LilSugar

Do You Know Your Strollers?

babysugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:00:10 PDT

Who paid attention to all the stroller reviews? Take this quiz to see if you recognize the buggies by their pictures. Test your strolling knowledge!

Question 1 of 5

Which pictured stroller is lightweight and can be used for newborns?

Strollin': Silver Cross Pop

babysugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:00:00 PDT

Having reviewed quite a few strollers last month, there were still quite a few on my list that I have been wanting to check out before making any final purchases. Silver Cross is a high end brand that has long been known for their swank prams like those that Nicole Richie and Jennifer Lopez chose for their tots. Realizing that many more moms see the practicality of a simple stroller, the British company is now selling their own line of simple pushchairs.

Still fairly new to the US market, Silver Cross manufactures three lightweight buggies for young tots: the Pop, Micro and Dazzle. All three of the strollers remind me quite a bit of different Maclarens.

To see my thoughts on the Silver Cross Pop,

read more. The Silver Cross Pop ($150) is probably most similar to the Maclaren Quest in design and capabilities. The padded seat reclines slightly allowing tots to take a relaxing rest though it does not ease back all the way for newborn usage. The leg rest gives youngsters a padded place to rest their legs while they stay safely strapped into a five-point-harness belt that unfortunately is not too easy to snap and unlatch. Perhaps with a little extra practice, mommy's hands may become more agile at such maneuvering, but I found it a tad too difficult for my liking. On the plus side, the ride is pretty smooth for a stroller with plastic wheels and for moms who prefer to walk the line, the wheels can be locked. Additional benefits are the folding mechanism, size, and weight. A quick trip to the store would be a cinch in the Pop as it only weighs 15 pounds and has a convenient shoulder strap attached to the back for slinging over a toting shoulder. Almost identical to a Maclaren's collapse, the Pop breaks down with a quick foot push on a lever and an upward lift of the middle bar in the back. The basket underneath the seat provides enough room for a jug of milk and a shopping bag while the ergonomic inward facing handle bars provide mommy an extra set of hands from which she can hang a diaper bag or other necessary items. I have to admit that I find the Maclaren a tad easier. Still the new kid on the block, the Silver Cross has room and time to improve and I'm sure it will. After all, I'm sure Silver Cross customer Marcia Cross is a fan of the brand for more than the name.

Strollin': Double Stroller Roundup

babysugar — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 05:00:13 PDT

This week rounded out our month of stroller reviews. The double strollers were a delight to test drive, especially since I'm in need of one myself. Check out my slideshow to see which ones I reviewed this past week.

Strollin': phil & teds Vibe

babysugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:00:04 PDT

I won't say that I saved the best for last, but the phil & teds Vibe is pretty darn sweet. Lightweight aluminum frame strollers have been dominating the market in recent years. New to the party is the fabulously sleek and functional Vibe. Much like the other phil & teds predecessors, the Vibe offers the dual-ride capabilities. But the Vibe has got a whole different, well vibe.

The sleek $700 pushchair is comfortably padded with cushy seats in a tandem position. The second seat attachment costs another $110. Each chair can recline for on-the-go napping or relaxing - whatever floats your wee ones' boat. And by wee, I mean newborns through four-year-olds. Older tots take the top seat with a maximum capacity of 55 pounds while smaller babes sit underneath. The bottom seat can handle up to 33 pounds making the entire load capacity 88 pounds.

To see a video and learn what else there is to know about the Vibe,

read more. Having talked to some mamas who have tested out the ride of the Vibe, the biggest complaint is the break. Instead of having it down by the feet, parents can stop the pushchair with a simple push of a button on the height adjustable handlebar. It seemed pretty ideal when I tested it but others find it irritating as they accidentally push the button jolting them to an unexpected stop. Like the phil & teds Dash, the Vibe also has the updated plastic foot board. The plastic resting spot keeps tots from wearing and tearing a fabric type patch that could endanger their lil feet. During my demonstration at Right Start, Kristi showed me how quick and painless the stroller is to fold. Bonus points were rewarded as you can fold it with the second seat attached into a compact package - sun canopies and all. Adding more credence to the Vibe, it is a clear winner in the weight category as it weighs only 22 pounds. That's even lighter than the Maclaren Twin Techno XT! But, it's more than twice the price - do you think it's twice as nice? Tell me what you think about the phil & teds Vibe. We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': BOB Revolution Duallie 12-inch Stroller

babysugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:00:26 PDT

When running after your kids isn't the only exercise you count on, the BOB double stroller enables jogging mommies to keep their running regimen up - even with double trouble on their hands.

Perfect for sidewalks, bumpy roads, and tattered trails, the BOB Revolution Duallie 12-inch Stroller keeps parents on track and their wee ones secure. While it's a bit wider than some others in the same class, the BOB offers families peace of mind that their lil honey is getting treated to a classy ride, as cushy reclining seats and air-filled suspension wheels provide a smooth run even over the bumpiest of roads. And, similar to the single BOB, car seat adaptors are available, making it easy to use at an early age.

To see what else I liked and disliked about the BOB Revolution Duallie,

read more. For moms on a winding path, the front swivel wheel makes turning on a dime a cinch. The roomy basket underneath gives moms the opportunity to stash snacks, jackets, or other necessities on the go. The wide handle bar is fantastic for running as you can push and swipe your sweaty hair off your face without grasping for a small handle. But, if I had my druthers, I'd like to have some way of attaching goodies to the handle bar as I constantly find a need to latch on a bag or two - even if it's just a diaper bag. But, if you're running or on a trail, you won't need to make space for shopping loot. When the day is done, the quick fold is just as easy as the single BOB stroller. Just pull up on the two handle bar locks and fold it in half. At 31.5 pounds, the double-wide buggy packs a heavy punch. And while the width measures 30.8 inches, which should fit most standard 32-inch door frames, it still seems like an arduous task to take this bad boy out for errands or a trip to the mall, making that and the $590 price tag the biggest drawbacks for the BOB Revolution Duallie. I like the side-by-side strollers because both kids can look out and enjoy the view. The issue with that is that it makes pushing the stroller tougher on mom as she tries to maneuver in and out of tight spaces. For most double strollers, the weight is always going to be an issue, so my thinking is that give or take a pound or two, this stroller is clearly a winner. We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': Maclaren Twin Techno XT

babysugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:00:29 PDT

As you may remember from my Maclaren Volo review, I am a Maclaren fan. They are easy to manage, lightweight and practical. For those reasons alone, I was sure the Maclaren Twin Techno XT would win me over - even at $380!

Moms of newborn twins or a newborn and an older tot are in for a treat with the Twin Techno XT. Instead of having to wait until the baby is able to sit up on his own, newborns can cruise around in the separate reclining seats leaving the adapters and infant car seats in their rightful places - the car. The sibling can ride shotgun perched straight up without harassing their kin too much as they are each self-contained in their own chair.

To see what else I thought of the Twin Techno XT,

read more. As you may have noticed, I pay attention to how I can store things in or on my strollers. Since most buggies don't offer too much storage space underneath the seats, I rely heavily on being able to hang items from the handles. Fortunately, the Twin Techno XT is able to handle my usual stash, especially as the seats can handle up to 55 pounds of body weight each. And, when the errands are over and it's time to store the double-wide, the simple foot releases and latches make it easy to collapse the stroller into a flat and relatively lightweight frame. Compared to many double strollers, the 25.7 pound frame is no breeze but it's not as substantial as many others in the category. However, trolling around town in the two seater may make you feel like you're pushing an 18-wheeler on less than cushy wheels. If you want a double stroller where the twosome can be seated side by side, each with a forward facing view, the Maclaren Twin Techno XT is hard to beat. The reclining seats, comfy leg rests, UV-protected sun canopies, 5-point safety harnesses, easy to access mesh storage baskets, simple collapse and storage make it a winner. Available only in the storm grey color, parents can sass up the seats with various colorful pillow packs. Tell me what you think of the Maclaren Twin Techno XT! We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stroller

babysugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:00:04 PDT

Double strollers can be double the pain as they take up more space and often weigh more than a single option. However, when you've got more than one tot, they are usually a necessary evil.

As I quickly approach my due date, I am eager to find the double stroller of my dreams. The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stroller ($270) fits the bill so I was hoping this would be my golden carriage.

To see what I thought about the Joovy Caboose,

read more. The most obvious argument for the Caboose is that even though it can seat two children, the width is the same as a single stroller, making it easy to push through doors and stores. I've seen some mothers scramble to hold a door open while struggling to get behind a double-wide before it comes slamming on them. The Joovy Caboose keeps that scenario at bay. The Caboose is unique in that is comfortably seats one child in the front seat while the older child either sits or stands on the back seat. The design enables the stroller to maintain a light frame - weighing only 21 pounds. A simple latch provides a quick collapse and a simple assembly. Both are appreciated when you have two children running circles around you. While the front seat is fine for a stroll or quick errand, it affords about as much comfort as an airplane seat. The attachable tray has cup holders that offer as much stability as an airliner would and the seat reclining capabilities are about the same. The reclining issue makes sense though as the second child is seated right behind it and hey, at least it has a removable tray! While on the subject, the second child's seat can move back and forth, making it an option to sit or stand for the ride. If you have a loose cannon, you may adore the seatbelt straps that both seats offer. The biggest bonus feature for many moms is that the front seat is adaptable to hold at least 14 various infant car seats. While your older child cruises around on the footstool and handles, you can both keep your eyes on the newest family member securely fastened to the front of the Caboose. Now how your older child manages your second child is your own problem. I think tickling feet or tossing water bottles on the freshest babe is to be expected. While I found the Joovy Caboose to be quite delightful and an ease to manage, there are a few drawbacks. The handle on its own is fine. However, I rely on mine quite a bit to hang my diaper bag, groceries and other items. If your first child is standing or even seated on the back, you will rarely have the opportunity to hang anything from the handles. In an effort to soothe that fear for parents, the stroller comes with a neoprene organizer that holds two drinks and a pouch for cell phones or wallets but it doesn't come close to fitting what I need for a day out on the town. The basket underneath can hold a few items (say one diaper bag) but you'll have to ask the bigger child to remove herself from the seat in order to access it. Overall, I like the Joovy Caboose. It's practical and easy to use for a mother often on the go. The ball bearing wheels, although plastic, do offer a pretty swift and docile ride, especially for a double stroller. The ability to maneuver in and out of places with the ease of a single stroller cannot be underestimated. However, I do wonder if the double wides may not offer more ease in the overall grand scheme of things. Children birth and up can use the front seat with an infant car seat. Otherwise, the limit is six-months-old up to 45 pounds for the front seat. To ride on the back seat or stand, children should be 2.5 years old and no more than 45 pounds. Tell me what you think of the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stroller! We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': Double Seaters

babysugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:00:11 PDT

On a personal quest, I was especially fired up to explore the world of double strollers. Thanks to Right Start, I've got a pretty good idea of what's out there and hope that I can pass on some of what I learned to you.

I found it daunting to find the perfect single stroller two years ago. Now here I am seven-months pregnant looking for one that will suit my 23-month-old and her future sibling. I've seen the beastly duos that take up the width of grocery aisles and others that seem suitable for heavyweight lifting competitions. This week I'll show you some of the best and give you my two cents on the two seaters.

We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': Jogger Roundup

babysugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:00:57 PDT

Hopefully mothers who like to get a workout enjoyed the write-ups of the three fabulous jogging strollers I reviewed from Right Start. While there are still more on the market, some of which I hope to test in the future, I can hardly see the downside of any of these sporty options. Tell me which one you prefer?

BOB Revolution

Baby Jogger

phil and teds Dash

We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': phil & teds Dash

babysugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:00:40 PDT

Some of the top-of-the-line strollers on the market today are those made by phil & teds. The New Zealand manufacturers have hit a sweet spot with their multifunctional line of duo seating buggies that serve many purposes while still looking sleek and sporty.

Great for a day out on the jogging path, the phil & teds Dash ($550) is suited to give mommy an easy outing while providing a baby (or two) a comfy cruise.

Perks mama can enjoy are an adjustable ergonomic handlebar, easy to manage rear brakes, a roomy storage basket that has pouches to stow small items, a sun canopy with a peek-a-boo window, and a long lifetime. Also, instead of having to double up on strollers, every phil & teds buggy is suited to add another seat (for an additional $100), magically turning it into a double stroller in minutes. A new feature for phil & teds, the area above the front wheel is now plastic. Why is that better you ask? The original fabric foot area design was appealing to the eye, but busy lil feet tended to wear the fabric down leaving tiny toes in danger of touching the wheel. The plastic board is an improvement to an already stellar stroller.

To keep reading about the phil & teds Dash,

read more. For moms toting around one child, the single seat can manage children up to 55 pounds or 4 years old. When a sibling enters the picture, the second seat ups the capacity to 88 pounds. Both seats can recline into comfortable napping positions, which would be perfect for a mother craving a jam session with her iPod on the jogging trail. That's probably a pipe dream, but at least the stroller offers the ability to do so. Also impressive is the quick breakdown of the practical pushchair. Instead of having to disassemble the whole stroller for storage, the creative designers figured out a way to collapse the jogging stroller easily - even with the double seat attached. Be ready to use your upper arm strength when storing this bad boy. Like most other strollers in the jogging category, the stroller weighs a hefty 23 pounds. But hey, that's not too shabby for two strollers in one! New to the family, the Dash will be available in November! We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.