scooters

Rumble seats are so 2010! Skateboard attachments are the hot trend for 2011.

On the heels of Orbit Baby's introduction of the Sidekick skateboard that can be hooked onto the sides of the G2 buggy, Mountain Buggy just released the first official photos of its Free Rider, a 2-in-1 board that goes from buggy board to scooter in seconds. Using an integrated handlebar, the ride-on attachment gives tots a place to hold on while their young sibling is being pushed, as well as the freedom to scoot alongside the pushchair when it is detached. It also converts into skateboard mode when the handlebar is removed, and the rear wheels are locked into place. Though it will initially only fit Mountain Buggy strollers, the company is working to make it fit other prams as well.

Speed up the walk to school with a scooter! Made for youngsters, these models boast three wheels and wider foot decks for more stability than the big kid versions. Since your tot will be whizzing by his classmates, there's no longer an excuse for being tardy.

Simple: This Razr Jr. scooter ($40) is stable, stylish, and folds up for easy storage (and mom to carry) when the rider is too tired to scoot. Made for children age 3 and up, it holds kids until they weight 45 pounds.

Swank: The Kettler Thunder scooter ($120) adjusts to meet the height of your 18-month to 4-year-old, and is made to hold up to 100 pounds. The big front tire allows your tot some time to perfect his balancing act.

Which do you prefer?