Thursday, March 24, 2011

Britax B-Nimble Review

Be Nimble, Be Green, Be Lucky
 
  

 This gorgeous Kelly green just screams Emerald Isles and shamrocks. So, what better choice for St. Patrick's Day, which is also SP 2.0's birthday, than this new Britax B-Nimble!

It is the latest incarnation of the Blink, which I reviewed previously (http://strollerqueenreviews.blogspot.com/2009/10/pompeii-had-no-time-to-blink.html). 

 Upgrades on the Nimble include the new Click & Go integrated infant car seat adapter, automatic chassis lock, and a removable, reversible seat liner. 
 
 A raincover, cupholder, and universal car seat attachment strap is now included as well. 


Oh, and of course there are new colors, like this divine green, chic black, and silver and the whimsical cow print (Did I really just use those adjectives? ACK! I'm turning PR! Well at least I didn't stoop to the hackneyed 'iconic'.)


The Nimble is a good travel stroller. It has a back shoulder strap, decent recline, and compact umbrella fold.  And I really, really love the long leg rest.

The new car seat adapters are handy for zipping through the airport. But instead of the old travel bag, there is now a rain cover. That's a really handy thing to have, if you are traveling to an unpredictable environment. By the way, even if you don't live in a wet climate, the rain cover makes a great windshield. And if it's sunny, the canopy is generous, with a peekaboo window and retractable visor.
 
The B-Nimble is pretty stable. That means if you hang bags on the back, which we are all not supposed to do, but do anyway, it won't crash backwards. That leaves the net basket free to fit more bags, jackets, blankets, shopping, etc. There is also a big pocket for more storage behind the canopy.

Oh, and you can pop the new seat pad right off for washing. Another really handy feature to have when you are away from home.
 
So be nimble, be lucky, be green, and Happy St. Patrick's Day! 


  
  Britax B-Nimble 
Weight: 16.5

Width: 19"

Length: 26"

Height: 41"

Seat Width: 13"

Seat Depth: 9-15"

Seat Back: 19"

Seat to Canopy: 25"

Drop to Footrest: 9"

Seat to Floor: 14"

Folded: 41" x 11" x 13" 


For more 2011 stroller models, or for help in choosing a stroller, go to Strollerqueen.com

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Peg Perego Pliko Mini Review

Many Mini Errands
Errands and quick trips. Doctor's and drug stores. May not be glamorous, but it's something we all must do. And we've had our fair share of the latter this winter! Of course, babies and toddlers complicate the process. But a good stroller makes it sooo much easier, and faster.
  Ergo, the Pliko Mini was born. If last year's Si' was the equivalent in size and weight to the original Pliko, of about a dozen years ago; this year's Mini hearkens back to an even earlier era, that of the Sprint. It was one of Perego's earliest umbrella strollers. Pretty bare bones, but small and light. It was ideal for public transportation, or for carrying up and down stairs.
Since then, strollers in general have become bigger and heavier over the years. Much of this has to due with additional features--bigger canopies, bigger wheels, bigger baskets, snack trays, more seat padding, height adjustable handles, deeper reclines, legrests, etc. But some of it also has to due with moving manufacturing to China, and the more widespread use of cheaper, heavier grade alloys in the frames.
 
 But, Perego has been the first manufacturer to announce their departure from China back to their Italian homeland. So it makes sense for them to return to their retro, lightweight roots, too.

Which is not to say that the Mini is bare-boned, because it really isn't. Especially compared to umbrella strollers of yore. It has a nice sized basket.
Pretty good recline.

 
Which is done by side levers. Much easier than a drawstring.
Good sized wheels with suspension.
Beautiful, Italian tailored fabric.
Decent sun canopy,
Peekaboo mesh window, for air circulation, or checking on baby.
Long legrest, which is great for napping, or smaller children.
Wow.
Height adjustable handles, for taller parents or caregivers.
Awesome.
5 point harness.
And that wonderful, quick fold that made the Pliko so indispensable to a generation of parents and children.
And it stands folded. Extremely convenient, and easy to store.
A right hand side carry handle makes it great for travel.
Best of all, it's the lightest stroller that Peg has offered in years.
Because let's face it, who wants to lug a heavy stroller around to the doctor's office,
or bank,
ATM,
 
 Chiropractor,

 or Irish dance competition.
And the seat is even big enough to hold all StrollerPrincess' trophies!
Weight:                             13.5 lbs. 
 
Seat to canopy:                 24"


Seat back:                         18.5"


Seat width:                        12"


Seat depth:                        10-15"
 
Drop to footrest:               11"


Seat to ground:                 15.5"


Width                                19"


Length:                              27"                                          


Height:                               39-41"


Folded:                               12"L x 12"W x 38"H


For more 2011 models, or for help choosing a stroller, go to StrollerQueen.com