Stroller Alert: Peg Perego's New Si Stroller!

I'm excited to introduce you to Peg Perego's newest stroller: the Si. (And before you ask: No, I do not know what the name stands for. Maybe it's because you sigh with happiness when you see it?)

The best part about this stroller? It takes a car seat and is travel system compatible with the Primo Viaggio Car Seat! That means it's one of the few compact strollers that is car seat compatible. I'm excited about that because so many moms email me asking for lightweight strollers that can be used from birth and a car seat makes that possible.

It has a lightweight lacquered aluminum frame that's only 13.2 lbs! And it also has a one handed umbrella fold, which I love. Plus height adjustable handles for short people with tall partners/spouses (re: me). This stroller is meeting all of my requirements!

Another cool feature is that it can stand alone when folded, which is so helpful for parents on the go, especially when you go out to dinner or coffee. It's very compact when folded and has a side handle for easy carrying.

It's also got the somewhat standard luxuries of a canopy with sun visor and viewing window, a five point safety harness, a cup holder, and a generous basket underneath. Plus a three position recline.

It's available in two bright solids: Papaia Orange and Cedro Green, as well as a graphic stripe in Corallo Red or Grey.

The Si is a great, versatile stroller that can be used from birth and it retails for $280 on Strollers.com.

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!

Coming Soon: The Insider Stroller Scoop!

Good morning, faithful readers. I've got something to brighten your morning: my coworkers just returned from the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas and they've been kind enough to share some stroller gossip with me, which I in turn am going to share with you!

Let's kick things off with some seriously juicy gossip. Back in August I told you about Peg Perego's awesome new Skate Stroller. Well, rumor has it that Peg Perego is designing a new version of the Skate that would be more light weight. This is one of my favorite new strollers, so I'll definitely keep you informed if I hear anything else about the forthcoming light weight Skate!

In other Peg Perego news, they're coming out with a new stroller called the Pliko Switch Completo. It has all the features of their popular Pliko P3 Stroller plus a new, comfortable seat; extra large, adjustable hood; rain canopy and footmuff. And that's not even the half of it. Learn more about the Pliko Switch Completo and get a good look at it on Peg Perego's Web site. This stroller will be rolling into the States in 2009. Be sure to check back here for updates on when it'll be available on Strollers.com!

For all you Bugaboo fans, there's some very cool style headed your way. Bugaboo has teamed up with Paul Frank for two very fun and modern collections designed for the Cameleon Stroller. This news is so new you can't even find it on Bugaboo's Web site yet! One collection features a color block pattern complete with Paul Frank characters while the other comes in army green and features Paul Frank's Skurvy pattern. I wish I could show you images, but for now my descriptions will have to suffice. I'll post more information as soon as I get it.

I'm also excited to let you know that Bumbleride might be working on their own umbrella stroller. I've always loved Bumbleride's cute patterns and unique color combinations, so I hope this rumor is true. I'm sure they'd design an umbrella stroller that's stylish and affordable but we'll just have to wait and see.

And my last tidbit of gossip is that BabyPlanet may expand their Endangered Species Collection to include a double stroller and bassinet. BabyPlanet partnered with the Wildlife Conservation Society for the Endangered Species Collection and I'm really excited to hear that it might be expanding soon. BabyPlanet makes a yearly cash contribution to the Wildlife Conservation Society and donates $5 from each Endangered Species Stroller they sell! And you don't even have to sacrifice style for this great cause. Each stroller has a sleek, sporty look and features accents from an endangered species such as Snow Leopard and Lemur. Again, I'll post images and more information as soon as it comes my way.

So that's the very latest, and you heard it here first from your dedicated stroller patroller, Mother Goose! Check back soon for more stroller news, gossip, and of course, deals!

New Stroller Alert: The Skate

Peg Perego has unveiled it's new stroller: The Skate! I love the unique, modern look of this stroller. It's definitely going to turn some heads in the neighborhood but there's so much more to this stroller than just a pretty face.

The Skate comes with a bassinet and stroller seat, and both can be configured facing you or the world. The bassinet is free standing when removed from the stroller and features a convenient carry handle so that you can detach the bassinet and bring your sleeping baby right into the house after a long stroll. The Skate also comes with a full-fitted boot and a full-zippered rain cover, both of which can be used with the bassinet or stroller seat. The large, adjustable zippered hood also works with both the bassinet and stroller seat. With all of these options you'll be ready for anything whether it's rain, snow, or sunshine.

The strong aluminum frame is sturdy and sleek. Plus, you can set the seat to three different height positions, much in the same way that you can adjust the Stokke Xplory! This is a really nice feature--definitely my favorite. The ergonomic handle adjusts to several positions and heights so you can customize it just for you. And yes, it does come with a large cup holder.

The Skate's steel ball bearing wheel design ensures easy rolling and smooth, responsive steering. Combine that with the shock-absorbing springs and you've got one seriously smooth ride. The front wheels swivel and lock and the rear wheels have air-filled inner tubes (air pump also included). Somehow this stroller manages to be very compact when it's folded, too.

Something to keep in mind is that the Skate only works with Peg Perego's Primo Viaggio Car Seat. If you love the Primo Viaggio, like I do, then you won't see this as a drawback, but if you have another car seat preference then this clearly won't be ideal. The upside is that two car seat adapters are included with the stroller. I think it's really classy that Peg Perego included all the essentials with this stroller. Plus, it takes the guesswork out of stroller shopping--everything you need is right in the box!

Still not convinced that this is the next best stroller out there? Bronwyn at Celebrity Baby Blog has written an incredibly detailed review of the Skate based on her personal experience with it. She's also included a ton of useful pictures. You can read her review here. Of course, if you disagree, then let me know!

This smart, stylish stroller is about to take your neighborhood by storm and you've been warned! Learn more about Peg Perego's Skate at Strollers.com.

Peg Perego's Duette: The Double Stroller Worth a Double Take

Now that I've been thinking about twin strollers lately, I thought I'd introduce you to another one that I've always envied: the Peg Perego Duette SW 2008 Tandem Double Stroller.

The standout feature of this double stroller is the steering wheel handle, which makes maneuvering surprisingly easy. The steering wheel has height and angle adjustments for a custom fit and great control. It even includes the option to lock the front wheels when needed. Just imagine how fun it would be to cruise through the neighborhood, steering around the mailman and attracting all sorts of attention. I know I have.

You can put two Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Car Seats in this stroller at one time, which is another reason I love the Duette. Having the option to use both car seats is so important for parents of twins, and I'm always a little surprised at the double strollers that can only accomodate one car seat at a time. Of course, if you only wanted to use one car seat and have your other child in the stroller seat, you could do that, too.

Another great feature of this stroller is that both the stroller seats and Primo Viaggio car seats can be set into the chassis facing forward, facing backward, or facing each other. So on days when your twins are more interested in each other than the outside world, face them towards each other. And on those days when they want to see what's going on around them face them forwards. Face them towards you when you want to keep an eye on them!

The Duette SW 2008 Tandem Double Stroller includes the chassis (otherwise known as the frame), two stroller seats, two hoods and two warm boots. Purchase two Primo Viaggio Car Seats and you've got everything you need to get you and the twins out of the house and cruising the neighborhood in warm or cold weather. And of course with this stroller, you'll want to make that neighborhood loop at least once a day to show off both the twins and your fabulously stylish double stroller!

You can browse all of our double strollers at Strollers.com.