According to the BBC the criminals easily sell them online at auction sites to unknowing parents who are driving this black market trade.  And mentioned that one in four had bought their strollers “second hand”.

We have seen the first hand effects of parents getting a “good deal” at an auction site and then call us when they have received a faulty stroller or need warranty attention and they are shocked to learn that they don’t have a warranty.

It appears the one of the most popular models for thieves is the Bugaboo Bee!  You have a lot invested in your quality stroller and it should last you for years.  Make sure you keep an eye on it when you are out and about.  You may want to consider a lock such as the BuggyGuard Stroller Lock to help you secure your stroller.

I will try to find some information on US stroller thefts but I would imagine that we have the same thing going on here.  If you would like to read the original article it is here:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11703640

Bugaboo Donkey All Configurations

Wow…while we had caught wind of the Bugaboo Donkey a few months ago, we were sworn to secrecy until the official unveiling which was today. So is this it, the answer to all our prayers?  The Bugaboo Donkey has a revolutionary design that uses a telescopic chassis frame to convert the stroller from a single (mono) to a side by side double (duo) and then back again to a single (mono) with just 3 clicks.  What do you think? Pretty cool huh?

Bugaboo Double Stroller

Bugaboo Donkey

We haven’t had the chance to give it the official Let’s Go Strolling once-over but we can’t wait to get our hands on it next month at the ABC Las Vegas Market when Bugaboo officially shows it off.   Here’s what we know now. We’re told the Donkey can hold a child up to 37.5 lbs in each seat.  Not bad for a double stroller but some may have challenges with older, taller children but absolutely a dream for twins and children close in age.  The seats can be arranged independently of each other which is nice especially if you have an older child that likes to face out while baby faces you.  You can even have two car seats installed at the same time, and we just confirmed you can use 2 bassinets at the same time.

So whats the low down on specifications?  As a single, (mono) it is the same width as the Cameleon wheel base but the handle bar is a bit wider on the Donkey.  You also have a great side cargo storage for easy access items such as, diaper bag, toys, shopping bags, market goods or even your little chihuahua!  There’s even great storage underneath too!

As a double (duo) it’s about 29 inches wide which is pretty standard these days for double strollers.  The push is supposed to share the same superior qualities as the Cameleon and Bee providing excellent maneuverability and top notch suspension that we have all grown to love in the Bugaboo line up.  The fold is also supposed to be a cinch allowing the fold in both the single or double mode. We’ll know more about individual seat width, height, total weight, folded dimensions and of course price, in October.  We do know it should be shipping sometime April 2011.

Play along….Pin the Price on the Donkey…

Win a $250.00 Gift Certificate to

Let’s Go Strolling

For the next several days we will hosting a game called Pin the Price on the Donkey.  While we anxiously await the final price of this one amazing stroller, post your closest guess and tell us why.  Once the final price of the Donkey is revealed by Bugaboo we will post the official price tag on our Facebook page and our blog.  The closest person’s guess will win a $250 Gift Certificate to Let’s Go Strolling!

If there is more than one guess at the same price, those players will be entered into a drawing and 1 winner will be chosen!  Play today!!

We would love to hear your comments!  What do you think about it?  What do you think about the name, Bugaboo Donkey?

While we can easily speak to looks & comfort, we’re of course concerned with safety since it is our kids (and yours) that we’re talking about.  Clek impressed us with their attention to safety – evident in their use of a energy-absorbing foam combined with a magnesium frame and structural headrest to provide better impact and intrusion protection, easy latch installation for safety when you kids are and are not in their booster (no flying carseats upon impact folks!) and belt guides for safe seatbelt positioning.  Well the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety just released their ratings of Booster Seats and the Clek Oobr had their top rating and was chosen as one of their top “Best Best”.  Not that we were surprised of course, but 3^rd party verification is always awesome to have!

In honor of this accomplishment, we’re providing our loyal blog readers with a code to save 10% off the purchase of their own Clek Oobr for the next month (or while supplies last).  Use coupon code LGSOobr at checkout for 10% off the purchase of your very own Oobr at our website Let’s Go Strolling.

Haven’t you been thinking it’s time to move your preschooler to a great booster?

Although there are no functional changes between the later model year 2009 EX Twin and Single Trimodes, the 2010 Twin and Single Trimodes have arrived in all brand new colors.  Valco has also jazzed up their stroller colorways, but putting the accent color in the canopy extension.  It really pops when the canopy is fully open!  Plus you can order now for a free Valco snack tray (valued at $26) included with your order (while supplies last!)  You can also grab up a 2009 EX Single Trimode version for a fabulous sale price!

The Valco Ion in the single and twin versions were released in a small supply in the fall but due to its immense popularity, it is now fully in stock and we know why.  I’m preparing a blog just about the Valco Ion which I use and love, but it’s safe to say for now – this is one lightweight you’ll reach for everytime.

Lastly the brand new Valco Latitude EX is now in stock (in most colors, the rest come in February).  The new Latitude EX has an extendable canopy for better coverage as well as a higher seat back and longer legrest to fit taller children.  We have heard from some customers that version one of the Latitude did have a few reliability issues.  Customer feedback and roadtests have revealed that the Latitude EXs are more consistent with Valco’s usual high standards and durability.  If you want to snap up a great deal though – check out the Open Box Latitude Twins on our website now for a steal!

So check out the new Trimode colors below and tell us – which new color is your favorite?

Due to “developmental changes,” Baby Jogger has pushed back the ship date of Chicco adaptors to April, 2010.  This of course is no certain guarantee of availability for all of you planning to use a Chicco adaptor with your next baby.

Of course we’re bummed and we know some of you are too.  Keep in mind though that Baby Jogger does fit the Graco Snugride and Snugride 32 as well as the Peg Perego (the two most popular carseat models) and the Britax and Evenflo infant seats.  Hope this information is helpful to some of you doing your advance planning!

Teutonia strollers are known all over Europe as the creme de la creme.  These high-end strollers have captured the European market with their German engineering and manufacturing. Yes!  Teutonia is still made in Germany, not Asia!  But it’s not just the quality, the push and suspension on these strollers is fabulous.  Starting in 2009, US customers have finally been able to grab up these beauties locally.

Customers to our store are always impressed with the smooth push and sturdy construction of the Teutonia line.  Teutonia prides itself on it’s customized approach to building your stroller.  Customers can choose their chassis type (there are three), their seat combination (including carseat with adaptor, bassinet, and stroller seat) and their goodies.  The most popular Teutonia goodies include their stunning cushy seat inserts (guaranteed to dress up your ride), their popular handmuff (for strolls in colder climates), and their cozy warm footmuffs.

The Teutonia t-Tario carseats and strollers have been such a popular US addition that Teutonia is expanding their line for 2010.  Teutonia is introducing the TS-4000 which packages their top-of-the-line uber-popular Car Seat and base with a matching Teutonia reversible stroller for only $699!

The TS-4000 stroller has both a reversible seat and handle as well as all the thoughtful Teutonia details that customers worldwide have come to expect and love. Check out our video below for a sneak preview into the TS-4000 travel system and the 2010 line which is expected out Spring 2010!

But remember now it’s your chance to push the stroller of the stars!  Teutonia is offering one lucky Strolling Along blog winner a Teutonia t-300 stroller of their very own (see chassis and seat pics below).

How can you will this fancy ride?

To win the your very own Teutonia stroller just read our contest details below and start wishing on the first stars in the night sky. . .

To enter you must:

1) Watch the TS-4000 preview video above and comment below to tell us what you think? Comments can include what a great video editing team we have (me) or what you thought about the stroller!

For extra entries you can:

2) Sign up for the Let’s Go Strolling newsletter at www.letsgostrolling.com then leave a comment below letting us know you did.

3) Tweet about this giveaway and make sure to @reply @strollingalong.  Then leave us a comment letting us know you did.

4) Become a fan of letsgostrolling on Facebook (Click here to find our fan page) and leave us a comment letting us know you did.

5) Sign up to receive our blog daily via email or RSS reader and leave a comment letting us know you did.

That’s it! Enjoy!  We’ll choose the winner on December 15th so you could be getting a brand new stroller just in time for Xmas or Kwanzaa (or late for Hannukah. . . sorry about that!)

There have been 12 reports of a hinge on the stroller that amputated children’s fingertips.  At least that’s what I read.  Sounds horrifying eh?  Apparently the fix is just a simple hinge cap that Maclaren will send out to stroller owners.

This sounds very similar to the hinge cap that Phil and Ted’s issued with their Sport Buggy v1 recall after they had complaints people were gettings their fingers stuck in the hinge.  Of course then we didn’t hear the word amputated.

Does this mean you should worry if you have a Maclaren?  Apparently when the recall is public this Tuesday you should stop using your stroller.  Should you really?  That depends on your comfort level but in either case I would be very careful not to leave it out where your children can play with it as that seems to be the real risk.  Once the recall is public Maclaren should have a hotline and website form to request the cap for the hinge. Of course do this as soon as possible and don’t forget to actually install it on your stroller when it arrives.

My guess is that the words “safety recall” can sound a whole lot more ominous and worrisome than they should be to most parents.  All of this does serve as a great reminder though that strollers are not good playtoys for toddlers or young children. There are too many hinges, clasps and parts where little fingers can get stuck.

Graco has purchased the Japanese company Aprica and is relaunching in the US with stroller designs and colors cherry picked for the US market.  While Graco has a lower-end but utilitarian reputation in the US, Aprica is being launched as a more sophisticated line for urban on-the-go parents who want a functional, but light, lightweight stroller.

While Quinny momentarily won over the lightweight market a couple of years ago with their sleek Zapp stroller, we’ve found these days that Baby Jogger City Minis, UPPABaby G-Luxe and G-lites and Maclarens seem to have the corner on most parents light-weight searches.  Stand-outs like the Valco Ion, brand new Cybex line, and Peg Perego Si have a tough time gaining momentum in this ultra-competitive market.

So how will Aprica fare as it readies for it’s 2010 release?  We’re guessing pretty well!  Why?

Aprica invited us to an exclusive San Francisco launch to debut their ready-for-US line and we were impressed. I have to admit, I knew Aprica from pre-2002 days and I didn’t think it would fare well in the US so I was skeptical.  Let me say, these were not the same Aprica’s.  Both lightweights they showed had solid, sturdy frames with fun eye-catching colors.  They were well thought-out introductions to gaining US parents trust and love.

Here’s what we liked:

1)   The seat is 4 inches higher than the Maclarens and UPPA’s of this world.  This give tons more basket room and easier to load and unload babies

2)   The weights are 14lbs and 12 lbs respectively for the two models – definitely within the weight limits parents like to consider for their lightweights

3)   Both models can be folded without bending down – wonderful for those in rainy or snowy climates who don’t want to get gross just to fold their stroller or any with back issues

4)   They both stand folded, nice for standing in public transit or just loading up your car

5)   Really nice removable padding (yes washable, we asked!)

6)   Awesome harness buckles – big and very easy to clip on and off or adjust sizing on

7)  Cool factor: they have a heat reflective element on the seat back so that the heat from the sidewalk gets reflected away from the seat, keeping your little one from baking in their stroller on hotter days.

8)   Canopy and recline are decent, 130-140 degrees.  I’m hoping they revamp the recline system though which is a big clunky

Also worth noting: Aprica has the deep pockets of Graco (and it’s parent company Newell-Rubbermaid) standing behind it and investing in brand development, recognition and customer service/warranty.  This is huge! It’s hard to love a stroller if you haven’t even heard about it or don’t trust the brand.   Aprica wants you to know who they are.

On a side note (pun intended), Aprica also debuted a side hip carrier.  It is simple and streamlined.  We loved everything about it except for the price.  At $60, I might just keep using my pouch sling from the newborn stage rather than investing in a separate hip carrier.  It was cute though!

So when are they out? Well depends where you are.  Aprica is launching in NY and CA in January 2010 with their 14 lb-er and hip carrier.  Their wider distribution and 12 lbs stroller will debut in July 2010.  We’ll definitely have them in January though!

P.S. These aren’t coming to the US but in case you wanted to spend $100 for infant shoes to help your baby walk faster – head to Japan!

So the question is what do YOU think? Does this new line sound attractive to you?

Valco Baby is unique among many of the juvenile manufacturers because they show items that might never come to market.  They use the trade shows to collect critical retailer feedback and then make changes accordingly.  The disclaimer is something you see here might never come into being.  The plus is that once it does come into being it will usually be even better than when we saw it.

First up improvements:

Valco Latitude Single and Twin EX Versions:

Valco made some much needed improvements to their first generation of the Latitudes.  Currently only available in the Licorice (black) but coming in January 2010 in all colors, Valco raised and expanded the canopy, and improved the basket construction on their Latitude series.  Here is a short video I found on this topic.

Expected Date: January 2010

Our Rating: We love the new changes.  This makes a great concept into a great reality. 4 1/2 stars.

The Viva Bassinet:

This is a super cute half bassinet that can be inserted into the Twin Ion or Twin Trimode (separate versions for each) to turn one seat into a bassinet.  One or two can be used on both of the twin strollers and one can be used on the single strollers.  Makes it less expensive and bulky for parents to use a bassinet with their stroller.  The downside is you cannot lift and carry this child in this bassinet attachment.  To the right you can see what parents see looking down into it.

Expected Date: Early 2010

Our Rating: Great concept for the twin especially but parents might miss the stand-along capacity. 4 stars

Valco’s cadre of lightweight options:

Valco showed a number of forgettable lightweight options that they wanted feedback on.

Expected Date: TBD

Our Rating: 1 star.  They seemed heavy and not memorable.   We’d stick with the UPPABaby Glite, Gluxe versions

The Valco Pleather Stroller

For those who are fashion forward, Valco showed a white pleather Trimode with a black frame.  I think the pictures say it all!  Definitely interesting but would that get hot?

Expected Date: No date yet

Our Rating: Love the black frame. Don’t like the white pleather! 2 stars

The Valco Quad:

This is Valco’s attempt to meet the growing demand for the Trimode functionality with a more urban (less rugged) look.  They took off the larger front air tire and added two smaller air chamber front swivel wheels.  They also added a footrest that can be raised or lowered and locked in place.  It had the deluxe padding and features of a trimode for the more urban set.  Plus it will take a toddler seat!  That means for people who worry about potential tippy-ness of a 3 wheeler and a toddler seat – now there is this 4 wheel option that rocks.  And it was relatively light too! Valco showed it in the Raisin color which was sleek yet not all black – great color.  Basically one of our all-around favorites from the show and definitely our favorite Valco new offering!

Expected Date: Early 2010

Our Rating: Universally positive! 5 stars.

Valco Rebel – Remodeled & returning for an encore:

For those of you who have been around for a long time, Valco used to have a 3 wheeler with a reversible seat.  It was a beast (about 40 lbs) but pushed beautifully and took a toddler seat for reversibility with 1 or 2. I used one with my now 5 and 7 1/2 year olds.  I loved it but never ever wanted to lift it.  They phased it out. They have brought back a 4 wheeled reversible Rebel version with toddler seat capability.  It was still in demo form when we saw it and there was something about having to load the baby into the stroller first before you can put the toddler in. . .hmmm.  Overall I’d have to say we are with-holding judgement but given the Baby Jogger City Select and the UPPABaby Vista with Rumbleseat, the redesigned Rebel would have to improve upon those to be a worthy 1-2 child option.  We did love the fabric circles material that Valco showed it in though.

Expected Date: TBA

Our Rating: Reserving judgement but not in love.

New Trimode EX Colors:

Valco revampled the Trimode for late 2009 with the EX extended canopy.  The frame and fabrics remain the same but for 2010 the color will have the accent color as the EX part of the canopy.  So zip it up and the canopy is one color, unzip it, and you have the dual color canopy.  It looked pretty cool.  We already love the Valco Trimode so the EX canopy with a burst of color is just a nice plus!  We show the new colors in the photo here.

Expected Ship Date: January 2010

Rating: 5 star. The trimode stroller is awesome and just stays that way!

Valco Matrix

This is an less expensive version of the Valco Trimode to meet the “new economy” budgets at $399.  It feels “cheaper” as well.  I think it is a better option than a Jeep 3 wheeler but if you really want the legendary Valco quality and push, it’s worth it to spring for the Trimode EX.

Expected Date: January 2010

Our Rating: 2 stars – pay less than $100 more and you’ll be much much happier!

Enjoy our blog? Stay tuned for a huge stroller giveaway coming soon!

So what is your favorite up-and-coming 2010 Valco release?

First off our favorite and giveaway!

We have carried the Peanut Shell pouch sling carrier from almost it’s beginnings.  We loved the streamlined look, the complete ease-of-use, and the patterns.  I mean what is easier than putting a sling over your head and putting your baby right in – no adjustments needed.  With a similar sling-pouch but it’s own gorgeous design is the Serena and Lily Market slings which we have lusted after and adored as well.  Of course sizing is always an issue so often couples needed two slings for one baby depending on if Mom or Dad was holding Jr.

This is why we were blown away by the new Hotslings AP line of adjustable pouch slings.  Hotslings has always had amazing patterns but a seemingly infinite number of sizes (okay 9, but still!) – the AP line does away with this.  With 2 nicely hidden straps, you can now adjust the awesome Hotsling AP carrier from size 2 through size 5, fitting the overwhelming majority of sling wearers, even within the same family!

Besides fitting multiple wearers with the same sling, the Hotslings AP has other nice features.  The two adjustment straps are nicely hidden by what they call the “strap garage” so they are covered and don’t detract from the streamlined look – yet are easy to adjust in a moment.  There is padding on both interior and exterior rails for parent & baby comfort in all 3 positions (cradle, front carry and hip carry). Lastly there is a wide shoulder design because your sling should fit comfortably on your shoulder and not be bunched up around your neck straining you.

We loved the Hotslings AP so much we asked them if they would giveaway one to our readers as one of our favorite ABC products giveaway and they said “yes!”.  Not only that, you get to pick your pattern, thank you to the Hotslings folks for that awesome opportunity.  They even pointed us to a video to show you guys if my write-up didn’t convey the awesomeness enough.  See video below and details on how to win at the end of this post!

Beco Baby

Beco Baby had an early prototype of a new carrier for 2010 that will be sold side-by-side with their Butterfly Carrier called the Gemini.  The Gemini is more similar to an Ergo Baby Carrier in that the baby is right next to your body instead of in a pouch next to your body like the current Butterfly Carrier.  The Gemini includes a snap-able leg space that can be narrowed to allow you to carry your baby forward-facing as well as parent-facing.

We’re really thrilled about this newest offering and hope it lives up to it’s potential.  We see a lot of parents who want the back support and infant hip support of the Ergo and Beco Baby Carriers but want the forward-facing ability of a Baby Bjorn.  Let’s hope this new Gemini Carrier is just that perfect offering!

(Editor’s note: the new Cybex Carrier that is soon-to-be-released also promises to have the proper positioning of the Ergo with the forward facing capability.  It seemed a bit more intricate than the new Gemini model but I can say we honestly haven’t played with it enough to offer a full review – it’s one to watch though!)

Ergo Baby

Besides a slew of new carrier patterns (our favorite was the Galaxy Grey), Ergo released a whole new infant insert that is a huge improvement on their current Infant Insert option.  Instead of having to wrap your baby up sling-style and place in your Ergo Carrier, this infant insert provides cushioning and support to place your baby directly against your body (head up) in your Ergo.

The addition of this Heart2Heart Infant Insert into the Ergo line, really makes the Ergo into a fabulous newborn option.  We will still put in a vote for a pouch sling like the Hotslings AP or Serena and Lily since they just make it so easy to pop your baby in for the overtired parent who doesn’t want to figure out a more complicated carrier.  Of course in a perfect world you’d have both since there are definitely times when either solution would be just the perfect one!

Baby K’tan

We love the folks at Baby K’tan.  They are just so nice and enthusiastic.  At the ABC show, they showed their versatile new burp cloth turns into Nursing cover.  It works with all common carriers so no matter what you are carrying – you can grab one of these and you’ll always have the coverage you need, whether over your shoulder or over your boob!  How can one less thing to back into your diaper bag not be a great idea?

Now onto our fabulous giveaway (Thank you Hotslings!)

To win the our FABULOUS BABY CARRIER GIVEAWAY in your favorite color/pattern just follow the directions below and in 2 weeks, this beauty could be yours!

To enter you must:

1) Sign up for the Let’s Go Strolling newsletter at www.letsgostrolling.com then leave a comment below letting us know you did and what color you would like!

For extra entries you can:

2) Let us know what your favorite Baby Carriers are or favorite new updates are.

3) Sign up to receive our blog daily via email or RSS reader and leave a comment letting us know you did.

4) Tweet about this giveaway and make sure to @reply @strollingalong.  Then leave us a comment letting us know you did.

5) Become a fan of letsgostrolling on Facebook (Click here to find our fan page) and leave us a comment letting us know you did.

That’s it! Enjoy!  We’ll choose the winner on Halloween (Oct 31st) so stay tuned!