MSRP $249.99

BIRTH TO 55 LBS

WEIGHS 16.5 LBS

www.britaxusa.com

The B-Agile’s three-wheel design and larger

wheel diameter provide stability and great

maneuverability in a standard stroller. Easy to

assemble, it comes with an adapter for use with

Britax Chaperone and B-Safe infant car seats.

With the B-Safe car seat, you can achieve full

coverage by drawing both sunshades—a clam-shell configuration perfect for sun protection, as

well as for napping infants. Without the car seat,

the stroller’s large canopy still provides great

coverage and has a back panel that can be rolled

up to increase air circulation.

The seat has infinite recline positions and one

of the better harness adjustment systems—no

rethreading! Padded shoulder straps and crotch

strap, as well as an extra pad for your child’s back,

take comfort to the next level. All-wheel suspen

-

sion, combined with a curved handlebar, makes

this stroller a pleasure to push. The rear brakes

are linked for one-touch braking. When done for

the day, the B-Agile folds easily and compactly,

though it does not stand upright on its own.

Birth to 55 lbs

Weighs 16.1 lbs

Known for quality German engineering, Cybex presents a line of strollers that are sturdy, lightweight travel systems packed with great design. The Onyx is their mid-range stroller, between the Ruby and the Callisto.

At just over 16 pounds, the Onyx is surprisingly solid and provides a smooth, comfortable ride with rear-wheel suspension that performs well, even on rough pavement. Its seat reclines to multiple positions with one simple pull and, combined with a two-position leg rest, comfortably accommodates your growing child. The shoulder and waist straps adjust with a mechanism similar to those in car seats, differentiating it from other strollers that still require the tedious task of pulling individual straps through plastic slides. Other noteworthy features include a large canopy and linked rear brakes for one-touch braking.

Designed to meet every need and price point – and available in every shape, size and color – today’s strollers are as much fashion accessory as utilitarian device.  Manufacturers range from trusted industry giants to entrants from abroad and, increasingly, a number of up-and-coming brands that have injected a fresh take on stroller design. A little confused with all these options?  Not sure where to dive in? Here’s a quick guide to help you choose a stroller (or strollers!) that’s right for you.

When deciding on a stroller, your child’s comfort is no doubt important.  After all, if he or she doesn’t want to ride in the stroller, you’re going to find yourself pushing jackets and bags around town while your child runs wild.  However, don’t forget to consider your own comfort as well.  Find one that is the right height, so that you’re not stooped over or reaching too high.  Grip the handles to find ones that give you a secure hold while being oriented in a way that feels natural.

Consider whether you’ll need to fold and stow your stroller often.  If you’re just using it around the neighborhood and can leave it in your garage, ease of folding may not be an issue.  On the other hand, if you’re storing the stroller in your car trunk or a small entryway, a compact fold is a must.  Weight should also be a factor should you need to lift the stroller regularly – including lifting it into and out of your car.

The next thing to consider is where you will be using your stroller.  Are you planning to stroll the open streets or navigate narrow store aisles?  Going for long walks or short trips?  Smaller strollers will get you through tight spots and will be easier to maneuver.  On the flip side, bigger strollers with larger wheels lend more stability and provide a smoother ride.  Planning to go off-road?  Air-filled tires on a three-wheel base are your best bet.

Your child’s age and the number of years you hope to get out of your stroller should also factor into stroller choice.  A child under six months requires a greater recline position until he can sit upright and hold his head up.  Alternatively, many strollers now come with a bassinet option or have attachments that accommodate an infant car seat.

Safety-wise, you can check that strollers are certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and meet ASTM International requirements.  Most major brands have gone through certification, which includes inspecting everything from restraint systems to brakes, but note that these programs are voluntary.  So, just because a stroller doesn’t boast these certifications doesn’t mean you should worry.  Just to be in the market, strollers need to pass strict safety tests.

Now that you have the basics down, what type of stroller is right for you?  And do you need more than one?  Here are five of the most popular stroller categories and our favorite models under each.

Standard strollers are great for everyday use and, as the name implies, perfect for “standard” conditions like city pavement. If you only want one stroller, you’ll likely want one of these.  It’s sturdier and takes rough terrain better than an umbrella stroller, but the tradeoff is a heavier, less compact frame.

Umbrella strollers are known for being exceptionally lightweight, compact and foldable, features that make them especially popular with grandparents and patrons of public transportation.  Given their minimal design, they are typically the most affordable stroller.

Jogging strollers are ideal for active parents who need a stroller that can keep up with a quick pace.  While originally designed for jogging, this stroller is now the choice of a wider range of parents, who turn to this stroller for greater stability (three-wheel base) and smooth travel over rough terrain (large air-filled tires, lockable front swivel wheels and quality suspension systems) – even if that rough terrain is just uneven pavement!  These strollers are best for the outdoors, as their size makes it difficult to navigate narrow aisles and doorways, as well as fit into small car trunks.  In addition, given their heft and inability to stand upright due to their large wheels, they tend to be awkward in their collapsed state.  Note that jogging or going off-road is not recommended with children under 8 months.

Double strollers provide comfortable travel for two children at a time and come in standard, umbrella and jogging styles.  They vary in how they accommodate two children, with some positioning them one in front of the other and others seating children side by side.  Depending on configuration, some require one child to be old enough to stand or sit upright on her own.  Because these are bigger strollers, they tend to be heavier and harder to steer. They are still much easier than trying to negotiate multiple strollers.  Note that if you have even more children, there are now triple and quadruple stroller options as well.

Luxury strollers take strollers to a completely new level with innovative design and engineering that rethinks every aspect.  With a higher price point, these models impress with carefully thought-through features that revolutionize a product that’s been around since the 18^th century.

We use our LaLa Lounger all the time and our baby absolutely loves it.  I can’t say enough about this product and how much we appreciate and use it.

The LaLa lounger is basically a big floor cushion that you can set your baby in/on.  It’s a square shape with raised edges so it worked well before my baby could sit up because I would lay him on his back and he could rest his head on the raised edges.  Then I started using it for tummy time, I’d lay him down on the cushion with his arms over the edge on the floor with a little toy just on the other side of the lounger.  This helped support him when he was getting frustrated with tummy time.  And now that he is learning to sit up, the cushions help support him and make for a soft landing if he tips over.

I use this for short periods of time on and off throughout the day.  For example, my little one likes to keep me in sight so when I head into the kitchen to heat up his food/bottle, I let him sit on the lounger with a toy in the kitchen with me.  Or I’ll put him down in the lounger while I’m cooking or folding laundry.

The LaLa lounger also has handles, so sometimes I pull my baby around on the floor to help him get a sense of movement.  I’ve tried this before on a blanket, but it’s much safer doing this on the LaLa lounger.

Finally, these are really cute.  Our print has animals on it and it’s adorable.  There are a ton of cute prints to choose from though.  There are also options for upholstered and slip covered.  I like the firmness of the upholstered model, but the slip cover model seems quite practical as well for obvious reasons.

In all, we love the LaLa lounger and would highly recommend it.  We’ve been using it since our baby was 4 months, we still use it daily at 6 months and plan to continue using it into his toddler years.

In addition to the different activities, I also appreciate that the toys on the exersaucer can be easily removed if you want to grab one for the car or a trip to the park.  The height adjustment is helpful because it will grow with my baby.  The fabric seat can be removed easily for washing, which I appreciate because I can quickly wash it after hosting play dates.

The assembly was pretty straightforward, though I have to admit that I took it out of the box and then decided to wait to let my husband do it.  In the end though, it looked easier than I expected.

One thing to note is that the exersaucer doesn’t make any sounds or have any bright flashy lights like some exersaucers on the market.  That may be a pro to some and a con to others.  For me it’s fine because he has other toys that are more sound oriented.  I think the lack of sound and bright lights actually causes him to concentrate more and use his mind to discover how to play with the toys.

Overall, I’d recommend this product.  I really appreciate having somewhere that I can set my baby down safely, that will also allow him to continue to develop by learning new ways to use his fingers, hands and feet.

I’d recommend this product if you’re looking for an affordable exersaucer that challenges your baby in a way that is fun, safe and interesting for him.

A day at the beach

I have been using the Summer Infant Resting Up Napper since my son was about 2 weeks old. He is now 6 weeks and I don’t think we could get through a day without this chair. My son loves to be held and has trouble falling asleep without being cuddled in the arms of my husband or myself. We have several “devices” (e.g. swing, chairs, etc.) but the one device that my son prefers is the Summer Infant vibrating chair.

I originally used the Summer Infant chair without the vibrating option, for short periods of time, when my son was awake between napping and feeding. The incline of the chair is at a good angle (not too steep and not too flat), which is particularly nice after a feeding because it allows him to be slightly upright to help with digestion.

As my son got a little older (3 to 5 weeks), he started taking longer naps in the chair. It is sturdier and more spacious (longer and wider) than all the other chairs I have used. It also has mesh sides to allow for better airflow around the baby, which helps to reduce overheating. Another great feature of the chair is the vibrating option. Initially my son did not like the vibration but now that he is a little older, the vibration really helps him to stay asleep once he is in the chair. Lastly, the chair is sturdy but light and easy to transport. The legs collapse easily so the chair goes flat and is easily stored under a crib, bed or in the trunk of a car.

My son is in the 95th percentile for weight and 100th percentile for length. Given that the Summer Infant chair is more spacious, it is definitely going to have a longer life span than some of the other chairs I have seen. With so many chair options out there, I would highly recommend the Summer Infant chair if you are looking for a sturdy device that will last a long time.

Already known for providing great private sale finds for families with kids aged 0-8, Totsy is now venturing out into manufacturing its own products, and it’s doing so responsibly with quality materials and all items made entirely in the U.S.  This is in line with their current environmentally minded practices such as shipping items in eco-friendly packaging and planting a tree for every family’s first order.

But, don’t think you have to sacrifice cute to help save the world!  Totsy’s layette collection is available in 4 lines – 2 for girls and 2 for boys – with a 100% cotton and 100% GOTS certified cotton line for each.  The GOTS certified Sweet Heart line outfits your little girl in stylish hand-drawn hearts while the cotton In Bloom line showcases a floral print.  Meanwhile, little boys will look equally hip in the GOTS certified star-studded Star Gazer print or the cotton On the Go print that features planes, trains, boats and cars.  Items are purchased individually and include your baby basics of bodysuit onesies, footed coverall pajamas, jackets, pants, gowns caps, bibs, burp cloths and blankets.

Because these items are for babies, they have to pass the wash test and prove easy enough to dress a squirming newborn.  Happily, this layette collection does both.  It stands up well to washes, remaining soft and holding its shape over time.  Quality snaps make for easy fastening and quick changes.  Also, items are sold according to baby’s length and weight, so that you can more easily choose items that best fit your child and eliminate any guesswork as to sizing.

Unlike other items on their site that are only available for a limited time, the items in Totsy’s self-branded layette line will be available year round and can ship as quickly as 1-2 days with the Fast Ship option.  Items range from $5 – $21, up to a 40% savings over items of similar quality.  Check out all 4 lines at www.TOTSY.com.  Cute items in materials that are good for your baby and the planet!

Developed by a grandfather with over 40 years in the hair and skin care business, Little Green is a line of personal care products that are free of parabens, sulfates and allergens that may irritate sensitive skin. They include a Shampoo & Body Wash, Nourishing Body Lotion and a Soothing Balm. While geared towards babies and children, the products are great for the entire family. In fact, my toddler daughter loves the routine of reaching for the “green lotion” after baths, dabbing a squirt or two on herself and then rubbing some onto my pregnant belly to make sure little brother doesn’t get itchy. Momma really appreciates it!

The Nourishing Body Lotion is perfect for face and body, with Aloe, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E to leave your skin moist and soft while not oily. Applied right after a bath, it has a pleasant, mild fragrance that calms the senses right before bedtime. The Lotion comes in two sizes – 2 ounces for $7 or 8 ounces for $17.

The Shampoo & Body Wash is also formulated to be gentle, providing a bath experience free of tears. While we’ve had bath strikes in the past, my daughter now loves being able to wash herself, lathering shampoo into her hair and soaping up the rest of her body as well. Noting that this often results in excessive use of soap and shampoo, it is comforting to know that Little Green is safe and mild. With Vitamins B5 and E, Little Green moisturizes and protects my little girl’s skin while washing off the day’s dirt. The Shampoo & Body Wash is also available in 2-ounce and 8-ounce sizes at $6 for the former and $15 for the latter.

Another favorite item in their line is the Soothing Balm, which comes packaged similar to a glue stick. While not a conventional package for skin products, it works fantastically for easy application, giving you control in smoothing the balm on your child’s skin while closing up neatly into a compact package that can be thrown into your purse or diaper bag without fear of mess. Recommended for chapped lips, cheeks and dry patches, the Soothing Balm moisturizes with Beeswax and Jojoba and includes the protective elements of Avocado Oil and Evening Primrose. A 0.45 ounce stick is available for $14.

All Little Green items are hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested so you can feel confident using these products with a newborn. They’re also gluten free and made in the USA. Give them a try and, if you love them as much as I do, you’ll likely also want to check out their gift sets, which will give your new mom friends a chance to try Little Green for themselves. After all, who doesn’t like a product that serves a real need, performs well, and comes in great-looking and functional packaging while leaving you and your family not only safe but also feeling clean and moisturized? Check them out at http://www.littlegreencares.com.

The Fun Tab Pro is an Android tablet with a 7” multi-touch screen.  Geared towards children, it has a chunky, ergonomic case that little hands can comfortably grip. A rubber skin you can stretch over the device makes it even easier – but note that this skin covers up the snap-on face plates (three choices of red, blue or pink) that give the tablet a fun, personalized touch.  It also makes accessing the buttons at the top of the tablet, including power and volume control, more difficult.

For content, the tablet comes pre-loaded with kid-appropriate apps and videos that teach letters, numbers, art and more.  It even includes Angry Birds and a nice selection of Sesame Street videos, of which my daughter can’t get enough.  Tabs at the top of the screen allow her to select from Games, Art, Books, Mail and Favorites.  Icons are everywhere, so the pre-reading set has little trouble navigating.

Parents interact through a Zoodles.com account that they set up online.  The basic package lets you find age-appropriate content, add/subtract apps, record storybooks for your child, view your child’s tablet activity, award stars to artwork and even send your child video mail.  You can also invite relatives to take part in the fun.  Advanced features like setting violence filters and blocking characters, sites and ads requires upgrade to a premium Zoodles account, which has a subscription fee. Parents can also control settings directly on the tablet by entering a code-protected Parents Mode.  In this mode parents can also use the Fun Tab Pro as a traditional Android tablet to access email, music or the Web.  In Kid Mode your child can access kid-safe websites that you select and approve.  Also, if you have multiple kids, you can set up a profile for each so that older kids see a different selection from their younger siblings, and each gets an experience tailored to his or her own needs.

A simplified version of a tablet at a lower cost, the Fun Tab Pro doesn’t have the fastest response time, and the touch screen isn’t as sensitive as your iPad.  However, given that this is meant for young children who have not yet been introduced to faster, more responsive models, the Fun Tab Pro will serve their needs just fine.  But, do beware if your child is older and has a basis of comparison with other tablets, as the Fun Tab Pro could prove a little frustrating.

Additional features include WiFi compatibility, making downloading apps and accessing YouTube videos easy.  Should you rather download content from your computer, there’s also a USB port and cable included.  A MicroSD card slot gives yet another option for expanding memory and adding content.  In addition, the Fun Tab Pro has both front and back cameras, which keeps our budding photographer well entertained while giving mom and dad a fun look at the world from her perspective.  An HDMI port and cable let you hook the device up to your television should your child want to interact or watch videos on a larger screen.  For quiet use, the tablet comes with earbud headphones to keep sound contained.

Curious to learn more?  Here’s a rundown of pros and cons:

PROS

CONS

Overall, the Ematic Fun Tab Pro with its durable design and parent-approved content will serve young children well while giving parents peace of mind.  My daughter loves using the tablet, which she’s dubbed “my computer,” and I love not having to compete with her for use of “mommy’s computer.”  Win, win!  Available for $149.99 at Amazon and Walmart.

The Potette Plus is a 2-in-1 product that can serve either as a stand-alone potty or a trainer seat that sits atop a standard adult-sized toilet.  The design is simple, yet secure, with hinged side pieces that can lock into place perpendicular to the seat, acting as legs that raise the potty to a comfortable toddler sitting height, or that snap in as wings that suspend the seat over the toilet and serve as handles.  Just make sure you hear a click to feel confident that the legs are locked into place in either position.  The side pieces are rubberized in just the right places to ensure the seat does not slip when placed on the toilet or standing on the floor.  When not locked into place, the side pieces fold down under the seat for a compact package that slides into an included drawstring bag to take with you.

The Potette Plus comes with three 100% biodegradable liners for use in the potty mode.  These liners are essentially plastic bags with super absorbent padding that can be inserted into the potty and secured by pulling the liner handles around the legs, making the potty easy to use while on the go.  The padding pulls in the liquids, so that you can then dispose of waste by simply detaching the liner, tying it up as neat bag and tossing in the trash with very little mess.  Additional liners can be purchased in sets of 10 or 30.

At home, rather than go through a liner for every use, we use the Reusable Liner, which is a rubber insert that hooks under the front and back edges of the seat.  After my daughter uses the potty, we just dump all liquid and solid waste into the toilet and then add a little water to give it a rinse.  For the most part, it cleans up really well without any wiping, although an occasional scrubbing may be needed every once in a while.

My daughter loves the option of using the “little potty” (potty on the floor) or the “big potty” (training seat on the toilet) and will alternate between the two.  While the potty is deemed suitable from 15 months and the trainer seat for toddlers 2 years and up, I’ve known of families that have started their kids on the potty even sooner without any issues, as long as the child was able to sit up or the parent was willing to support the child atop the potty.  Before giving the Kalencom Potette Plus a try, I had already heard many good things from friends about how this was THE potty to use.  Now that I’ve experienced it, I understand why so many parents swear by it.  This really is a great potty that both you and your child will love.

The Potette Plus retails for $16 and comes in your choice of lime green, blue, pink or red.  The Reusable Liner sells for $12 and the disposable liners in packs of 10 for $5 or 30 for $12.  All can be found at www.kalencom.com.