Dear Mr. Dad,

You don't know me and I don't know you, but I spotted you in the Prudential Mall with two kids in tow and a toddler in a stroller. Perhaps you noticed me, too. I was the one in the pink coat with the pained expression.

Let me explain.

First, I admire you for braving the chaos of Boston on Patriot's Day in order to take the kids to see the Boston Marathon. I'm sure they had a lot of fun. But I'm also pretty sure you're going to have lifelong back problems from pushing that dinky, seriously-was-that-a-toy-stroller-because-it-was-really-really-small umbrella stroller around all day.

Make no mistake: you were doubled over at the waist! It's a sad day indeed when a tall man is pushed to the limits of his pain threshold for being a good dad. The look on my face was meant to convey the sympathy pain I was experiencing on your behalf.

Mr. Dad, I realize that these are tough times. But maybe you could just invest in a nice Maclaren. The super compact, lightweight Volo is only $130. Or for $280 you could get get a Techno XT, which--I might add--comes with adjustable handlebars. You could use that as your primary stroller amd never need to waste another penny on some cheap umbrella stroller that looks like if you hit a Boston cobblestone the entire frame could collapse right there on Newbury Street.

Think about it, please. It could save you hundreds in chiropractor bills and your toddler will thank you.

Sincerely,
Mother Goose

New Maclarens for 2009 - Part II

Okay it's time to get back to Maclaren's 2009 strollers! I covered the Volo, Triumph, and Quest Sport already. Here's what I left out:

1. The Quest Mod Stroller: The first thing you'll probably notice about the 2009 Quest Mod Stroller is its fun new "Big Apple" pattern. I wish I had a close up image for you, but it's a modern, playful print that looks fantastic in every single color it comes in: Pink and Brown, Blue and Orange (my favorite!-Shown), Black and Green, and Green and Yellow. As expected based on the previous strollers, the hood is longer and larger for extra coverage, and is easier to take on and off.

2. The Techno XT Stroller: This stroller also has a new hood design: there are now air vents when it's fully open and it also has a larger viewing window. New elastisised pockets can hold the rain cover & mosquito net, which is so great when you're on the go. The stroller handles now have a nice, satin finish and the stroller also features a reflective hubcap design. Plus you can now choose from either a Charcoal Grey Stroller with Silver Frame or a Black Stroller with a sleak Black Frame (shown). Chic!

3. The Techno XLR Stroller: The most exciting update for this stroller is that it now has a one hand recline. The design has also gotten a little boost with a two tone harness and two new colors: Coffee Brown and Green, Charcoal Grey and Burnt Orange, and a very luxe looking Black and Champagne (Shown).

Take a look at all of these fab strollers at Stroller.com.

Have a great weekend, everyone! Be sure to go out for a stroll with someone you love.

New Maclarens for 2009!

Get excited, everyone, because Maclaren has rolled out their 2009 strollers! That means new colors to drool over and some new features as well. I'll break it down for
you by model.

1. The Volo Stroller: Maclaren made a lot of improvements to the Volo this year. They added a foam handle for improved comfort. Now t buckle ring color coordinates with the seat fabric color for an even more stylish look. Plus they updated the curve of the hood. Also now choose silver frame to coordinate with silver components or the black frame to coordinate with black components. This year the colors are as bright and refreshing as popsicles in a rainbow of options the includes yellow (shown), orange, green, pink, and blue.

2. The Triumph Stroller: The Triumph has been given a larger hood that's easier to out on and take off. Foam handles increase comfort while pushing. The buckle ring color and woven contrast two-color harness add style. And best of all there's an argyle pattern in back! It comes in red, pink (shown), brown, gray, and blue.

3. The Quest Sport Stroller: The hood's gotten large
and easier to take on and off. The Quest Sport also has a hubcap design, which I assume refers to the cute stripe down the middle of the stroller that's inexplicably giving me Herbie flashbacks (Hey, who wouldn't want a stroller that reminds them of a Volkswagon??). The colors are stylish and sharp, ranging from grey and white (shown *love it*) to red and black.

What else is going on in Maclaren land, you ask? You'll have to check back here to get the rundown on the Quest Mod, Techno XT, and Techno XLR! While you're waiting, take a closer look at Maclaren's 2009 strollers at Strollers.com!

I Love You Too, Maclaren...

In honor of Valentine's Day I felt I had to blog about the "I Love You" Maclaren Quest Stroller designed by Lulu Guiness.

I will confess: I am not always a huge Lulu Guiness fan but I do think this stroller is really cute. The black background and bright colors keep the "I Love You" print from getting too cloying even though the sentiment is a bit presh. The more I look at it...the more I, well, *love* it!

Plus, it's got all of those great Maclaren features I love. You can use it from 3 months (not birth--no car seat adapter and it can't fully recline though it does have 4 recline positions) up to 55 lbs--which should definitely get you through toddlerdom. It's got a lovely, lightweight aluminum frame and Maclaren's quintessential one hand, compact umbrella fold.

There's even a carry strap plus the canopy, which has a storage pockets for those little essentials, tilts for better sun protection. All this adds up to one very stylish, unique stroller that's perfect for winter vacations to some place sunny.

And plus, umm, did I mention it's really really cute? What's with me today? I guess I'm just feeling the love!

Some Money Saving Stroller Tips

Everyone's feeling the pinch these days so I thought I'd give you stroller shoppers a couple of money-saving tips.

1. No, you don't need a stroller bassinet/carrycot for your newborn.

Rosie emailed me with this question and I thought it was a great one. Do you or don't you need a bassinet? The short answer is: No, you really. don't. As I told Rosie, a stroller can be used from birth as long as it fully reclines. This is usually listed in the stroller features either as "full recline" or "can be used from birth." They mean the same thing.

If you're worried that your newborn won't be fully supported, you can purchase extra padding to ensure that he or she is nice and snug. A car seat is also a perfectly acceptable option for a newborn because, again, it's snug and supportive as well as fully reclined.

Of course as my favorite high school teacher once told me, "Need and want are entirely different things." You may decide that you want a stroller bassinet badly enough to warrant the cost. Just remember, you're baby may not know the difference but your wallet most certainly will.

2. Consider a car seat stroller instead of a travel system.

A car seat stroller is essentially a stroller frame with no seat. You can attach your car seat into the stroller to create an infant stroller. I recommend Maclaren's Easy Traveler Car Seat Stroller (shown). The aluminum frame folds compactly just like an umbrella stroller and only weights 11 lbs. Another great feature is that the basket is generously sized compared to other car seat strollers. And Maclaren's Easy Traveler retails for a mere $69.95 on Strollers.com!!

When it's time to go out, just fold up the frame, toss it in the trunk and tuck baby safely into his or her car seat. When you arrive at your destination all you have to do is unfold the frame, take the car seat out of the car, snap it in place, and go!The frame is compatible with most US car seats: the Britax Companion, Combi Center, Combi Connection, Combi Tyro, Costco Designer 22, Costco Eddie Bauer, Evenflo Discovery, Graco Snug Ride and Safe Seat, and the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio.

Bonus: You can put the money you saved towards a quality stroller to use once baby outgrows the car seat that will last until your child doesn't need to use a stroller anymore.

Check back for more money saving tips and stroller savings! Have a great weekend.

Ask Mother Goose!

A couple days ago I got a great stroller question from a reader and I thought I'd share my answer with all of you in case any of you are in a similar situation.

Parent Profile: You're a parent with older children and another baby on the way so you're looking for a stroller that's lightweight and easy to lug around. It should have a one handed fold so that you can quickly get your stroller in and out of the car with no muss or fuss. You also want to make sure you're getting the most value for your money.

If this sounds like you, here are some stroller suggestions. The following strollers weigh 20 lbs or less, feature a lightweight and attractive aluminum frame, and cost $400 or less.

Peg Perego's Pliko P3 Stroller: The Pliko P3 costs $340. It can be used from birth and can accomodate children up to 45 lbs. It has a one handed fold as well as a footboard. The footboard is great for older siblings who are still young and may need a rest from walking. This stroller is fairly light at 17 lbs and I like the fact that you can purchase an additional front bar ($20) for when you don't want to use the snack tray that comes with the stroller.

One potential drawback is that it's only compatible with Peg Perego's Primo Viaggio car seat. The Primo Viaggio is a great car seat but some people prefer other brands like Graco (or already have a car seat from a previous child) and want the option of using other car seats with their stroller.

Maclaren's Techno XLR Stroller:If you're hoping to avoid having to buy another stroller ever again, then you might like the Techno XLR which you can purchase for $350. This stroller can be used from birth with or without a car seat just like the Pliko P3. What I really like is that it can accomodate children up to 65 lbs!

Maclaren is known for their easy-to-fold strollers plus this one weighs in at a mere 16.7 lbs. This is the second lightest stroller on my list and also the one with the highest weight capacity. It's also compatible with a wide variety of car seats including the Britax Companion, Graco Snug Ride-Safe Seat and Peg Perego Primo Viaggio car seats.

Micralite's Fastfold Stroller: If weight is the biggest factor for you then you'll love the Micralite Fastfold, which retails for $330. At 14.78 lbs it's the lightest stroller on my list and stands freely when folded. And, true to its name, it's incredibly fast to fold with one hand! (you can see a demo video here) This stroller accomodates children up to 40 lbs, which isn't as much as the XLR, but is still a decent weight limit. Another important thing to keep in mind with this stroller is that it's not appropriate from birth without a car seat. A car seat adapter is available ($40) and works with either the Graco Snugride or Safe Sit car seats.

Bumbleride's Indie Stroller: If you plan to do a lot of walking or jogging with your new baby then you'll like the Indie Stroller. The front wheel locks for jogging or power walking. It can accomodate children up to 45 lbs, which is more than the Fastfold but less than the XLR. It can be used from birth without a car seat and is compatible with a wide variety of car seats including Graco, Britax, and Maxi Cosi.

Keep in mind, the Indie isn't just a great stroller for jogging--it would also make a comfortable urban stroller thanks to its easy manueverability. However at $400 it is a little pricey depending on your budget and it weighs 20 lbs. And while it's easy to fold, it takes both hands. This stroller is only worth it if you do intend to use if for some jogging or intense walking.

FYI: I based my prices on Strollers.com.

Much thanks to Ally for a great stroller question! Remember, if you have a stroller question and you don't know who to ask, you know where to find me!

End of the Year Randomness

I've returned to you after a haze of holiday madness including much driving through various New England states to visit relatives. There is something that's been on my mind since before Christmas: a stroller with a gold chassis. Yes, gold. I spotted it in the mall but before I could make my way over to the mother and ask her just what stroller it was, she disappeared. Don't ask me how a woman with a gold stroller managed to "disappear"...it was pre Christmas and there were crowds. I hate crowds.

So since then I've been combing the Web trying to find this particular stroller. I don't think I've found it yet but I did find two really interesting strollers with gold frames! One is a gold lame Mamas and Papas stroller Gwen Stefani used for Kingston back in 2007. The other is a limited edition Maclaren Stroller.

But the stroller I spotted had a bassinet! So, faithful readers, I'm begging you: if you know anything about this mysterious stroller please share it with the (*cough*stroller obsessed support*cough*) group!

In other news, during my internet quest for the elusive gold chassis, I stumbled upon a Swedish stroller company that designs gorgeous prams. It's called Emmaljunga but, tragically, it's not available in the US (...yet). Still, if you love prams, feast your eyes on their site. They've got possibly my favorite video intro ever.

Actually, their video is probably only second to Bugaboo's promo video for the Bee Stroller in my heart (because if choreographed dance numbers involving hot guys, strollers, and adults dressed as trees and lamp posts is wrong then I just don't want to be right). To view the Bee's video, go to this link, select "Bugaboo Bee", then click on "Bugaboo Bee Film" on the right. Trust me, it's worth it.

And that wraps up 2008! I can't wait to see what fabulous strollers appear in 2009. Just rest assured I'll be blogging about them all--as soon as possible! Have a happy and healthy New Year, everyone!

New Maclaren Design: The Spitfire Ryder Stroller

In honor of the 70th Anniversary of the British Spitfire fighter aircraft, Maclaren has released a special Spitfire Ryder Stroller.

This stroller is part of Maclaren's Objects of Design Collection, which has featured strollers designed by Lulu Guiness, and Kate Spade.

I love that the design of the Spitfire Stroller is reminiscent of its namesake while remaining tasteful and modern at the same time. It comes in "Spitfire Green" and cream and there's even a bullseye on the hood just like the ones once seen on the side of these iconic aircrafts. The liner is reversible with one side a simple green and the other a playful camoflage. This stroller really looks unique and would definitely garner a lot of attention on the sidewalk.

Seeing as this is a Maclaren stroller, there are plenty of practical features as well. The Spitfire Ryder Stroller can be used from birth up to 55 lbs. It boasts a sturdy, aluminium frame, 5-point, adjustable safety harness, 4 reclining seat positions, front and rear suspension, a one-hand umbrella fold mechanism, and ergonomic handles. The seat is removable and washable, too. And the stroller comes with a rain cover, and coordinating head hugger and shoulder pads to keep baby snug.

This is such a cool, fun stroller--especially for boys, though how cute would a little girl be on the camo lining?--but like all good things, it must come to an end. Maclaren has only made a limited number of them, so don't wait to long before snatching one up for your little spitfire at Strollers.com!

Silver Cross: British Invation!

I realize that I just blogged about Silver Cross in my previous post, but yesterday I had the chance to test out some of their lightweight strollers and I couldn't resist telling you all about it!

I got up close and personal with both the Micro and the Pop. Both are really nice, elegant lightweight strollers. Similar in size, the Pop is slightly lighter by a few pounds. The Pop also has a one-handed adjustment system to lower your baby into a sleeping position. Thanks to this, the Pop is suitable for babies as young as 4 months (babies should wait 6 months before taking a ride in the Micro), since the seat can be reclined all the way down.

Both have a very compact fold. I found them to be similar to the Maclaren Techno in this respect, although I will say that I preferred Silver Cross to Maclaren when it came to unfolding the stroller. I just felt that the way the Silver Cross strollers unfolded was a little smoother and less startling than Maclaren.

I played around with the Micro and Pop and both have comfortable handles and felt light and easy to push. And though I'm not good with hand-eye coordination, I managed to fold them up fairly easily on the first try. Both feature water-resistant and UV protected fabric, which makes them ideal for family trips that might require lots of walking or standing in long lines in the glaring sun (Disney World, anyone?). In fact, the Micro even comes with its own stroller bag, which is very handy at the airport.

The Micro and Pop may not be as drool-worthy as their siblings the Kensington and Balmoral Prams, but they've got everything parents could want from a lightweight stroller, packaged up in two simple, classy designs. To take a closer look at all of Silver Cross' strollers, visit Strollers.com.

What's New for Maclaren in 2008?

I've been a fan of Maclaren for a while now and I like what they've done with their 2008 strollers. The most obvious changes are in the colors and patterns, but they've also added some new features such as a carrying strap for the Quest 2008 Stroller and sleek new wheels across the board. The basic frames remain the same but that's fine with me. Why change a good thing? You can learn more about the new 2008 strollers over at Spilling the Beans.

Maclaren fans may be wondering what new designer strollers Maclaren has unveiled for 2008. For starters, there is a new, French-inspired black and white striped Kate Spade 2008 Biarritz Ryder Stroller (though I don't like it quite as much as her navy and green Kate Spade Quest 2007 Pippin Park Stroller).

The big news is that Lacoste has designed the Lacoste 2008 Ryder Stroller for Maclaren complete with the iconic green alligators and even a matching white polo and hat for your child. If you live in the Hamptons, or just wish you did, this is the stroller for you! It's very preppy and very cute.

This past weekend I was in Nantucket and I saw Maclarens literally everywhere! I wasn't surprised: when traveling, parents need a reliable, affordable umbrella stroller (and of course Maclarens are stylish, too). The 2008 Volo Stroller (shown), with its sporty new look, is a great option. At only 8.6 pounds, it's one of the most lightweight aluminum frame strollers on the market, which is perfect when you're rushing through an airport or amusement park. The one-hand umbrella fold and carrying strap are lifesavers when you're on the go. Plus, this compact stroller doesn't skimp on safety features, including a 5 point harness to keep your child secure.

If you're not sure what stroller is right for you, check out our handy Helpful Hints for Purchasing the Perfect Stroller! And browse all of Maclaren's Strollers at Strollers.com!