Stroller Mama Blog

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!

So, by now you know that Amy and I get very excited about new strollers when they debut so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the new QUINNY BUZZ.  There was lots of buzz (pun intended!) about this one.  It has been very popular in Europe and Canada for sometime and Dorel decided it was time to bring it here to the U.S.  According to US Weekly, it also has fans in Rachel Weisz and Jennifer Garner so I knew it was time to test it out myself.

So far, it has lived up to it’s expectations.  It is priced reasonably (compared to it’s biggest competitor) at $688 fully loaded ($499 without the Dreami bassinet).  It comes complete with a raincover, windcover, bug net, bumper bar and underseat basket (and a free Diapees & Wipees from us!) 

The Buzz has the most uniquely designed frame I’ve seen.  It is streamlined and sleek.  The seat is wonderfully soft.  I wasn’t sure how the neoprene fabric would feel but it is incredibly plush and comfortable for my six month old daughter.  I was also weary about how the seat would wear since my daughter is what they call a “spitty” baby (and that’s putting it mildly….).  As soon as I put it together I put her in it and not less than 30 seconds later she spit up all over it!  I rushed to get her out to wipe it down and when I looked all of the liquid had beaded up and was not absorbing into the seat.  It was wonderful and a breeze to clean up!  This is important for my family!

The other super cool feature of the Buzz is its automatic gas-spring unfold mechanism.  The stroller literally unfolds itself and I’m not kidding!  We’ll have a video of the unfold up very soon so you can see it for yourself.  Once the stroller is folded, all you need to do it tap under the handlebar and the whole frame literally comes up and then locks into position.  My husband and my kids think it is a spaceship (which is a good thing, I think…)  The stroller can also be folded with the seat attached (in the forward facing position) which is also a nice feature.

The seat is reversible and comes with a removable sun canopy.  The telescopic handlebar adjusts with the touch of a button is is very well suited for short and tall parents alike.  The underseat basket is a bit small compared to others but at least the stroller now comes with it standard (for the European model, the basket was an additional accessory to be purchased separately). 

The coordinating Dreami bassinet is one of the nicest I’ve seen on the market.  It is plush and wonderful for a newborn.  It comes with a rain cover, bug net, washable mattress liner and matching fleece blanket.  The colors are bright and vibrant and coordinate perfectly with the stroller.  It is easy to attach to the frame- it just clicks in and out.

The Buzz is also compatible with the new Maxi Cosi Mico infant seat which should be available August 15th.  The adapter to fit the infant seat are included with the Buzz.  The Maxi Cosi is the leading infant seat in Europe and will surely make a big splash here in the U.S. market.  It will be available in five colors that also coordinate with the Quinny strollers.  They will sell for $149.

The Buzz is a perfect stroller for parents looking for an all-terrain stroller with a reversible seat and high styling.  It handled our bumpy, uneven Shaker Heights sidewalks very well and got lots of oohs and aahs when we walked by!  We think it is great choice!

The world has been waiting for a new release from Bugaboo and it is finally here.  Today we saw the debut of the Bugaboo Bee at the JPMA show.  Bugaboo is using words like “nimble” and “compact” to describe the new stroller and it is!  We weren’t sure what to expect at first- it was unusual looking- nothing else like it on the market and we wondered how it would perform.  But, after a full demonstration, we were overly impressed and are eagerly awaiting its arrival in September.

The Bee will sell for $529.00 and comes with a black seat and a choice of five canopy colors: yellow, blue, red, black and dark khaki.  It is the most compact Bugaboo stroller and is a complete infant to toddler travel system.  It takes some of the most impressive features of the other Bugaboos and puts them in a more compact and lightweight stroller.  We loved the fact that it was lightweight and still had a reversible seat and a huge height-adjustable handlebar.  The performance that Bugaboo is known for is still there- all four six inch foam filled wheels have independent suspension and it really steered beautifully pushing with one hand. 

It has a four position recline and also can take Graco, Peg and the new to the U.S. (coming in June!) Maxi Cosi infant seats.  ***Edited on April 15. 2008 - The only infant seat adapters that are now available for the Bee are for the Graco infant seats- the Peg and Maxi Cosi adapter bars were not released due to safety testing issues.***  It also had some great coordinating accessories: an adorable baby nest which is perfect for a tiny baby to be all snuggled up in, footmuffs, parasols, sunshades and an all silver breezy sun canopy. 

This is supposed to be the Bugaboo to throw in the car, carry on the subway or throw in a taxi.  It is light and easy but with the quality Bugaboo is known for.   The fold is easy and compact and a true one part fold versus the two part fold of the Cameleon and Frog.   We left the Bugaboo booth all excited about the new Bee.  We saw tons of people looking and pointing as they walked by and we think it is going to make a huge splash on the market this fall.  It literally created the “buzz” Bugaboo was going for with their debut.  We already have them on order and have been told they should be in our store by September 1st.  Check back as we get closer to the release date for preordering details as we hope to have them available for preordering this summer. We think you are going to love the Bee!    

So, here we are on April 7th in Cleveland.  It’s opening weekend for the Cleveland Indians, we have tickets to bring the family to the game tomorrow and it has been snowing for 48 hours straight with about twelve inches so far.  My landscaper who finished my spring clean up on Monday reverted back to being my snowplower again kindly plowing our snow-hidden driveway even though our contract ended in March.

So, what does this have to do with strollers, you say?  Well, since we can’t play in the backyard this weekend, I thought we might as well take the new 2007 Mountain Buggy Urban Single for a test drive.  We headed out to the Great Lakes Science Center for a family outing and gave my four month old daughter the honor of being driven around in the new stroller.  The verdict: a real winner.

I haven’t had too much hands on experience with the Mountain Buggy myself so this was a perfect opportunity to play around with it.  It chugged right though the snow without even a second thought.  It meant business when it came to handling the weather.  And then indoors it was a pure pleasure to push.  My husband couldn’t believe how easily the stroller handled (and he really is getting to know his strollers being the husband of a StrollerMama!).

The fold was very easy to do and the stroller folded right in half.  The basket was generous and the handlebar adjusted from very high to very low.  The seat seemed comfortable for my daughter as she is now facing the world for many of her stroller rides-cooing and taking everything in!  I chose the Plum Dot (StrollerMamas love purple, of course) and I thought the fabric was beautiful. 

The quality of the Mountain Buggy is undisputed and I really felt that way when I used it.  So, I guess when I’m stuck inside all weekend with the kids when I should have been eating cotton candy at the baseball game with a warm spring breeze in the air, at least I get to wheel around my little one in style in a great new stroller!  Thumbs up for the Mountain Buggy Urban Single from me! 

So, Amy and I were anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new Phil & Teds Sport Buggy and today it finally arrived!  We talked to so many parents about the new model and read on paper about the new features but I was excited to try them out for myself.   I thought the e3 was great….the Sport Buggy is even better!

The best new feature is the adjustable handlebar.  It’s about time Phil & Teds made this a feature on their strollers!  Now the Sport Buggy is easy to adjust for very tall and very short parents with the touch of a button on each side of the handlebar.  This was a much needed improvement and I found it worked great and was super easy to do.  

Coming in a close second was the change in the doubles kit to add a recline feature.  This was always a minor complaint from parents that the second child couldn’t take a nap in the doubles seat.  Phil & Teds listened and added a zipper recline on the second seat.  I tried it myself and it maked about a four to five inch recline.  Enough to help out a sleeping toddler but not too much as to interfere with a parent pushing the stroller.  I think this was an excellent improvement.

The other improvements I saw were the quick release wheels (again, Phil & Teds followed in the footsteps of some other stroller companies to add this nice feature) and the improved five point harness.  The straps are more easily adjustable and it makes it easier to harness in a smaller child.  The bumper bar has been slightly redesigned and has a more curved fit.  Also, the canopy now has a peek-a-boo window which is also a nice new feature.

And for the parents who are wondering, the Sport Buggy is only compatible with the Sport Buggy raincover and suncover and the e3 still is only compatible with the e3 raincover and suncover.   All of the other accessories are are interchangeable.  All of the colors remain the same (orange, red, black, charcoal, lime and navy) except Sand which was discontinued and the fun addition of Camo Blue.

When I pulled out the Camo Blue to check it out, my three year old son immediately said “Wow!” and my five year old daughter old said, “Cool stroller, Mom” (like she was a teenager or something….)  I figured that was a good sign!

So the final verdict is hats off to Phil & Teds! Two thumbs up from StrollerMama on the new Phil & Teds Sport Buggy!

So, as a mom of three, the youngest being eleven weeks old, it’s tough to feel glamorous these days (or even find time for a shower……)

That being said, I’m feeling the love for my Ju Ju Be BE A STAR diaper bag in brown/bubble gum.  As a mom of a newborn again, I have to haul around everything and the kitchen sink all day long.  Between bottles, formula, burp cloths, bibs, diapers, wipes, changing pads, cremes, purell, my wallet, keys, call phone and extra clothes, my bag is full!  That doesn’t include the multitude of matchbox cars and polly pockets I also carry around for my toddlers…..

That is why I love the BE A STAR- Ju Ju Be’s Limited Edition BE ALL diaper bag.  It has a million pockets, separate diapering compartment, place to hang keys, store your cell phone and so on.  It can make even the most disorganized mom, an organization guru! 

Plus, it has done a heck of a job holding up in our nasty Cleveland winter weather.  I can’t tell you how much salt I’ve cleaned off my car with the side of my bag and I just wiped it clean.  How about last week when my formula container basically exploded inside the bag? I just dumped it out and wiped it completely clean.  It was really unbelievable!

But the best part of all is how great it looks and how great I feel using it.  I get tons of compliments wherever I go.  Plus, even though all of my shirts have spit up stains on the shoulders, I have dark circles under my eyes since I haven’t slept in weeks and I look a little more messy than I’d normally look, I grab my BE A STAR and life is good.  At least I have a stylish diaper bag on my shoulder and that makes all the difference!

Well, it is that time of year when new strollers start to hit the market.  Big news for Phil and Teds fans is that the new Sport Buggy line should be here within a few weeks!  The  e3 single buggy and doubles kit has now been replaced by the Sport Buggy line.  (Check out the e3s on sale!)  Same great stroller with improvements, of course!  Most importantly is the new adjustable handlebar.  No pictures or official specs yet since they are still on the water and haven’t been photographed yet but as soon as they have them, we’ll put them up on the site.  The colors will be the same except they are discontinuing Sand and adding a fun and spunky Camo blue!