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*

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 this coming year, Quinny and Maxi Cosi both have new strollers.

The Mila is a lightweight umbrella stroller that features a compact fold. It is compatible with the Maxi-Cosi Mico, making it an ideal choice for traveling parents. The colors shown here may not be the exact colors that will available at retail. I love that the frame matches the seat and canopy. The Mila is a really fresh looking stroller.

The Quinny Senzz will be offered in 5 colors. It features a spacious seat for baby and compact fold. The Senzz is also compatible with the Maxi-Cosi Mico. If you look carefully, you can see one attached to it in the second picture.

New for Fall Valco Baby has introduced a pair of strollers called the Ion and Ion for 2. Both feature an eye pleasing egg design and the ability to carry a bassinet for baby.

I love the ample storage, easy fold and lightweight frame.

Here are the highlights:

The Ion features an extended canopy that will provide full protection against the elements. In fact, for 2010 Valco has extended all of the canopies on their whole stroller collection.

Additional features:

• Infant car seat compatible
• Storage compartment attached to the back of the seat
• Accommodates Valco’s infant bassinet
• Tether Safety Strap
• Ergonomic Adjustable Handle
• Lightweight Aluminum Frame (18lbs)
• Suitable from Newborn+ (with bassinet) to 44lbs
• Available in 2 colors Raven and Almond (both are shown)

The Ion for 2 offers many for the features on the single version

Features:

• Lightweight aluminum frame (27lbs)
• Accepts one infant car seat
• Each seat has it’s one zippered storage
• Only 29″ wide
• 88lbs total child weight
• Available in 2 colors (Almond and Raven)

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.

The Mutsy 4 Rider light is an intelligently designed stroller perfect for a growing family. I have yet to see another like it in my community, and am asked about it each time we use it.

We recently purchased this luxury stroller in anticipation of our second baby. Now that he’s here, I love that our 4 Rider Light has something for every stage of his development. The optional car seat adapter is compatible with both Graco and Maxi Cosi infant car seats. Having this makes it easy to cart our son around without taking him in and out of his car seat, or toting the heavy, awkward bucket around while full of heavy, sleeping baby. The actual adapter is just two small metal brackets that simply clicks onto the frame and sits with the seat facing you.

Parents who prefer to pick and choose their strolling options will like you can buy each component separately. This is nice for those who don’t want a million pieces of gear cluttering up their house..

For your strolling convenience, Mutsy offers the aforementioned car seat adapter, infant bassinet, toddler seat and a fun seat.

We love how easily the infant bassinet snaps onto the frame. It comes with a mattress and sheet set that is offered in a rainbow of colours. The canopy moves up/down nicely with the press of two base buttons, and is very solidly made. There is also a removable snap on cover which attaches at the base of the canopy and fits snugly around the bassinet, protecting your little one from the elements. For mom, Mutsy has added a few small pockets on the side of the bassinet base as well as in the bed cover portion. These are great for holding keys, money or a cell phone. There are handy carry straps which allow you to move the bassinet around (we also used it for our new born to sleep in for the first few weeks). The small rubberized feet on the bottom of the unit are great for preventing damage to furniture or other delicate surfaces. The only downfall, in my opinion, is that the bassinet, while beautifully made, seems to ride a little ‘bumpily’ over cracks and uneven sidewalks, causing the baby to be jostled around a bit while we are out for a stroll.

The frame is extremely light weight(19lbs), and extraordinarily maneuverable. It’s ability to push with one hand is great for tight spaces or busy malls. My favorite feature is the adjustable handle, which is great for taller parents or couples with a height difference. There is a small basket on the base of the frame, suitable for a mid size diaper bag. The basket is made of heavy duty plastic, easy to wipe clean if needed. For moms who need extra space for storage, a shopping basket can be attached to any of Mutsy’s 4 Rider frames.

A cool riding accesory offered for toddlers is the ‘fun seat’. This cross between a race car and a bicycle has been a huge hit with our 20 month old daughter. Now that walking (running) is her thing we are thrilled that she’ll actually stay put in this stroller. The toddler sits in a formed plastic seat (bright racing orange) facing outwards with their feet resting on the front platform and there is a ‘handle bar’ that they get to ‘steer’ which keeps busy hands occupied and entertained. The 5 point harness is great for keeping your little one safe and secure, but not confined or constricted.

Underneath the fun seat is a very large plasticized mesh basket, which is ideal for a trip to the market. I have done an entire grocery shop and been able to easily pile all my purchases into the combination of the fun seat basket and frame basket with room to spare. Mutsy also sells a ‘beach bag’ that fits the fun seat basket and would make for a useful and hassle free way to pack for a trip to the park or family outing.

Once mastered, the Mutsy is extremely easy to collapse and stow. Being able to fold the stroller with the components attached is a bonus and timesaver. All of the 4 Rider Light’s seats clip in easily and lock in, giving you the piece of mind to know you know that your precious cargo is safe and secure, and you don’t have to hunt down your owner’s manual each time you want to adjust something. The design of the Mutsy is truly intuitive.

I am excited to outfit my 4 Rider with the next ‘stage’ of options that we need as our children grow. We plan to purchase the step up board next, an oval shaped platform for our daughter to stand on, which hooks onto the rear ‘axel’ of the frame, and once again, makes this stroller truly practical for a growing family.

Mutsy offers families true quality for their money. These strollers have been all the rage in the UK for years, and have finally come to North America. The ease of use, versatility and innovative design are a welcome change in our stroller market, and I am thrilled with our stroller. Please keep in mind that this review only covers a fraction of the exciting and innovative Mutsy options and accessories available to families.

Prices: Frame,($370) Bassinet($225), Fun seat($110), Stroller Seat($170), Car seat Adapter ($30).

Additional information available at mutsy.com

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

Toys R Us Inc. announced today that they are launched a trade-in program for potentially unsafe used cribs and other baby gear.

Between Aug. 28 and Sept. 20, all Babies R Us and Toys R Us locations nationwide(CANADA EXCLUDED) will accept returns of any used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards and high chairs.

In exchange, shoppers will receive 20% off the purchase of any new item in those product categories, from select manufacturers.

“We are all looking for ways to stretch our dollars, but in doing so, children’s safety should not be compromised,” said chief executive Jerry Storch. “[It's important to be] vigilant about potentially unsafe children’s items that may still be in the marketplace.”

The trade-in offer aims to educate consumers that certain baby items should not be reused or resold. The program also seeks to call attention to the fact that only 30% of recalled baby products are ever actually returned, the company said, which means that many dangerous items remain in circulation.

Beyond recalls due to safety hazards, used baby products can pose further dangers, Toys R Us noted. For example, the materials that car seats are made of can break down over time, making the product less effective in a crash.

Manufacturers participating in the “Great Trade-In” event include Baby Cache, Babi Italia, Baby Trend, Bertini, Britax, Chicco, Contours by Kolcraft, Cosco, Delta, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Graco, Jeep, Nature’s Purest by Summer Infant, Safety 1^st and Sorelle. Customers can save 20% on a new purchase, from any of the specified product categories and from any of the aforementioned manufacturers, in Babies“R”Us and Toys“R”Us stores nationwide on the day they trade in their used item. Day care centers or other organizations who wish to exchange items in bulk are encouraged to contact their local Babies“R”Us or Toys“R”Us store prior to returning their used items to ensure adequate availability of new merchandise.

For more information customers can visit the company’s Safety website, Toysrus.com/Safety

Recently Recalled Baby Gear:

• RECALL: Burley Design Child Trailers Due to Risk of Injury
  
• RECALL: 1.6 Million Little Tikes™ Toy Workshop Sets and Trucks Due to Choking Hazard
  
• RECALL: Dorel Juvenile Group Expands Recall of Safety 1st Stair Gates Due to Fall Hazard
  
• RECALL: Graco Jump ‘n Jive Doorway Jumpers Due to Choking Hazard

SOURCE

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

Electronics company, LeapFrog is set to introduce an interactive highchair.

The new Leap Frog Sit N’Play high chair has a tray to help your baby learn the ABC’s and 123’s while meals are being prepared or cleaned up.

The unique looking chair comes with 2 trays. 1 for eating and 1 for playing.

More information to be available soon at gtbaby.com