Does Mommy Love It?

Why is it that so many of the most innovative bicycles are often designed, manufactured, and sold overseas?  Perhaps it’s the emphasis on fuel-efficient modes of transportation such as bicycling, walking and public transit found in so many European countries.  This may create the demand for new and exciting ways to get from point A to point B without the reliance on the automobile.    Thank goodness that some of the best of these advances tend to eventually come to North American Shores.

The Dutch company Taga has brilliantly combined the simple pleasure and ease of use of cycling with the functionality of a high-end stroller all in one easy to use self propelled vehicle!  The Taga’s two primary modes are from that of a stroller to a tricycle, switching easily in a matter of seconds.  This allows for this to essentially be the all in one vehicle for you and your child in an urban setting.  My family uses the Taga on a regular basis for both recreation and enjoyment in Central Park and along the Hudson River.   Additionally, we use it as a very legitimate way to travel moderate distances in the city without the use of a Taxi or train.  Best of all, upon arrival to our destination, we don’t have to worry about bike locks and storage as we simply transform the cycle into the much more compact stroller and continue easily on our way indoors.  It also gives my husband and I some great exercise!

Quite simply, the Taga is a true breakthrough in transportation for the urban family.  For our family in New York City, it is our replacement for the automobile.  It also plays a vital role in our recreational enjoyment, and is an obvious favorite of our son.  As the birth of my second soon looms in (very) near future, I look forward to purchasing one of the many accessories available from Taga, which allows for two small children to ride in the frontal compartment!

For purchasing information and a clearer picture of how the Taga functions, check out the wonderful video found on their website…

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Taga provided the stroller bike, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

3 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Recreation, Strollers | tags: bike, stroller and bike, Taga. | #

As I anticipate the birth of my second child this summer, I want to be sure that I am equipped with the best equipment for nice long walks and jogs through central park. There are so many wonderful products being made that allow parents to carry their child with ease.  The Switchback Hybrid is the cream of the crop for cyclists and runners with kids!

Baby Jogger is known for their superior quality single and double jogging strollers.  In addition to their fabulous strollers, they take it to the next level with the Switchback Hybrid.  This gadget can carry one or two children during a jog or attach to the back of a bicycle during a scenic cruise.  Most of the trailers and joggers I’ve found that boast similar traits, are cumbersome and often require additional conversion kits.  I am most impressed with the Quick-Fold Technology used in this model.  According to multiple sources, this is the quickest and easiest folding trailer on the market.  I can attest that it took a minimum amount of effort and time to place in our storage area after use.  As a Manhattan mom, space is limited and I definitely appreciated the quick-fold aspect.  I also feel like I am more apt to use the jogger because of the ease of use and storage.

This is also a great product to take a beach or park because it allows your child to rest or sleep inside.  There is a built in bug and wind/rain screen with waterproof zippers.  They can relax without these environmental nuisances.  Along with the amazing comfort, this trailer provides an adjustable handlebar to accommodate individual users, arear storage compartment, and a safety flag and rear reflector.

Though the price tag on the Switchback may seem weighty, its superior quality and ease of use definitely make it a worthy investment for parent cyclists and runners.  Double strollers are great to use for short trips but long jogs or bike rides are much more comfortable with this Hybrid!  It allows for both the child and parent to travel with graceful conformability!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Baby Jogger provided the Switchback Hybrid, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

4 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Strollers | tags: Baby Jogger, bike trailer, double stroller, Strollers, Switchback Hybrid. | #

Hello DMLI,
About 1.5 million Graco strollers have been recalled because they could pose a risk of fingertip amputations and lacerations to children, federal safety officials announced Wednesday.  The CPSC said consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Graco to receive a free protective cover repair kit.
Check out here for more information!

No Comments | In: Strollers | tags: Graco Stroller Recalls. | #

For those who are handy, it shouldn’t be a problem connecting the BuggyBoard Maxi to your stroller, but one caveat is that it did take my husband a few tries to get everything latched on perfectly. Then again, my husband also needs help bolting a shelf (another review for another day).

That said, the BuggyBoard Maxi is great for one major reason: practicality. With a ticket price of $90, it is the cost-effective solution to a lugging your older toddler around if purchasing a brand new stroller is out of the question. While your baby sits in the stroller, your toddler (2-5 years of age) can stand comfortably on the board while keeping himself upright by holding onto the handlebars of the stroller. Being that most toddlers quickly grow out of the stroller phase and onto scooters and heelies, the BuggyBoard Maxi might be a great product to assist you in your afternoon strolls.

If you’re worried that the BuggyBoard Maxi might not be compatible with your current stroller, Lascal had you worrywarts in mind. Click on this link to see a wide selection of “prams, pushchairs and buggies.”

When the BuggyBoard Maxi first arrived at our home, my husband questioned the durability of the material (which is plastic), but after seeing that it held the weight of our man-child, he gave me a thumbs up. It works really well with our umbrella stroller. The BuggyBoard Maxi even worked well in a brisk walk through the park, but if you have a toddler as big as ours, there is a chance you may have to walk a bit to the side to give your child and yourself a bit of breathing room. Still, it has been a perfect complement on our weekend trips to the museum, parks and zoos. Probably the best part of it all is that our little guy enjoys the ride!

No Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Strollers | tags: Lascal, lascal buggyboard maxi, stroller attachement, toddler. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!  CONGRATS JULIE, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

Every mom knows that there is never enough space to put things; especially when you are out and about. The Mighty Buggy Hook by Think King is a great place to start. One pack comes with 2 hooks, so it was great to test it on both my “snap and go” stroller and our double stroller. The strong velcro that attaches the hook to the stroller was very effective and after absolutely over-loading the hook I felt very confident it would stay in place. My favorite aspect of this “Mighty Buggy Hook,” is that it is small and strong. I have used quite a few stroller hooks with my 2 boys and the plastic ones have all broken because of the weight of my bags and the other steel hooks are very large and always cause my bags to drag on the ground. One little hook did the trick. My only problem with the Mighty Buggy Hook is that you really should use both for one stroller to even out the weight of the bags, and that is sometimes complicated. Just my purse was fine, but when I had 2 bags on the hook or even a relatively heavy bag (like the enormous one that I had from Ikea) it was awkward to have it right in the middle but also made the stroller tip backwards if I moved the bags around too much. Overall I think it is the best hook available, and incidentally I saw it marketed for wheelchairs or powerchairs as well and could also be used in the kitchen or garage to hang things on. So with just a few minor issues, I think this is a great product.

Win one free  Mighty Buggy Hook. To enter simply, visit their site and  leave a comment.  For additional entries:

) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

2) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? and then leave a comment stating you did so.

3) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet! (this is worth 3 enteries!!!)

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment back with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK GROUP!

This contest ends July 20TH, 2009 Midnight.

4 Comments | In: Accessories, Strollers | tags: bags, hook, shopping, stroller accessory, the might buggy hook by think king. | #

Being a city mom means you are ALWAYS in need of more floor space. This is one of the main reasons I love the StrollAway Stroller Hanger by MetroTots. Made of strong steel, the StrollAway can slide on top of any door. My Maclaren stroller hangs on this with ease, and now has its own special spot. Having a set spot for my stroller has made my morning and night routine of stowing away my stroller a cinch. No more stepping over the folded stroller as I walk the hallways or moving it from one place to another as my kids play. It holds well and is very, very sturdy. There is a spacer that comes with each StrollAway Stroller Hanger that allows it fit any door width, whether it’s a wide front door or a skinny closet door. You can even hang it facing the closet so you don’t see the stroller at all, which makes my place even more clutter free!

At $50, it is a reasonable price. Because it hangs over your door, there are no screws and no damage. Finally our stroller has a home … and the best part, you won’t even know it’s there.  I would definitely recommend the StrollAway Stroller Hanger by MetroTots.

No Comments | In: Accessories, Organization, Strollers | tags: organize, space, StrollAway Stroller Hanger by MetroTots, stroller. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.  CONGRATULATIONS TO ANNA, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

When you’re on the go with the little one, the last thing you want to be doing is searching through your huge diaper bag looking for a bottle or snacks or keys. That is why the Soft Buggy Cup is a perfect addition to your stroller. With a cylinder shape, it is perfect for your child’s bottle, but I’ve found it equally handy for carrying small toys or ready-to-go snacks. Held by Velcro straps, it can be easily taken off the strollers, but because the material is made of soft, mesh-like material that flattens when you fold your stroller, there’s really no need to ever take the Soft Buggy Cup off. We often stroll our baby through the rough sidewalks of New York City, and have noticed that the Soft Buggy Cup can hold bottles without it fallingout. It also has a drawstring to close objects that are on the smaller side.

In the happenchance that you do spill liquid, the material is easy to clean. It only comes in two color schemes (orange/silver and black/silver), but it is stylish enough. Considering its practical usefulness, it’s a great purchase for the $15 ticket price.  Not to mention, it’s very versatile and functional.  You can use not only on strollers, but on your child’s scooter, bedside, wheelchairs, and etc.

Win one free Soft Buggy Cup. To enter simply, visit their site and  leave a comment.  For additional entries:

1) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

2) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? and then leave a comment stating you did so.

3) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet! (this is worth 3 enteries!!!)

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment back with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

This contest ends June 10TH, 2009 Midnight.

21 Comments | In: Accessories, Strollers, featured | tags: extra storage, oft Buggy Cup Holder and Buggy Hooks by Think King, stroller. | #

The C6 stroller from Chicco has the best price point for a lot of great features for an umbrella stroller.  Only at $60.00 and designed in Italy, the C6 has a rugged yet lightweight annodized aluminum frame that weighs only 11 lbs.  Comes with 2 position reclining seat that provides comfort and security with a padded 5 point harness. It comes with a canopy which protects your child from the weather. The basket provides storage for all the things; however, I find that it’s very small and can’t fit much when the seat is in full recline. The downfall of this stroller is it’s maneuverability.  The front swivel wheels seems to be smooth, but to push the stroller I have to put all my might or it doesn’t move.  Taking turns is very difficult and the wheel suspension is very stiff.  Another good note is that the stroller comes with a carry bag & shoulder carry strap that make travel & storage convenient.  For me, strollers need to be steered well and smoothly and C6 stroller just does not do the job!

1 Comment | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Strollers | tags: chicco C6 stroller, toddler, umbrella stroller. | #

After a disappointing two-month trial with the Bumbleride Flyer Stroller, I was back to the drawing board. I did hours of research and finally found “the one”…the Valco Latitude stroller! Although it did not have the reversible seat/handlebar feature, it satisfied all my urban needs: stylish with good functionality.

1. Easy maneuverability and smooth ride. The Valco Latitude has a front-wheel suspension, so every nook and cranny in the sidewalks is no problem! It handles so easily that a curb or raised platform is not an obstacle. The stroller rides over any terrain smoothly and turns beautifully on a dime, even one-handedly!

2. Lightweight and compact. The Valco Latitude weighs under 18 lbs and I have had a no problem lifting it up and down the stairs or into car trunks. One of the lightest strollers I have tried and also one of the most compact fully-featured strollers I have seen. (Obviously, not as compact as umbrella strollers).

3. Easy to fold and unfold. While this stroller does require two hands to fold and requires a bit of a learning curve, it is quick and easy once you get the hang of it.

4. Affordable. Just under $300, this stroller easily compares to the Bugaboo in terms of functionality.

5. Roomy storage basket. The basket underneath is roomy and holds a good amount. Plus, it does not rub against the wheels like the Bumbleride Flyer.

6. Freebies. The Valco Latitude is accompanied by a free rain cover, footmuff and a bumper bar! All added bonuses for added savings.

While it doesn’t have the reversible seat/handlebar option, it is a small price to pay for a great city stroller. (It does have a peek-a-boo window so you can see the baby.) Looks great, has great functionality, and is affordable.

Guest blogger Jeannie Lee is mommy to Max and has been living in New York City for the past 15 years.

2 Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Strollers | tags: gear, single, stroller, valco latitude. | #

The most popular stroller these days seem to be the Bugaboo. While I love the look and many features of the Bugaboo (smooth ride, multi-terrain wheels, easy maneuverability, reversible seat/handlebar, etc.), I could not get myself to fork over $900+ for one. Thus, began my search for an affordable, stylish yet functional stroller for the NYC streets. If the stroller is great on the streets of NYC, then, you know for sure it’s better anywhere else in the U.S.! It was slim pickin’s, but I finally decided on the Bumbleride Flyer due to the rave reviews I found online by other moms. While it does look great and has a reversible handle (a feature I really wanted), this stroller highly disappointed me for these reasons.

1. Poor maneuverability and bumpy ride. Living in NYC, bumpy roads and sidewalks are commonplace. The Bumbleride stroller was very sensitive to small potholes and even gravel on the road, so your little bundle of joy may feel every bump with its zero-suspension wheels. With that said, going over curbs was a challenge. When I tried to go onto the ramp of the sidewalk, it stopped short, and my 2-month-old almost flew out!

2. Makes wide turns. You might as well have one of those truck signs that say “Caution: Makes Wide Turns.” On my stroll through a fairly spacious store, the stroller made it hard to move smoothly between aisles, even with me using both hands.

3. Uneven underseat basket. When you reverse the handle of the stroller so that the baby is facing you, the basket rubs against the front wheels … even when there’s nothing in it! I tried to go on a nice, peaceful stroll through the park, however, I was greeted with a whizzing noise of the basket rubbing against the wheels.

4. Doesn’t unfold easily. While the Bumbleride is fairly easy to fold, unfolding it was another matter. There were many times when I tried to unfold the stroller, and it got stuck. It would sometimes take around 10 minutes to open back up.

5. Heavy and bulky. Bumbleride claims it’s 19 lbs. but it felt a lot heavier and took up a big chunk of the trunk space in my car. I didn’t actually try weighing it, but if you live in a walk-up or need to transport the stroller a lot, lightweight is one feature you need and Bumbleride is not light.

Although, the stroller is cute and has a reversible handlebar option, all the cons outweigh these two positives.

Guest blogger Jeannie Lee is mommy to Max and has been living in New York City for the past 15 years.

7 Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Strollers | tags: bumbleride flyer, gear, stroller. | #

The Maclaren Volo Stroller is hands-down the best umbrella stroller I have ever come across! Yes, it costs more than your average umbrella stroller at $99.00, but I have found for our family situation it has been well worth it! First, it is far more durable than your normal umbrella stoller. Second it holds weight better. Third, it has more storage space. Forth, it is taller (my husband is 6’5″). Fifth, it is more comfortable for both baby and parents. And sixth, it is breathable. Can you tell I love this stroller? The great thing about the durability is that it lasts through all of your children! Not too many umbrella strollers look as good as new when your children have all grown out of them. This stroller comes in a variety of fun colors as well.

No Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Strollers, Travel | tags: maclaren, Maclaren Volo Stroller, stroller, Travel, umbrella stroller. | #

This is a travel must for the parents who are on the go and prefer to take the children along. I have used it on many trips including one to Florida I just got back from. If you aren’t familiar with the convenience of these for travel let me explain.

1. If you prefer your toddler/baby to have their own seat on the plane this is the way to go.  The is FAA approved and provides a comfy journey for both the forward facing and rear facing child.
2. Grabbing a taxi from the airport? No problem, the is approved for car use as well. The rear-facing weight max is 30lbs, while the front-facing weight max is 40lbs.
3. Feel like it is just a pain to have both a carseat and stroller? Looking for a way to take as little as possible? No problem! With 2 clicks, 1 to raise the adjustable handle and the other to push down the wheels, you are good to go with a stroller!
4. Staying at your parents and they don’t have a high-chair? No problem, the also can be used as a booster seat on a chair.

With all these perks you can see why for travel…

No Comments | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Strollers, Travel | tags: carseat, review, Sit'n'Stroll 5-n-1 Combination Carseat/Stroller, stroller, Travel. | #

The innovators at Phil & Teds launched this creative solution to the bulky double stroller. Before you are skeptical let me tell you about my wonderful experience with it. I have 2 little ones, 19 months apart. The twin side by sides seem to wide and seem to encourage fighting between them, the back to back are huge and bulky. This stroller practically feels like a single! The Sport Double provides simplicity for both the urban and suburban mom. And before you ask about the bottom seat… My children fight for it. Of course only my little one sits there because the weight max for bottom is 35 lbs. This stroller also rides great for the all-terrain situation. It’s big wheels provide for pushing with ease. Beware though runners, this may look similar to a running stroller but that is not its intended use. One could run with it, but only with caution!

The only complaint I have about this stroller is that when I’m in a situation where the kids want in and out, it is not conducive. I use it in situations where I know they will be sitting for awhile.

At approximately $488 the price tag may seem steep. However is not completely out of sane range for an all-terrain double. For more information check out Phil & Teds Charcoal Sport Buggy Stroller & Double Seat.

No Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Strollers | tags: buggy, double, phil & Teds, review, sport, stroller. | #