Baby Jogger POD review

Two Peas in a Pod

Ever since we got the Baby Jogger Pod, the kids can't keep their hands off it. 

 They insisted we take it to the fireworks display, even though we already had another stroller. 

 Which was OK anyway, since we normally have a gaggle of children trailing along, wherever we go. So it's always nice to have an extra seat, for tired little legs.

 

Not to mention that the "glow in the dark" reflective material is a great idea at night for our night strolls. 

 "Have you ever seen such a cool ride, man?" No! I can't believe it!"

 

StrollerPrince 2.0 calls the Pod "His little house." And the kids like riding in it with the dark bug net/sunscreen zipped up. I guess it creates a "womb-like" experience.

Another thing they like about it is the very high weight limit--100 pounds! So you can cram a couple of older kids in there. They might look squished, but they don't complain. 

And you can still even push it, without straining your wrists!

 The Pod does have two harnesses, for two children. But, you can re-thread it to make a single center harness, if you only have one rider. Ingenious!

You can make the handle higher or lower, by flipping it around. So tall parents don't have to stoop. and short parents don't have to put their arms in an awkward position. Neither is a very fun way to push a stroller!

As you can see, the bench seat is nicely padded, with a breathable fabric. There are also side mesh cupholders, see it there, in black? No recline, though. So your child has to be really tired to nap.

The mesh above the seat makes it more comfortable for a child wearing a helmet--which is a must if you are biking.

The addition of the handbrake is great. Especially going downhill, when momentum builds with the weight of two children.

The side windows open, to allow more air flow. They provide nice rain protection, and there is an optional front rain/wind cover you can get. So now you can stroll/jog/bike 365 days a  year!

Here is the rear storage compartment, with a toggle closure. It actually unzips on each side, if you need more room.

Speaking of closing, the Pod has the famous "one hand yank up the strap to fold", which has made Baby Jogger about the most popular stroller in the universe!

Of course, the versatility on it is amazing. We use it mostly in stroller mode. That features two  8"inch rubber wheels, 

 and 20" rear air tires. 

 But you can use it as a jogger (not for little babies, of course) by easily switching out to the 16" front air tire. And if you want to attach it to a bike, switch out the front to the trailer tow bar. 

 

  Which means you have a "three in one" stroller, whoo hoo!

Just remember that when you order the Pod, you are only getting the chassis, and rear tires. You have to order the front wheels or trailer tow bar separately. But whichever kit you choose, grab it while the weather is still nice, and enjoy the rest of this glorious summer!

                                                                                                                                                                              

Baby Jogger Pod

 

Seat Back:                               15"

Seat to canopy:                        24"

Seat Width:                              21" (single  bench seat)

Seat Depth:                             11"

Drop to footrest:                      6"

Seat to ground:                       14"

Length: (Stroller Mode)           34"                           

Width:                                      28.25"

Height:                                     37-42"

Folded:                                     31"L x 28.5"W x 20"H

                                                                                                                                                       

 

2011 Maxi Cosi Foray LX Review

Let's say you're really lusting after a high-quality reversible stroller. But you can't, or won't pay nearly 4 figures, or more.

Before now, your only choice was to scout for bargains. Not easy, since most higher-end brands are exempt from sales.

You could also look for used. But then you are risking getting something dirty or broken. And, you tank your warranty.

What to do, what to do.....
 
 BANG! It's the new Maxi Cosi Foray LX to the rescue!!!!

 

I am so impressed with this, I can't tell you. When I saw it at the "2011 BIG Stroller Roll-Out!" I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

      

  I LOVE the 12" rear air tires, gives it a simply fantastic ride. Really comparable to the higher end models. Just glides, one-handed.

 

The front wheels even have a wicked suspension!

 The seat is really a generous size, which isn't as common as you might think. In general, reversible strollers have pretty small seats; and many children outgrow them by 18 months, two years old. The Maxi Cosi Foray LX is going to last you much longer.

  It doesn't come with a bassinette, but that makes it a really good choice if your baby is out of the newborn stage. Why pay for the bassinette, if you don't need it?

The latest model is much easier to fold than prior models, and it will fold with the seat on! It also stands folded.

The seat pops off really easily, too, if you prefer to fold it in two pieces. Splitting the weight into two pieces is great if you've had a C-section, or can't lift much for some other reason.
 
 It's also nice because it is so quick to change directions on the seat. And the seat sits pretty high up from the ground; always a great feature.

The basket is bigger than in prior models. And, check out how ingenious it is. So easy to access from the front, and you can velcro it closed. Why don't more strollers have this?

The handle slides out to 44", so it's great for a taller person. But the bottom height is 39", so it's fine for someone shorter as well.

The brakes are literally one-step, the easiest out there. Totally flip flop friendly. Just step on that white center button to put the brake on, step on it again to release it. And notice how the back of the basket closes with a drawstring.

 The napper bar easily opens up and pivots out, or comes off completely. Makes it very easy to get your child in and out of the seat, or for your child to climb in him/herself, when they are older.

The Foray LX does fully recline. But, because it's more of a "bucket" type seat, though, it isn't suitable for a very young baby. There is too much of a "dip" in the center. I have an old English pram that has what they call "a newborn wedge" just for this reason. You insert it in the dip, then the seat is flat.

 

Most people just use their car seats now, although I am not a huge fan of sticking car seats in strollers. But this is compatible with the Maxi Cosi Mico car seat.

The large canopy has three panels, and the side windows are UV protected. Great to protect your baby from strong rays.

And don't worry if it rains, because it comes with a rain cover!

And you know what else it comes with, one of the biggest Q's we always get in Strollerland--it's own cup holder, whoo hoo!

 Maxi Cosi Foray LX

Weight:                               24 lbs. (16 lbs. Chassis, 8 lbs, Seat)

                     
Seat Back:                          19.5"

Seat to canopy:                23"

Seat Width:                      13"

Seat Depth:                        9"

Drop to footrest:              7"

Seat to ground:                22"

Length:                               32"

Width:                                24"

Height:                               39"-44"

Folded:                              39"L x 24"W x 14"H

 If you want to see all the new stroller models coming out in 2011, go to StrollerQueen.net And if you want me to help you find the perfect stroller for you, go to StrollerQueen.com

Mamas and Papas Luna Mix Review

Last Day of School Luna


No doubt it's a bittersweet time. Perhaps transition always is. The end of one grade, with the promise of yet a higher one coming. Sandwiched in between, the anarchy of summer. Bedtimes are discarded; schedules disregarded.

But a new stroller means *I* maintain my rituals. And what a way to end the school year with a bang!

The long-awaited, for me anyway, Mamas and Papas LUNAMIX!!!! Don't you just love it! Orchid, with a patterned seat insert, and contrasting denim canopy.

   As we peruse the last report card, sign the final yearbooks, I am thankful that I have this ointment for disappointment.



There are a lot of strollers that look good online. But remember, pictures will tell you little, if nothing, of their performance. If you don't have a specialty store near you that carries your coveted buggy, you can't try it out for yourself. And for me, this was the case with the Luna Mix.
 
 I fell in love with it when I first saw it at "The 2011 BIG Stroller Roll-Out!" I only pushed it around a little. It's a lot different when I actually put a stroller through the paces on the "SQ Obstacle Course."


 And I am happy to report that the Luna Mix turned in a stellar performance!
It's kind of a cross between the Baby Jogger City Mini, and Valco Latitude. Or maybe a Valco Ion/Joovy Kooper with a single handle. It's a nice "mix" of features that work for both indoors and outdoors, and for small or bigger children.  So it's a pretty good all around stroller, if you only want one.
 

I've been hearing a lot of complaints lately about baskets that are hard to get in to. But as you can see, this one is pretty easy to access.

 There is a front napper bar that swings open, extendable leg rest, and deep recline. 

Best of all, it is called Luna "Mix", because you have the option of mixing different color seat pads, footmuffs, and canopies.

The handle is height adjustable, with an astonishing 18" range. There is suspension on all the wheels, which is another reason it does so well outdoors.

The fold is small and compact, and you can pop off the wheels for an even smaller fold. 

So "pop off" to get yours today, and enjoy your summer strolling!

Mamas and Papas Luna Mix

Weight: 17. 5 pds.

Width: 23"

Length: 32"

Height: 26"-44"

Seat Width: 14"

Seat Depth: 9"-18"

Seat Height: 18"

Seat to Canopy: 24"

Drop to Footrest: 11"

Seat to Floor: 19"

Folded: 30" x 23" x 15"  

To see all the 2011 stroller models, go to StrollerQueen.Net  And for help choosing a stroller, go to StrollerQueen.com