I considered buying this stroller when my middle daughter was born. I wasn’t familiar with the brand, however, and couldn’t find any reviews. Rather than ordering it sight unseen, I ended up going with a Peg Perego convertible stroller/pram. I recently saw one of these in person for the first time, and I have to say that it looks great. Like the Peg, it has oversized wheels to navigate curbs and bumps. It reclines fully to create a carriage perfect for the youngest passengers. You can purchase one of these hip strollers for $429.99 at babyage.com.

I know many people who swear by Maclaren strollers for their safety and ease of use. Recently, however, the company recalled millions of strollers after reports of children amputating their fingertips when the stroller was being opened and closed. All of the company’s single and double umbrella strollers, sold between 1999 and November 2009 are affected. This includes Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod and Techno models, among others. Owners can call Maclaren at (877) 688-2326 to request a repair kit. You can read all of the details of the recall at cpsc.gov.

Netherlands stroller designer Mutsy has a new lightweight, flexible model on the market called the Transporter. It’s designed to be used in combination with a variety of bassinets and car seats. The stroller seat is also removable to make the stroller more of a pram or travel system. The Transporter easily folds compactly. It comes in four colors and is Mutsy’s most affordable stroller, for $399. You can view more information and purchase it at Mutsy.com.

If you are in the market for a stroller for a little girl, here is a great deal on a Quinny Zapp. This sleek stroller is easy to take along with you while you are traveling. It folds compactly, and stores easily in the trunk of a car. Right now, you can buy one for $119.99 (half price) at albeebaby.com. Other colors are available at slightly higher prices.

Here’s a great idea for a new product: Easy Stroll is an ergonomic stroller handle that allows users to push the stroller with one hand while maintaining perfect posture, leaving the other hand free to carry bags, etc. It is designed to relieve back discomfort while pushing the stroller. We all know how hard it can be to juggle pushing the stroller with carrying anything else, especially if you’re shopping or reaching for your wallet. For $29.95 (+ $9 shipping) you can rid yourself of all of the hassle. Check it out at EasyStroll.com.

The Stokke Xplory stroller is unique in that it brings your child up to parental eye-level, and away from dirty streets. Some say that the added eye contact between baby and parent increases bonding. It must provide a much better view for baby, to say the least. The Stokke Xplory also makes it easier for parents to tend to baby while in the stroller, without bending over. With an adjustable footrest and two-way seating, the Stokke Xplory is designed to be used from birth to 40 lbs/4 years old. It can also be used with certain car seats, including the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio or the Graco Snugride, with adapters (sold separately). It does carry a hefty price tag, however: for the Stokke Xplory Complete, which includes bassinet, seat, sun canopy, mosquito net, rain cover, under seat basket, and bassinet liners, costs a whopping $1399.99 CAD (about $1236.68 USD). Without the bassinet, it’s a bit less, at $1199.00 CAD ($1059.18 USD). However, if you purchase before July 15 and register the warranty online, Stokke will give you a free diaper bag, worth $120 ($106 USD). Visit CrocodileBaby.com for details.

I really like my Maclaren double stroller, but after pushing around my friend’s new BOB Duallie stroller, I began to realize the benefits of having a jogging stroller. Although her stroller is heavier than mine, weighing in at about 33 pounds, it was a breeze pushing her twins around. The stroller basically pushes itself, making it that much easier to walk or jog with your duo and start working off some of that leftover baby fat. The stroller boasts many of the same features of other double strollers–seats that recline independently, five-point seat harnesses that keep your kids secure, a multi-position sunshade, and pockets for various baby items you may need on your excursion. It also features a rotating front wheel that that not only gives you more control but also makes turning around much easier. The tires are extra-wide and ready for any kind of road be it smooth and paved or bumpy and rugged. In addition to a safety strap that you can loop onto your wrist, there’s even a rear wheel braking system you can activate with your foot to ensure your stroller doesn’t go anymore that you’re not.

But I have to say my favorite part of all is the fact that the stroller is engineered in a way to really make two babies feel lighter than they should be. While I can’t rationalize spending money on another pricey stroller right now, I am definitely thinking about trading in my beloved Maclaren at some point when my twins just feel too heavy to push around and upgrading to one of these bad boys. You don’t have to be a jogger to take advantage of this one in my opinion. This particular BOB stroller, available in either Navy or Orange, can be found at REI.com for $569. Have it sent to an REI store for pickup, and avoid paying extra for shipping.

The Natural Seat Topper by Innobaby is designed especially for babies with sensitive skin and/or eczema. Made of eco-friendly ramie, known for its breathability, the Natural Seat Topper fits over car seats, strollers, swings, and more, to keep baby comfortable. It also helps to reduce any discomfort from perspiration, and as it’s absorbent and breathable, it helps to keep baby from perspiring in the first place. You can view the Natural Seat Topper at InnoBaby.com, where it sells for $29.99 to $34.99.

I cannot say enough great things about this Maclaren. Although we don’t have the 2009 version, which is probably even better, it has proven to be one of the most useful items that we ever purchased.  I got it last year when my son was traveling with me to Europe and I needed something light that I could easily put up and down and carry through airports – it has a handy carry strap. The 2009 version is only 8.5 lbs and folds and unfolds incredibly easily, with just one hand – I didn’t think it was possible but it really is! It isn’t our main stroller but we keep it in the back of the car for those times where we might need it. I love that it has a breathable mesh seat as well as a sun hood and rain canopy. It also has a great mesh basket too that seems to hold a huge amount of things. What amazes me is that it is so incredibly light and yet when you unfold it you can feel how really sturdy it is with its strong aluminum frame.

This can hold a child from 6 months up to when they reach 55lbs, which means we’ll get more use from this one than our main stroller. I also love this bright and happy yellow color too. You can purchase one from giggle.com for $130.00.

Parents know that strollers can be bulky and hard to store when not in use. Even the most compact stroller that folds up can occupy too much space in a closet. That’s what inspired mom Mary Ann Schwanwede to design Stroll Away, the over-the-door stroller storage system. Made of heavy duty steel, Stroll Away is like a gigantic “hook” designed to slide over the door easily, and it folds flat when not in use. Marketed by Metro Tots, Stroll Away is adjustable to 9 different positions and said to fit most, if not all, stroller models. The company is currently working on creating a multi-stroller rack and a wall mount for the garage. You can purchase Stroll Away for $49.99 at MetroTots.com.

 
The fourth item on my list of necessities for baby is a stroller. If you’re not into pushing your baby around in a buggy and you travel by foot as often as I do, I think a carrier of some sort is in order. You’ve got to have your hands free (and save your back and arms) at some point in time and for that, I have a Mei Tai. However, I also have Evenflo Congo Journey Travel System. We have dragged this thing through mud, muck, rain, snow, gravel and whatever else dares to cross our paths for over 3 years and it is still in good shape. The front tires had to be reinforced but otherwise, nothing is awry.

My favorite features are the bug net, relatively simple folding system, and smooth steering. It is rather bulky but great for long treks and durable (we’re on our second son.) The front piece lifts, making getting your child in and out simpler, and there’s even a detachable piece that stores away underneath to keep legs and feet protected until they’re too big to be kept in. The car seat attaches to the top and is a handy carrier and travel rocking chair for baby. It comes with a canopy and head cushions to keep baby’s head steady. We paid much more than the $129.99 price tag on Amazon.com but, happily, it was worth it.  

I’m a huge Peg Perego fan. We have their infant car seat, a large carriage system, a double stroller, and the Pliko/P3 Stroller. The Pliko has been our all purpose singleton stroller. It holds the car seat, folds easily, and fits nicely in the back of my minivan. Though we’ve had to move on to the company’s Twin Tender double stroller, I have nothing but good things to say about our Pliko.

Now the company has upgraded the stroller for 2009. The Pliko Switch offers users the option of switching the handle so that your child can either be facing out (the traditonal way), or facing you. This is a great feature that we have on another stroller, and I love it. Especially when your baby is small, you want to be able to see him or her at all times.  Once he or she starts to grow more interested in the world, it is fun to face the world as you travel.

This Switch still has all the other great features that made the Pliko a favorite, including a five point harness for safety, a snack tray, an easy-fold mechanism, and an under-stroller basket. This stroller retails for $599.99, but I found one for $499.99 at ebeanstalk.com. I always love the red, but brown and grey models are also available.

BOB makes some of the hottest jogging strollers on the market. My sister and several friends swear by them. Currently, the company is holding a contest that will award a free stroller to one lucky winner. For a chance to win, upload a picture of your pregnant belly at BobGear.com/neighborhood. The winner will be chosen at the end of January. Even if you aren’t currently pregnant, or in the market for a new stroller, it is fun to check out the gallery of entries. I can’t wait to see the winner.

I’m not sure how you’d attach and use these Blanket Bungees but it sounds like a good idea worth trying. Now is a good time to try this item from  Z Daisy while it’s on sale for just $8 (down from $20) at BarefootBella.net. It comes in a set of two. They keep your baby’s blanket from falling on the ground out of the stroller. Just a little item to make your life a little easier - it’s the small things that seem to make a big difference. They make a good basket-stuffer for a baby-shower gift.

Although they are much more expensive than basic strollers, I have always loved the style and look of the pram. If you’re looking for a luxurious pram and cost is not an option, you might want to consider this Classica Oro Pram with Balestrino Cromato Panna Chassis. With a wood body, real lace curtains, and an inner lining made of fine piquet cotton, your baby will travel in style and comfort. The bassinet portion of the pram can be used until baby is 6 months old. After that, you’ll need the optional Stroller Seat and Hood, available for $249 extra.

As I mentioned, this is not the everyday stroller that most parents will want or need, but if you like to dream, this is the perfect pram to fantasize about. You can view more information about it at WellAppointedHouse.com, where you can also purchase this pram for $998.