I've been holding my breath for three long years for this one! The
Mountain Buggy Swift has made an appearance at the ABC trade fair in
Las Vegas, and is the very first compact stoller with a swivel wheel
for this world-renowned buggy company. Building the ultimate in
robust, go-anywhere prams, Mountain Buggies have been a personal
obsession of mine since before my first child arrived, and this latest
model adds a sense of complete perfection to the range.
Responding to consumer demand for a compact version of the highly
successful Urban model, the Swift is readying
itself to far eclipse the Breeze with its amazing manoeuvrability. Make
sure you read a first-hand review of the Swift's performance at
Spilling The Beans where it is predicted that Mountain Buggy may also
release a double version. Now wouldn't that turn the double stroller market on its head!
The Swift will be available in three colourways - Black/Lime Green,
Black/Red, and Black/Charcoal and is set to be the choice for inner
city dwellers who may not have cars and live in cosy abodes. It will
also appeal to those like me, who may no longer need a large
pram and want a light, zippy stroller without sacrificing adaptability.
The advantage with the Swift will be that it can handle a
variety of terrains if it's anything
like its older brother the Urban, and won't make your heart sink at the
first sight of grass or rocks.
For those of us who have avidly followed the evolution of pram
design, this is one very exciting prospect. No release date has yet
been
set for Australasia, but it will released in the US in December. Being
a New Zealand company, let's hope we get to see some here
around that time. Reports say that it is suitable from newborn. Also
keep your eyes peeled for two new designer fabrics for the Urban model!
This grainy picture was the only one we could source of Phil &
Ted's latest in strollers. At just 5.5kgs, this is going to be the
lightweight star of the already super-popular Phil & Ted's range.
It looks to be styled on the top of the 'Vibe' model,
sporting the same head-turning looks.
I'm hoping it reclines and has a logical and finger-safe fold -
the only information available says that it does have a really compact
fold.
Regular air travellers, let's hope this means that it's cabin-sized! I
also wonder if a basket will be included - this is an essential
for me.
It looks to be fairly high off the ground with its elevated seat.
The backrest seems to be long, with good clearance from the hood making
it suitable for very
tall toddlers. The wheels look much sturdier than the average stroller
- it will be interesting to see how it handles diverse terrains.
The hood looks typically Phil and Ted's, not providing much protection
from afternoon sun coming in at an angle. No doubt a host
of optional accessories will be available including a sun cover - I'm hoping
they take a leaf out of Mountain Buggy's book and offer one with
a roll-up
front.
I can't wait to see this one in the flesh - with its smooth
elliptical frame it's sure to be one of the best-looking strollers
on the market! We're rapidly
heading into stroller territory again with our youngest nearly a year
old, so I'm excited to see new things happening in this
particular corner of the market.
No word yet on a
release date or stockists as it only recently made its debut at the Las
Vegas ABC trade show.
After seeing some of the amazing new products coming out of that show, I think I'll make it my life's mission to attend one day!
Owners of the Trunki kid suitcase already know what a blessing it is.
Giving kids something to ride on while at the airport, all the
while safely storing their necessities inside takes a lot of stress off
you when the pressure is on to get somewhere. If children are
happily contained and amused, then you will have the time and focus to
get through that airport and onto the plane with a minimum of
fuss. I sure don't fancy chasing a wayward toddler around while pushing
a family-sized load of luggage!
Trunki have just sent to Australia, one lone shipment of the new limited Edition
Frieda Cow Trunki.
Once they're gone, that's it.
The perfect theme for a ride-on, kids can hang on to the cow Trunki's
horns for stability whilst hooning around that smooth airport floor.
Of course it has all the comforting features of the regular range, such
as internal toy seatbelts, rubber rims to prevent finger trapping,
handle, a strap so a parent can pull it along, secret compartments,
sturdy locks, luggage ID label,
and stabilisers to stop kids falling off.
The Trunki is also approved hand luggage size so there will be no
need for painful separations at the conveyor belt, leaving children with no diversion at the departure gate. Trunki have thought
of everything, even including a little play passport!
The Hip Infant and Metromum have just received their delivery so be quick to avoid missing out. For
ages 3+, the Trunki is $74.95 plus post. If cow print isn't your
scene, they also stocks the regular pink, blue and green versions.
A pram or stroller is one of the more significant baby purchases we
make.
Often, parents want it to last through more than one child, so often
we'll pay top dollar for well designed
baby carriages that will go the distance.
To protect this investment, we want to keep them looking good
for as long as possible - all it takes is a smeared soggy biscuit or
toileting accident to make a pram look dirty and unkempt, not to
mention the wrangling of getting the covers off for a good wash.
MyMonkeymoo make
stroller pads
in chic designer fabrics that not only protect
the pram and keep bub warm or cool depending on the season, they
individualise plain-looking prams and provide a little extra padding.
They are removable for washing, and
reversible, with plush swirl chenille on one side, and printed cotton
on the other. Flip it over it to suit the season, or to hide a stain
in a hurry.
Available in a wide range of fabrics, there are florals, animals,
stripes, birds and damask, as well as a Dick and Jane print, all backed
in co-ordinating chenille in cream or navy.
The stroller pads fit all kinds of prams with 5 point harnesses and can
even be used as an emergency
change pad should
the need arise.
I can't imagine using any of my prams without a liner
of some kind (yes, I'm a hopeless pram tragic).
It's fun to be able to change them around, giving
each pram a different look, and when baby drops food, I don't panic at
all!
US$69 each, plus shipping, from Canadian company myMonkeymoo,
who also make matching pram blankets for
those super-chilly days.
There's something to be said about the importance of being organised when heading out with the kids. Might I add... it's easier said than done.
Never fear - a range of handbags have been especially created by Jen Groover for busy women ... or women who just like to carry lots of stuff. The bags are aptly named "Butler Bags" and people I think it's fair to say, these large and small beauties will indeed serve you well. No more of those countless encounters at the checkout rifling through notebooks, nappies, dummies and the like for your purse - even worse when your mobile phone rings because you already know you won't be able to find it in time.
The Butler Bags are made from fine quality hand-stitched leather, and have great details like cool rings and buckles. The secret to the Butler Bag is revealed upon opening and you see the compartments. A place for everything and everything in its place! No dark or dingy corners or pockets to be had with this bag, you know exactly what's in your bag because you can see it! They are definitely not your average nappy bag.
The good news doesn't stop ... because these bags come in an array of colours and with names such as Creme Brulee, Spicy Ginger and Olive Martini who could resist such delicious temptation?
Butler Bags are available from Licorice Mint here in Australia and prices start at $165.00.
