The 2014 BIG Stroller Roll-Out is LIVE!

Cue Trumpets) Duh duh duh duh duh duh DUH!!!!!!!!!!!
  Here's my baby! http://www.strollerqueen.net/

P.S. Can all you "early adapters" let me know what you think? TIA!

Live from Las Vegas...it's StrollerQueen's "2014 BIG Stroller Roll-Out!"  It's been called THE definitive guidebook, the bible of the industry, and a stroller must-have! This is our 11th annual, and our regular readers in Strollerland know that every year it gets bigger and better.

StrollerQueen and Dr. Harvey Karp, "Happiest Baby/Toddler on the Block"

This year's Roll-Out is 45 pages, packed with videos, slideshows, interviews with CEO's, text, pictures, insider gossip, and of course, commentary from SQ! EVERYTHING you need to know about the upcoming stroller models, and a few car seats, diaper bags, and stroller-related fun.  So hang onto your wheels, and enjoy a wild ride!  (if this PP button doesn't work, please just go directly to StrollerQueen.Net thanks!)

***Please do not reproduce any part of the 2014 Roll-Out, including text, pictures, and videos, without the express permission of StrollerQueen. Thank you.***

Previous Comments on the Roll-Outs:

"It was seriously awesome. Flawless. Seamless. Gorgeous.
LOVED LOVED LOVED it!!!!!!
I liked seeing your 5crown awards too. I would have picked the exact same
things, based on what I saw. Really some stunning lines out this year!" Jenn
"I tell every one about it ! This year you have outdone yourself; it is awesome!" Kara

"I think it is phenomenal....makes me wish they were all coming out NOW though :) I need to go back and read through it again (and again)." Maggie

"It is great! You did an awesome job as always:) I look forward to getting it every year!!! Laura

More:

"Loved it!
I have to go back and re-read and watch everything to make my final "selections" for my big list. ;) But it was great! Anyone who is about to buy a stroller for a baby due next year, should def get it! Soooooo many nice new models out!" Trista

"Fantastic job once again, you never cease to amaze!" Karen

"loved it loved it loved it!! thanks so much" Nicole

"Just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for all that you do for us loyal citizens of Strollerland.
I have been poring over the new Roll-Out daily and you have truly outdone yourself. The photos, videos, interviews and your commentary are superb and make for exciting reading! I read it every night after I put my 4 little ones to bed." Ruba

If you wish to access the 2013 BIG Stroller Roll-Out, please go to: http://2013.strollerqueen.net

      

The "almost" official pram for Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince George

There has been a lot of speculation about it, of course. We thought it was something else before. Well, maybe it is, and she just has both. In fact, she probably has several. Why not? In any case, without further ado, we bring you the....

Kiddy Click' n Move 3 Stroller Giveaway!

Have you read about the U.S. debut of the cool Kiddy Click' n Move 3 stroller?
http://strollerqueenreviews.blogspot.com/2013/10/kiddy-click-n-move-3-stroller-review_8.html


Now you can win one of your very own, in the latest StrollerQueen and Kiddy USA giveaway!

Maxi Cosi Kaia Review

 

 Maxi Cosi Kaia Stroller

 

  Do you remember my review of the Maxi Cosi Mila three years ago? It was one of my funner reviews, and all the unique features of the Mila made me really like it.

  http://strollerqueenreviews.blogspot.com/2010/08/maxi-cosi-mila-review.html

Well now, it is baaaack, rebranded as the Kaia.

Throwback Thursday, Joovy Ergo Caboose, Zoom, Ultralight, Kooper, Room 2

JOOVY 2008 (from the BIG Stroller Roll-Out!)
Rob Gardner of Joovy fervently believes you can always build a better mousetrap. Or in this case, a better Caboose. That's what he thought when he recreated the first model, that launched his line, and that's what he did here, on Caboose #4, the 'Ergo"!Yes, he has four now. FOUR! The regular, the Ultralight, the triple, and now this, the ultimate yet. The Pie`ce de Re'sistance! The" Ergo!"  Who else could make a Sit-n-Stand so elegant? And so, we Royally award Rob Gardner the "Most Ingenious" of the Show. To begin with, it has an ergonomically engineered front seat. And a swing away front tray with removable cup holders.
Then there's the wheels, can we talk wheels? The sealed bearings certainly made all the difference in the "Ultralight", and these are even better. And the rear wheels are quick release, and pneumatic (with an air pump.) And we all know what a difference big air tires make!
Then there is this fabulous, huge canopy, big basket, and side handles.
You can also get a raincover for the "Ergo".
Or travel bag, to protect it when flying, taking the train or car, or just for storage.

There's a big foot step for your older rider, and a flip open rear seat.

And since this is the year for customization, you can even choose your own color seat covers and canopy!

The" Ergo Caboose" is not the only thing Rob has been hard at work at. The long-awaited "Kooper" is finally ready to go, joining Joovy's popular umbrella strollers--the "Groove" and "Groove 2".
This is Joovy's version of the well-known "Zapp" and "Buggster". It has a nice recline, padded shoulder straps, a reflective harness, and inside mesh pockets for bottles or toys.
The "Kooper" has a one-handed quick recline.
And, like the Grooves, a big back zippered pocket, and two drink holders. (Yes, they work; they really do!)
The "Kooper" will come in red, yellow, and black, the same color as the new Joovy playpens, the "Room2."
The other model that's ready for it's long-awaited release is the "Zoom".
It comes in two versions, one with a fixed front wheel, and the other with a swivel. Both come with an aluminum frame, quick release wheels with rear wheel suspension, a back pocket,tire pump, jogging leash, and parent organizer.
The" Zoom" has a very wide seat, and one of the longest drop to footrests I have ever seen, so very good for a taller child!
Like the "Bob", it has 16-inch rear wheels, 12" in front, a huge canopy, and easy fold. It also has inner side mesh pockets, and reflective harnesses. 


If you need help finding the best stroller for you, click on "Consultations" up top. And to see all of the 2013 stroller models, go to StrollerQueen.Net

Bugaboo, from the 2013 BIG Stroller Roll-Out!

Why should you buy the "2014 BIG Stroller Roll-Out?"

If you bought the 2013 Roll-Out, then you know about this. If you didn't, well then, you probably don't. Because StrollerQueen was the ONLY ONE who reported this! This is just one page from last year's Roll-Out. Make sure you buy the 2014, so you don't miss out! And BEST of all, it's on the low, low pre-sale price right now, of $5.99! That means you save more than 30 per cent!

Bugaboo

Guess who's baaaack???

It's founder Eduard Zanen! Returning to Bugaboo after a 5-year absence! Wow wow wow, big news! Now how much of an official role he will play is yet to be determined. As sales have slipped, there are those who feel Bugaboo has been set adrift in choppy waters without a rudder. They would love to see the co-owner take the helm. Who better than Zanen , a sailor himself, to steer the ship ?  Welcome back.

Win a free Joovy Scooter stroller

Have you seen the new Joovy Scooter? It's been totally redesigned. And you can win one of your own!

Just the latest entry into the ever-ubiquitous 4-wheel market. It reminds me a lot of the old Kooper, which I loved. Anyway, check it out, and then make sure you enter to win!

Kiddy Click' n Move 3 Stroller Review

Kiddy Click' n' Move 3

Are you looking for a reasonably priced, reversible, do it all stroller? One that stands alone, with a great one-handed push, built-in rain cover, and covered basket? 

 Then check out this new Kiddy Click n' Move 3!  Recent to the U.S., Kiddy is a 40 year old, family owned company from Bavaria.

Bumbleride Indie 4 is coming!

These 4-wheelers sure are getting popular! Here's their presser:

SAN DIEGO, CA (October  7, 2013) – Fresh from a well-received international launch at the recent Kind + Jugend expo in Cologne, Germany, Bumbleride introduces the newest member in its popular Indie stroller family—the four-wheel all-terrain Indie 4—to American audiences at the ABC Expo (booth #6009), from October 15-18, 2013.

Compact and light-weight, yet designed to handle both manicured and rough terrains, the Indie 4 stroller gracefully bridges the gap between weekday errands around town, and weekend adventures off-road.

“In the Indie 4, Bumbleride has again responded to the diverse needs of modern, active parents,” says Bumbleride Marketing Director Kailin Weatherspoon. “With the weight, size and convenience of a lightweight travel system, but the robust engineering of an outdoor trail-blazer, the Indie 4 glides smoothly from the cramped subway station to the forest pathway without skipping a beat.” 

Ideal for families that wish to transition effortlessly from urban to outdoor environments, the Indie 4 offers four, off-road-ready wheels in compact, city-friendly sizes (12” rear, 8.5” front). Rugged pneumatic tires and all-wheel suspension (both forward and backward) translate to peak outdoor strolling performance on bumpy trails and sandy shores, while providing stability on curbs and shock-absorption over cobblestones and uneven sidewalks. The Indie 4’s maneuverable build and tight, space-saving fold make it ideal for navigating daily metropolitan life, packing for a family vacation or even a day trip to the mountains.

Regardless of the setting, Indie 4 promises a roomy seat for baby (from infancy to toddler) and an adjustable handlebar for parents, in addition to a generous storage area to hold necessities for any type of adventure. The Indie 4 boasts Bumbleride’s signature eco-conscious stroller fabric (made from recycled PET and bamboo charcoal, and available in an array of bright, fresh colors), and is compatible with most Bumbleride accessories.

The stroller will be available for purchase online, as well as at numerous retail locations nationwide, starting early 2014.

If you need help finding the best stroller for you, click on "Consultations" up top. And to see all of the 2013 stroller models, go to StrollerQueen.Net

2014 BIG Stroller Roll-Out Pre-Sale!

Here it is, Strollerland! Our annual BIG Stroller Roll-Out Pre-sale! Just $5.99!

Find out everything, and we mean EVERYTHING, about all of the new stroller models rolling out in 2014. Dozens of pages of interviews with CEO's,

 videos, pictures, slide shows, text, insider gossip,

and of course--the opinions of yours truly, StrollerQueen!

And you will be the first in your group to be in the know. ;)

 

 

 

So act now, and the world of strollers will be at your fingertips for one-third off! That's right, you will save $3 off the retail price of $8.99!

But hurry, offer expires next week, once the BIG Stroller Roll-Out begins. Don't miss out on all the fun!

 If you need help finding the best stroller for you, click on "Consultations" up top. And to see all of the 2013 stroller models, go to StrollerQueen.Net

Flasback Friday! 2005 BIG Stroller Roll-Out, Part 3

OK, so I cheated. I didn’t take the pictures on Day 3. I took them on the first day, as the security guard was booting me out. What can I say? When her Majesty is excited about a new stroller, she can hardly be expected to contain herself! After all, she is the Ruler over all of Strollerland. And when I saw the colors of Maclaren, I was …

DAZED and BEDAZZLED! The 2005 Stroller-Rollout Review--Day 3~~~~~~~!

The streets of Manhattan will soon be alive with color. Blooming like the long buried roses of Spring. Roses, and lilacs, and petunias…OK, I’ll stop now…

But sakes alive, WHERE have all these BEE-YOO-TEE-FULL colors been? In all the fabric collections of Europe, says the Gracious and Talented Lady Helen Kay, chief designer/styler of Maclaren fabrics. Oh, did she do a great job! I threatened to kiss her, LOL! But I was dragged off her by the Lovely Dottie Dahm, as nice in person as she is to all of you Loyal Subjects on the phone.

Where can I start? I guess with the Volo. Remember the “Optic” Mamas and Papas I was so besotted with in the UK? Well, here it is, on the VOLO! The cool geometric prints, in the circles and squares. In red,black, or navy. And then, there is pink. PINK! A PINK VOLO! Holey Moley! Red has returned, along with silver and black. And best of all, the Volo now comes WITH a canopy!!!!!! In silver or black, depending on the fabric color.

On to the Triumph, in 3-tone colors. A half dozen choices, each cleverer than the next: Pink, green, and grey. Red, silver and black. Navy, green and lavender. Black, burgundy and orange. The only problem I have here is deciding which one to get!

Until I see the Quests, that make me go weak in the knees. DOTS! Big dots! Big, swirly retro dots~! In pink and fuschia, green and grey, or brown and grey. LOL, no wonder the name of this is the “Quest Mod!” It is fabulous,. The fabric has a different feel than in past years. It is a slick nylon to better showcase these FABULOUS colors! If your tastes or more conservative, there is the “Quest Sport.” Light blue, dark blue, red, beige, and yellow are the colors here.

And THEN, there is the Kate Spade Quest. As lovely IRL as in the pictures. I think I’ll get this one first, because it is available first. But those swirly dots are hard to stop thinking about. So hard that I am still perusing the pictures all through dinner, telling poor DH, do you like THIS one? Or that one? Or how about THIS one?

So of course, without further ado, I award the “Best Colors of the Show”, to Maclaren.

And lest I forget, the Ryder re-debuted. That’s the sort-of replacement for the discontinued Vogue. Comes in brown or black faux suede, embossed to resemble alligator/crocodile.

Now back to more colors--

Once again, the Techno is split into the “XT” and “Classic.” The XT is more subdued , with soft shades of lavender, and blue, and grey. While the Classic is bolder, with two-tone shades of red and black, black and silver, pink and grey. The Twin Traveler has colors similar to this, and the Global is in the check-y, tech-y fabrics of navy, black and red.

And those BIG swirly retro dots extend onto the Rally Twin, in red and grey, black and brown, green and silver…now if ONLY I can have twins to put in there…

The seats are nice and wide, now, they measure 12” across. And what does the King of Maclaren, Bahman Kia, think about HRH measuring his seats? “Oh, Strollerqueen”, he gestures. “Come here, I want to talk to you.” Her Majesty acquiesces, she shows proper respect to the King of this Kingdom.

But we needn’t have worried. He was as wise and erudite as King whose Kingdom spans 40 countries should be. Take heart, Loyal Subjects, he has heard your cries of distress. He has taken firm, decisive action to curb problems that have troubled his Kingdom of late. He now has a kinder, gentler, and larger CS staff, and gives HRH his word that this will continue to expand in the future. He has given assurance that he has personally addressed quality issues that have plagued his line since the manufacturing move to China. And he gave HRH an in depth look at the creation of his models; an impressive tutorial on stroller strength testing, the durability of rival models, and the quality of materials used in finish and frames. We are in good hands, Loyal Subjects, with this King at the helm.

Ahh, good news abounds at the 2005 BIG Stroller Roll-Out! Many of our Loyal Subjects have been downcast and dejected, since the amazingly engineered Teutonias and venerable and exquisite Emmaljungas have fled our shores. But NOW, we have something to take their place. A stroller that excites the senses, with it’s classic yet edgy styling. A stroller with the engineering of a well-tuned sports car. A stroller that has the audacity to show itself as a museum piece in their new catalogue. It is the I’coo, which wins the award of the “Hottest New Line of the Show”.

First, we will tell you about the heart-stopping Pico. The swoop of the frame, the gleam of the stainless steel mudguards, the strength of the body, the beauty of the eye-catching fabrics…oh yes, the sun has broken through the clouds, since the stormy departure of Emma and Teut. Not for the faint of heart, there is a pink and red color scheme, an orange and brown, a bright blue and lime, (my personal fave), and navy for the more traditional of our lot. The German family behind it’s creation was lined up and beaming, as proud as new parents in a hospital nursery. They explained that it’s a division of Hauck, an upscale approach to a line known more for the Disney characters on it’s seats, than high-styling and performance. The Pico comes in a 3 and 4 wheel version, as does it’s big brothers, the Photon and Platon. The Platon Duo is one of the coolest concepts in doubles I have ever seen. When you remove the front seat, you slide the frame tubing back in, and it becomes the same size as the single.

Upscale though these may be, there is one model that tops them all. Are you sitting down? Because this will knock you over. It’s…a REMOTE-CONTROLLER stroller! Yes, I try to resist clichés, but wouldn’t you say this falls under the category of “What will they think of next?” It is called the “Peak”, and the Queen who created it explained that she was trying to mimic the Mercedes Benz. It has real leather trim, a wood grain finish, and a remote control to raise up and down the backrest and footrest,. Yes, this is the most expensive of the show, retailing at $12-1300. Something like that. I don’t know, over a thousand and our ears don’t hear well.

No wood grain, leather, or electronics on I’coo’s sister line, the TraXX. Once again, the Queen explained to me that she developed this side as the Sporty Line. The distinguishing characteristic of this line is the squiggly ergo foam handles. They adjust up and down, and are amazingly comfortable. There is the whip-stitched 3-wheel Dolphin, the 4-wheeled Eagle, the 3 and 4-wheeled Panther, and the 3 and 4-wheeled Jaguar. All of the tires are big air wheels, but interestingly, some are fixed, some swivel, and some pivot. Guess which one the retailers preferred? Yes, the swivel 3-wheel Jaguar, which was my fave, too. It comes in sky blue with matching wheel centers, red with matching wheel centers, and lime with matching wheel centers. It is not only stunning, but super-strong. That fun-loving German family insisted that HRH take a ride, and speeding down the aisles of the Great Hall we went, pausing only for a few photo ops…(Pushing me is Mr. Rob Gardner, by the way, who later went on to found "Joovy.")

                   What we can tell you is that if you like Quinnys, Bertinis, or Bebecars, you will most likely love these as well. They are of that genre, big and heavy and strong enough to tackle any type of terrain. They are major head-turners, too. You will assuredly be guaranteed to be the first on your block to have one.

And speaking of being the first on your block…. HRH was being interviewed by a national magazine for her take on this great Stroller-Rama. The reporter says, “And now, Strollerqueen, the ‘EXPLOSIVE’ question, what do you think of the Stokke Xplory?” We are flummoxed. So before we will answer, we say, “Now just WHY is that explosive?” “Well because”, says the reporter, “Everyone thinks it looks like a dentist’s chair, no one gets it.” Hmm, well initially HRH thought it was more like a ‘highchair on wheels.’ But in further study, and consulting with engineers about the design, the Queen has had a change of heart. She likes it! And “WHAT??? WHY? “ the reporter stammered, because HRH’s response was not at all what she had anticipated. “Because”, the Queen replied. “It is unique. It is not an off the shelf China clone. It is well-designed, and well-thought out. It is stable, has an amazing fold, and pushes one-handed like a dream.” But--we can’t really give any more detailed thoughts about it, until we see how well it performs on the Strollerqueen Obstacle Course. The Strollerprince has assured me he is up to the challenge. (Well, he always is.) Now Stokke, are you????

Did someone say “trendy?” Or did they say Bugaboo Frog? Which did do well on the SQOC, until the little prince tipped it over. In any case, every other stroller I see in my neighborhood now is a Frog. And to think, I remember the day when a MBUS was trendy…

The news for you Frog-aphiles is a limited denim edition, with a matching bag. And that’s about it. They are planning a double version, perhaps by next year….

 

So I must end this review on a happier note, with Kit and Michelle of Baby-Outfitters.com and Valco. It would be difficult to be UN-happy around this bunch. They are all about the funniest group I have ever seen. First--Kit and Michelle. Now this is Day 3, in the last hour of the Show, and this is what I hear… “Oh My GOD! IS it STROLLERQUEEN??? I have goose-bumps!!!!” And this is how I met the Queen Of Baby Outfitters, Michelle. We could have chatted for hours, if we had hours. But the clock was tick ticking, so I asked her to come with. Fortunately, she knew the lay of the land, grabbed my arm, and we RAN! Ran ran ran! To all of the latest and greatest and finest and must-sees. She was a most kind and gracious tour guide, knowledgeable, opinionated, and a life-saver.

And we wound up the Show at Valco, giving autographs and eating Bobkas? (I have no idea), from Brooklyn. Some type of chocolate cake thing, anyway. Yes, we ate a lot of chocolate at this show. But despite the sweets, I have to award Valco “The Most Useful Stroller of the Show” honor. That’s because I am a fiend for their toddler seat, especially since one fits on their double. I get way too many letters saying “Strollerqueen, I have a 6-month old, and just found out I am pregnant with twins. Help!” Well, now I have one I can in good conscience recommend. I measured it at exactly 28” across, which is the narrowest double I have come across. Their “Rebel” model can face Mama, AND take a toddler seat as well. They have several A/T models, a lightweight umbrella single, and a lightweight umbrella double. Now here’s the Kit and Michelle tie-in. They are actually manufacturing a pink, and light blue version of their signature model Runabout, just for them!

                                                                                                    

Now the lights are going down, and it’s time to return to Strollerland, but before we do, the funny guys at Valco insist on pictures, of Kit, Michelle and me, by their strollers, posing like Vanna White…

 

Hang on to your wheels, Strollerland! The 2014 BIG Stroller Roll-Out is coming soon! So keep watching...