If you spend any time at all pushing a stroller outdoors during the colder months, The Mommy Mitten will be your best friend. Water resistant, insulated and fleece lined, it is designed to wrap around your stroller handle to protect you hands from the elements. I have found that I cannot manage to deal with gloves when I’m out with the stroller. Between getting the stroller and my 4 children in and out of the car, I don’t even try to put my gloves on anymore. Even when we’re walking for an extended period I just can’t seem to wear them. As soon as I put them on I have to adjust something here or clip something there and off they come. Normally my hands are wrecked a day or two into the cold weather and they don’t recover until well into spring- dry. During these times, the Mommy Mitten makes my hands very happy. It keeps them warm and dry even in the worst weather and we have used it in some very harsh, wet and freezing weather this winter.

If you live in the city and you are out with the stroller every day regardless of the weather or like to continue long walks after the cold weather hits, you will especially appreciate The Mommy Mitten. It is truly an asset on any stroller that ventures out in the colder months. Made with a durable black exterior and a soft pink or aqua fleece interior it wraps around your stroller handle and creates a cozy pocket for your hands protecting them from the temperature, wind, rain and snow. There is also a convenient small zippered pocket on the front and, secured with velcro, that can be easily moved from one stroller to another or removed for washing. I wish I’d had one much sooner. The Mommy Mitten really is something that no stroller should be without. – Kiersten, Staff Writer

*Thank you to Mommy Mitten for providing us with this sample for review*

Japanese baby gear brand Aprica makes its debut at exclusive specialty retailers in the New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco metro areas. Featuring simple, purposefully designed products, Aprica offers gear that is useful for parents with an active lifestyle.

Initial offerings include cadence™($249), the super lightweight baby stroller, and the Aprica side carrier($60), the hands-free hip carrier that maintains baby’s proper hip alignment. presto™, the ultra-slim profile stroller with amazing maneuverability, will join the line up mid-year.

Aprica products have been popular overseas for their functionality and sharp appearance. Every product is designed for the demands of real life, with touches like washable pads and quick-release folding mechanisms.

No word available yet on specialty models like the Roberto Cavalli Collection introduced last year.

Toys R Us and Babies R Us are once again holding their “Great Trade-In“, this time from January 29 to February 20.

The two huge toy and infant supply stores are offering discounts on select items that parents frequently need. The participating brands are joining with Toys R Us and Babies R Us to help offer parents a way to obtain brand new car seats, strollers, and more that parents might not otherwise be able to afford new. They hope this will help parents who may be tempted to use recalled or slightly damaged baby products due to being unable to afford newer ones. Toys R Us and Babies R Us also hopes that parents who have not yet heard about recalls in products they may have will learn about these problems and have an opportunity to replace those items now.

The brands that are joining in the “Great Trade-In” include Babi Italia, Baby Cache, Baby Trend, Bergamo, Bertini, Britax, Carter’s, Chicco, Contours by Kolcraft, Cosco, Delta, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Graco, Jeep, Little Tikes, Safety 1st, Sorelle and Step2.

The most commonly traded-in items are usually car seats, however cribs are also frequently taken in for a discount off of a new model. Other safety devices and infant products such as bounce seats and highchairs can also be traded in during this time.

Safety experts say parents should not use handed down or used infant items. Items can break down over time with use, and safety standards are frequently updated to keep current infant products as safe as possible. – Summer, Staff Writer

SOURCE

The Lolaloo is an innovative new product from German inventor Udo Blenk. With the arrival of his daughter came a child who always needed to be in motion.He recalls:

‘The bumpier the street, the quieter and happier the child. The idea for the lolaloo came to me when I was once again standing in the garden and rocking the baby carriage while our lunch was getting cold. How nice it would be to have a helping hand I thought back then. Today, as I write, our third child is lying next to me in his baby carriage and sleeping peacefully, because now we have the lolaloo!’

When placed on the handle of any stroller, the lolaloo will gently rock it side to side. Just lock the wheels and you’re ready to go. Want to do the same to your crib? Just install the BRIO Bed Rocker (4 rocker feet that adapt an ordinary crib into a rocking cot) and then attach the lolaloo. This tiny little accessory it strong enough to move your crib. Genius!

The not so genius part. It’s not available in North America yet. This could change as the company’s website says more shipping locations are ‘in the pipeline’.

More information available at lolaloo.com

This Summer European baby gear manufacturer Cybex announced that they would be bringing their lightweight, high quality strollers, multifunctional baby carriers and award winning car seats to North America.

Cybex’ collection is unique because 3 of their lightweight travel strollers accept an infant seat(Aton – available in early 2010) and carrycot, making it a great choice for birth to 3+ years.

A few weeks ago I received a Cybex Callisto to test.

Installation: Out of the box, all I needed to do to get started was pop the wheels on. Unpacking and installation only took about 5 minutes.

Getting started: Opening this stroller is a breeze. Just unclip the locking latch and lock the frame in place with your foot. To keep everything straight Cybex also includes a great instruction manual with the stroller that shows all of the features and how to use them in detail.

Features: The Callisto is loaded with many great features with the first being the spacious seat. For your baby’s comfort Cybex uses a 5-point harness that is covered at the top with a lightly padded headrest. My son loves this! The seat also has a one handed four position recline, which is both convenient and uncomplicated.

The Callisto’s canopy is one of the tallest I have reviewed, measuring an impressive 27 inches from the seat to the top. When opened, it can be adjusted to 3 positions and extended with the extractable sun visor. I also like that it detaches at the back to allow air to flow through the stroller. Parents can also remove the canopy altogether by undoing a clip on either side of the stroller.

Moms who like to shop or load their stroller up with stuff may not find the storage on the Callisto big enough. This under the seat basket will hold a medium size diaper bag, but not much more. It is, however, supported by a metal frame, which prevents your stuff from dragging on the ground.

The Callisto offers a very smooth ride thanks to a set of four 6” wheels with real aluminum rims and a rear wheel suspension system. Like most strollers, the front wheels are swivel wheels with the ability to lock for strolling on gravel or uneven roads.

When locking the stroller, there is a one-touch rear brake system that locks easily with just a step. I’m not sure if ours is just stiff because it’s brand new, but unlocking does take a bit of work.

Folding the stroller is just as easy as opening it. The handle has a button that together with a switch on the back frame collapses the whole thing forward. I wouldn’t call this a one-handed fold, but it is definitely easy enough to do.

For easy transportation, Cybex has added a handle on the side of the stroller. I love this and the fact that the stroller locks when collapsed. Nothing is worse that having your stroller fly open as you are moving it from one spot to another.

The Callisto is a great multifunctional stroller for all parents. It is loaded with many features that make strolling comfortable for baby and easy for mom and dad. I would not hesitate to recommend this stroller to any couple looking for a feature-rich product that pushes nicely and stores easily when not in use.

If asked, I would make 2 improvements, add a cupholder to the side(always) and make it so that the stroller could stand on it’s own.

Additional features:

• continuous, height adjustable handlebar for more mobility
• central one-pull harness system
• ultra-light aluminum frame
• folded: L41 x W12.5 x H17 inches
• price $349 – Available in 4 colors in the United States which are: Chili, Slate, Purple, and Indigo. (shown above)

*Thank you to Cybex for sending this stroller out for us to review*

The Tatamia is Peg Perego’s newest luxury highchair. Introduced earlier this year, this multifunctional seat does triple duty as a swing, highchair and a recliner.

For the last few weeks, my son has been testing it out. Here is what we found found:

Installation – Out of the box the Tatamia was ready to go. No installation needed, just unfold and go!

Getting started – The design of this chair is genius. When folded, it measures just 14 inches wide, making it a good choice for parents who are short on space. Once opened, the Tatamia is a full size feature rich chair that will accommodate a baby from newborn to toddler.

At first, I was a little overwhelmed by all of the steps needed to fold and unfold the chair, but the whole process quickly became second nature after I did it a few times.
For ease of use, Peg Perego has labelled all of the levers needed to convert the chair in red.

Features – For newborns, the Tatamia is a safe, easy place to lay the baby when you are making dinner or getting stuff done around the house. As a swing, I use it to soothe my son while I watch TV or feed my oldest son. Rather than being battery operated, the Tatamia’s swing is manual so that you can interact with your baby, while keeping them entertained.

In highchair mode, parents have 9 height positions for comfortable feeding. I like this because I can roll him up our island to eat or adjust it down for the kitchen table. If I’m sitting at the kiddie table feeding my oldest, I can drop it right down so that my youngest is at the same level as us. This is helpful when I’m feeding them both at the same time.

For the seat, Peg Perego uses a ‘leatherette’ that looks extremely close to the real thing. At first, feeding my son in such a luxe chair freaked me out a bit. I didn’t want to wreck it. After just a few messy meals, I learned that not much can damage this seat. The only downfall I have found is that the leatherette is not machine washable and the waist strap doesn’t come off at all for washing.

In the near future I plan to purchase the Tatamia Accessory Kit($80), which comes with a seat cover that is handwashable in cold water with mild detergent, a Ventilate Hood and a toy-filled Play Bar. This will give me piece of mind now that my son is getting to the stage where he wants to feed himself and cover everything in food in the process.

The Tatamia’s feeding tray is both spacious and easy to clean. It can be positioned two ways, the first with a lever on the front that moves it back and forth and secondly with two levers underneath the chair to get it closer to your child.

Storage – One of my favorite features of this chair is the fold. In just seconds, this full size highchair can be folded down to be small enough to fit in a corner or closet. Because our house is not huge, this is nice for us when we are having people over.

The Tatamia’s ability to function as 3 pieces of baby gear makes it a good choice for parents who do want to clutter their house with ’stuff’ that your baby will only use for a short time.

I highly recommend this highchair to anyone looking for a chair that will grow with your family. Both my boys use it at different times. My 10-month-old to eat in, my 4-year-old to watch tv and do crafts at the big table.

Additional Features:

• One handed 4 position seat recline
• 3 position foot rest
• attachable t-bar for your child’s safety

New for Fall and 2010 Luxury stroller company Mutsy will be introducing some great new products, including a bunch of fresh colors for most of their strollers and accessories.

Here are the highlights:

Already available is the multifunctional Transporter. This stylish stroller offers parents optimal flexibility at an impressive price point ($398). It can also be used as a pram with its optional carry cot($149), or as a travel system with a Graco, Peg-Perego or Maxi-Cosi car seat (with optional car seat adaptor $30).

Like Mutsy’s other ‘plug and play’ strollers, the Transporter features a compact fold, making it ideal for travel.

The new Easygrow “Next” features a sleek brushed aluminum finish and unique dinner tray tilting feature. The chair’s comfortable molded plastic seat has a luxurious suede-like texturized feel.

The base has also been reduced to give the highchair a smaller footprint.

The dirt busters baby bib is an adorable, friendly monster design that ‘performs magic by practically keeping itself clean’. Liquids and food easily slide down the bib’s surface and into its pocket to keep baby clean to avoid a mealtime mess. The bib also comes with an adjustable 2-position Velcro closure to perfectly and comfortably fit around baby’s neck.

New for Spring, Peg Perego has a ton of new stuff coming out.

The company has virtually redesigned their whole collection after they changed their signature ‘freedom of movement’ harness to a more conventional 5-point harness on all of their products.

Other big changes include a newly re-modeled Skate, a new lightweight travel system called the Vela and a new highchair called the Prima Poppa Newborn.

Here are the highlights:

The Skate:

New for 2010, the Skate will no longer be a one-piece unit that converts into 2 pieces. For the same price, Peg Perego has designed 2 separate pieces; a bassinet for infants and a toddler seat babies 6 months and up.

The frame is an extension of the Skate Elite we mentioned last year. It has been lightened to 21lbs from 26lbs

Like the previous model, both unit are height adjustable and reversible. To help parents and take out the guess work, Peg has added pictures to the connector to show where it should be set for each piece.

Other changes:

• New 5-point harness
• Easier Fold
• Hood is transferable between the Bassinet and seat
• Handle bar is no longer telescopic

The Vela:

This new lightweight stroller weighs in at a mere 9.5lbs. It’s unique design features a pair of wheels at the front, much like an all terrain stroller. A big feature for this stroller is it’s ability to accept a car seat.

I love that it has a snack tray. You don’t see that very often on a stroller in this weight class.

The Si:

In order to make the Si easier to accommodate a car seat Peg Perego has added a bumper bar that can be adjust to support the back of the Infant car seat. New fabrics and an improved harness round out the changes for this lightweight travelsystem.

GT3:

Peg’s only all-terrain stroller is getting an interesting new feature: a second seat. The shopping basket looks to have been expanded to accommodate a ‘rear sling seat’. No weight limit has been revealed for this seat, but comparable features on other strollers have a +/- 3o lb weight limit, which may be the case here.

The Prima Pappa Newborn:

This entry level highchair will be great for parents who are low on space. The fully reclining seat lifts off to allow the frame to fold almost flat. Comes in 5 fabric patterns; 2 bandanna patterns and 3 circle print patterns.

The Aria 60/40:

While the Aria will stay a 60/40 to accommodate an infant seat on one side, It will get new fabrics, bigger tires and a narrowed wheel system, new 5-point harness system and easier to use wheel locking system.

Pilko P3:

One option for the Pilko will be a version made in new soft cotton fabric that has been designed to be water and stain resistant. Offered in Navy and Burgundy.

Bugaboo is joining forces with (RED) to empower parents across the globe to participate in the fight against AIDS in Africa. Through the new partnership with (RED), Bugaboo is inspiring people, and providing an opportunity for our customers to not only improve their own lives, but also the lives of others.

As of October 1, 2009, with any Bugaboo purchase, Bugaboo will contribute 1% of their total revenue to the Global Fund to help fund AIDS programs in Africa with an emphasis on the health of women and children.

Whether they purchase from the existing Bugaboo range, or display their support by choosing from the (BUGABOO)RED Special Collection, their purchase ultimately benefits those affected by HIV and AIDS in Africa, including millions of mothers and children.

Available worldwide at launch, the (BUGABOO)RED Special Collection includes:

• a Bugaboo Cameleon denim stroller featuring a unique black matte frame, dark denim fabric and a distinctive red brake handle. Like the standard Bugaboo Cameleon model, this (BUGABOO)RED Cameleon is a multi-terrain, infant-to-toddler stroller featuring an adjustable handlebar and swivel wheel suspension. To be available at multiple retailers for $1,029 USD
• The (BUGABOO)RED Special Collection also includes a white leather (BUGABOO)RED Bag. The multipurpose modern carryall for adults is practical and stylish. The bag includes a changing mat, numerous compartments and removable food and drink containers. $164.95 USD @ Giggle and $219.95 CDA @ Momstobe
• The (BUGABOO)RED Bee Special Collection TREASU(RED) for Neiman Marcus – NM stores and online $599 USD with red Bugaboo Bee footmuff

“We are proud to announce our partnership with (RED) and join forces with other iconic brands to generate funds and awareness to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Through our partnership with (RED), Bugaboo along with our consumers can play a role in the fight against AIDS in Africa and help reduce mother to child transmission of the disease. Now when you go with Bugaboo, you can make good things happen. ” Madeleen Klaasen, Chief Marketing Officer of Bugaboo International

In the UK, Bugaboo is introducing a similar collaboration with all (RED) strollers. Yesterday they hosted an event at the Rebecca Hossack Gallery to unveil the whole collection:

(RED) was founded in 2006 to engage the private sector in raising awareness and funds for the Global Fund, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

PHOTOCREDIT: BUGABOO, Jon Furniss/WIREIMAGE.COM

The Jigsaw Contemporary Wooden Highchair is a brand new design from Zoobie, a nursery furniture and accessories company overseas.

It’s modern design compliments any contemporary décor with all the functionality you come to expect from a modern day highchair. The wood trim gives it the elegant, classy look that some parents are looking for when buying baby gear.

I love it’s full range of height adjustments and 360 degree rotation.

Your child can use this chair right up to the dinner table so they can learn to eat and interact with the rest of the family.

Additional Features:

• assembled dimensions are 97 x 63 x 66cms and it has a seat height range of 43 – 56cms.
• for use from 6 months to 3 years old

It’s hard to believe that I welcomed my second baby 6 months ago.

I guess all of the sleepless nights have blended into months and now here we are.

I do have to admit that I’ve had some help getting to this point. There are many great products out there that can be the saving grace that mommy needs to keep her sanity.

While this list is different for everyone, there are a few items here that could work for most parents

The criteria I used when deciding my favorite products was safety, durability and longevity.

Many of these products just make life easier or keep my guy happy for extended periods while I get some housework done.

1. Medela Freestyle Double Electric Breast Pump – This time around I don’t have the time to pump each breast by hand. The Medela Freestyle breast pump expresses both sides anywhere. The ultimate convenience item!
2. Fisher-Price Jumperoo – My girlfriend lent me this to me for Mr. Jumpy. Even though it’s a bit big, I like that my son can jump all day without us having to attach something to the doorway. He also enjoys pounding away at the activity toys while he bounces all over the place.
3. Peg Perego Aria 60/40 Double Stroller -This lightweight, easy-to-use double is perfect for us because it has an infant car seat adapter on one side. We use it to go everywhere. It pushes nicely, has 2 generous individual canopies and lots of storage.
4. Medela Bamboo Nursing Cami - I could live in this cami. It is comfy, stylish and extra long to cover the stuff that I haven’t lost from being pregnant. Yup! I’m still kinda fat, but you can’t really tell when I’m wearing this cami. I just wish it came in more colors.
5. Kokopax Carrier – Now that my guy can hold his head up independently we are able to use this carrier and he loves it! Being on my back and up a bit gives him the chance to sit back and take in the world as I get things done around the house. I have used this carrier at the grocery store, park and garden center.
6. Whoozit – The combination of lights, music and bright colors seems to make my little man happy. This is my go-to toy when nothing else will work.
7. Gr8x Self Inflating Nursing Pillow – Now that I have 2 kids, I find myself nursing in the craziest places. I keep this pillow in my vehicle so that I have it everywhere I go. I just throw it under the stroller and inflate it when needed. Quick, easy and comfortable for the baby!
8. Tiny Love Mobile -This classic mobile was bought for me just after I had my first son. He loved it and now the new baby loves it. Something about the slope that the animals are on and all of the pieces that slide makes him laugh and kick. This happiness gives me the chance to fold a load of laundry and vacuum the up stairs.
9. Fisher-Price Aquarium Bouncer – Another item that was passed down from my son. This aquarium bouncer is legendary in our house. The new baby gets so excited looking at the bubbles and simple fish movements. I can’t understand it, but it works – Well!
10. Sophie The Giraffe -At the first sign of teething, I sent my hubby out to get Sophie. We didn’t have one with our first son even though I had read so many good things about her. She wasn’t a hit at first, but she slowly grew on my son. Now he just grabs her a starts chomping away. The good part is that she has so many places for a little teether to chew.

UK stroller company iCandy is known for their sleek, modern looking strollers.

My love for the double stroller rolls on with the iCandy peach.

This multifunctional twin stroller offers parents outstanding flexibility when it comes to a double mode of transport. Still maintaining the modern sleek curves, stunning fabrics and simplistic styling, this revolutionary new pushchair caters for all. The blossom is for parents who have a toddler and a new born and the twin, well, it just speaks for itself… You can even take the option of upgrading your iCandy peach from a single mode to a double mode saving you the expense of an all new twin product.

All the features remain the same as the iCandy peach from the easy one hand fold to the smooth manoeuvrability. Uniquely, the peach blossom and the peach twin can be used in single pushchair mode. The flexibility far outweighs most existing double modes, particularly the option of having your new born baby facing you in the infant carrier car seat whilst your inquisitive toddler absorbs the wonderful world facing forward.

Peach Twin

Parents who would like a product that will grow with their family are only able to drool over the iCandy Peach as it is currently not available in North America.

Even though it has been safety tested for both Canada and U.S., distribution has yet to happen despite the demand.

More information available at icandyuk.com

European Baby Gear Manufacturer Cybex has announced that their lightweight, high quality strollers, multifunctional baby carriers and award winning car seats will be available in the U.S. in August.

Initially, Cybex’ four different stroller models, Ruby, Onyx, Topaz and Callisto, will hit the market, with their car seats, the Solution X-fix and the infant car seat, Aton, following in the new year, making for extraordinary compatibility and a complete travel system.

One of the coolest accessories being introduced this year is the UPPAbaby RumbleSeat.

In just 10 seconds, with “no tools”, the RumbleSeat turns UPPAbaby’s 2009 VISTA stroller into a double stroller that will accommodate 2 kids or 3 if you add the piggyBACK.

Parents will love that there are 3 possible stroller configurations:

• Infant in car seat & toddler in RumbleSeat
• Infant in reclined stroller seat & toddler in RumbleSeat
• Toddler to 50 lbs. in stroller seat & toddler in RumbleSeat

Safety features include:

• Wheels are out of reach – no fender kits required
• 5 point harness with 3 point height adjustment
• No “flip” when primary child gets out

If you have a 2006, 2007, or 2008 VISTA model and would like to use the RumbleSeat UPPAbaby has Retro-Fit Frame Program with 4 options:

• Option 1: $250 – Purchase a new 2009 VISTA frame
• Option 2: $85 -Upgrade your 2006, 2007, or 2008 VISTA stroller frame.They will send you a box to ship them your frame, as well as a pre-paid fed-ex label. The turn-around time to receive your stroller back is approximately 1 week from when they receive your stroller frame. This cost of $85 includes shipping.
• Option 3: $60 – You may ship UPPAbaby your stroller frame using your own packaging and shipping methods and they will ship your upgraded frame back.
• Option 4: $40 – You may bring your frame to UPPAbaby’s headquarters in Rockland, Massachusetts. You must be able to drop off/pick up your frame. There will be no shipping included in this price.

European stroller company Leebruss offers a wide range of funky and contemporary designs for parents looking for fresh, unique, baby products.