I've known for a few weeks that the lever on the vacuum was broken and as a solution I started leaning it against the back of the cabinet. It's a $40 vacuum, but it's still working fine after a few years. I just chalked it up to wear and tear. One day my husband noticed this and asked me to order a part even though I thought it was a waste of time. Arrived quickly, repaired in 10 minutes. Vacuuming with a kid in one hand is MUCH easier if the vacuum doesn't fall over every time you let go.