Halloween Quest

Maclaren Quest Stroller, Beatles Yellow Submarine

Look, it’s John Lennon! When he was a baby. Riding in his Yellow Submarine Mac Quest.

Nah, it’s really SP 2.0. I have reviewed the Quest previously, but they keep putting out models that are so stinkin’ cute! Too hard to resist. Especially with the matching reversible liner with the embroidered mod sub.What’s not to love in a 12 pound, reclining with leg rest and carry strap,one-handed push, teeny tiny umbrella stroller? And all you need is love, right? 😉

Maclaren Quest Yellow Submarine

Weight: 12 pds.
Width: 17.5″
Length: 24″
Handle Height: 41″
Seat Back: 19″
Seat to Canopy: 27″
Seat Depth: 9″-14″ (footrest extended)
Seat Width: 12.5″
Drop to Footrest: 8″
Ground to Seat: 13″
Folded: 11 x 11 x 41

 

To see all the new stroller models for 2011, go to Strollerqueen.net And if you need me to help you find the perfect stroller, go to Strollerqueen.com

Aprica Presto Review

Presto, Chango! Summer turns to Fall…

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy, fish are jumpin’, and the cotton is high…

And sadly, it is drawing to a close. So to ease the pain, the Labor Day Block Party was born.

A final time to play carefree, before the rigors of school begins.

To ride…

To laugh,

to bounce,

to climb,

To stroll…

The Aprica Presto mourns the passage.

It’s the little brother to the previously released Cadence. It is smaller and lighter, but still has the much in demand high-up seat.

Weighing in at just 13. 5 pounds, it can hold 70 pounds of child! Pretty good weight to limit ratio.

The thickly padded seat cushions are removable and washable.

And have that awesome breathable fabric.

A wonderful feature is that it slides up when folded, then stands alone.

Just unlatch the back hook, and pull up on the handle. No more wheels dirtying the canopy!

It has a mesh peekaboo window,

carry strap and back vent for better air flow,

and four wheel suspension.

The handles are foam, and are nearly 44″high! Fabulous for a tall person.

All in a beautiful shimmery silver, on a black frame. Tough to decide between this color, the orange, and the brown. Fall colors, ya’ know. But this is probably a better transitional color.

The party lasts well into the night. No one wants to say good by, to our glorious summer.

So they leave it to the Square Dance caller.

As they dance,

And dance,

Until they can dance no more.

APRICA PRESTO

Weight:                      13.5 pounds
Seat Back:                18″
Seat to canopy:       24″
Seat Width:               13″
Seat Depth:               10″
Drop to footrest:      11″
Seat to ground:        18″
Length:                       28″
Width:                         19.5″
Height:                        43.5″
Folded:                       43.5 ” L x 13.5″ W x9″ H

I can help you find the perfect stroller for YOUR needs. Don’t let a salesperson sell you a stroller that won’t work for you! For more info on consultations, visit strollerqueen.com There are lots more reviews here, and info on how to get the 2010 BIG Stroller Roll-Out, an online video magazine of all the new stroller models. strollerqueen.com

Maxi Cosi Mila Review

Maxi Cosi Mila at the Mall

Why is summer so doggone short? We wait for it all year, and then it’s gone in the blink of an eye.

Um, eye, um, pun intended, heehee. But anyway, the end of summer means one big thing around here–back to school!

And back to school means, shopping for school clothes.

And shopping for school clothes, in Strollerland anyway, means one thing…

What stroller do we take to the mall?      Well, got a new one for ya’. The Maxi Cosi Mila!

WOW.

Check that out!

Want. to. push. it.

The Mila is stylish to be sure. Love how the frame matches the fabric!

It was a great choice! Small enough to zip in and out of corners.

And the single wheels meant I didn’t get hung up on clothes racks.

The seat is almost high enough to see all the sparkly things.

Shopping is tiresome, whew.

But oh, the sites to see.

You can stuff an amazing amount in the basket.

The Mila is small, but sturdy. Look how many bags I can hang off of it, and it never tipped. Whoo hoo!

I was planning on taking it to the Museum, but the Mall has nearly as many attractions.

Love how the colors of this “bleached denim” Mila blend right in.

The drop to the footrest is 13″ long. Longer than most other strollers. Which means it is great for a leggy child.

There is an extended leg rest, padded harness and crotch strap, and the recline is plenty for napping.

One of the really cool things is the fold. You just pull up the triggers (which I have my bags hanging on), and yank the handle.

It then folds up, not down, like most umbrellas. So you don’t have to bend down to the ground. This would be great for someone with a bad back (That is one concern of many of my clients.) And it stands alone folded.

One thing to remember when back to school shopping, or any mall shopping, is that it can take a while. All day, until the sunset. So it is really important to have a stroller that is comfy for your child.

The Maxi Cosi Mila is a sweet ride, allowing SP 2.0  to have sweet dreams.

Maxi Cosi Mila

Weight:                        18 pounds
Seat Back:                   19″
Seat to canopy:       22.5″
Seat Width:                14″
Seat Depth:                 9″-12.5″
Drop to footrest:     13″
Seat to ground:        18″
Length:                          27″
Width:                         20.5″
Height:                        41.5″
Folded:                       37″L x 13″ W x12″ H

I can help you find the perfect stroller for YOUR needs. Don’t let a salesperson sell you a stroller that won’t work for you! For more info on consultations, visit strollerqueen.com There are lots more reviews here, and info on how to get the 2010 BIG Stroller Roll-Out, an online video magazine of all the new stroller models. strollerqueen.com

Micralite FastFold Superlite Review

Superlite at the Pool, Parade, and Pier

Here’s one of the most common questions I get… “Strollerqueen, I love my Volo, but I wish it had big air tires. Is there such a thing?” And the answer is yes, but a qualified yes. Because it isn’t actually a Volo. It is the new, and improved “Micralite Fastfold Superlite!”

Check out these 12″ beefy air tires. They can really handle the rough stuff. And the brake is flip-flop friendly, lol!

Though the front wheels are spaced widely apart, the rear is extremely narrow. At 15″, that is the narrowest you will find on a stroller. In cramped spaces, I tilt it back and roll it on the rear wheels.

The Superlite belies the idea that air tire strollers have to be heavy. It weighs in at an astonishing, Mac-like, 14 pounds! So the “Superlite” part is really true.

One of the places the stroller saves weight is in the seat. It is all mesh, just like the old Volo.

The mesh seat is ideal for the pool, and very breathable on these hot summer days.

The “Fastfold” part is true, too! And it’s easy. Just follow the instructions to “Press and Lift”.

Slide up the handle…

And it stands alone folded! You can grab the handlebar in the center and roll it behind you for easy transport. The fold is really compact. And you can pop off the rear  wheels if you need it smaller.

The handlebar is height adjustable. It goes up or down by unlocking these clamps–from 37″ to 45″! On the old version, you had to use an Allen wrench to adjust it. So this is a great improvement.

Another improvement on the “Superlite” is that the frame is feels much more solid. It’s not rattly outdoors at all. The one handed steering is still superb. Really as good as it gets.

You might think the design would make it back tippy. But look at how I have it loaded down!

Of course, you can’t hang quite as many bags on the back if the seat is empty. But you can recline the seat by sliding down the top two levers on the back of the frame,

and then you have a lot of space between the seat and frame to for your pool bag!

Here are a couple of shots without the bag, so you can see how much the seat reclines. The hammock-y sling seems quite comfortable.

The handlebar is in the tall position, by the way.

The Micralite Superlite isn’t just for the pool, though.

We’ve had fun with it at a parade.

And the pier. For a smoother ride on the bumpy wooden planks, I popped  it back and rolled it on the big rear air tires.

You can see here that the basket holds quite a bit, too. Another reason it lives in my car. It takes up little space, yet it is versatile enough to handle whatever summer adventures come our way.

Weight:                               14 lbs.

Seat Back:                          21″

Seat to canopy:                 23″

Seat Width:                       14″ bottom, 8″ top

Seat Depth:                       10″

Drop to footrest:              10″

Seat to ground:                18″

Length:                              27″

Width:                               15″ rear, 24″ front,

Height:                              37″-45″

Folded:                             15“L x15 “W x 43”

Micralite FastFold SuperLite

Aprica Cadence Stroller Review

The Cadence of Soccer Fever

Brazil vs. Ivory Coast, United States vs. Algeria, Mexico vs. Uruguay, GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL…and the blare of the vuvuzela  horns…All across the country, you can hear it, The cadence of Soccer fever! Of course the World Cup has helped soccer to gain popularity in the US. And those who aren’t watching, are out playing.

Now I get asked a lot, what stroller (s) are suitable for soccer fields? A lot of parents are taking little ones out to watch their siblings play, and a comfy stroller is a must. Usually I recommend, and take myself, an air tire stroller. But what if you are a minimalist, and don’t want a whole fleet? What if you rarely use strollers, except for week-end shopping, parks, and soccer? What if you have an older child who doesn’t use a stroller on a regular basis, but can use a ride when tired?

I decided to see how the new Aprica Cadence would work on a soccer field. It wasn’t totally crazy. This little buggy has a two-fingered push on smooth surfaces. And it has shocks on all four wheels. So it was reasonable to assume that it was at least doable. And it wasn’t bad at all!

The only thing is, that our particular field is Astro-Turf. Weird stuff, that is. (“No coffee on the field! Sir, bring that back!” the Coach hollered as he chased down the old man. “I’m 80 years old! How’m I gonna’ stay awake for 3 hours!” the old man hollered back. The wife apologized as he shuffled away, uttering expletives deleted. ) But look how it clings to the wheels, ugh.

The Aprica Cadence is the first umbrella stroller to hit the market that says it can hold 70, yes, a whopping 70 pounds! That is the weight of my 9 year old soccer player! (Who would sooner get Astro Turf under his finger nails than to have his friends see him riding!) But once you are an adult, who cares…

Gotta’ love the fact that the Cadence can double as a game chair, even if it displaces the toddler!

And speaking of a game chair, check out the fold:

It’s about the size of a Pack n Play, which has a certain symbiosis, since Graco has taken over Aprica. I like the fact that it stands alone, and you can roll it behind you.

You can pull it by it’s carry strap, or just sling it over your shoulder.The fold is quick and easy, too. You just push in the side buttons, then yank on the carry strap.

I love the fabric of the Cadence. It reminds me of, well, a soccer jersey.  It’s very breathable for hot days, or sweaty little soccer watchers, or players. And it has a “heat reflecting panel” to help keep babies cool out on the field.

Comes with a rain cover, too, for when the weather changes. The seat sits up higher than most umbrella strollers, which means you can fit a few soccer balls in the basket.

The handles aren’t adjustable, but they are pretty high, so suitable for a taller parent. But for a shorter one, like me, they were still comfortable.

I think the black frame is stunning, and the design quite striking.

One thing interesting about the design is how angled back the seat is. Makes for a roomy seat and easy pushing. But maybe not the best choice for a younger child who likes to sit up straight.

Also, there is no front napper bar, and the recline is minimal. There is an extended leg rest, though. And don’t forget, it holds up to 70 pounds–and more!

APRICA CADENCE

Weight:                      14.5 pounds
Seat Back:                21″
Seat to canopy:       27″
Seat Width:               13″
Seat Depth:               10″-14″
Drop to footrest:       9″
Seat to ground:        19″
Length:                       28″
Width:                         21.5″
Height:                        41″
Folded:                       17″L x 14″ W x 37″ H

Bumbleride Flite Stroller Review

Summer Flite of Fancy

“Then followed that beautiful season… Summer….
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.”
— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Summer is the time of great beginnings…when everything is fresh and new. The warm sun and gentle breezes summon us to outdoor adventures and travel. And when you gaze at the cool blue and green tones of the “Seagrass” Bumbleride Flite, you may be inspired to take flight, to a place where lush meadows meet sparkling seas.

OK, sometimes the days will be grey and the grass will be brown. But at least the Flite colors remain true!

And you can use the included rain cover so the fog won’t interfere with your fun!

The front and rear wheel suspension makes the Flite is a great little choice for zipping around. Has super one-handed steering.

I like how deep the recline is. It’s done with a one-handed pull of the back strap.

I don’t know why I have read that the Flite has a skimpy canopy. Because check this out:

The Flite is small, but the extended legrest helps provide a comfy seat for viewing the sea:

The fold is done quickly and easily, by pulling the triggers up by the handles.

It folds compactly, umbrella style.

And has a side carrying handle.

I was a little concerned that the light colored interior would get dirty fast. But it is the type of material that cleans up really easily.

The new Flite is the latest offering from Bumbleride. It comes with a matching headhugger, strap covers, the afore mentioned raincover, and universal adapter bar.

There are some really fantastic accessories available, too. You can get a matching snack tray for the universal front bar, matching diaper bag and footmuff, and even a carrycot! Wowee! Don’t know another umbrella stroller this small (sold in the US, that is), that can take a bassinette. How perfect for your summer flight of fancy!

Bumbleride Flite

Weight:                     15.5 pounds
Seat Back:                20″
Seat to canopy:       26″
Seat Width:               13″
Seat Depth:               8″-13″
Drop to footrest:      10″
Seat to ground:        18″
Length:                       24″
Width:                         17.5″
Height:                        41″
Folded:                       44″L x 12″ W x 10″ H

I can help you find the perfect stroller for YOUR needs. Don’t let a salesperson sell you a stroller that won’t work for you! For more info on consultations, visit strollerqueen.com There are lots more reviews here, and info on how to get the 2010 BIG Stroller Roll-Out, an online video magazine of all the new stroller models. strollerqueen.com

Maclaren Triumph Review

TRIUMPH OF THE SEAS

“The dolphins surrounded our boat”, my friend said. “Dozens, maybe more. Jumping and spouting and racing us. They swam so close the kids could pet them.” That made up my mind. We would have StrollerPrinces’s birthday party on her boat. But, what to do with StrollerPrince 2.0? How could I manage to keep him from falling off the side of the boat, climbing over the railing, etc. while managing a whole party of wild little boys? The answer, as in most everything in my life, was a stroller.

And not just any stroller. It would have to be small enough to fit, and not be overly obtrusive. Because, let’s face it, you don’t usually use strollers and boats in the same sentence. Unless, of course, you live in the Kingdom of Strollerland.

This would have to be a stroller with a reliable harness, to keep SP 2.0 safe. Comfy enough to keep him happy. It would need to have a rain cover, to protect from sea spray or wind.

One-handed steering is a necessity, for pushing it down the boat dock and using the other hand to carry party decorations, and the birthday cake.

Or when you needed both hands free, a  carry strap so you could sling it over your shoulder.

A small fold is a must so you could stow it away.

Oh, the fold must be quick and easy, too, so my attention would be diverted from the party boys.

Aesthetically, must not stick out like a sore thumb. Must blend in.

And the perfect choice–the Triumph of the seas!

Our day was quite a success, and even more so because I could keep SP 2.0 safely harnessed in to the seat. No, he didn’t sit there the whole time.

But for the times he needed to, like loading and unloading the boat, it was invaluable. Even gave him a nice spot to nap, or kick back!

Yes, we saw dolphins, lots! Rows and rows of them diving and spouting. Yes, they swam close enough for the kids to pet them. They even dangled their feet into the water, and put them on the dolphin’s backs. Unfortunately, they were to fast for me. Every time I clicked the camera shutter, I got pictures like this:

Or this:

Honestly, I think this one was even cackling at me, though he did allow me a slight glimpse. Look to the lower far right.

I’m stickin’ to photographing strollers! They don’t move, unless you make them, lol!

I must say I love this racing green Triumph. Love the color (and the new Majesty purple. So deep and lush! Not as apropos for an ocean venture, though. ) Love how solid, and “non-rattly” it feels.

Oh, and yes, it has the hinge covers. And they match.

Love the nimble steering, love the  light weight, love the tiny size. A 5-Crown Royal Ranking to be sure!

MACLAREN TRIUMPH:

Weight:                       11.5 pounds
Seat Back:                  18.5″
Seat to canopy:       27″
Seat Width:                12″
Seat Depth:                9″
Drop to footrest:    9″
Seat to ground:       12″
Length:                        23.5″
Width:                           17.5″
Height:                         41″
Folded:                         41.”L x 11″ W x 6″ H

I can help you find the perfect stroller for YOUR needs. Don’t let a salesperson sell you a stroller that won’t work for you! For more info on consultations, visit strollerqueen.com There are lots more reviews here, and info on how to get the 2010 BIG Stroller Roll-Out, an online video magazine of all the new stroller models. strollerqueen.com