LilSugar

Are You Ignoring the Maclaren Recall?

babysugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:00:31 -0800

Recall? Who cares?! When recalls are announced, some people run back to the store to get their money back, but others keep on keeping on with their less than perfect goods. Such is the case with many a Maclaren pushing mommies. As I strolled about town yesterday, I couldn't help but notice the dominance of the British buggies rolling around in San Francisco - yours truly included. All different models with varying ages of children made their way through small spaces and tight sidewalks. While some mothers might have stopped using their recalled models, some clearly have no problem pushing the popular, if hazardous, strollers. When asked about their continued use, some declared they were more cautious when folding and collapsing it because of the hinge issue. Others said they called for the hinge repair kit while others threw caution to the wind saying there are probably dangers with every pushchair on the market... touché.

Are you taking the recall to heart or just using your stroller with caution?

Source

Maclaren Recalls One Million Strollers

babysugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:17:32 -0800

One of the top pram producing companies of the world is facing a tough task this morning. The always-popular Maclaren is recalling one million strollers that were sold between 1999 to the present. The problem at hand? Faulty hinges. The press release issued by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports wee fingers are at risk of getting severed during the unfolding or opening of the stroller.

Parents are being advised to stop using their strollers immediately until the models are known and the repair kits are issued. The buggy manufacturer will be providing the hinge covers on their website and through a hotline. The models have not been announced yet as the recall was to be released tomorrow. We will have an update on the make and model when the information becomes available.

Match the Celeb Mamas and Papas With Their Strollers, Part II

LilSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 06:00:44 -0700

Celeb mamas and papas keep rolling along as they push their tots around town. Though many parents have multiple strollers to suit their needs, Tinseltown moms and dads seem to switch strollers as often as they change their babies' diapers. See if you know which buggies your favorite celebs are pushing.

Question 1 of 9

Which mama and her beau took their lil one out for a beach-side stroll in a Baby Jogger City Mini Single Stroller?

10 Droolworthy Designer Strollers

LilSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:00:46 -0700

Most parents use their buggies for the practical purpose of pushing baby, but some moms and dads view strollers as a status symbol and there are plenty of swank versions that play into that desire. To differentiate their pushchairs from the pack, many manufacturers have enlisted the help of known fashion designers to create unique fabrics for their rides. Others have turned to design mavens for assistance. The results are often ridiculously expensive, but enviable designs. Take a look at some of the most droolworthy strollers on the market.

View Slideshow ›

Match the Celeb Mamas and Papas With Their Strollers

LilSugar — Wed, 20 May 2009 06:00:21 -0700

How do the rich and famous roll? Just like the rest of us parents pushing prams and strollers around town while their wee ones relax! Though their rides might be on the pricier side and have a few more bells and whistles. See if you know which baby buggies your favorite celebs push around town.

Question 1 of 9

Which new mama took her daughter for a stroll in a red Quinny Buzz?

Six Swank Bouncer Seats

babysugar — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:00:34 -0700

When mama needs to jump in the shower or prepare dinner, a bouncy seat can be as good as a babysitter. Parents who love such contraptions, but detest primary colors, teddy bears and plastic are in luck as some of the high end baby companies are producing aesthetically pleasing options to appease a swank parent's decor craving. Check out my slideshow to see some of the hippest baby bouncing seats on the market.

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Strollin': Maclaren Grand Tour LX

babysugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:00:36 -0700

While my 2008 stroller reviews have sparked a discussion about the benefits of full travel systems versus their lightweight siblings, the granddaddy of stroller manufacturers, Maclaren, has thrown a new product into the ring that is sure to have your tongues wagging.

The Maclaren Grand Tour LX, the company's first non-umbrella stroller, was unveiled last week and its features have moms doing a double-take. In addition to the multiple-positioned, forward- or rear-facing seat, removable carry cot, and infant car seat compatibility, the pushchair features front chassis safety lights with a remote control, stain-resistant Nano-Tex fabric available in eight colors, adjustable telescopic handles and an undercarriage basket with a removable shopping bag. To see what has me lining up to test this beauty, including another photo, read more.

By far the coolest feature on the GT LX is the Dashboard Console, which is reminiscent of the one found in top-of-the-line cars. The console has a clock, temperature gauge and built-in Strollometer, which, as you may recall provides information on distance traveled, average and current speeds and is a great aid in postpartum weight loss.

The bells and whistles don't stop there though, the stroller comes with a canopy hood complete with an air vent, sun visor, rain cover and mosquito net, an organizer that attaches to the handles, a cup holder, a luggage tag and storage and wheel bag covers for the wheels, which can be easily removed for storage and cleaning. Unlike other complete travel systems, this one features an easy one-hand fold system and comes pre-assembled.

While the stroller can be used from birth to 65 pounds, it does come at a price. Like many of the systems I reviewed last week, this one will set you back about $900, but if that doesn't phase you, visit your favorite store in November when these babies are scheduled to hit the market.

Strollin': Maclaren Twin Techno XT

babysugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:00:29 -0700

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': Maclaren Techno XT

babysugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:00:01 -0700

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': Maclaren Volo

babysugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:00:35 -0700

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.