Stroller Mod – Raising the Canopy

My girl had a growth spurt recently and all of a sudden she is pushing the height limit of the stroller canopy! 

We have had our Phil & Teds Voyager 2019+ for a year now and we have both been very happy with it. (See our full review on the stroller) So far the only gripe we have is that my almost-two-year-old seems to be reaching the seat height limit already. However, while trying to remove it for cleaning one day, I realised that the stroller canopy can be mounted at a higher position! With a little modification, we are able to increase the height limit of the canopy by up to 25 cm. Best of all, when done carefully, the mod is entirely reversible and does not damage the original stroller parts!

WARNING: This is NOT an official use that Phil & Teds advertises so attempt it at your own risk~

Here is what I did:

1. Detach the canopy at the mounting clips from its official mounting spot. This also includes undoing all the snap buttons at the back end of the canopy (Picture left above).

2. Clip the canopy at the desired height along the seat frame (Picture right above). Noted that the seat frame is covered by the tough canvas of the seat cover and will make attaching the canopy clips more difficult. Gently adjust the fabric to isolate the seat frame underneath, then ease the clip over the fabric seam and into position. DO NOT force the clips into place or you may damage the clips or the seat cover irreversibly.

3. The canopy will now be operable. However, when extended, it will tends to fall forward under its own weight. For long-term use, we need to secure the canopy using the snap buttons on each side next to the mounting clip. If the canopy is attached at its maximum height, i.e. nearing the top of the seat back, go ahead and attach the snap buttons to the existing set of male snaps available on the top of the seat. (Picture right above)

4. If the canopy is attached at a lower point, here is the little DIY that is need: 

i) Pull tight the canopy at the snap buttons. Measure the point that goes from one snap button to its equivalence on the other side, going around the back of the seat. My measurement is 43 cm. Add 2-3 cm to the measurement for stability, then cut a strip of fabric to that length. I used black heavy duty polypropylene webbing in 1-inch width. If using other types of fabric, double up the layers for strength.

ii) Attach one male snap to each end of the fabric strip, spacing the snaps at the measurement exactly as measured previously (e.g. for me that was 43 cm). To match the existing snaps on the stroller, I used 9.5 mm (or 3/8 in or Size 15) heavy duty snap fasteners.

iii) Attach the fabric strip to the canopy at the buttons closest the the mounting clips, going around the back of the seat. (Picture middle above)

AND IT’S DONE! Even though it was my first attempt at using snap fastener tool, it only took me 15 mins to complete the DIY. The black webbing blended in perfectly with the stroller you barely notice it. Now my baby has so much more headroom for years to come~

Have you ever modify your stroller to suit your need? Share with us your tricks below!