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*

Peg Perego’s Si Stroller is an awesome lightweight stroller that has many full size stroller features. Weighing in at just under 17lbs, this compact, easy to operate stroller is a great fit for parents who need a product that will accommodate their growing needs. From birth it can be used as a travel system with an infant seat, then a regular day to day stroller that folds up nicely for traveling.

For the last few weeks we have been testing it from one side of the country to the other!

Here is what we found.

Installation – Out of the box the Si was pretty much ready to go. All I needed to do was clip on the storage basket and open it up.

If you have problems, the Si also comes with a great booklet that shows you everything your need – step by step.

Getting Started – Unfolding this stroller is really easy. All you need to do is unclip the lever on the left side of the stroller, give it a bit of a shake and then lock the bracket in the back.

Comfort and Features – The Si offers a lot of great features not normally seen in this stroller weight class. For safety, it has a five-point harness with the 2010 version adding a bumper bar. There is a 3 position(almost flat) seat recline, height adjustable handle bars and a 2 position foot rest.

For older children, the Si has a good size seat (13inches wide) and a high canopy that will keep taller toddlers(up to 45lbs) comfy without brushing their head. When opened fully, the Si’s canopy offers some of the best coverage I have seen on a lightweight stroller. Moms who want to keep track of their little ones will also like the peek-a-boo window.

Underneath the seat is a good size storage basket big enough to hold a large sized diaper bag. The only problem with this is that the basket will drag if your bag is too heavy. For this I suggest you strap your diaper bag to the handle bars and use the storage basket for lighter purchases, if out shopping. This works well if your child stays in the stroller. But not so great if you need to carry your baby. Because the stroller is so light, a weighted handle will cause the whole thing to tip backwards once your child is removed. While this sounds simple, it’s easy to forget. I have tipped this stroller quite a few times leaving the mall trying to rush.

Travel System – 2 cables that come with the 2009 version stroller allow the Si to be converted it into a travel system. While Peg Perego strollers are normally only compatible with the Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 Infant seat, the Si will accept most car seats that have a belt path on each side.

Folding – To avoid confusion, Peg Perego has numbered the two levers needed to close the stroller. I love this! No guess work – just pull here first and then here. Once closed, this stroller stands independently and it also features a carrying strap on the side.

This makes the Si a dream to travel with.

Cleaning – While on a recent trip, an unfortunate event ended with a whole breakfast landing on the seat of the stroller. Surprisingly enough, for the amount of food that landed on it, the stroller fared quite well. But when I got home and started to take it apart to fully clean it, I was surprised to find that it doesn’t come apart. It looks like it comes apart, but it doesn’t, unless I wanted to get into unscrewing stuff, which I don’t.

Improvements – With anything, there is always a wish list of thing you would like see improved.

I personally would love Peg Perego to make a good cupholder. The tiny one that comes with most of their strollers doesn’t many beverage cups, including my re-usable water bottle. Also, having some part of the seat come apart for easy cleaning would also be a bonus for parents who will be using this stroller everyday.

Overall, I like this stroller and I would recommend it to any parent who wants a nice looking stroller that can go anywhere.

$232.00 on Amazon

Peg Perego Si Specs:

• Width – 20″
• Seat Width – 13″
• Seat to top of Canopy – 25″
• Ground to Handle – 41″
• Stroller Length – 33.5″
• Folded Dimensions – 39″ x 13″ x 13″
• Front Wheel Size – 6.5″
• Weight – 16.8lbs – to get this I weighed myself holding the stroller and then subtracted that number from my weight alone

Stroller giant Maclaren has introduced quite a few new items for this upcoming strolling season.

Here are some of the highlights:

Cath Kitson Special Edition – Super cute and full of personality!

New colors

A New Play yard!

Some adorable new additions to the Junior Collection including a matcher to last years popular Juicy Couture stroller.

Also new this year Maclaren will also be introducing a new Lulu Guiness stroller and an astrological stroller that comes with a pillow with your baby’s sign on it.

My camera crapped out half way through the tour – sorry!

Baby Gear company Baby Planet is best known for their vibrant endangered species strollers. A couple years ago they partnered with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to develope a line of premium strollers that focus attention on the plight of Endangered Species around the globe.

Each stroller in this line focuses on a specific animal. Each of these animals is currently listed as an endangered species or as having endangered habitats.

New for 2010 Baby Planet has introduced 5 new strollers aimed at continuing this mission.

Also new for 2010, Baby Planet is collaborating with timi and leslie to debut a stroller line that compliments their diaper bag collection.

New for this summer, Britax has introduced the BlinkLightweight Stroller.

The 16-pound, compact-fold Blink™ Stroller is easy to maneuver and can accommodate children from six months old up to 55 pounds.

Not only is the Blink stylish and compact, but it was designed with simplicity and convenience in mind. Caregivers can throw Blink over a shoulder while keeping both hands free using its portable carry strap, perfect for the airport. The fold release mechanism allows a caregiver to fold the stroller without scuffing shoes, and the one-foot linked rear break locks the rear wheels with a single step. A caregiver can keep items like keys, a wallet or phone handy in the Blink’s large storage pouch.

The Blink keeps children safe and comfortable while on the go. Equipped with a tangle-free five-point harness, it offers three harness heights for a secure fit. The stroller also has all-wheel suspension for a smooth ride. A caregiver can customize the sleeping position extending to a nearly full recline, and can also choose from two leg rest positions.

Additional Features:

• All-Wheel Suspension provides for a smooth ride
• One-Foot, Linked Rear Brake locks both rear wheels with one step
• Large Canopy with Visor blocks wind, rain and harmful UV rays from child’s sensitive skin
• Practical Storage Pouch is the perfect place to keep your most frequently used items like keys, wallet, phone, etc…Cover in mature fashions for the growing child

Presale available at amazon for $149(Available July 27th)

A small generator powers the stroller and recharges itself with every 300 feet of use. The Origami has safety features that include built in intelligence that can detect when a child is in its seat, disabling the automated folding mechanism. With tremendous storage features, the Origami touts an easily removable backpack, cup holders for kids and adults and washable fabrics in a variety of colors.

The Origami is expected to be available during the first few months of 2009.

MSRP is $ 649.95, which includes detachable matching diaper/storage bag. Bassinet and car seat adapter will be sold separately.

Maclaren, the travel stroller company, broke out of it’s niche and launched a full size stroller this year in Vegas.

This stroller will prove to be competition to other strollers in it’s class because of it’s cool extras, one-of-a-kind fabric and versatility. The only drawback might be that it’s heavy.

This stroller (4 photographed below), which is being referred to as the ‘big apple edition’, comes in 4 colours/patterns.

Anyone who has been to NYC will know that Maclaren in the #1 stroller in that city. This stroller will definitely be a hit with parents in that city and those who love going there like me!

Maclaren founder and inventor of the umbrella fold buggy Owen Maclaren, a test pilot and aeronautical engineer, was a member of the Spitfire design team, and made key design innovations during his high-flying career.

August 2008 marks the 70th Anniversary of the Spitfire, which will be celebrated by the Royal Air Force this summer 2008. Maclaren is celebrating this high performance design heritage with the launch of the Spitfire buggy. It comes complete with the characteristic Spitfire colours, bullseye on the hood and reversible, camouflage liner.

Maclaren ‘Juicy’ Edition – How cute is this stroller? This is my #1 pick for little princesses at the show. The Foot Muff and liner will keep any baby warm during the coming winter months.

Mina Perhonen – This Limited Edition line for Maclaren features a signature butterfly embroidered print in navy and white for boys, and pink and blue for girls.

The stroller is based on Maclaren’s popular Quest model.

Albert Thurston – Albert Thurston is famous for his men’s accessories. This is the PERFECT daddy stroller. It features a gorgeous plaid print, luxurious muff and leather handles.

New for accessories – Maclaren has introduced some great new accessories like a wheel cover and a seat liner that will allow you to make your stroller look different from others.

This year they launched 3 products that I love.

1. Tatamia Multipurpose Baby Seat – This chair was not only designed to be a comfy feeding space, but it eliminates the need for parents to buy extra gear. It does triple duty as a highchair, recliner and baby swing.

With the click of a switch the baby seat slides down out of highchair mode and doubles as a swing. It is not an automatic swing, but just a soft moving pendulum.

When not being used, the spring loaded base folds up easily so that the chair can be stored easily in a closet.

This chair is being offered in 3 colours: black, white and paloma.

2. Si Lightweight stroller – Peg’s new Si stroller is not only nice looking, but it it only weighs 12lbs.

This compact, easy folding stroller is one of a few that will also take a car seat, making it the perfect travel system for parents on the go!

Colour choices are shown right. I love that it is a mere 12 inches when folded.

3. Skate Elite – Last year’s trendiest stroller received a slight makeover for 2009.

Some new features include:

• a model that weighs 10lbs less than last year
• modified shopping/storage basket
• different folding mechanism
• 4 new colours
• 4 new accessories including a snack tray, umbrella, bassinet stand for inside the house and umbrella.

UPDATE: Peg Perego just sent me this information: Si will be available in early March, Tatamia end of March and the Skate Elite in April.