Recently in Strollers Category

US Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the recall of 1.5 million Graco strollers for models Passage, Alano, and Spree manufactured in China between October 2004 and February 2008. This is a similar danger of fingertip amputation as the Maclaren recall in November 2009. This time is has to do with the opening and closing of the canopy. You can order the part to fix this problem by going to Graco's website. There has been 7 reports of children having their fingertips injured, 5 fingertip amputations and 2 finger lacerations.

Happy New Year!  As we celebrate a brand new decade, I would like to look back and recap on my favorite products from 2009.  These are things I cannot live without, some are luxuries but all of these make my life as a mommy better!

Beaba Baby Cook

One of the best inventions of all time!  We all want fresh and nutritious food for our tots, but who has the time?  This Beaba Baby Cook does all the work for you, just throw in the washed produce and it will steam and puree it for you.  This is not a luxury, it is a necessity!!  Beaba Baby Cook for $149.

Cares Child Restraint System

Do not even consider getting on a plane with a car seat unless you have a new born under 9 months.  This 5-point harness seat belt will save your sanity and make your travel actually pleasant!  For $74.95.

Pediped Flex

I thought Pediped Originals were the best things on earth until they came out with Pediped Flex for toddlers.  Super cute and incredibly comfortable.  The best part, the insoles that come out as your tot grows so you get extended wear by one whole size!  That is serious value because we all have barely worn shoes that were outgrown before they made it out the door. Prices range from $39-45 depending on style.

Right Bank Babies

Oh how I love this line!  Original, spunky and more style than my own wardrobe.  My tots always look their best while glowing with their own personalities in Right Bank Babies designs.  I have to stop though, they are starting to look like paid models for the line!

Chasing Fireflies - Best website ever!  You will find so many treasures from clothing to gear to unique toys.  The only problem is, they do not tell you the designers of their products are you are pretty much stuck buying from them.  Luckily, they have great customer service and their prices are great, with incredible sales!!  They take care of me so I just make my life easy by going to them first.

Nalgene Tritan Grip-N-Gulp BPA-Free Water Bottle - Best Sippy Cup!  I don't do spring cleaning, I do new years cleaning.  To start off a brand new year, I have to clear out everything I don't want or need, which includes all the sippy cups other than the Nalgene.  I still love Siggs for the road but for everyday use, this is the only leak proof sippy that does not have a thousand little valves and nozzles.  It has one.  Try it, I promise you will not look back. For $7.70.

Monica Rich Kosann Jewelry

Sentimental jewelry becomes even more special as a mom.  But you have to be careful because there are some really bad cheesy photo pendants and lockets.  Monica Rich Kosann is real precious jewelry, the details are exact and delicate for pieces that are worthy of a Jewel Snob.
Take a look at the collection.

Little Giraffe Blankets

I have a pile of blankets that is higher than the height of my closet.  And that pile pretty much stays untouched because the only blankets I end up using are the Little Giraffes.  They are soft, lightweight, thin and as comfortable as a cloud.  Hands down the best gifts for a baby shower.
At Layla Grayce for $78

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Uppa Baby Stroller

I have 6 strollers so I know what I'm talking about.  This Uppa Baby is the best.  The reason I have so many strollers is because there was not ONE that fit all my needs.  Sometimes I'm going for a long walk so I need the performance of the Bugaboo, other times I need my Maclaren Volo for it's lightweight and easy collapse features for the New York subway.  Then there are those days you know your tot will fall asleep so you need one that reclines.  The scenarios are endless but this Uppa Baby seems to handle them all with ease. For $669.99 at Uppa Baby.

Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black)

I am pretty sure most parents already have the Flip but in case you don't, get one immediately.  You will never miss another YouTube moment every again with this tiny 2 oz HD camera that takes up less room in your bag than 2 tubes of lip gloss.  The picture quality is amazing, truly HD and easy easy easy to operate. And for $149.99, it is an easy sell.

Maclaren has issued a recall for their Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller models, which accounts for over 1 million strollers. The hinge on the side of the stroller could possibly cut off a tot's fingertips during folding and unfolding if their finger is placed there. There has been 15 fingertip amputation incidents to date. They are issuing a free repair kit with a zipped cover that goes over the hinges to prevent accidents. I have 3 of these strollers, the Volo, Techno XT and Twin Techno!! Yikes. Stop using the stroller until you get the repair kit! The Maclaren website is currently down from an overload of traffic and their toll free number, (877) 688-2326, has been busy for hours. You can also email them if the other contact methods are frustrating you. I will keep trying and when and if I get through, I will post an update.

UPDATE: I have been able to get to the web page that allows you to input your information so a repair kit can be sent to you. You will need to locate the VIN Product ID # that is located at the bottom of the stroller, it is a 21 digit number next to a bar code. But I warn you, it is very hard to submit your completed form, it will suddenly stop working and you have to start over.

UPDATE #2: I just received an email with this notice: "VIN number field on the Order Form is no longer a mandatory field. Please go ahead and submit an order for the hinge cover by visiting our recall website at www.maclaren.us/recall". Also, as of Nov. 13, 2009, the website for Maclaren works now.

UPDATE #3: New update on Nov. 24: Maclaren will further promote child safety by offering its hinge cover design to all manufacturers of strollers and waive its rights through patent protection.

The company's recent voluntary recall increased consumer awareness of the potential risks associated with strollers. Maclaren is calling upon all manufacturers to adopt its hinge cover solution for the protection of children. The safety of a child is Maclaren's overriding concern.

I heard Bono speak at last year's women's conference and not only is he talented and HOT, he is inspiring. Makes me feel like I can and should do more. Something as little as buying the (RED) products whenever possible can make a big difference, that's why I am a huge supporter. The Bugaboo Bee Teasu(red) special edition stroller contributes 1% of all revenue to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. I love the Bee, I wish I was still in the market for a stroller, it has all the functionality of the Chameleon with the convenience of a one piece breakdown. Show that you care and look great while doing it. Exclusively at Neiman Marcus for $599.

If it weren't for bugs, summer nights would be absolutely perfect! These bug nets by Hedvig Bourbon try to make it more pleasant by embellishing your average nets with cute butterflies or dragonflies. I know, can't get over the irony? But fake bugs (that don't bite) in bright colors are quite lovely =) They have elastic hems that are roomy enough to fit all strollers, car seat carrier with canopy, bassinets and more. These come in a cute drawstring pouch and would make great gifts. Butterfly net also comes in black and Dragonfly net also comes in white and are $28 each.

Seat Options: Toddler Seat $150; Infant Car Seat $225; Carry Cot $150

Chassis Options: T-100 $425; T-200 $500; T-300 $575

There are endless stroller options these day, you should not have to compromise on style or function even on a budget. But with all the options, there is still the confusion of who makes the best strollers especially with all the new manufacturers cropping out of the woodwork to get a piece of this massive market. It's good to know that Teutonia has been around for over 60 years and the German company is still innovating while maintaining their solid reputation of quality and engineering. Their latest stroller design actually allows you to customize your stroller to achieve the ultimate fit for your lifestyle and needs. You can choose the appropriate seating for the age of your child, this way you are not paying for options you will not use, like the bassinet that comes with a lot of strollers but gets very little use. And if you want to save money but still get the performance you want, you can choose a lower model chassis if you cannot benefit from the higher models. The starting chassis design, the T-100, is the most lightweight. The T-200 is sporty and good for off roading and their cornerstone model, the T-300 is sturdy, strong and all terrain. There are also wheel design options, which is purely an aesthetic choice, as with the color of the fabric, which they have many many including prints and patterns. Prices range from as low as $575 or if you want the top of the line it is $800. Go to Teutonia USA to design your own stroller and find a retailer near you to purchase.

I love my Bugaboo but like anyone who has one, I can tell you that it is a major pain in the butt to collapse and transport. The two piece break down and the giant chassis that takes up my entire trunk space (no room for groceries!) make me regret spending all that money on it. But oh, the ride is so smooth and pushing it exerts no effort whatsoever! If only I can have it all. Well, of course now that I am totally out of strollers, there is the UPPAbaby series. The Vista stroller is the top of the line and comes with a bassinet and toddler seat (both come intact, without fabric swapping) that folds up easily in one compact piece. It has a lightweight chassis, large off roading wheels, a big basket for storage, SFP 50 extended canopy and has a sleek modern design. It even stays standing upright when collapsed so you don't have to struggle with it. It has all the conveniences parents want and all the comfort we require for our tots. It comes in 5 great colors and is priced competitively at $699.99 compared with the Bugaboo Frog ($729), Quinny ($549.99) and Orbit ($899.99). After weighing all the pros and cons among these high end strollers, the UPPAbaby Vista would be my choice if I was getting another stroller now (which I can't because I already have 6). At UPPAbaby online store, check out their other strollers including the G-Lite umbrella for only $129. Find the closest store near you to test one out.

Does little Kingston look jealous that his younger sibling Zuma is riding in style in a Marc Jacobs designed Bugaboo? I can hear him whining now-- "why don't I have scribbles on my bike? How about some GGs or LVs?" We previously reported that the buggy cost $1,500 with only 15 available worldwide. I guess there are only 14 more up for sale. I wonder if Gwen actually bought hers or if MJ himself gave it to her as a freebie. For information contact Little Marc at 212.206.6644.

I am not one to judge as I bought a bugaboo myself (in solid red without logos) when my son was born but isn't it a bit early to expose your children to designer logos? What do you mom snobs think of imposing your fashion sense on your tots? Is Gwen a Fashionable Mommy or Fashion Victim?

Marc Jacobs has teamed-up with Bugaboo for a limited edition collaboration based on the Bugaboo Cameleon. MJ selected an all black chassis and used a cursive 'love Marc' black on black print (the black 'love Marc' print was also used in the spring/summer Marc by Marc Jacobs women's ready-to-wear collection and the Little Marc Jacobs collection)! Only 15 of the exclusive Marc Jacobs for Bugaboo strollers are available worldwide and retail for $1,500 -- Six strollers at Marc Jacobs in New York City, another four are showcased and sold at Colette in Paris, two at the "Intriguing Wonder" room at Selfridges, two at the Marc Jacobs store in Dubai, and the last Marc Jacobs for Bugaboo strollers is in Amsterdam. With only 15 strollers on the market all interested parties should inquire ASAP!! For information contact Little Marc at 212.206.6644.

I'm absolutely loving this Penguin Footmuff from Quinny by Henrick Vibskov! It's part of Quinny's limited edition collection by internationally renowned Danish fashion designer, musical artist, and filmmaker Henrik Vibskov. The collection is launching January 2009, but I got a chance to preview it the other day and they're not only beautifully constructed, but fun! Most of the pieces in the collection are colorful with a Pop Art quality, but this footmuff definitely stood-out. We were told that Vibskov's designs for his Quinny collection were based on a modern-day fairytale -- a large forest far from civilization where all kinds of colorful figures who are not accepted in the city come together. I'm not sure if I was able to catch all of that in the pieces (except for the fairytale part!), but Vibskov translated this fairytale into three wonderful prints -- Mad, Rainbow and Raindrop. The collection consists of three items in addition to the penguin footmuff -- the Quinny Buzz stroller, the Quinny Dreami bassinet, and the Quinny Zapp. All of these products incorporate the same safety and quality Quinny is known for and the prices range from $139.99 for the footmuff to $1,159.99 for the Buzz stroller. More images and information on the Quinny website!