The Shopping Mama

Navigating Daily Life {Out & About with Baby and Mamas & Papas Mylo}

by Kate on April 27th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Life, On the Go

We’ve been using the Mamas & Papas Mylo for the past two months since Max arrived. It’s been a part of adventures at the doctor’s office, the zoo, and our neighborhood. A few weeks ago, we took the Mylo on the road on our trip to Callaway Gardens. Turns out the Mamas & Papas Mylo is well suited to navigate nature as well as the suburbs.

A large part of exploring Callaway Gardens is walking the trails through the gorgeous woods and gardens. The older kids walked the trails (often slowly, but surely) and baby Max ~~slept~~ rode in comfort of the Mylo Stroller. Some of the trails are paved and others… not so much. We followed signs on a popular path from the Butterfly Center to the Education Center where we had lunch. Turns out we got a little off course and ended up on some paths that were not nearly as paved or worn as we expected. As a result, the Mylo was truly put to the test with some serious “off-roading.”

We locked the front two wheels which help maneuver on rough terrain and the front and rear suspension were definitely put to the test. While the Mylo isn’t built for such a circumstance, it was definitely up to the test and made it through the Gardens.

The Mylo has also been a vital part of the much more mundane adventures of a stay at home mom on the go. The Mylo has an amazing turn radius and is easy to push with one hand, making it perfect for shopping and heading in and out of stores and restaurants. The stroller is so light and easy to push that you’d never know it’s a full-size luxury stroller. It is honestly easier to push and maneuver the leatherette handle with one hand than it is to push smaller, lighter strollers with two hands.

Heading into lunch with friends.

Shop! The Mamas & Papas Mylo is $699.99 and includes the stroller chassis, seat unit, canopy, and shopping basket. It comes in four fun colors: Plum Pudding & Raspberry Ripple, Dove Grey & Sandcastle, and Black Jack (seen in this post).

Thanks to Mamas & Papas for providing a sample in exchange for review and coverage.

Walk to the Park {Out & About with Baby and Mamas & Papas Mylo}

by Kate on March 30th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Life, Strollers

One of the things I have enjoyed the most about our house in Alabama is the neighborhood. It’s a large circular neighborhood planned around a central area with a “lake” (I use that term loosely to describe a manmade body of water with fountains and ducks), a clubhouse, pool and playground. During the summer we literally walked to the neighborhood pool every day and it was awesome. While it feels warm enough to be pool season, the pool isn’t open yet so we’ve been spending our days walking to the playground. Most days we make the walk with three kids using the Mamas & Papas Mylo.

One of the best things about the Mylo is its versatility. We use it as our travel system with Max’s infant car seat, we use the seat facing me for Max and we also use the seat for the older kid when I wear Max. The Mylo has a maximum weight of 50 pounds so it actually still fits both my 5 year old and 3 year old.

My 5 year old is definitely on the tall side for the seat – his legs are pretty bent to fit in the foot rest – but the shade clears his head with a little room to spare.

My son actually likes riding in the stroller more than my 3 year old daughter. She doesn’t like to be contained! But, when she does ride, she looks pretty awesome in the Mylo and it fits her perfectly.

The telescoping handle on the Mylo makes it easy for my husband and I to take turns pushing the kids.

When we move this summer I am definitely going to miss our neighborhood walks. I have no doubt wherever we go, the Mylo will fit into our adventures.

By the way, don’t you love the way my son is chilling in the seat, hands behind his head? I think he’s pretty comfy if a little lazy.

Thanks to Mamas & Papas for providing a sample in exchange for review and coverage.

Family Trip to the Zoo {Out & About with Baby and Mamas & Papas Mylo}

by Kate on March 15th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Reviews, Strollers

There has been a marked improvement in the weather here in Alabama in the last couple weeks. It’s both awesome and slightly frustrating. Awesome because, well, who doesn’t love temperatures in the 70′s and sunny skies? On the other hand, the great weather is also a little frustrating because it’s just begging for us to go outside and enjoy, but having newborn presents unique challenges to doing just about anything.

Earlier this week my mom and I couldn’t resist the weather – or the chance to let the older kids run around and have some special fun – so we packed up and headed to the Montgomery Zoo. The older kids walked and baby Max took his first spin in the Mamas & Papas Mylo using the Seat. We’ve already ventured out several times using the Mylo Car Seat Adapter and Infant Car Seat. But, for this outing Max was sound asleep and I wanted him to be uber-comfortable so he rode in style in the Mylo.

Mylo Stroller Seat

The Mylo Seat has a nearly flat recline and an adjustable foot rest to create a cozy, safe place for an infant to sleep safely. The seat has a capacity of up to 50 pounds so both my older kids can still technically ride in the stroller – and they have! I actually packed a wrap in the shopping basket underneath the stroller for Max in case he got fussy so my back up plan was to wear Max and have my daughter ride in the stroller. Max was nice and comfortable, though, and slept through our entire trip.

The Seat is made of a unique material that I haven’t seen on any other stroller. It’s incredibly smooth and soft and adds to the sleek and modern design of the stroller. My husband, who is not easily impressed with baby gear, is in love with the Mylo and the Seat in particular. He said it reminds him of the cockpit of the fighter jet he flies! (He’s such a guy!) The seat is molded to create a comfortable seat for babies and toddlers alike. I like that the seat can face parents or the world and it’s super easy to switch the direction of the seat. You just squeeze two paddles under the Seat to remove it from the frame and turn it to the direction you want.

I also learned on the fly how easy it is to adjust the five point harness on the Mylo. As I mentioned, my older kids have both ridden in the stroller so when we arrived at the Zoo the shoulder straps were much too high for Max. With a couple twists and quick adjustments I was able to switch the straps to the shortest setting to better fit Max.

I did discover the first thing I’d improve about the Mylo: the sunshade. When the Seat is fully reclined (as it should be when using it with such a small baby), the sunshade barely covered Max’s face. I had a muslin swaddling blanket across the stroller since Max is so small, and likely would have even with a larger sunshade, but it would be great if the shade extended further for use when the seat is reclined. There is an optional Sunshade & Insect Net ($40) that I may consider buying for the summer.

Around the World in the Mylo

Okay, so not exactly around the real world… but, we did travel around the world at the Zoo.

While Max slept in “Australia”, the older kids and I checked out a new exhibit called Parakeet Cove. It’s a bunch of parakeets that will eat out of your hand and rest on your fingers. The kids, of course, loved it.

Shop! The Mamas & Papas Mylo is $699.99 and includes everything we used for this adventure: the stroller chassis, seat unit, canopy, and shopping basket.

Thanks to Mamas & Papas for providing a sample in exchange for review and coverage.

Mamas & Papas Mylo with Car Seat Adapter {Out & About with Baby}

by Kate on March 8th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Reviews, Strollers

I will readily admit that I’m nervous about my ability to get out and about with three kids. It’s funny how adding one little body to the mix makes everything seem infinitely more difficult. Case in point: as we were literally walking out the door to take the older two to school, baby Max pooped. Figures. But, we made it!

Over the next month I’ll be sharing how we’re getting Out & About with the Mamas & Papas Mylo stroller. Our first big outing: after dropping the kids at school Max had a doctor’s appointment.

A doctor’s appointment may not seem all that challenging, but when you’re dealing with on base military health care it means lots of back and forth and walking around. We had to park, go to the lab for some blood work (darn jaundice!), head to the actual doctor’s appointment and then back to the car. I’ve used the Mylo Stroller for walks with my older kids (more on that later), but this was the first time using the Mylo for Max.

My sweet view

Mamas & Papas As Travel System

Combined with the Car Seat Adapter and our infant car seat, we turned the Mylo into a travel system. Here’s a look at the Mylo base and Maxi Cosi Car Seat Adapter, which is also compatible with our Cybex Aton Car Seat.

The car seat adapter is one piece that fits easily on the base of the stroller. The center area on the base where the adapter fits is also where the Stroller Chassis fits. The car seat slides on the two prongs of the adapter for a secure fit. When not in use, the prongs fold down to save space.

One of the best features is that the stroller base will fold with the car seat adapter attached. You can see it folded in the back of half of our SUV. (One seat of the third row is up and the Mylo still fits next to it. Alternately, if both seats are up, the Mylo can lay on its side behind both seats.)

Out & About

The trip was a success with the Mylo and Car Seat Adapter. The stroller pushed like a dream, was a smooth ride for baby Max and made our trip infinitely easier. I love having the ease of a travel system with the luxury of the Mylo stroller. In particular I loved the maneuverability, the adjustable handlebar height (helpful in doctor’s office waiting rooms) and the overall look and feel of the stroller.

Shop! The Mamas & Papas Mylo Stroller is $699.99 and the Maxi Cosi / Cybex Car Seat Adapter is $59.99.

Thanks to Mamas & Papas for providing a sample in exchange for review and coverage.

What’s One Baby Product You Can’t Live Without?

by Kate on March 5th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Getting Ready for Baby

An expert has weighed in on the 5 essential products for new moms, but now we want to know: What’s One Baby Product You Couldn’t Live Without?

Only time will tell what products became a a part of our daily routine with baby Max, but I’m curious to know what products have been lifesavers for other moms with young babies. I’d love to hear from you in the comments. To start you thinking we’re excited to share the must have products from our writers.

Shannon

phil&teds Explorer Stroller with Doubles Kit. I love this stroller because it can be a single stroller or a double stroller. I love this stroller because it can be a jogger or very maneuverable town stroller (I can get this thing in any space). I love this stroller because it is variable or fixed front wheel. I love this stroller because it is one of the few double strollers that will fold and fit wonderfully in the trunk of my 4-door sedan. I love this stroller because my kids are comfortable in it. I love this stroller because it is easy to clean. I LOVE this stroller and it is the only baby product that I recommend by name brand.

Malia

Fisher-Price Cradle n Swing. Right now it’s the swing for us. I was totally anti-swing with baby number one. This baby takes most naps in the swing. It’s a life saver.

A close second is the bouncer (we have the Sassy Safari Bouncer). We used this a ton with baby number one too. It lets her look around and watch what big brother is doing. He likes to dance in front of it to keep her happy.

Monica

My Breast Friend. This is the only product I can think of that I had that I wore out from use from baby number 1, and bought another for baby number 2. If I had another baby, I know I would at least order a new cover for mine, as I loved it so, so much! I am just not good at supporting baby while nursing, and love that this does it for me!

Ok, so I the Tauts Post Pregnancy Wrap by Brooke Burke both times as well. I am not sure if this really was the reason, but I had a fairly tight tummy, baby weight gone, and zero loose belly skin after each pregnancy. I wore this thing tight as possible, religiously for at least 4 weeks, though they recoommend 40 days. I would for sure get another one if baby # 3 is ever in my future!

Finally, I’ve been using a Summer Infant Video Monitor for three years old and it is still going strong. I was able to add a camera in baby #2′s room, so I have both kids rooms hooked up to the same video receiver. I just toggle between the two rooms to check on everyone. If this model is just as good, plus any improvements, I would for sure buy it again!!

Laura

I think my #1 would be any sort of gauzy, big, swaddling blanket. We couldn’t live without them in the early days. And Indian cloth pre-fold diapers that we used as burp cloths.

What is one baby product you can’t / couldn’t live without?

Mamas & Papas Mylo Stroller

by Kate on February 28th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Getting Ready for Baby

When baby arrives, he or she will be strolling in style. I’ve been obsessed with the Mamas & Papas Mylo stroller since seeing it in person at the ABC Kids Expo in 2010. My love of the stroller was reaffirmed after another demonstration at ABC in September 2011. Mylo is truly a stroller where style and function meet and the result is a fabulous stroller built to fit a family’s real lifestyle. Read on to see why I am delighted this is the stroller for our family with baby.

Meet Mylo

When you have your baby your stroller goes everywhere with you- we wanted to design a stroller with everything you want as a parent, and everything your baby needs. Mylo has the lightest steering, making it easy to navigate around the mall or busy sidewalk. Both the seat and the bassinette give the best in baby class for comfort and luxury, whether it’s walks in the park, visits to grandparents or sending baby off to sleep at night.

Baby’s Features

Unique soft moulded seat gives the best in class for baby comfort
Smooth suspension is fine tuned so baby isn’t disturbed by bumps under the wheels
Seat faces both ways – just squeeze the paddles under the seat and turn around
Backrest reclines fully and foot rest lifts up so baby can sleep soundly
Fits Maxi Cosi, Cybex and Graco infant carriers – just clip on the optional adaptor and go
Head hugger supports baby’s head as they doze
Large canopy gives plenty of shade on sunny days
Five point safety harness keep baby safe inside
Suitable from birth through 50 pounds

Parent’s features

Iconic and industrial design with a choice of colours – be the envy of other moms and dads!
Unique single handed fold is effortless, with or without the seat attached
Light to push with a compact fold that’s ideal for small car trunks and storage spaces, even with seat attached
No expense spared on quality materials, including a leatherette handle
Height adjustable handle and one touch brake
Easy gliding swivel wheels can be locked for the straight and narrow
Large shopping basket unzips on both sides for easy access

Out and About with Baby

Stay tuned for lots more information about the Mylo. In addition to a thorough written and video review we’ll be featuring the stroller in our “Out and About with Baby” series. For several weeks after baby arrives we’ll be sharing how this stroller fits into our life. From using it with our infant car seat to walks around the neighborhood to pushing big sister while wearing baby… the options for this stroller are endless.

Shop! The Mamas & Papas Mylo comes in four fun colors: Welly Green and Lime Jelly, Plum Pudding and Raspberry Ripple, Dove Grey and Sandcastle (pictured above) and Black Jack. The suggested retail price is $699.99 and it’s available for purchase from numerous online retailers.

Thanks to Mamas & Papas for providing a sample in exchange for review and coverage.

Top 5 Essentials for New Mamas from Sheri Gurock of Magic Beans

by Kate on February 27th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Getting Ready for Baby

In 2004 while pregnant with her second child, Sheri Gurock and her husband Eli dreamt the idea of Magic Beans: A retail experience designed for kids and optimized for parents, a place that would balance the fresh and new with the tried and true. They were clearly on to something because 7 and a half years later Magic Beans has five retail locations and a booming online business at mbeans.com. Sheri is a leader in the baby and children’s product sphere – spotting trends, up and coming products and carrying only the best and most respected brands. We are honored to share Sheri’s picks for the Top 5 Essentials for New Moms.

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1. Car Seat

Most hospitals won’t even let you leave the building without showing your car seat. You want to get an infant car seat at least 4 weeks ahead of your due date and get it checked by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, who can make sure it is installed properly and teach you how to use it properly. Never buy a stroller because it matches your car seat. You’ll only use that car seat for a few months, but the stroller will be around for years. Instead, try to choose an infant car seat that is compatible with the stroller you like best. Keep in mind, not every car seat fits in every car, so double-check before making a final decision.

My favorite: Chicco Keyfit

2. Stroller

For the first few months after your baby arrives, your stroller is your lifeline in many regards. It’s your ticket out of the house, and isolation is the #1 enemy of a new mom. Choosing the right stroller is an imperfect science and more often than not, families need more than one stroller. That’s OK — it’s better to have two strollers that, between them, can take you anywhere you want to go than to have one stroller that can hardly take you around the block.

My favorite: Bugaboo Cameleon

3. Baby Carrier

Wearing your baby is a win-win. It’s great for the babies, who love the motion and snuggling, and it’s helpful for moms who sometimes need to have two hands free. There are many different types of carriers out there, but the most important decision factor should be the parent’s comfort. Babies can almost always adapt to any type of carrier if you give them a chance, but you don’t want to end the day with sore shoulders.

My favorite: Stokke MyCarrier

4. Diaper Pail

Don’t laugh. Maybe those diapers won’t smell too bad at first, but give it just a month or two (or six) and I promise you’ll be thinking a lot about odor control in the nursery. Some diaper pails have custom liners you need to use, so you’re tethered to buying their refills. Other diaper pails use regular bags. But at the end of the day, the most important thing is how well it performs. You won’t mind buying inserts if it means the baby’s room doesn’t smell like poop.

My favorite: Diaper Dekor

5. Swaddle Blankets

Newborn babies arrive with a marked preference for tight spaces. This is why they sleep so well when they’re all swaddled up. A selection of swaddle blankets is essential to getting a good night’s sleep. If your baby “doesn’t like it” or breaks out of the swaddle, you probably just need to do it a little tighter. There are very few babies who really don’t sleep better when swaddled.

My favorite: Aden + Anais

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Shop Magic Beans online, of if you’re in the Boston area visit one of their five store locations. (Do it for me! I’m dying to shop the store in person.) Keep up with Magic Beans on Facebook and Twitter for valuable information, Facebook Friday giveaways and more.

Denim Baby Gear {Trend Watch}

by Kate on February 16th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Shopping

Denim was everywhere last fall at the ABC Kids Expo and the look continues to grow among some of our favorite baby brands.

We love the Maclaren Object of Design strollers because they’re always right on trend and offer a fun limited edition take on these practical strollers. The Denim Quest ($250) is no different. This stroller is chalk full of fun denim details, including authentic denim stitching, suede-look Maclaren label and pockets that look like jean pockets on your bum.

I am delighted that when baby arrives our double of choice will be the Maclaren Denim Triumph Twin Buggy ($299). Stay tuned for more info on this chic stroller.

We got to see and touch the Peg Perego take on denim at ABC and the details are adorable. Pockets looks like real jean pockets and the fabrics and stitching offer fun contrasting colors. The material is surprisingly soft to the touch and will offer a comfortable and stylish ride for babies. The denim look is available in the Pliko Four Travel System ($670) and the Pliko Switch Four Travel System ($770) and you can also purchase the Primo Viaggo Car Seat ($270) and Pliko Four Stroller separately.

The Pliko Switch Four ($500) even has a denim foot muff.

Bugaboo Bee Special Edition Denim is available now from giggle for $699. The Bee features the function and style of Bugaboo in a lighter weight package that can accommodate a child from infancy through toddlerhood. The denim look in this special edition is a dark denim with accents to mimic jeans (contrast stitching and buttons).

bloom recently announced the Downtown Denim Collection, a fresh take on its current Diesel Denim color. The uber stylish and modern baby gear from bloom will be available on the Coco Stylewood lounger, Fresco High Chair and Nano High Chair.