it?

• Directly from CityGrips
• mypetiteme.com
• peaceofmindbaby.com (but, be warned: they’re priced higher at $14.99 here)
• A few U.S.-based baby boutiques