Stroller Corner Review Maxi Cosi Strollers for 2012

To help with the higher-end American stroller market, Dorel purchased both European brands, Maxi Cosi and Quinny a few years ago. In addition to a couple of stroller models, Maxi Cosi also sells the Mico infant car seat that can attach to their strollers to form a modern-looking travel system.

Maxi Cosi Foray LX

Maxi Cosi’s first and most famous stroller is the Foray LX. To compete in the rocketing popularity of convertible strollers, the Foray LX appeals to those who don’t want to spend over $500 for a beautiful stroller with a reversing, removable seat.

The Foray LX recently had some improvements done such as a more compact fold, which had addressed previous complaints. The LX also enables you to keep the seat attached with the fold, although it is a multi-step process, which can be a disadvantage.

Going forward into 2012, the Foray looks to have the same great features as 2011. Parents like the smooth ride, the one-touch brake, and telescoping handle bar. The affordability is a big plus for a luxury stroller.

Accessories included with purchase include a parent cup holder, weather shield and the Maxi Cosi Mico infant seat adapter. The car seat is, of course, sold separately.

How do consumers feel about the Maxi Cosi Foray LX? First off, customers are quite pleased with the features improvements. The simpler fold with the seat attached bumped up the ratings quite a bit, by at least one star. Average rating for this stroller fluctuates between 4 and 5 stars, depending on the retailer.

What about professional consumer guides? The latest edition of Baby Bargains rates Maxi Cosi strollers overall at a B-. Why? It has to do with the Perle. Perle is Maxi Cosi’s stroller no longer showing on their official website, so I am guessing it is discontinued. But it had some long-term durability issues, which is why Baby Bargains issued a mixed overall rating.

Consumer Reports has similar views, giving the Foray a 70% overall rating. On an updated report, the list said Foray, not Foray LX, so they may be rating the older model. But the marks this convertible stroller received were good for ease of use, excellent for maneuverability and fair for safety.

Maxi Cosi Elea

While I still have my Baby Bargains book out, they mention that new strollers out for 2011 are the Elea and the Adore. Well, as you know it’s December already and their USA website does not show either of these two strollers.

So I did a search on both. The Adore is supposed to be their new side-by-side stroller that can accept an infant car seat and take up to 100 pounds of combined weight. The Adore does not come up in any search results, so we’re going to simply have to wait on that one.

What about the Elea? I did find some information on that one. Maxi Cosi’s International English site has this model for sale over in Europe, and it’s been on the market there since the beginning of 2011. My guess is that Maxi Cosi shall debut in the United States, but I can only presume that it will be next year. As you can see from the photo (stroller below the logo) it looks really nice – sleek and modern.

A unique selling point of the Elea is that it has two folding options. One is for everyday use and the other option is to remove the seat for ultra-compact storage.

The Elea, like the Foray, is a reversing seat stroller with the option to remove the seat and install a Mico car seat or a sophisticated carrycot (bassinet) to turn your stroller into a pram.

Reviews from across the pond give the Elea 4 stars for the little details that add up to a wonderful experience all around. For example, lock and unlock your front swivel wheels with a push of a button on either side of the seat! No more walking around to the front of your stroller to step on and off levers.

Also switching the seat is easy with another button push – and you don’t have to try and hold down the button while lifting the seat!

What is the price point on the Maxi Cosi Elea? As of February 2011, it was selling for 400 British Pounds, which equates today at about $623. That’s quite a bump up for Maxi Cosi! But with all those neat little tricks incorporated into the stroller, the price isn’t too off-putting.

I don’t know about you, but I think the Elea would do very well here in the States, so I eagerly await news from Maxi Cosi. You can be sure I will post right here on Shopaholic Mommy if I hear it’s going to be available.

What do you think of the Elea and the improved Foray LX?

Amy Tanathorn researches the best baby strollers at Stroller Envy, where you can read in-depth reviews of your favorite stroller types and brands. Reviews include video demonstrations, product specs, photos and detailed descriptions.

Do you buy Baby Trend Strollers?

What Lies Ahead for Baby Trend?

The Baby Trend company doesn’t exactly live up to the “Trend” part of its name; while their strollers are on the lower end of the price spectrum, their models have remained essentially the same for years. Nothing trendy going on at all!

But they do have some classic designs that sell well. For example their three-wheeled all-terrain model called the Baby Trend Expedition has been a favorite for years. I personally see a couple of them around my neighborhood nearly every day – the Expedition is attractive, sporty and can carry an infant car seat.

Owner ratings on it are average to good with 3.5 to 4-star reviews on retail websites. There had been a problem in years past about a wobbly front wheel, but the company looks like they’ve addressed the problem since, because not many complaints have been voiced since then.

In addition, Consumer Reports likes the Expedition calling it a Best Buy and giving it an overall 73% – very good – rating. I guess Baby Trend figures they don’t need to improve on an already good product, so besides a few color changes now and then, the basic design and function of the Expedition is just fine.

Another model that sells well is the Baby Trend Sit N Stand. In my opinion, Joovy makes a superior product with their Caboose and Caboose Ultralight, but those are certainly pricier. For families who need to watch their budget, then one of the Sit N Stand models are perfectly good.

The Sit N Stand Double is a wonderful stroller for twins because it can handle two infant car seats and has two toddler seats. If you have children of two different ages, then the single Sit N Stand enables Mom to install a car seat in front or back for added flexibility.

What do consumers have to say about the Sit N Stand? Parents rave about the Double because it offers an extra seat in back. Some older siblings are just slightly too young to have only the bench seating of the single Sit N Stand, so being able to have a toddler seat until your big kid is ready to stand more often is a nice bridge to that stage of development.

I see mostly 4 and 5-star reviews for being well built and sturdy. Face it, with two kids in tow, your stroller has GOT to be able to handle the wiggles, added weight as well as the ins and outs of the car trunk. Several reviews mention what a great value the Sit N Stand stroller is – very low cost for a well-made product.

The recurring complaint heard most often is the bulkiness and weight of the stroller, but most parents acknowledge in their reviews that they understand that that’s the nature of a double stroller. The single Sit N Stand models that don’t include a second seat actually fold up quite flat and customers say they are impressed with how compact it is, so keep this in mind when deciding on the 2-seater or the 1-seater.

So as you see, Baby Trend takes a good thing and keeps running with it. They don’t tweak their products nor add much of anything new and exciting, yet consumers are continuously pleased. Now that’s staying power!

Amy Tanathorn researches the best baby strollers at Stroller Envy, where you can read in-depth reviews of your favorite stroller types and brands. Reviews include video demonstrations, product specs, photos and detailed descriptions.

Winter Stroller Accessories for Baby

Winterize Your Stroller

As we usher in November and say goodbye to Halloween, winter is fast upon us. Unexpectedly so for our friends in the North East US with those recent snow storms! Despite the cold, many moms and dads like to get out and enjoy a family walk or do some jogging on those days where the sun peeks through the clouds.

Baby, of course, needs to be warm enough since he won’t be moving about like you, Lets explore ways to prepare your stroller to accommodate the extra blankets and big coat to keep baby cozy.

BUNTINGS & BOOTS
Quite a few stroller brands like Maclaren, Britax and Zooper have a boot – or footmuff – that either comes with purchase or that you buy separately. The advantage to buying the same brand is color and style co-ordination for moms who like to match.

If your stroller brand doesn’t have a matching boot, or it has low consumer ratings, then consider buying a bunting for your stroller.

One I came across is called the JJ Cole Urban Toddler Bundle Me. What I like about this bunting is that the back layer is thin with reinforced openings, allowing either 3- or 5-point safety harnesses to thread through, resting directly on your child.

The bunting is made of quilted outer nylon for water and wind resistance and inner microsuede, both for style and cozy warmth. And the JJ Cole Urban Toddler Bundle Me comes in seven lively colors to brighten dark winter days.  Nearly 100 reviews rate this bunting at 4.5 stars, so it’s a quality product that consumers actually like to use.

A rainshield will keep out not only rain and snow, but it will shield your child from wind. Cold winter wind bites through most fabric and can chill you quickly. The plastic shield will hold in the warm air for your child, too. Many strollers come with a rain shield, or you can buy them separately.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Make sure to adjust the straps on the safety harness so that they are not too tight against the extra space needed for the coat.

This one is going to be obvious, but you should keep hot drinks out of the parent console. All it takes is one big bump or lurch to send your Starbucks toppling into your baby’s seat. Instead, put your coffee into a thermos and keep your thermos in the storage basket if it’s too big to put in the cup holder. Besides, a Thermos will keep your beverage hot for a long time, especially on those freezing days.

Try and store your stroller indoors or in the trunk of your car to ensure the wheels don’t get stuck with mud or ice.

HAVE ANY MORE SUGGESTIONS?
Parents, what are your thoughts? Do you have any tips to share with others who live in colder climates?

Amy Tanathorn researches the best baby strollers at Stroller Envy, where you can read in-depth reviews of your favorite stroller types and brands. Reviews include video demonstrations, product specs, photos and detailed descriptions.

Chicco Stroller Reviews and News

Chicco Expands & Improves Stroller Selection

Mid-range stroller brand Chicco has enhanced the Cortina with the Magic line and has added a new stroller frame.

It’s that time of year again folks, where stroller manufacturers are vying for your attention in the coming year by adding new products and improving features on existing ones.

Chicco is no exception. While this Italian company does not push the limits on design, it stays with tried and true tradition and their strollers are well made. They do stay on top of trends as far as quality materials and understanding consumer need.

Chicco’s flagship stroller, the Cortina, is part of a new line called Chicco Magic that sounds really exciting. The official website says,

“Sophisticated fabrics and thoughtful, baby-centered design are already hallmarks of the award-winning Chicco brand. But for true MAGIC, we challenged our designers to push further, evaluating our core line of products to envision an innovative, fashion-forward collection that surrounds your baby in comfort and safety while making your outings smart and stylish.”

The new Cortina Magic has a slightly larger storage basket than the original Chicco Cortina, and the fabric is lush and comfy. The color is a rich dark brown with a creamy brown lined pattern as an accent as you can see in the graphic to your right. Isn’t it gorgeous?

The first two reviews on the Cortina Magic have come in just this week and it has 4.5 stars already. It’s gotten 8 FaceBook likes as well, so word is spreading about this new line quickly. Moms that wrote the reviews say that the Cortina Magic is beautiful and all aspects of this stroller are just nicer.

At the moment, the only retailer I see selling the Cortina Magic is BabiesRUs.

The next piece of Chicco news is their new car seat stroller frame called the KeyFit Caddy. I can’t tell you to the number of new moms who want something compact and lightweight during baby’s first few months and a car seat stroller frame fits the ticket. Often times moms need this simple solution while they figure out what stroller is going to fit their lifestyle the best.

The KeyFit Caddy fits the Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat. It is made with a strong, contoured aluminum frame yet weighs a mere 11 pounds. The KeyFit Caddy has an easy one-hand fold to freestanding position and all-wheel suspension for a smooth ride.

Mom, you get a huge storage basket with front and rear access and a parent console with cup holders. Is Dad coming along? Adjust the handle bar for strolling comfort no matter how tall you are.

This car seat stroller frame has been getting some fantastic 5-star reviews from parents who like the convenience of a stroller frame made for their Chicco car seats. Mom loves that the car seat clicks into place so she knows her baby is secure and she does not need to use a strap like in a Baby Trend Snap N Go. It assembles easily and the features on it all get positive remarks.

The price tag doesn’t seem to sway any parents away, though it generally costs about $30 more than your average car seat stroller frame. Retail on the KeyFit Caddy is $100.

Chicco is looking quite good with all the positive feedback they have been receiving for their latest additions.

Amy Tanathorn researches the best baby strollers at Stroller Envy, where you can read in-depth reviews for your favorite Chicco stroller and other top brands, including video demonstrations, product specs, photos and detailed descriptions.

New Warning Crib Bumpers are Dangerous

Pediatricians Warn Crib Bumpers are Dangerous

Safe baby bedding recommendations have been changed once again according to the American Academy of Pediatrics on October 18, 2011. These recommendations are to help in the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The most recent addition to those recommendations is that for children under the age of one year crib bumpers should not be used.

For many years the AAP has been issuing guidelines for their safe sleeping recommendations which included suggestions to have an infant sleep on their back, and with no soft toys, pillows, or blankets. Now they have added crib bumpers to the list of items that should not be allowed in the crib. I always thought that the crib bumpers provided a way for the kids’ head to not hit the side of the crib but this new warning does bring up some valid points.

Crib bumpers were originally designed to prevent a baby from falling out of a crib or getting their arms or legs trapped between the crib slats. However, since crib guidelines were changed to only allow for 2 3/8″ between slats, the danger of these problems is not likely. The new crib guidelines do not allow enough space for a baby’s head or body to fit between the slats, and the most probable outcome if a baby were to get an arm or leg caught would be discomfort or upset until help arrived. With these guidelines in place, a serious injury should not be possible. The other thought behind crib bumpers was to protect the baby from banging his or her head against the railing and causing a head injury. The AAP believes that the possibility of a baby having enough strength or force to bang their head hard enough to cause injury is inconceivable.

The new idea from the AAP is that crib bumpers pose a bigger hazard than a help. An infant may roll up against the crib bumper during the night, and not be able to roll away, or not be able to move their head enough that they can breath. Due to babies’ developing muscles and motor control, they may not have the ability to move themselves into a safe position and may suffocate. Also, the ties used to connect the bumper padding to the crib itself can become a danger if the baby were to become tangled in them. Crib bumpers have been linked to suffocation and strangulation deaths for these reasons.

Parents may think they need the crib bumpers because they make the crib look welcoming and comforting. They may also think that just because it comes in the bedding set that it is safe. This is not true. Crib bumpers are more dangerous then helpful, and a safe bed is more important than a pretty one.

In order to provide a safe sleeping environment for a baby, parents should use only a fitted crib sheet with a firm mattress. There should be no gaps between the crib mattress and the railings. No soft items such as pillows, blankets, soft toys, and crib bumpers should ever be used for an infant.

Bumbo Baby Seat Love Ah….Not So Much!

The time has come you just found out you’re pregnant and its time go to your local baby superstore and register. As part of my baby registry I decided to register for the Bumbo Baby Seat along with all the other hundreds of items.

The Bumbo Baby Seat was created in 1996 by a grandfather named Johana Buitendach. While babysitting his grandson Danielle; he noticed that the baby was very inquisitive and wanted to be able to look at everything. The only problem, he wasn’t able to sit up straight and pillows were not giving him the proper support. So, grandpa went and designed the Bumbo Baby Seat.

It is a supportive seat made from firm foam (polyurethane) that comes in a variety of colors. Its surface is hygiene-friendly, simple to clean and has no sharp edges or straps. It is also stable and 100% self-supporting.  It is designed to help your baby develop his/her core stomach muscles.  Ah, this idea sounds perfect and innovative right?

Well for me not so much….Unfortunately, I’ve only used the Bumbo 5 times in the last 8 months. In my opinion it was not worth the $40.00 price tag. I am ready to try and sell it on eBay; because it’s taking up closet space.

I first used my Bumbo seat when my baby was 3 months old. I was so excited to use it!  I like the look and concept behind it. I guess I was the only one in my house that thought it was cool. Sorry to say, my 3 month old son didn’t agree.  I placed him in the Bumbo seat and it lasted a total of 5 mins.  It didn’t help that his chunky thighs got stuck when I pulled him out. Oh, the tears were flowing….

Since my attempt with the Bumbo Baby Seat other girlfriends have tried it with their babies. It seems that it’s not as popular as once thought.

Every baby might be different especially if they are long and lean. However, if you can find one used then go for it. But I don’t recommend paying full price for a new one….. If you’re in the market I have one for sale!! ;)

Peg Perego Stroller Updates for 2011 and 2012

I always went out of my way to save up a little extra money and buy a stroller from a company with a good reputation. Peg Perego was the stroller company I choose for both my girls and I was very happy with them. Here is an in depth look at Peg Perego changes for the coming year!

Peg Perego Stroller Updates – Enhancements for 2011 and a new model for 2012

I’ve gotten the pleasure of using and testing out several Peg Perego strollers at the store and let me tell you, Peg Perego is the epidome of pampering, both for parent and for baby.

First you notice the fabrics of these high-fashion Peg Perego strollers. Different vibrant and rich colors every year and it feels high quality when you run your hands over the seat or canopy. The next thing you notice is how plush the seat is. It is like a seat-shaped pillow that envelops your baby in soft comfort.

Then when I pushed these stroller around the store I felt the tight maneuverability and an overall well-put-together product. No wobbly chassis or imbalance with wheels or weight off the handle bars; we’re talking top quality here!

The only confusing issue I had was how to fold the Peg Perego Pliko P3. If only I had that YouTube video demo with me in the store! I did find that the Peg Perego Vela was easy to figure out how to fold, though.

New in 2011
Yeah, the year’s just about finished already, but Peg Perego has made some changes in their strollers and introduced a new stroller called Pliko Mini.

First, the chassis and weight has changed on the Pliko models. The Pliko Switch Compact now weighs two pounds less than 2010 and has a shorter chassis by two inches for a more compact fold. You can fold this stroller with or without the seat attached, a very convenient option for parents on the go.

The Pliko P3 Compact has kept all its outstanding features, yet designers have figured out a way to make the fold more compact by two inches as well. The P3 weighs about 3 pounds less than the Switch, which weighs nearly 22 pounds total.

Wonder which one is better to purchase? Check out the Peg Perego official blog post on their three main models, the P3, Switch, and Si.

Peg Perego has released a new stroller this year called the Pliko Mini. In the graphic image, it’s the cute little red stroller! The Pliko Mini is a streamlined version of the full-featured Pliko P3. The Mini weighs only 13 pounds and has a traditional umbrella stroller fold. And speaking of fold, it has a one-handed, stand-alone fold and is compact enough to fit in the smallest car trunks.

The Pliko Mini can hold up to 45 pounds, has a reclining seat and comes in four fabulous colors.

New for 2012
Peg Perego announced from their blog during the ABC Kids EXPO late last month that they plan to release a new stroller called the Book.

“The Book will feature a sleek and innovative design and a very special compact book fold. It also will have an easy-to-push single handlebar and wheels with 12 ball bearings and suspension that will allow for 360-degree agility.”

Take a look at the blog post to see photo previews of the new Book. I think it is cute; it looks more streamlined than the Pliko models. I can’t wait to learn more.

What do YOU think about Peg Perego strollers? Have you used any of them before? I’d love to know what you think about this fantastic Italian-made product.

Amy Tanathorn researches the best baby strollers at Stroller Envy, where you can read in-depth reviews for all the most brands and models including video demonstrations, product specs, photos and detailed descriptions. Read more about Peg Perego strollers and other popular lightweight stroller brands and models.

What’s in your Diaper Bag?

Bye, bye purse….hello diaper bag! Diaper bags are an important part of being a parent.

Ok, so one year ago I was hitting Coach Outlet for the 30% off beginning of fall sales event. Now, like many of you my life revolves around the diaper bag.

As females, we get to experience firsthand the progression of life. As little girls we walked around the house in our mother’s high heels and pleaded for a hot pink spangled purse. Next, high school it was all the rage of Coach, Dooney & Bourke and Gucci. At last, we are college graduates and learn about eBay, outlet malls and the best designer purses.

Now that we are mothers, our life, our style, our sanity revolves around the diaper bag. Fortunately many of our favorite designers make diaper bags. If we don’t have a well stocked diaper bag….then we’re asking for TROUBLE!

The Mommy and Daddy-to-be diaper bag check list:

  • Changing pad (many diaper bags come with one)
  • Diapers
  • Childs vaccine log (just in case child get sick and have to go to hospital)
  • Phone number of pediatrician
  • Allergy information
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Baby wipes
  • Socks/shoes
  • Camera (for those “oh so super cute moments”)
  • Bottles/formula/breast milk
  • Extra nipples for bottles
  • Pacifiers/pacifier clip
  • Bib
  • Burp cloth
  • Blanket
  • Small First Aid kit
  • Nasal aspirator
  • Extra onesies (2)
  • Diaper rash cream
  • Rattle/baby book/small toy
  • Disposable deodorizer bags (for those “oh so smelly” diapers!)
  • Little Noses Saline Solution
  • Hair clips (girls)

Remember to always try to have a Diaper Bag / Baby bag ready to go and packed so you can leave quickly! Post by Teachermommy….

Combi Stroller Review

What to Make of Combi Strollers?

When you first look at these lightweight strollers they’re very cute! Combi is a Japanese brand that’s been in the US for awhile now and produce compact strollers that are popular for travel and daily errands.

Combi reached its heyday back in the 1990s, but since then, management has undergone several changes and the company has gone rather stagnant. Since beginning my stroller research over a year ago, there have been absolutely no changes to their models, nor have any new strollers have come out in that time.

Combi has its “flagship” model called the Cosmo, which has a full seat recline and can accommodate the Combi car seat called the Shuttle. Their only twin model is called the Combi Twin Sport that has gotten rather decent reviews, averaging 4 stars. Then they have the Flare, which is a pared-down version of the Cosmo, and has also gotten decent 4-star ratings across the different internet retailers. However that’s really it in terms of Combi product offerings. They used to have a couple of car seat stroller frames, but those have been discontinued.

The Cosmo and the Flare haven’t done all that great on Consumer Reports, either. While the Flare did slightly better at 63%, the Cosmo came in last place in the umbrella-style (lightweight) stroller category at only 52%. Both models received the same marks: very good for ease of use and maneuverability and fair for safety.

The Twin Sport got a better reception on Consumer Reports. For the double side-by-side category, it rated right in the middle with a 65% – higher than the Zooper Tango but lower than the Peg Perego Aria Twin. The Twin Sport received very good marks for ease of use and maneuverability and a fair mark for safety.

Consumer Guide Baby Bargains says in their latest publication (this year) that Combi plans to come out with two new stroller models in 2011. The first they mention is called a Cabria, and it has the same features as the Cosmo, only enhanced. Features like a larger sun canopy and shopping basket, bigger wheels, a parent cup holder and console are in the works.

Next is called the GT-1, the most expensive stroller in the Combi line at $229. This stroller will feature a big storage basket, larger footrest, two cup holders and a nice large sun canopy.

Unfortunately, when I went to the Combi official website, I didn’t see anything about the Cabria nor the GT-1. Considering 2011 has only 3.5 months left in the year, I hope they roll them out soon.

Combi looks kind of like a flailing company and they need to update and improve their current stroller models and the new ones they introduce better knock our socks off.

Amy Tanathorn researches the best baby strollers at Stroller Envy, where you can read in-depth reviews for all the most brands and models including video demonstrations, product specs, photos and detailed descriptions. Read more about Combi strollers and other popular lightweight stroller brands and models.

Baby Einstein Video Review

My life saver is The Baby Einstein DVD Collection! In my house the DVD’s are also known as “Baby E.”

The Baby Einstein Company was founded in 1996 by a stay-at-home mom and former English teacher Julie Aigner-Clark.  Her products are designed to expose babies and toddlers to language, poetry, music, art and science. Julie has won several awards for her work. She’s also been featured in Time and People, and has made appearances on CNN, MSNBC and the BBC.

I have to share with you the amazing deal I found on EBay. The Baby Einstein DVD collection was $43.00 plus FREE shipping. I have all the DVD’s from baby to toddler.  It’s the best deal out there. No more $14.99 at Babies R Us, Target or Buy Buy Baby.

I was given my very first Baby Einstein DVD for my baby shower (Baby Beethoven).  When my son was 4 months old; I put him in his ExcerSaucer and hit play. It was like love at first sight. He was in a complete trance watching the moving colors and objects. The music is very soothing and catchy. I actually enjoyed playing the DVD while cooking dinner LOL.

After watching his enthusiasm from the first DVD; I immediately went to EBay. At that very moment; I couldn’t believe my eyes. The DVD collection with free shipping! If you have a little one at home; I strongly recommend this collection.  We don’t leave our house without our “Baby E DVD collection.”  My little guy has such a rough life that during our last camping trip, we brought along our laptop to play his Baby E DVD’s.

I hope you and your little one(s) get the same enjoyment from this DVD collection as we are.