LilSugar

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': Maclaren Techno XT

babysugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:00:01 PDT

What do Matilda Ledger, Ramona Gyllenhall, Violet Affleck, and Alexander Schreiber have in common? They all cruise around in the Maclaren Techno XT. King of the lightweight stroller category, Maclaren dominates with five options all under 17 pounds.

Weighing in at 14.2 pounds, the Maclaren Techno XT offers the ease of an umbrella stroller with a few extra perks. To see why the Techno XT is a crowd pleaser,

read more. Commonly seen on the streets of NYC, moms on the go appreciate the buggy's portability that does not forsake the child's comfort or security. The reclining padded seats, extendable foot and leg rests, and five-point harness keep tots pleasantly pampered for an afternoon of strolling. Similar to the Maclaren Volo, it simply collapses with the use of one hand. Like many more expensive travel systems, the seat reclines, making it suitable for newborns through 55 pounds. Another bonus that usually comes with pricier pushchairs is the adjustable handles, which is parent pleaser for those towering at different heights. Like most other Maclarens, the mesh basket underneath the seat provides ample storage with easy access. At $280, there are certainly plenty of positives that have convinced moms to buy the buggy. For all of those pros, there's got to be at least one con. Here it is - the plastic wheels keep it light but also provide a less than smooth ride, especially compared to the Bugaboo Cameleon or others in that category. But at that price, it seems to me that you get a lot with the Maclaren Techno XT. Tell me what you think about the Maclaren Techno XT!

Strollin': Quinny Zapp

babysugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:38:45 PDT

Mommies who find themselves running more errands than a Capitol Hill page girl or boy may fancy the Quinny Zapp. Much like its posh sibling, the Zapp still boasts fabulous features, but has a few less amenities, which is why the price is a more reasonable $200.

Available in five of the same spunky hues as the Quinny Buzz, the Zapp affords tots comfort in canvas like a seat atop a lightweight aluminum frame. When it comes time to store it, the Zapp easily folds into one of the most compact strollers on the market making it a cinch to store in the car or hallway closet. Also taking hints from the Buzz, the Zapp's swiveling front wheels make it feel more like an all-terrain pushchair than an umbrella stroller.

To see what the drawbacks are of the Zapp,

read more. While many parents may like the look of the Zapp, there are some small drawbacks to the fancy umbrella buggy. Like many umbrella strollers, it does not recline. Parents who need a stroller that can convert into a napping space may find the non-reclining feature an issue. While great for running quick errands and traveling, the storage space underneath the seat is a tad on the smaller side, which leaves shopping moms in a bind. And, due to the Zapp's weight (18.2 pounds), the stroller can't handle too much baggage hanging from the handles or else the whole structure risks tipping over. While most umbrella strollers do not offer car seat compatibility, the Zapp does. However, like the Buzz, it is only compatible with Maxi-Cosi Mico Infant car seat. If parents should choose to use the car seat with the base, the buggy is suitable for newborns. Based on standards, the buggy is appropriate for children age six months to four-years-old or 40 pounds. Tell me what you think about the Quinny Zapp! We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': Bugaboo Bee

babysugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:00:40 PDT

If labels make you happy, but prices let you down, the Bugaboo Bee may be an option you can't resist. Celebs like Matthew McConaughey, Gwen Stefani and Dave Grohl probably didn't bat an eye at the $530 price tag, but it's a luxury many of us can't afford. The attractive pushchair does have a fair number of sleek features that many parents find worth the investment.

Crafted by the same makers as the Bugaboo Cameleon, the Bee boasts many of its characteristics and makes a name for itself with some significant differences. To see what the "buzz" is all about,

read more. Falling into the lightweight category, the Bee weighs significantly less than the Bugaboo Cameleon or Frog at 17 pounds. Much to my surprise, the Bee easily collapses in one fell swoop without having to remove a bassinet or toddler seat, making storage and lifting a cinch. The stroller, however, only comes with one seat, which is reversible, reclining and extend-able. For parents wanting to use the buggy immediately, there are adapters available for various infant car seats. After that, toddlers up to 37.5 pounds can enjoy the posh set of wheels. Parents find themselves flying down busy streets with ease, which makes errand running efficient. The basket underneath the seat allows for ample storage space and easy access. In keeping with the stylish Dutch brand, the Bee is available in five fabulous fruity colors. Tell me what you think of the Bugaboo Bee! 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 Volo

babysugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:00:35 PDT

Perhaps one of the oldest and most trusted brands of strollers is Maclaren. Known for their ease of use and simple style, the English born brand is a top seller worldwide. The hard part comes when you have to pick which Maclaren to purchase.

Available in a variety of spunky colors, the Maclaren Volo is the lightest stroller option weighing in at 8.6 pounds. Crafted with high performance aluminum, the basic buggy collapses with a quick step on a switch and a pull of the toe. Using just one hand, a mommy can easily toss the stroller in the trunk or use the attached strap to throw it over her shoulder.

To see why I gave this stroller a high rating,

read more. While the Volo may not provide the plush ride - it lacks cushy seats and fancy headrests - it does have a footrest, a water resistant hood, foot accessible breaks, easy-to-manage five point harness straps, a washable fabric seat, and a rain cover. It also boasts one of the larger storage baskets under the seat, which means parents can slip goodies into the carry-all without putting too much weight on the handles. If, however, you plan on toting around a hefty load, don't count on leaving your goodies on the handlebars as your tot's weight combined with the nearly nine pound stroller may not be a match for your lofty groceries. The last thing you want to tip is your child! At $115, the push chair isn't cheap. But from my perspective, the ease, durability, and comfort that this stroller provides, especially when traveling or running errands, is priceless. We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': Lightweight Strollers

babysugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:00:00 PDT

Last week I reviewed five of the top travel system strollers on the market. This week, I'm taking it down a notch and honing in on more reasonable lightweight strollers from Right Start.

Often used for travel, quick trips to the park, a stroll to the local eatery or in the trunk of the car, lightweight buggies often help moms get from point a to point b without much hassle or concern. As practicality is the name of the game, the price tag often reflects that. Stay tuned this week to see which pushchairs are up for the test!

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

What to Skip When Shopping For Baby

LearnVest — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:15:45 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

By the last few months of every woman’s third trimester, she’s inevitably faced with one of life’s most intimidating situations: baby shopping.

No matter whether you had your most recent child years ago or are currently expecting, I’m sure you’re familiar with the situation.

You walk into your local baby store brimming with excitement and confidence, ready to stock up for your little one. Ten minutes later, after seeing floor-to-ceiling walls of bottles, swaddling blankets, baby food containers and strollers of every variety, that confidence plummets. Or it morphs into apathy that has you reaching for the chocolate and telling yourself your baby would be fine sleeping in a box.

At least, that’s how it was with me.

Thankfully, you don’t need everything you see at the baby store-nor do you need to be drowning in debt to provide a happy home for your little one. As it turns out, a lot of the items listed on the “must buy for your baby” checklists given out by big box baby stores aren’t essential at all.

If you’re way past the baby stage, share your wisdom with other budding moms in LearnVest Discussions.

As for me, here’s what I’ve found you can skip:

Bottle Sterilizer

Keeping your baby’s bottles germ-free is the best way to prevent infection and upset tummies. But you don’t need to pay upwards of $80 for an electric sterilizer that will take up a lot of kitchen counter space. Instead, try this Munchkin one for $18. It fits all size bottles, takes up no space and sterilizes your feeding accessories in the microwave in three minutes.

Read on for more items to skip.

Maclaren's Latest Collaboration Is Its Sweetest Yet

Rebecca M Gruber — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:20:00 PDT

Now that's sweet! Just in time for Summer, Maclaren is introducing the latest addition to its designer stroller line – the Dylan's Candy Bar Buggy ($150). The NYC candy emporium's signature rainbow color palette and candy prints will cover the popular lightweight Volo frame for a fun, Summer travel pushchair.

With a striped hood, candy-adorned seat liner, and candy-print rain cover, the bright buggy joins a long line of fun themes produced by the stroller giant, including the Beatles-themed Yellow Submarine stroller introduced last year. The umbrella buggy will be sold exclusively at Maclaren showrooms and Dylan Candy Bar locations beginning this month, meaning it's only a matter of time before tots start screaming, "I want candy!"

What do you think of the new buggy?

Mountain Buggy Duet Double Stroller Proves Good Things Come in Small Packages

Rebecca M Gruber — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:31:19 PDT

Double stroller pushers are often faced with a dilemma: sacrifice comfort for the convenience of a compact stroller, or choose a wide side-by-side carriage that is often unwieldy and hard to manage in crowds. The newest crop of double strollers is out to solve that dilemma with side-by-side pushchairs that mimic the size and maneuverability of classic single strollers. The latest to enter the market is Mountain Buggy's Duet ($600). The company sent us one of the first strollers off the assembly line for testing purposes. See how it measures up.

Who is this product designed for? As the narrowest side-by-side double stroller on the market, the Duet is perfect for parents of twins, or tots close in age, who use their stroller around town, not just for walks through the neighborhood.

Is it practical? The Duet gives double stroller-pushing parents more flexibility than ever before. It easily fits through the standard 32-inch door frame and maneuvers as smoothly as lightweight stroller down both nicely paved paths and torn up city streets. Able to accommodate two car seats (one seated slightly higher than the other) and two bassinets, the pushchair can be used from birth on up. The fully-reclining seats provide lil ones with plenty of space to stretch out and rest while the seats' independent canopies feature "flick-out sun visors" that provide extra protection once tots lay down. An adjustable handlebar provides both taller and shorter-than-average parents comfortable pushing positions.

Keep reading to see what sets the Duet apart from other double strollers and where it could use some improvements.

A Whole Lotta Lil in This Week's Links

LilSugar — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 03:15:39 PDT

We're sharing our Summer lists with each other, what's on your list?
See which celeb moms have embraced the home-birth experience.
We've got the best educational and entertaining iPad apps for kids.
A cute bathing suit, food allergy baking labels, and a charitable cookbook are must haves this month.
Red, white, and blue popsicles are healthy and patriotic!
Cute (and inexpensive) printable Fourth of July decorations for your fete.
Tips for preparing your tot for a lifetime of reading.
Should elective c-sections be covered by insurance?
We tested Baby Jogger's new POD convertible jogging stroller; see what we think!
Lighten your load this Summer with these lightweight baby carriers.

Source: Whatever