KidKustoms Roddlers are the strollers you get for the parents who have everything or just what you get for your guy to make sure he’s willing to do his fair share of stroller pushing.  These are really not just strollers, they are true works of art! (Click below here for a video demo about them!)

Each KidKustoms Roddler stroller is hand assembled/painted/overseen by the amazing Joe Iacono and his team.  Joe is a total car guy who for some inexplicable reason, realized he could make a more beautiful stroller than any others out there – especially one more geared to Dads and/or people who appreciate truly fine car craftsmanship.  Since each stroller is truly hand-crafted, we work closely with Joe and our Let’s Go Strolling KidKustoms customers to create the stroller of their dreams.

We’ve had the honor this year to work with customers to create some pretty smokin’ strollers.  They’ve had monogrammed seats, ipod connectors and speakers, rear fender reflectors and even custom-designed fender art.  Unfortunately since these are special order for some high-profile customers, we can’t show them here – but trust us, they would blow you away!  Here’s one Roddler they did for International Pin-Up model Sabina Kelley, which, I have to say, is pretty cute.

Anyways back to us (of course!).  For our Roddler, we had Joe do a bit more toned-down version for the Let’s Go Strolling store in our signature green color.  A few months later a Romanian pop-star needed one ASAP for her music video.  Since Joe lives about 20 minutes from us, he called and asked if he could send ours to Romania and make us a new one.  Of course we agreed.

Joe just forwarded on these Parazzi shots of the famous (though unknown to me!) Corina l-a botezat pe Robin with our, I mean her, KidKustoms stroller.  So even though we’re not hounded by the Paparazzi yet, our strollers sure are!

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?

Melissa and I are donating money to charities that deliver food and medical care to the Haitian people.  We’ve also put up a banner link on the home page of our website to make it easy for others to donate.  If you’ve been thinking about donating but haven’t gotten around to it, or don’t know where to donate, we recommend the Red Cross.  You can click here or on the banner on the front page of our website to go straight to the Red Cross donation page.

We believe every little bit does make a difference.

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!

School is finally back in session this week after two long long long weeks at home with my brood.  Generally between xmas and New Year’s is pretty slow here at Let’s Go Strolling so it seemed an ideal time to take off a couple of weeks to spend with my family since my kids are out of school.

This idea turned out to be better in theory than practice.  First my middle son got sick (right on his birthday too!) and ended up coughing endlessly and spending nights awake on the bathroom floor.  As he recovered my toddler daughter got sick, as did my Dad who was visiting for the holidays.

This meant planned outings seemed distinctly less appealing and both my husband and I were grouchy and sleepy during the daytimes.  Then the whining began – “I’m bored.” “There’s nothing to do.” “Can I go to the toy store and buy a gift?”  Nothing like spending time with whiny kids spoiled from too many gifts and sweets to really make you feel like you’re doing a successful job of parenting.

Then New Year’s came and since my parents were visiting – we had babysitters!  We made movie/dinner plans with a couple of friends and got ready to have one night out alone on the town to ring in 2010.  Until around 3pm when our friends called to tell us their babysitter had the flu!  We brought dinner to their house and rang in New Year’s on their couch.  Maybe next year. . .

Needless to say – I had a big smile sending my kids to school on Monday and heading back to work.  I really love time with my kids, but I’m thinking spending times with them during a non flu/cold season might be a better way to go. . .

P.S. Thanks to all our fabulous Teutonia Stroller Giveaway entries. It was won by Matt who entered for his wife Jessica!  What a devoted husband.  We’re so happy for them and they are thrilled.  Meanwhile did you check out these photos of Heidi Klum with her new Teutonia?

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!)

Well we finally received images from Baby Jogger for  the 2010 Baby Jogger City Select and they are gorgeous!  We have images available for many different configurations and all three colors.

If you’re interested: Click here to check it out.

If you’re really interested – I recommend pre-ordering.  Baby Jogger has already sold out of their first container of City Selects so if you wait until it comes out to order, you might be waiting until February for the second shipment to arrive!  Just a cautionary word for anyone anxiously awaiting this arrival!

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.

Win to tickets to (RED)NIGHTS Concert – A Fine Frenzy in San Francisco, CA

Let’s Go Strolling is partnering with Bugaboo to bring 2 lucky Let’s Go Strolling fans the opportunity to win a set of 2 tickets to this awesome (RED)NIGHTS concert on November 12th in San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall. 


What is (RED)?

(RED) is a simple and powerful idea to harness the power of shoppers to create a sustainable flow of funds directly to Africa to help those affected by AIDS.

(RED) partners with the world’s most iconic brands to create (PRODUCT)RED products, a portion of which goes to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Current (RED) partners are Apple, Converse, Dell, Emporio Armani, Gap, Hallmark and Starbucks.

What is (RED)NIGHTS?

(RED)NIGHTS is a concert series designed to help eliminate AIDS in Africa; as a part of the series, A Fine Frenzy will be appearing November 12th in San Francisco, CA.  A Fine Frenzy’s first album was released in 2007 and reached Number One on Billboard’s “Heatseeker” charts.  A Fine Frenzy was also chosen as a VH1 “You Oughta Know” artist.  Joining A Fine Frenzy in concert is Landon Pigg and Among the Oak & Ash.

Bugaboo is now a Proud Partner of (PRODUCT)RED

Bugaboo is a proud partner of (PRODUCT)RED and is contributing 1% of all revenue to the Global Fund to help fund AIDS programs in Africa with an emphasis on the health of women and children.

Bugaboo is the only (RED)™ partner to contribute a percentage of all revenue across its entire product range to help in the fight against AIDS in Africa.  In celebration of the BUGABOO (PRODUCT)RED partnership, Bugaboo has created a special collection which includes a (BUGABOO)RED Cameleon denim stroller, (BUGABOO)RED Cameleon ADO(RED) accessory bundle, (BUGABOO)RED Bee TREASU(RED) and (BUGABOO)RED Bag in white leather.  Wow! Go Bugaboo!

How Can I Win Tickets?

Just comment on your thoughts about the Bugaboo(RED) partnership to get entered.

You can score additional entries with each purchase on the Let’s Go Strolling website between November 1st and November 9th.  Just give your order number and you’ll get one additional entry.  Orders containing Bugaboo products get 2 additional entries – just put “I buy Bugaboo” in your blog comment and you will score 2 entries.

Still want more entries?

You can Tweet about the fabulous Bugaboo (RED)NIGHTS ticket giveaway and leave a comment that you tweeted to get extra contest entries.

Need a tweet to use?

“Win tickets to the SF #rednights concert from @Letsgostrolling & Bugaboo http://tinyurl.com/yhzmsak”

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