The Shopping Mama

Britax Introduces New B-AGILE Colors

by Kate on May 14th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Shopping

Britax has announced three new vibrant colors to join the B-AGILE stroller line. Inspired by the brilliant colors of a peacock, the new Britax fashions blend design trends with customer research to create colors that will complement an active family lifestyle, according to Michelle Davis, the company’s director of fashion design.

“The new Peacock shade is a bluer take on emerald, Pantone’s ‘2013 Color of the Year,’” says Davis. Plum is a gorgeous purple shade and Granite is a versatile shade of gray. All three colors will be available on the Britax B-AGILE single strollers.

The new Peacock color, along with existing Sandstone beige, a popular neutral shade and currently a part of the single stroller line, will be available on the B-AGILE Double stroller.

“After thorough research, we created eye-catching and trendy fashions that will last,” said Davis. “We added a sense of style to the everyday activity of using a stroller.”

New Britax B-AGILE Colors Summer 2013

B-AGILE Peacock

B-AGILE Plum

B-AGILE Granite

B-AGILE Double Peacock

B-AGILE Double Sandstone

B-AGILE, Peacock ($215)
B-AGILE, Plum ($215)
B-AGILE, Granite
B-AGILE Double, Peacock ($450)
B-AGILE Double, Sandstone ($450)

B-AGILE Stroller

The B-AGILE is full of design details that make it easy to use for parents and comfortable for babies. The integrated Click N Go system allows you to secure an infant car seat directly into the stroller without the addition of a separate adapter. It has a super quick, one-handed fold that we love. The B-AGILE also features all-wheel suspension, five-point safety harnesses and fully-structured seats that recline to allow baby to comfortably and safely ride from birth up to 55 pounds.

What do you think? We adore the new Plum and Peacock colors – very modern and fun without the addition of a busy pattern. And, you can’t go wrong with gray! The Granite is also a great compliment to the B-SAFE infant car seat, available at select retailers, to make a travel system.

Shop! The new Britax B-AGILE colors are available for pre-order with an estimated ship date of June 10 from our affiliate Amazon.

If you’re interested in Britax strollers, more specifically the B-READY, we are excited that the Britax Free Ride Event is returning in June!

New Mama Prize Package {Mother’s Day Gifts Galore Giveaway}

by Kate on April 22nd, 2013 | 5 Comments | Giveaways

We are starting the Mother’s Day Gifts Galore Giveaway off with a bang: a huge prize package of the hottest, most covet-worthy products for new moms. From bonding with baby to making life easier and more stylish when out and about, we have you covered.
1. Mamas & Papas Mylo Stroller in Black Jack (Mamas & Papas online, $700). Let’s be blunt: the Mamas & Papas MYLO Stroller is amazing. If you have any doubt, just check out our extensive coverage here on The Shopping Mama. Read the Mylo Stroller Review with video, learn how we used the Mylo as a travel system, how to navigate suburban life with the Mylo and even how it rolled in Europe. Suitable from birth, the Mylo is as functional as it is stylish, and that’s saying a lot.

2. Mamas & Papas Classic Carrier (Mamas & Papas online, $80). A baby carrier is a must have for every new mama and the Classic Carrier is a brilliant option. Suitable for babies from 8 to 27 pounds, this carrier provides ergonomic and structured support for parent and baby.

3. Dogeared Jewels Necklace (Zappos.com, $68). Every new mama deserves a little bling and we love the sweet simplicity of the Mom Sparkle Heart Necklace. Available in silver or gold-dipped sterling silver, it’s the perfect gift to show mom how much you care. (Or to treat yourself to something special!)

4. Mommassentials Set (Funktion Moms, $149*). Turn any bag into a super-functional diaper bag with the chic Mommassentials Kit, which, as the name suggests, has all the essentials covered. The set includes a bottle holder, changing pad, wipes case, cosmetic, clutch, paci purse, and grab bag to keep you organized and prepared when on the town. *Use code springcleansale to save 50% off your purchase!

5. Light & Luxe Diaper Bag (Skip*Hop, $79). Jonathan Adler and Skip*Hop have teamed up again to create a gorgeous and modern diaper bag. Light & Luxe is a tote style bag with all the bells, whistles and style we expect from Skip*Hop.

6. NuRoo Pocket Shirt (Babies R Us, $60). We love nothing more than cuddling with a baby and there are numerous benefits to the precious skin-to-skin contact. The innovative NuRoo Pocket shirt is an easy to use, safe skin-to-skin carrier that encourages the valuable bonding with baby in a practical manner for modern moms.

Win! Amazing New Mama Prize Package worth over $1,130!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to our amazing sponsors for providing samples and giveaway prizes. Please allow 4 – 6 weeks for prize fulfillment.

A Day in the Life with STOKKE Xplory {Video}

by Kate on March 19th, 2013 | 5 Comments | On the Go, Strollers

I’m really excited to share this fun video my family made about a day in our life with the STOKKE Xplory stroller. I hope it gives you a little glimpse into how we use the stroller. An added bonus? A peek at our village in Germany. Enjoy!

A Day in the Life with the STOKKE Xplory Video

Like the video? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel so you never miss a thing.

***
More STOKKE Xplory on The Shopping Mama:
STOKKE Xplory Review & STOKKE Xplory Stroller & PramPack Giveaway.

STOKKE Xplory Stroller {Review}: Stroll & Go in Style

by Kate on March 15th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Reviews, Strollers

The STOKKE family of strollers is the ultimate example of function meeting form in baby gear. The brand’s first stroller, the STOKKE Xplory is the original “connection stroller” that encourages families to enjoy the world together, in style.

stokke xplory review parent facing

STOKKE Xplory Stroller

Before we get to ins and outs of how the Xplory fits into our family, let’s go over the basics. STOKKE is a luxury children’s brand out of Norway that creates innovative and undeniably modern gear for families. The Xplory is a single stroller that transforms to grow with your child (and family) from birth.

The basic stroller encompasses two pieces: the Seat and Chassis. The Seat can face both forward and backward; it has two recline positions facing the world and three when parent-facing. The “Sleep” position reclines quite flat, but there is an optional Carry Cot for Newborns that ensures a smooth, comfortable ride for the littlest of babes. As your family grows you can add other accessories, like the Sibling Board, to accommodate two kids.

The Xplory Seat has a weight capacity of 45 pounds and has a padded five-point harness. The shoulder strap has three different positions to adjust as your child grows taller. The stroller has a small footprint, but the Seat is deceptively big. It’s deep enough for bigger toddlers and the adjustable footrest ensures a cozy ride. It also comes with a removable Baby Insert to provide extra support for newborns in the Seat.

The Chassis is entirely customizable to achieve the ideal position for cruising. One of the noteworthy features is how high the Seat sits on the Chassis, enabling the close connection between parent and child. The Seat height is totally adjustable, though, and you can move it up and down the Chassis. The Seat sits so high and upright that you can push it right up to the table and use it as a highchair, if you wish. The handlebar height is adjustable and you can change the angle of it, too.

The Xplory wheels are made of a never-go-flat soft material. The front wheels are smaller than the rear and they swivel for maximum maneuverability. The combination of the light weight (26.5 pounds) and the unique shaped handlebar, it ridiculously easy to push with a single-hand. The two-wheel function makes it easier to push (er, pull) across uneven ground like sand or snow. There’s a single brake that controls both rear wheels that is relatively flip-flop friendly.

In lieu of a traditional stroller basket, the Xplory has a Shopping Bag that sits near the ground on the front of the stroller. Having the Bag close to the ground helps to provide stability because shopping bags aren’t hanging off the back of your stroller.

Finally, we have to talk about how the Xplory looks. It’s an understatement to say the stroller is eye-catching; it truly turns heads. I think I can safely say that every single day someone comments on or asks about the Xplory. It probably doesn’t garner as much attention in cities or areas where the stroller is widely seen, but it’s stylish no matter where you are! The Xplory is available in a number of fabric colors, including the gorgeous Black Melange we have.

Day-to-Day with the Xplory

Truth be told, I think the Xplory is ideal for city dwellers, but it works perfectly in our semi-suburban life, too. While we do walk around our village, we are most often in and out of the car for errands and preschool drop off. For that reason, the Xplory has a permanent home in my minivan trunk. Folding the stroller does require removing the Seat from the Chassis so it’s not a simple one-step process.

Often poor Max’s naps are interrupted or cut short. The parent-facing deep recline “Sleep” position makes it possible to transfer a napping Max from the car seat into the stroller – and he remains asleep. I know, it’s a miracle!

In many situations, the Xplory is Max’s seat for long periods of time. From basketball games to trips to the nail salon, Max chills out comfortably in his Seat.

The adjustable handlebar is ideal for tall parents and caregivers of different heights. The handlebar telescopes up and down and the angle also adjusts for the most ergonomic position. The Xplory is so easy to push that, with a little handlebar adjustment, even a 4 year old can do it.

Exploring with the Xplory

When I traveled to Paris, the Xplory was invaluable. We made great use of the included Rain Cover. The stroller also comes with a Mosquito Net. See more photos and read about how I used the STOKKE in Paris. The Shopping Bag was a lifesaver on the trip, because it carried the Rain Cover when we were indoors, the travel book when we weren’t using it and, of course, all of our purchases!

Stokke Xplory Baby Cargo Georgi at Louvre

Thank goodness for the awesomely cozy Foot Muff, which keeps Max warm on all of our adventures!

We have so many adventures coming up so I will continue to share photos and stories of how the Xplory helps us stroller and go in style.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Stokke Xplory is a luxury stroller that deserves the attention and admiration its unique appearance demands. The stroller is designed for the ultimate parent and child connection. The stroller is customizable to achieve your ultimate ride – adjust the height of the seat, the recline, handlebar and footrest. The addition of accessories – from the Carrycot to the Sibling Board to Car Seat Adapters – means the Xplory can grow with your child and your family.

Or Not to Buy… Luxury doesn’t come cheap and the stroller may not work for every lifestyle. Consider how you’ll use it and if it’s a good fit, we think it’s a worth investment if you can use it with multiple children. A couple of the things that may present a challenge include the multi-step fold and lack of storage basket.

Shop! The STOKKE Xplory Stroller is $1,099 and available in a variety of stylish colors. Our affiliate Magic Beans offers a great selection of STOKKE products and accessories. We use the Cup Holder and can’t imagine the German winter without the Foot Muff.

***

More STOKKE on The Shopping Mama

STOKKE Stroller & PramPack Giveaway

Stokke Xplory & PramPack Transport Bag Giveaway
Black Melange Inspired Accessories
Meet Stokke Crusi & Stokke Scoot
Stokke Sleepi Crib Review
Stokke Sleepi Mini
Stokke Care Video

Photo credits: Robyn Middleton Photography

STOKKE Xplory Stroller & PramPack Transport Bag {Giveaway}

by Kate on March 15th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, On the Go

We are thrilled to partner with STOKKE to offer this AMAZING giveaway to stroll and go in style. One lucky mama will win the brilliant STOKKE Xplory Stroller and a PramPack Transport Bag.

STOKKE Xplory Stroller

The Xplory Stroller is flexible. It is functional. And it is fun.

Dubbed “the ultimate connection stroller,” the Xplory encourages bonding and face-to-face contact between parent and child with seat that rides higher and closer to parent than most so you can experience the world together.

The Xplory grows with your child and can be used from birth and has a 45 pound weight limit. The seat have five recline positions – three facing paren and two facing the world. The stroller has a small footprint and great maneuverability, but the seat is surprisingly roomy. It includes a baby pad to support babies in the deep seat. The padded five point harness ensures safety and the adjustable footrest provides comfort as your child grows.

Stokke Xplory Specs

Suitable from birth
Maximum weight: 45 pounds
Parent facing or outward facing seat
5 positions from flat recline to upright high chair position
Stroller weight: 26.5 pounds
Height and angle adjustable handlebar
Two-wheel mode for rough and rugged terrain (like sand)
Adjustable footrest
Large hood with visor and ventilation

Click to read more about how my family is On the Go with Xplory

STOKKE PramPack Transport Bag

The PramPack Transport Bag means you can be on the go in style – and worry-free. Ideal for Xplory, but designed to fit almost any stroller, the Transport Bag provides maximum protection when traveling.

When loaded with your precious cargo (ie stroller), the PramPack works like a wheeled suitcase so you can pull it through the airport with ease. When not in use, the Bag rolls up and can be thrown over your shoulder (the orange image below).

Shop! The STOKKE Xplory Stroller is $1,099 and the PramPack is $199. Our affiliate Magic Beans offers a great selection of STOKKE products and accessories.

Win! A STOKKE Xplory Stroller plus PramPack Transport Bag! A $1300 value.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter giveaway ends March 31 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be selected at random. Only 18+ residents of the US, Canada and Mexico are eligible to win.

Thanks to STOKKE for providing the giveaway prize.

Peg Perego Book Plus Stroller and Primo Viaggio SIP 30-30 {Getting Ready for Baby!}

by Amy H on March 12th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Getting Ready for Baby, Life, She's Prego, Strollers

In the world of Baby Gear there is a seemingly endless variety of products, brands, models and new inventions. As first time parents far removed from anyone using baby products, I found the process of choosing a car seat and stroller system to be quite overwhelming. (Even though my sister is obsessed and knowledgeable with this stuff, it was a bit hard because she lives so far away.) I had a few criteria of my own but felt unprepared to make a decision, mostly because I couldn’t really tell you what my needs of the system would be.

Obviously, I wanted something that was good quality and safe as can be, ideally to be used for this baby and the next one. I knew I wanted something that would be easy to use and would fold up small enough to fit in the car without taking up the whole trunk. I wanted a system that easily encorporated an infant carseat and stroller together without much fuss. I needed to find a stroller that would be comfortable for me to push as well as my much taller husband. And of course, I wanted it to be super cute and cooler than average. This didn’t narrow the search very far.

My husband and I spent an afternoon in the most overwhelming place on earth, a big box baby store chain with all the models out for testing and touching. I examine products with my eyes more than anything and quickly narrowed my preference for car seats down to two. My husband, he’s a toucher, a take-apart kind of guy, and boy did he get to know those two car seats. What seemed like an hour later, he had made our car seat selection, the Peg Perego Viaggio SIP 30-30. He declared confidently that the Italian made seat was better quality, better material, would last longer and looked better. My sister gave the selection an enthusiastic thumb’s up. Ok, done.

Now onto the stroller. The particular store we were in didn’t have any Peg Perego strollers out on the floor but I knew there had to be a perfect one to go with the seat we had decided on. Kate suggested I check out the Book Plus stroller and I was sold.

Peg Perego Book Plus

Without using the Book Plus stroller, except to push around my living room for fun, it’s hard to appreciate just how awesome this contraption is. I know that it exceeds my list of prerequisite criteria, and its list of other features goes on and on. What I love about the Book Plus is that the car seat snaps onto the stroller frame easily and can face front or back. Aside from the car seat, it has a seat with multiple reclining positions, including totally flat like a bassinet, a sun visor with peekaboo window, front bar and cold weather foot muff, which awesomely enough also switches from forward to rear facing with just a quick snap.

The wheels are big and rugged looking and my husband loves the all black “rims”. The handle bar moves to accomodate a short pusher all the way up to my tall husband comfortably and comes with a cup holder on the side. The basket under the stroller is big enough to fit my diaper bag (albeit empty) with room to spare which I know will come in handy.

The stroller is easy to fold up, with just the pull of a lever and just as easy to unfold. It folds up with the seat attached or more compactly without it, and either way it can be pulled by the handle bar for easy transporting. The stroller required a bit of assembly, which was slightly challenging. I felt a little like I was trying to put together a spaceship with instructions in Italian, but once I got started it came together in less than an hour.

More Book Plus Stroller Features

Innovative Fold
Reversible seat
Travel-system Compatible
Ine-handed steering
Easy Drive
Fashion Forward Fabric

Preparing for Baby with Primo Viaggio SIP 30-30

The Primo Viaggio SIP 30-30 car seat snaps easily in and out of the car seat base and on and off of the stroller frame. The base is secured into the car in a mind-blowingly simple manner. I did a lot of babysitting in my teens and early twenties, requiring me to put car seats in and out of my car, and I was expecting a similar rocket-science like undertaking for installing this one, since I have not had any real contact with car seats since then. Boy was I surprised when all it required was the quick snap-lock of two buckles onto the car seat anchors in my car (which I didn’t even know were there). A little tug on the strap to tighten it, a twist of the knob to make sure it’s sitting at the appropriate angle and it’s good to go.

Primo Viaggio Features

Travel System compatible — the perfect complement to a Peg Perego stroller.
Exceeds the most stringent Side Impact Protection test in the world.
Adjustable Side Impact Protection is easy to adjust in 5 vertical positions.
Headrest and padding made of soft “Confort dry” microfiber cloth that stays dry and allows proper ventilation.
Quick–release 5–point safety harness with shoulder pads and fail–safe buckle.
Includes a special removable cushion for newborns.
Two ways to fasten to the car: with the vehicle seat belt or with Latch System Base.
Adjustable hood protects baby from the sun and elements during transport.
Indicator level shows correct installation angle.
Certified for use in automobiles or aircraft.

Ready for Baby!

Now there’s a stroller sitting in my baby’s room nearly ready room and a car seat base in my back seat. All that’s missing is my baby. It’s hard to believe that in just a few short days (or a week, or hopefully not two) I’ll be strapping my tiny little guy or girl into that darling grey polka dot car seat, loading him or her into the car and driving the hour home to our house. I will definitely sit in the back seat and stare at my little amazing creature the whole way. Don’t worry, I’ll take pictures.

I look forward to sharing my adventures in the Book Plus and giving a full review once we’ve gotten some use out of it.

bugaboo Buffalo: New All-Terrain Stroller

by Kate on February 8th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Shopping

First look! bugaboo Buffalo Stroller.

bugaboo today confirmed rumors of a brand new stroller! The bugaboo Buffalo is the brand’s single all terrain stroller. Fans are calling it a love child between the bugaboo Donkey and the Cameleon. It appears to have the rugged frame and wheels of the Donkey with a seat like the Cameleon.

Details will be released soon, including pricing and availability. We’ll update when we know more!

bugaboo Buffalo Stroller Photos

Click through to see pictures of the brand new bugaboo Buffalo stroller.

All-terrain bugaboo Buffalo

Extendable sun canopy

Infant bassinet

Two-wheel position for sand and snow

One piece foldable and self standing (with both bassinet and seat)

Large underneath storage basket

Safety tested with bag hanging from handle

bugaboo Buffalo Update

“The bugaboo Buffalo is designed for all-terrain performance. Its smart geometry enables compactness when the stroller is folded and rugged stability when in use”, says Max Barenbrug bugaboo founder, Chief Design Officer and the driving force behind the bugaboo Buffalo’s concept and design.

Basic Specs

One-piece fold – you don’t have to separate seat from chassis
50 pound (23 kg) weight limit
Large basket underneath with weight capacity of 22 pounds (10 kg)
Dedicated handlebar hooks and world’s first stroller with an official safety certification to be able to hang up to 13 pounds (6 kg) on the handlebar

The bugaboo Buffalo will be in stores from March 15th, 2013 in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Russia. In summer 2013 the bugaboo Buffalo will be launched in Australia and New-Zealand. In autumn 2013 the bugaboo Buffalo will be introduced to the rest of the world, with the exception of the USA whereby introduction will be considered at a later stage. I wonder why the release date in the US is so much later than the rest of the world?

Here’s a quick video from bugaboo that shows more about the all-terrain factor and less about the actual stroller.

discover the all-new, all-terrain bugaboo buffalo from Bugaboo on Vimeo.

What do you think of the Buffalo?

Accessories Inspired by the Black Melange Stokke Xplory

by Kate on January 17th, 2013 | 5 Comments | Shopping

There’s no denying that the Stokke Xplory stroller has a style all its own, but we think one of its newest colors, Black Melange, takes it to a whole new level. The texture and mixture of colors brings basic black to life, with a softness perfectly suited for days and nights with baby. Inspired by its unique aesthetic, we gathered some accessories for mom that stand up to the Black Melange Xplory and complement its chic appearance.