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

Joovy Kooper Review

Denim and Selena

Will she or won't she? That's what the crowd wanted to know. We checked our watches, and held our breath, as the minutes ticked by.

But I digress...because after all, this is supposed to be about what stroller we took. The logical  choice--the "One Of", all denim, groovy Joovy Kooper!

It's simply smashing! I'm so sorry they weren't able to make more. Softest denim ever.

 And look how great the denim Skip Hop looks on the back!

 Not that you really even need it. Because the Kooper is chock full of pockets.

There are two on the inside, for sippy cups, bottles, toys, etc.

A huge zippered pocket on the back.  Joovy wasn't able to make more of these denim ones, because they couldn't get enough of the right fabric. 

  But, you can still get the Kooper in 5 other colors. Still get the same great humongous canopy, easy to access basket, umbrella fold, ergo foam handles, and deep recline.

And then, she appeared!

And the crowd goes wild!

It all started Thursday night. Selena Gomez was on the Jay Leno show.

 She joked around, answering questions about BF Justin Bieber, her new movie, upcoming album and tour, and ending TV series.

 Suddenly, after the show, she was rushed to the hospital. A collective gasp was heard throughout the tween and teen world. What was wrong? Would she be OK? Well enough to tour? The first concert was cancelled, and re-scheduled. And then she went back to the hospital again. So that is why her appearance today was a big "If", and everyone was cheering mightily for her, to show support.

When she took the stage, her "magic" began. It was 4:00 sharp. Extremely punctual; very impressive. 

And just as promptly, at 4:10, it was over. I'm not so sure she was all better, as the rest of the Media was reporting. But, God bless her, she did her best. The children were enthralled, and the Joovy Kooper was brilliant. 

Take it to a mall near you! 

Joovy Kooper

Weight: 17. 5 pds.

Width: 21"

Length: 26.5"

Height: 40 1/4"

Seat Width: 15"

Seat Depth: 8"

Seat Height: 18"

Seat to Canopy: 24"

Drop to Footrest: 11"

Seat to Floor: 16"

Folded: 46" x 13" x 12"  

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

Cybex Onyx Review 2011

 Cybex in the Rain

Lately, we have been having winter, spring, summer, and fall--all in the same week.  Saturday it was spring, and I went to the beach. Sunday it was fall, and I went to a festival. But I was really looking forward to Monday, and winter.  That was because I was so excited to try out my new Cybex Onyx with rain cover, and My Blue Bumbershoot stroller umbrella!

Readers of the 2011 "BIG Stroller Roll-Out!" know how thrilled I was when I first saw the Bumbershoot. That is because I love to stroll, but I hate to get wet. And this year, we've had more rain than we've had in like 10,000 years or something. Really cut into my stroller time. But if I had the Bumbershoot, I would stay dry. FINALLY it arrived, yippee! Couldn't wait for those storm clouds to build. The day got greyer and greyer, and then the raindrops started.

 It all started out so promising. Attached the clamp and the umbrella to the Onyx. SP 2.0 was excited to ride in his new black and red "firetruck" (Lipstick Onyx.) He insisted that he wear his firehat and firejacket. And so, off we went.

 

But by the time we crossed the street, the umbrella suddenly closed.

 

I reached up to open it again, but it was collapsed. That is when I realized that the center post had snapped.

 

  Right in half.

 

 Oh well, that's what happens with first-run products. I was just grateful that the umbrella still kept me dry, despite having broken.

 The owners of the company were so lovely. Very apologetic. Sent me out a brand new one straight away. Now for the next rainy day....

The Cybex Onyx canopy is pretty great, even if you don't use the rain cover. You can unzip it for more coverage, and it's just huge. Plus, it has a 50 UV protection, for when the rain stops.

  

One more thing--you can slide the canopy up and down the frame, so you have enough headroom for the tallest child, or proper sun coverage for the smallest. Brilliant! Now why doesn't everyone do that?

 

Note the handsome black frame; contrasts beautifully with the red fabric. The Onyx has a 4-position recline, extended legrest, and ergo foam handles. Oh, and did I mention you can get a cupholder? It's a good one, and it actually fits! Oh, yeah!

  The quick umbrella fold and carry strap makes the Onyx a no-brainer for your vacation travels.

 Btw, the chunky rear wheels have suspension, and they are 5.5" in diameter.

 

 Oh, and don't forget to get that rain cover, in case you encounter summer, spring, fall, or winter showers!

 

     

Cybex Onyx 2011

Weight: 16.5 pounds


Width: 19.5"

Length: 24"

Height: 42.5"

Seat Width: 13"

Seat Depth: 8"-13.5"

Seat Back: 18.5"

Seat to Canopy: 24"-30"

Drop to Footrest: 9"

Seat to Floor: 14.5"

Folded: 41.5" x 11" x 11" 

For more reviews, or help choosing a stroller, go to StrollerQueen.com