Stylin' strollers stand out
Jane Kitchen -- Kids Today, 8/1/2005
Move over, staid blue plaids: today's strollers are hip, fashion-forward and not afraid to make a statement. While once considered a simple travel convenience, strollers are now a fashion accessory, and many parents feel that what kind of stroller they put their child in says as much about them as what kind of car they drive. With new styles and colors that say "notice me," there are more choices for today's hip parents than ever before.
That doesn't mean that practicality flys out the window — far from it. Today's parents want fashion and function, and if they see both in one package, they're willing to shell out a few extra bucks for it. They style might capture their attention, but it's the functionality that will hold it, and ultimately seal the deal.
Combi's I-Thru stroller features a removable bassinet that can face forward or to the rear and egg-shock foam in the bassinet area to protect baby during a bumpy ride. Available in fashion-forward colors such as citrus, sand and olive.
The stylish Stokke Xplory is designed to allow baby to face you or face outwards, and provides many different positions. The stroller also places children higher up than most strollers — away from street level exhaust fumes and dog tails.
The new Preview from Britax is a 17.5-pound stroller with compact folding, all-wheel suspension and four-position back rest. The Preview accommodates children up to 40 pounds and is compatible with the Britax Companion infant carseat.
The Quest Mod from Maclaren is an ultra-stylish, compact, lightweight stroller suited for babies from 3 months. Available in Shale (shown), Rose Pink and Insignia, the stroller features a four-position reclining seat, ergonomic foam grip handles and a removable, washable seat for easy cleaning.
The Jeep Cherokee Sport Stroller, new from Kolkraft, is designed for an active lifestyle, and features Teflon-treated fabric and all-terrain wheels. Available in early 2006, the stroller will retail for $49.99.
European stroller manufacturer EasyWalker made a splash at JPMA when it brought its fashion-forward products to the United States for the first time. The three-wheeled strollers can also be used with the carry cot, shown, for transporting baby for the first six months. Available in fuchsia, lavender, anthracite, lime, marine, sand and red (shown).
Chicco's new C1 travel system features a stroller with a compact 3-D fold, multi-position fully reclining seat and a lightweight aluminum frame. The infant seat features one-hand removal from both stroller and base. Suggested retail is $399, or $429 with the optional umbrella.
The Performance Series Double from Baby Jogger stays balanced even with different sized children, and features individual reclining seats and individual multi-position sun canopies.
Inglesina's one-hand folding Zippy has undergone a redesign, and is available in seven new colors. The company has added 14 improvements, including a matching Zippy bassinet, a new style "stoop-friendly" brake with upright lever, quick release wheel housings and larger and more modern wheels.
Peg Perego's newest AT4 all-terrain stroller converts to a baby carriage and features an ergonomic seat, adjustable backrest with four positions and reversible upholstery and hood.
