Repairing Stroller Handles

Whether you've been putting a lot of miles on your stroller or have just bought a used one, eventually the handlebar padding's going to wear out. Here's how to use cork tape to fix it and add a bit of pizzazz.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You will need:

• Cork tape (I used this brand because it can be repositioned, but any brand can work)
• Electrical tape
• Scissors for cutting the tape

Also useful: babysitter so that you don't have your small human underfoot while you work on this. This is also a project that can be done during naptime.

Step 2: Begin Wrapping

Place the end of the cork tape close to the edge of the foam you are covering and hold it in place with your hand. Using the other hand, pull gently but firmly and begin wrapping the tape around the handlebar. Most of the directions I saw for wrapping bicycle handles suggested that pulling down and towards you, then up and away, was the best direction, so that's what I did here.

Aim for an even tension, and try to align it so that some of the silicone is on the tape already wrapped.

You may need to experiment to see which wrapping pattern works best for you. I found that starting away from the center and wrapping towards the middle worked better for me, for example, than starting at the center and working away.

Step 3: Too Much or Too Little?

As you near the end of your wrap, you may notice that you're either running out of cork tape or have a bunch left over. Don't give up or cut it!

Instead, try re-wrapping it. (This is why it's good to use a non-adhesive cork tape.) If you've run short, try re-wrapping with a slightly wider spacing between wraps. If you've got extra, try re-wrapping with a narrower spacing.

Ideally you end up with just enough to tuck behind the handlebar at the end. While the electrical tape will hide the end, the handlebar will look nicer if it's underneath and hidden from view.

Step 4: Finish the Ends

Holding the end of the cork tape in place, attach the end of the electrical tape so that it continues the direction you were wrapping.

Then wrap the electrical tape around the cork in the same direction, again maintaining a steady and even tension. You will want to cover at least one wrapping turn's worth of the cork tape.

When you are done, cut off the electrical tape and smooth down. Again, having the end be on the underside will make for a more polished look.

Step 5: Admire Your Work!

You've done it! Admire your work, and go grab a cold drink to celebrate before your little one wakes up.