Strolling Along

I always find myself trying to find the perfect gift - for any and every situation.  I’ll search tirelessly for the perfect birthday gift, holiday gift, just because gift and definitely for the perfect baby gift.  Well, I’ve finally found it - so look no more…the perfect baby gift is here and it’s reasonably priced as well!  The Skip Hop Diaper Bag Details has everything a new parent needs when packing up their diaper bag.  It comes with an insulated bottle bag (perfect for bottles, sippy cups without handles or a Diet Coke), a laminated zip case with a detachable strap (perfect for diaper creme, your stuff, and any little things that you need to pack away), a pacifier pocket that can hold 2 pacis, a see-through wipes case and a diaper holder that will hold up to 4 diapers.  All these goodies are then packaged in their own little carrying case which is just perfect for gift giving!  The Skip Hop Diaper Bag Details comes in 3 great patterns: black geo, ocean stripe and flora - so there is one that will suit all your expecting mom friends!

Well the short answer is “who knows?”  The longer answer has so much more detail.  Valco demoed several different single and doubles models at the ABC show this year. Many of them ranged in price and quality and many deviated significately from their current Valco Twin Trimode/Trimode models.

Valco had a double Ion Model that was super lightweight (seemed between 25-28lbs) and folded incredibly easily - this one was the one that we were most excited about.  It is unlikely that it will be out before the end of Winter 2008 or the beginning of the Spring of 2008.  There were a couple of other lightweight models debuted as well but it is unlikely Valco will bring all of them out so I wouldn’t wait for them.  They ranged from the Super light-weight to the midweight.  Some were very easy to open and close, others seemed more “fiddly” but were also prototype models so it is hard to tell. . .

So what do we know for sure is coming out from Valco:  First of all Let’s Go Strolling will have the exclusive “Boy Meets Girl” Pink & Blue Limited Edition version of the Valco Twin Trimode that will be fully loaded with matching footmuffs, UV/Sun Cover, Matching infant headhuggers, Matching individual bumper bars, a weather shield and a tire pump.  Whether you are looking for the perfect stroller for boy/girl twins or a new sibling - the Valco Twin Trimode is a tried and true favorite and this new color combination is sure to be a smash hit!

The Trimode Single will also have some new colors but Valco is still mum on what the final chages are.  They have recently released a Brilliant Black as well as a Champagne color but several new colors are on the way for the late Fall/early Winter of 2007.  The Valco Buggster will also be coming out shortly with a new closing mechanism to make it easier for those of us that loved the push and manueverability of the Buggster but found the fold to be a bit challenging at times.

The Rebel is also being completely redesigned and will still face rear and foward and hold a toddler seat but will no longer be a three wheeled stroller (it will be have 4 wheels) and a more urban terrain look as opposed to the previous rugged version of the Rebel with 3 air-filled tires.  The newer Rebel will be lighter and fold smaller - making it more flexible to meet the needs of today’s urban and suburban parents who value rear facing for their two kids but also want the portability that was lacking in the previous version of the Rebel.

Lastly Valco introduced prototypes for several lightweight Urban terrain strollers that didn’t have air tires but still had a fabulous push.  Our favorite was the Ion which pushed smoothly, closed quickly and easily and was incredily lightweight with full recline.  There were several other lightweight models in addition which didn’t push as smoothly and seemed to offer less attractive value to our customers.  We are not sure when/if Valco will release any of these models in the US market.  The Australian market does have a lower priced line called Vee-Bee after which many of these demo models were patterned.

So while we can guarantee the fabulous pink/blue Valco Twin Trimode, as well as some new Trimode and Twin Trimode colors, what else is coming down the pike with Valco is still a work in progress.  But don’t worry folks, we’ll keep you updated with plenty of time for when you are planning your next stroller purchase whether it needs to hold another child or just provide the convenience of a lighter single stroller for travel and everyday use.

STAY TUNED. . .

That’s how I think of the new Fleurville MicroPod. This little bag can hold everything that you need for a quick outing with junior - everything for both junior and for you!

The Re-Run MicroPod has three storage areas - a main compartment for holding a wipes case, changing cloth and up to two diapers. It has a fleece-lined exterior pocket for your cell phone, sunglasses or iPod. Not only does it have the perfect place to store your iPod, it also has the perfect way for you to listen to your iPod: the Re-Run silicone badge has an ear piece ‘pass-through’ so you can listen to your tunes with ease while your iPod stays safe and protected in the fleece-lined pocket.  Just when you think that Fleurville has thought of everything, they go and surprise you…there is even a hidden sippy cup pocket that tucks into the side of the bag when not in use. Now that is clever!

So, the Re-Run MicroPod is small and well organized…anything else you ask…yup! The MicroPod is made out of Fleurville’s Re-Run material. So, the each MicroPod keeps three 600ml plastic water bottles out of landfills. A great bag and it’s environmentally sound to boot - and you thought that it couldn’t get any cooler!

Okay the rumors are floating around.  Phil and Ted’s is changing this - they’re doing that.  Their improving it - they aren’t changing a thing. . . Well sit tight because we are here to give your just the facts Ma’am!

Phil and Ted’s is changing their line-up from just one single stroller and toddler seat - the Sport Buggy to 4 variations on this theme.

First of all the current Phil and Ted’s Sport Buggy:

This stroller will stay the same except for the addition of a new color to all the current colors - Pink Camo, the sister color to the current Blue Camo Sport Buggy.  The pink is a very vibrant rich pink as are all of Phil and Ted’s colors and Pink Camo fans should be thrilled.

The “New” Phil and Ted’s Classic:

This is a “stripped down” Sport Buggy where the main seat only had two positions - fully reclined and fully upright and the toddler seat has no partial recline at all.  The handlebar will also only have two positions and not be fully adjustable. It will only be available in limited colors and will retail for $299 + 79.95 for the accompanying toddler seat.  This is a good choice for those who want the Phil and Ted’s tandem idea without all the features or for those that have two older babies/toddlers and do not need the recline options on the main or toddler seat.

The Phil and Ted’s Dash Buggy:

This is a “souped up” Sport Buggy where the main seat has an easy unlimited position recline, bigger underseat basket, much more cushioning, updated canopy, and the stroller can be braked from the handlebar.  The accompanying toddler seat will also have more padding, a semi-recline that is fully enclosed at the top and a covered frame so that there is no bar that kids are leaning against.  The Dash will only be available in limited colors (Red and Black) and will retail for $499 + 99.95 for the accompanying toddler seat.  This is a good choice for those want a plusher stroller with more cushioning than the current streamlined look of the Sport Buggy.

The Phil and Ted’s Vibe Buggy:

This is a redesigned Phil and Ted’s where the concept of a single with toddler seat is still the same but the actual stroller design looks a lot different from the current Sport Buggy.  This stroller was only in Prototype at the ABC show in Vegas so it was impossible to accurately guage the weight and the fold but it is made out of aluminum and is supposed to be 1 lbs lighter than the current Sport Buggy and will fold with the toddler seat on in the rear or front position.  The kicker is that the fold is quite complex so I’m not sure you save any time over removing the toddler seat in the current version but it at least if you want to fold it in one piece for travel, etc, you can.  Similar to the Dash version, the Vibe is much plusher than the current Sport model although it retains the same zip recline method but has the bigger underseat basket, much more cushioning, updated canopy, and the stroller can be braked from the handlebar.  The accompanying toddler seat will also have more padding, a semi-recline that is fully enclosed at the top and a covered frame so that there is no bar that kids are leaning against.  The Vibe will also only be available in limited colors (Red and Black) and will retail for $599 + 129.95(?) for the accompanying toddler seat.  This will be the stroller for those that want the lightest double with the most updated look and highest price tag.

My take on it: it’s hard to tell for sure which stroller line will survive past the first year but I still think the Sport Buggy is an excellent double tandem stroller and perfect for many different types of families who want a streamlined double.  I am intrigued by the plushness and additional features of the Dash and think it might be a nice upgrade for those looking for that little bit more from their stroller.  I think the Classic is too stripped down and not flexible enough for most people’s actual needs and the Vibe seems too complex use/fold to be worth all that extra money although I am sure there will still be some takers since people do seem to like the 1 piece fold appeal and aluminum frame.

I’ll be back soon with some more doubles updates from ABC for our loyal readers and curious visitors. . .

Next weekend we are headed to the 2008 Stroller Roll-Out where all the stroller companies put their newest and greatest for 2008 on display.  We want to know “What do you want to know?”

Please feel free to post any questions to this blog or to email us directly at info@letsgostrolling.com.  We want to make sure we come back from this show with all your questions.

Thanks for helping us guide you better and smarter!