Stroller Mama Blog

You may have read about us in the news today.  The midwest got socked with the worst blizzard in 15 years.  I think we got about 20 inches here in Shaker Heights, Ohio.  It started snowing Friday and didn’t stop until Sunday morning.  Being the Clevelanders that we are, we don’t cancel things when it snows so my daughter’s friend’s 6th birthday was still scheduled to go Saturday afternoon in the thick of the storm.  When it was time to head out, I backed out of the garage in my Honda Odyssey, pulled forward about three feet to drive out of the driveway and got completely stuck in a huge snow drift - in my own driveway!  A half an hour later, we managed to dig ourselves out (that was stressful!), but I kept thinking to myself, if only my minivan was my Bob Revolution (that we use every week in the snow to walk my youngest daughter to her music class down the street), none of this would have ever happened! 

So, we had an “unauthorized” picture of the new Phil & Teds Vibe Buggy up on our blog recently and took it when when asked by the distributor until the “official” images were available.  Well, we got them today and I am working on the new Vibe page for the website but until that is finished I thought I would put up a few pictures for everyone to wet their palates for the expected arrival of the Vibe on March 15th….

So, by now you know that Amy and I love Valco strollers.  They have all sorts of great accessories and now they have an accessory that is coveted by moms everywhere.  The new Valco snack trays are now available for the Trimode Single and Trimode Twin.  Just pop the bumper bar (or bars) out and pop the snack tray in and, voila, your little one has their own tray and cupholder.  And at $20 a piece, I think they are worth every penny.  These snack trays are ONLY compatible with the Valco Trimode or Runabout strollers so keep that in mind.  And for all of our parents out there who are thinking, “But, wait, I don’t have a Valco and I want a snack tray”, don’t fret- check out our line of Carry You accessories.  The Siena Snack Tray and Piccolo Snack Tray both work great with lots of other strollers.

Want to be the “it” parent with something a little different while strolling down the street?  Want something fresh and new with fantastic styling and outstanding performance and quality?  Check out the new 2008 I’coo Targo!

Priced at $699, the Targo includes the chassis, stroller seat, bassinet attachment, universal infant seat adapter, and a free gift- Diapees & Wipees.  It is so new, we are just getting it up on our website but check out the great video that the distributor made on our website.  It shows the great features- our favorite is the reversible seat that actually also adjusts in height so you can raise up the seat and pull the stroller right up to a table in a restaurant for your baby. 

The I’coo Targo comes from the great guys at Grand Touring Baby who have also brought us the ever popular Rock Star Baby Stroller.  The Targo takes the great features of the RSB stroller and take it a notch up. 

We are currently taking preorders for the I’coo Targo which is available in three colors: Mocha, Marine and Houndstooth.  Word is the first container is selling fast so we suggest placing an order sooner than later if this is the one you want!  We are really excited and can’t wait for it to arrive!

It was supposed to be here in January, but the latest from Regal Lager is mid-March for the new Vibe.  So, for all of you waiting for it, just keep this in mind since in the land of newly released strollers, all things are often delayed!  If you can’t wait, definitely go for the Sport Buggy (maybe in the new Pink Camo!)  We’ll keep you posted!

So, here is the latest scoop for all of you Bugaboo fans out there.  I just talked our rep yesterday and got the skinny on all things Bugaboo 2008.   No changes to the Frog- the one and only original Bug will remain the same.  Not much new for the Bee other than the long anticipated debut of the Graco infant seat adapters (which are expected late April/early May) and the exciting Bee in PINK available late April/early May (which we blogged about back in September).

Big changes for the 2008 Cameleon.  First, the air tires are being replaced with EVA foam tires.  When I asked why, Bugaboo told me it was because they were replacing too many blown tires and that they felt the EVA foam performed equally as well.  They said they will look no different than the air tires currently on the Cameleon and you will not be able to tell by looking at them.  Second, the adjustable handlebar has been revamped.  Instead of the two twisty knobs on either side of the handle, the adjustment mechanism will be very similar to the handlebar extenders on the Bee.  More of a pop open and pull up and then lock back down.  Functionally, the extension will be the same but a tad easier to move up and down.

Most exciting- I have information on new colors and fabrics!  Bugaboo is phasing out the Bright Blue base and adding two great new base colors- Orange, Dark Blue and Dark Chocolate Brown!  I had heard rumors of the Chocolate base a while back and I am thrilled to hear they are confirmed to be true!  It is the same dark brown canvas that is currently available as a canvas tailored fabric and it is absolutely beautiful.  Rich and warm and will look amazing (I keep thinking how great it would look with my current pink tailored fabric……)  The orange is darker than the current orange and the dark blue is darker than the bright blue but not as navy as the navy Frog.  It is like the blue on the Bee.  The 2008 Cameleon bases in dark grey and sand will be available March 1, 2008, the red will be available April 1, 2008 and the dark brown, orange and dark blue will be available May 15, 2008.

Other big color news are the new tailored fabrics.  Bugaboo is phasing out the current pink and orange Cameleon tailored fabrics and accessories and launching a “new pink” and “new orange” for the tailored fabrics and accessories.  The “new pink” will be the same pink as the pink Bee and the “new orange” will be the same orange as the orange Frog. 

Finally, you asked and Bugaboo listed.  The canvas tailored fabrics will be available in some bright fun colors: “new” pink, “new orange” and dark blue.  They are expected mid-May.  The red, dark brown, sand, dark blue, off white and black are available now. 

For the fleece tailored fabrics, the “new” pink, “new” orange and dark blue will be available mid-May as well as the black, red and sand which are currently available.  The yellow, green, bright blue, “old” pink, “old” orange are being phased out and will only be available while supplies last.

Footmuffs and parasols will also be available in the new colors (”new” pink, “new”orange and dark blue) in mid-May and other older colors (yellow, green, bright blue, “old” pink and “old” orange) are being phased out and only available as supplies last.

Finally, Bugaboo is coming out with a new product- the Bugaboo blanket- which is designed to match your Bugaboo stroller.  They have blanket lines for the Cameleon, Frog and Bee.  The dimensions of the blanket are 30″ x 40″.  One side will be a soft fleece in black and the other side will be a soft microfleece in the coordinating Bugaboo stroller colors.  On the colored side of the blanket, there will be a Bugaboo circle logo in the center and a small Bugaboo logo flag on the bottom right of the blanket edge.  The price will be $59.95.  They will be available March 2008.

Bugaboo also told me that they are working on getting a wheeled board with universal adapter clips so it can be used on the Cameleon, Frog and Bee but it probably won’t be anytime before 2009.

Other than the debut of the Bee, this is big news for Bugaboo lovers since we haven’t seen much change on the Cameleon for a while!  My trusty Cameleon has been getting me and my thirteen month old through the snow here in Cleveland with no problems.  My daughter could not look cuter in her dark grey/pink Bug with matching footmuff, but all of the new color combinations have already got me thinking…..

Calling all parents with one boy and one girl!  We have got the stroller for you!  StrollerMama is proud to announce the debut of BOY MEETS GIRL - The Pink & Blue Limited Edition Valco Tri Mode Twin.  A stroller boutique exclusive with very limited availability, this special edition Valco Tri Mode Twin stroller has the same features of the current Valco Tri Mode Twin with one of kind styling done in half-pink/half-blue.  The Boy Meets Girl comes complete with: pink footmuff, blue footmuff, pink bumper bar, blue bumper bar, zip in sunshade, rain cover, cup holder and tire pump all packaged together for $825.  The stroller is currently in production and is scheduled to ship late November.  We are taking preorders now (you won’t be charged until the stroller ships) so check it out and reserve yours today!

Who doesn’t want a something a little different for their Bug - especially our parents in NYC where Bugs are a dime a dozen (versus here in Cleveland when I see a Bugaboo I actually call Amy in excitement to tell her what color, what kind and where I saw it….)

Along came Alex Lyon Perelman who came up with the brilliant idea for Carriage Couture.  After having her first child, Alex decided to use her sense of style and love of fashion to help solve a problem that she, any many other NYC moms, were having after parking their strollers outside music class.  She wanted to find a way to distinguish her Bugaboo from everyone else’s and make it easy to find while also using it as a mechanism for expressing her unique sense of design.  As Alex said herself, “I loved the idea that we could offer moms a way to express their personal sense of style through that all-important accessory- the stroller.”  And that was how Carriage Couture was born.

We love the fun and unique designs that Alex offers.  My little Sascha’s pink Bug would not be complete with a coordinating dark gray “S” adorned with little stars.  Whether your little rock star needs a skull and crossbones or your little princess is the preppiest toddler on the block with whales or ladybugs or just a simple monogram is your thing, Alex can help you personalize your stroller for that unique and chic look that you are looking for!  You can see her work at www.carriagecouture.com and ask for Alex!

Amy and I were just in Las Vegas for the ABC Kids Expo and our heads are still spinning from visiting the Regal Lager booth where we saw the debut of the new Phil & Teds strollers.  Regal Lager took their beloved Sport Buggy (one of our favorites) and spawned off three new versions of the stroller.  It was pretty confusing at first, but let me try to break it down for you so it all makes sense.

There will be four versions of the Phil & Teds single stroller with doubles kit and we will be carrying two of the lines- the Original Sport Buggy which is currently available (and also is now available in a fun and vibrant pink camo for all those parents out there that want a “girly” Phil & Teds) and the new Vibe Buggy which is due out in November.  The Vibe Buggy was originally supposed to be called the GT but they have changed the name.  The Vibe is the stroller for the parent who already has the Bugaboo or other upscale single that wants the top of the line as they move from a single to a double.

Before I tell you more about the Vibe below, I will mention the other versions that they are releasing (that won’t be available at StrollerMama).  First is the Phil & Teds Classic Buggy.  It is basically the older version of the Sport Buggy- the e3.  It doesn’t have all of the wonderful features and improvements they made to the Sport Buggy (adjustable handlebar, recline on the doubles kit) and it is only being offered in red.  The concept is to offer parents the convenience of the Phil & Teds stroller in a stripped down version at a lower price point ($299 for the stroller, $79.95 for the doubles kit).  While we like the idea in theory, we love the Sport Buggy too much and feel as moms and Phil & Teds users ourselves, the Sport Buggy is a better stroller and a better investment

The other new stroller is the Phil & Teds Dash Buggy.  Amy and I were on the fence on this one and ultimately decided that we were going to focus on the Vibe Buggy as an upgrade to the Sport Buggy.  The Dash will sell for $499 for the stroller and $99.95 for the doubles kit.  It is being marketed as the Phil & Teds stroller in between the Sport Buggy and the Vibe Buggy.  New features include an new positioning of the brake at the handlebar, easier recline mechanism on the main seat, different styling, a larger storage basket and more cushioning.  The doubles kit still has a slight recline, is more cushioned and the top of the seat is more covered than the Sport Buggy.  It only comes in red and black.  Again, while we liked the concept of the stroller, our original thoughts were that we actually prefered the Sport Buggy the best, then really liked the Vibe more than the Dash for the “boutique” Phil & Teds stroller.  It will be interesting to see how this one is liked by parents.

So, on to the good stuff- the Vibe Buggy!  This is the “fancy” Phil & Teds stroller that has been much anticipated by all.  We know that many of our parents want the most high-end strollers on the market and Phil & Teds wanted to put their hat in the ring.  While we adore the Sport Buggy and it is a terrific fit for most of our families, the Vibe Buggy is for our parents that want the functionality of the Sport Buggy, but want something more exclusive.

Besides the new streamlined styling of the Vibe Buggy (it looked much different than the Sport Buggy in Vegas), the other unique features are the ligherweight aluminum frame and the ability to fold the stroller with the doubles kit in the rear position.  Although folding the stroller with the doubles kit on in the back was a little tricky, I’m sure once you do it a few times it would easy to master.  This was a feature that many of our parents wanted and Phil & Teds listened. 

The aluminum frame is designed to make the stroller the lightest weight of the models and the frame really made the stroller look much different than the Sport Buggy.  It was a clean and sleek look- more streamlined and modern.  The seats, both front and back, are substantially more plush.  The doubles kit is fully covered (no exposed bar like on the Sport Buggy) and has a slight recline mechanism, the brake is now on the handlebar and the storage basket is larger.  It will be available in black and red.  The price on the Vibe Buggy is $599 for the stroller and $129.95 for the doubles kit. 

Also, keep in mind that we learned that each stroller line has their own accessory line which also makes things a little tricky (especially for us!).  It is something to keep in mind if you want to upgrade from an older model that storm covers and sun covers and the like are not interchangeable between models.

At the end of the day, Amy and I think the Sport Buggy will remain the bread and butter of Phil & Teds- tried and true.  We think the Vibe Buggy is going to be perfect for our boutique parents that only want the best of the best- the functionality, the style and aren’t phased by the price tag to get something unique and exclusive.  The Sport Buggy is available now at StrollerMama and the Vibe should be available March 15, 2008.   

For all of those who are interested in the wonderful new infant seat- the Maxi Cosi Mico- and the Bugaboo Cameleon or Frog is your stroller of choice, you are in luck!  Bugaboo worked pretty fast and got their Maxi Cosi infant seat adapter bars safety tested and approved for the Cameleon and Frog.  We have them in stock and they are ready to ship out.  We also hope to have the Maxi Cosi adapter bars for the Bugaboo in Bee in stock sometime soon this fall!