I would like to extend a special thanks to the following kids who modeled our Tea Collection clothing today at the Teddy Bear Tea held by Junior Aid:
Haley Weed,
Willa Bradley,
Katrina Lang,
Griffen Winter and
Skylar Winter
Thanks for doing an incredible job walking the isles and showing off our clothes.
Rick
Hip Baby Gear
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The Mountain Buggy Swift is Back!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Stroller ... What? Stroller...Who?
Stroller shopping got you down? All the lingo, features, price points, accessories...mightiest well be in Latin? Everyone has their own opinions on what is "THE BEST STROLLER", and I'm sure all of you in the market for strollers have had everyone and their sister tell you what they think you should buy. The truth of the matter is, its not a one size fits all. We are here to decode and offer a few helpful tips to make the process a walk in the park.
Key Factor: Determine your lifestyle!
This does not take into account your preference for a night on the the town sipping martinis, (although, we hope you get to sneak out for some of those nights after your baby has arrived) but more so with where you live, what you drive and where you go. As you will read below, what is ideal for one type of family would be torture for another. Always take reviews online with a grain of salt. If you see someone from somewhere in rural Kansas review a stroller, and love it OR hate it, it might not be right for you if you live in the Big Apple NYC. We recommend doing as much research as you can before settling on a stroller. Get out that tape measure and make SURE it will fit through any and all of the doorways you might walk through with the stroller (especially if you are in the market for a double stroller!!), your car, the subway etc. Weight is another determining factor. You can not determine the quality or functionality of a stroller based on weight alone, although it will help narrow down your options. Be that crazy person you are too embarrassed to be: walk up and ask someone with a cool stroller what brand it is, why they like it, why they hate it and maybe where they bought it. These people already own the stroller, they don't sell them, so what do they have to loose? You might make a new mommy or nanny friend in the process.
If at all possible, get up and GO to a local store that carries the strollers you are looking at. We have customers that drive H-O-U-R-S to get to us JUST to see one or two strollers, and they end up seeing a lot more than they had hoped. Remember, things may not always be what they seem and the internet can be tricky. Also, many online retailers have heavier return policies for strollers which include restocking fees, return and initial shipping fees and usually they are more work than its worth (who has ever been able to repack a box of ANYTHING exactly as the manufacturer did as if it was hot off the factory press?...I think, no one. then there is the whole, getting-to-UPS-with-an-awkward-40-pound-box- and-a-newborn-while-still-dressed-in-pjs-at-2pm...that's another issue all together, maybe for another entry)
Hip Baby Gear prides itself as being the only store North of Boston with as many strollers on the floor in one location. We have more than one store, so we are more than happy to move inventory around based on customer requests, and can meet you outside of business hours because..well, we live locally and love what we do...but that's just one of the many reasons why you should make the drive or flight to see us :)
Now, Back to Business: Who are you anyway?
City Dweller:
You could navigate the city in seconds if only the crazy taxi drivers (who you are on a first name basis with) weren't busy causing traffic jams. If you know the subway schedule and route by heart and live in an apartment building..possibly a 4th floor walk up, without a parking space, and 1,000 square apartment seems like a dream come true?
Features to look for: Something Lightweight AND compact--- who wants to drag a 30 pound stroller up 4 flights of stairs? Oh yea, don't forget you need to haul up your bags...and your child! You want to find something with a fast fold too so you can pop it in the back of a cab and be on your way. Speaking of cabs...how do you plan on transporting your baby in one?
Strollers You Might Like:
*Orbit Baby Infant System: Comes WITH the car seat which is approved to be used in a vehicle without the included base (this is for you taxi mamas). Simply click the 360* rotating car seat off the stroller chassis, fold the stroller chassis with one hand and pop the baby, in the car seat, into the taxi. Height adjustable handlebars: great for you, your spouse, your nanny, your inlaws. Option Pannier Bag set will attach on either side of the chassis to maximize storage.
* Uppa Baby G Luxe: Weighing 11 pounds, this sucker is the lightest weight full sized umbrella on the market, can be folded in seconds, stands on its own when folded, and the convenient carry hand makes it easy to swing over your shoulder. Although it does not accept a car seat, its suitable from 3 months to 40 pounds. The extended SPF 50 pop out sun shade and a cup holder for mom are the "little" details that makes this stroller outshine others in its class.
* Baby Jogger City Mini Single (or double if you have a houseful of little ones):
One hand, one step fold you can literally do while holding a venti latte or a newborn (but we wouldn't recommend holding both at the same time while folding this or any stroller). The seat reclines completely flat, will accept a car seat, and/or a bassinet, which will make transporting your new baby about the bustling city a breeze. Despite the brand name, "Baby Jogger" this is not a jogging stroller!
Other strollers that would work for you include Bugaboo Cameleon (pro:chassis weighing 20 pounds, sold with the bassinet: dual purpose for strolling and sleeping-- ideal for homes with limited space!. Cons: stroller seat/adapter/bassinet must be removed when folded which is pretty quick and easy, but may not be ideal for frequent taxi use) Stokke Xplory (pros: seat, bassinet, car seat adapter sits up way high to keep your baby out of the yucky fumes and exhaust. Table height making meals at little bistros easy and high chair free. Can easily be pulled "dolly style" up flights of stairs. Cons: weight with seat and bassinet range from 23lbs -28lbs, can tend to lean more on the heavier end for this type of lifestyle)
The Athlete:
Lets face it, you were on as many sports teams as you could possibly be on per season. You wake up and run 6 miles or more daily, before work, and even on vacation, just because, or even as a warm up to your work out. Regardless of where you live, chances are after the baby comes you will be itching to get back out again. Some people will tell you that "you will want to enjoy that run alone" but realistically, if you are a stay at home mom or dad, without a nanny, you won't have many chances to run alone. These strollers can be used from birth and on, however you should never run or jog with your baby until your Pediatrician gives you the OK (usually around 6 months or older)
Features to look for: Size DOES matter...so Large tires are crucial. A lockable front wheel will keep you on track, and a hand brake is a bonus. Some of these can be used as your main stroller (for running and everyday life) but for the most part they are best for what they are designed for. Keep in mind you will need to store these puppies someplace, so make sure you have a home for them to come back to after a nice workout.
* Mountain Buggy Terrain: Large 16" rear tires make running as smooth as can be. The front tire has 3 modes: Lock, Swivel and 40*, so you can go for a 2 hour run but then navigate through a park, or neighborhood sidewalks. (Bonus: fabulous in snow and sand) If anyone has ever tried running down a hill, with a stroller, you will truly appreciate the hand AND foot brake, make stopping easier than before. Suitable from birth up to 77 pounds. Rugged, Durable, Long Lasting...pretty much a slam dunk all around.
*BOB IronMan: Its "going the Distance...Its going for Speed..." The IronMan is built for business...it will tow the line for those LONG runs (couch to 5k program participants need not apply) Racing Yellow/Red is the most popular because it can be easily seen...as in, those around you will see a blur of yellow as you race by. The 3, road bike thin 16" low profile, high pressure tires combined with the state of the art suspention system, will drive so smoothly you will forget you are even pushing a stroller. Features include: front wheel remains fixed at all times for stability, ultra padded seat reclines 70*, and the tough, welded frame will last through countless usage and children (ok,maybe you can could the number of kids you have, but runs? we didnt think so)
The Townie:
Like it or not, you are a quintessential soccer mom in the making. You are fortunate enough to have a garage and a basement/ attic, hopefully live in a neighborhood with lots of young families, and possibly are able to walk to the local park, schools, grocery stores and coffee shops. This is not to say you dont make the occasional trip to the city or vacations, but overall, you hang out in your neighborhood, drive when and where you have to. Stereotypically speaking, these people have larger cars, SUVs maybe or wagons (volvo comes to mind...) , a compact fold is nice to have but not crucial since you are able to store your stroller in your garage or basement.
Uppa Baby Vista : From busy city streets to winding country roads; from an afternoon feeding the ducks in the park to retail therapy - the VISTA takes your child on the road in style. Designed to grow with your child, the VISTA is the ideal strolling solution from birth through the toddler years. It comes equipped with an organic soy-cotton blend bassinet and a toddler stroller seat that will face you or face the world. Everything- huge, over-sized under-seat basket included- is removable and washable...and replaceable! It adapts easily to your growing family with solutions for a big brother or sister: optional Rumble Seat for your "back seat driver" or a PiggyBack Board for the older child who is too cool for strollers but might have the tenancy to wander off or get tired quickly if left to walk beside the stroller.
BumbleRide Indie Single Single weighs just 20lbs, quick, 2 step fold (you will need both your hands for this one), easily fits in the back of your car with plenty of room for all the other stuff you tote around (bonus for those that cant bear the thought to part with hatchbacks) Big , easily assessable storage basket can hold picnics, backpacks, dinner, dolls and more. Suitable from birth to 45 pounds. Favorite features: 100% removable, washable fabric, INCLUDED car seat adapter/ bumper bar, storm cover, tire pump, head hugger and harness straps. This is the official-one-stop-shop stroller that will make cruising the beach, the boulevard, the playground and the city as easy as 1 2 3.
If you are STILL overwhelmed, we're sorry, we tried...but we had to start somewhere...baby steps. We understand the ins and outs of this process, and promise to be more helpful next time. This is just ONE of many stroller blog entries coming your way. We will features specific brands, tell you exactly WHY some strollers are $900 while others are just $50, and what that means for you and yours. For all you families out there that might just have one (or none yet) but know your family is "On the Grow", its a good idea to check out strollers that convert from singles to doubles. Stay tuned for that entry over the next few days. We will give you the 411 of a few of our favorites and why we love them as much as we do.
If you would like personalized stroller match-making, please call us or send us a note on Facebook or via email (isnt technology fabulous?) ...or gas up the ol wagon and make a date with one of our stroller experts.
Key Factor: Determine your lifestyle!
This does not take into account your preference for a night on the the town sipping martinis, (although, we hope you get to sneak out for some of those nights after your baby has arrived) but more so with where you live, what you drive and where you go. As you will read below, what is ideal for one type of family would be torture for another. Always take reviews online with a grain of salt. If you see someone from somewhere in rural Kansas review a stroller, and love it OR hate it, it might not be right for you if you live in the Big Apple NYC. We recommend doing as much research as you can before settling on a stroller. Get out that tape measure and make SURE it will fit through any and all of the doorways you might walk through with the stroller (especially if you are in the market for a double stroller!!), your car, the subway etc. Weight is another determining factor. You can not determine the quality or functionality of a stroller based on weight alone, although it will help narrow down your options. Be that crazy person you are too embarrassed to be: walk up and ask someone with a cool stroller what brand it is, why they like it, why they hate it and maybe where they bought it. These people already own the stroller, they don't sell them, so what do they have to loose? You might make a new mommy or nanny friend in the process.
If at all possible, get up and GO to a local store that carries the strollers you are looking at. We have customers that drive H-O-U-R-S to get to us JUST to see one or two strollers, and they end up seeing a lot more than they had hoped. Remember, things may not always be what they seem and the internet can be tricky. Also, many online retailers have heavier return policies for strollers which include restocking fees, return and initial shipping fees and usually they are more work than its worth (who has ever been able to repack a box of ANYTHING exactly as the manufacturer did as if it was hot off the factory press?...I think, no one. then there is the whole, getting-to-UPS-with-an-awkward-40-pound-box- and-a-newborn-while-still-dressed-in-pjs-at-2pm...that's another issue all together, maybe for another entry)
Hip Baby Gear prides itself as being the only store North of Boston with as many strollers on the floor in one location. We have more than one store, so we are more than happy to move inventory around based on customer requests, and can meet you outside of business hours because..well, we live locally and love what we do...but that's just one of the many reasons why you should make the drive or flight to see us :)
Now, Back to Business: Who are you anyway?
City Dweller:
You could navigate the city in seconds if only the crazy taxi drivers (who you are on a first name basis with) weren't busy causing traffic jams. If you know the subway schedule and route by heart and live in an apartment building..possibly a 4th floor walk up, without a parking space, and 1,000 square apartment seems like a dream come true?
Features to look for: Something Lightweight AND compact--- who wants to drag a 30 pound stroller up 4 flights of stairs? Oh yea, don't forget you need to haul up your bags...and your child! You want to find something with a fast fold too so you can pop it in the back of a cab and be on your way. Speaking of cabs...how do you plan on transporting your baby in one?
Strollers You Might Like:
*Orbit Baby Infant System: Comes WITH the car seat which is approved to be used in a vehicle without the included base (this is for you taxi mamas). Simply click the 360* rotating car seat off the stroller chassis, fold the stroller chassis with one hand and pop the baby, in the car seat, into the taxi. Height adjustable handlebars: great for you, your spouse, your nanny, your inlaws. Option Pannier Bag set will attach on either side of the chassis to maximize storage.
* Uppa Baby G Luxe: Weighing 11 pounds, this sucker is the lightest weight full sized umbrella on the market, can be folded in seconds, stands on its own when folded, and the convenient carry hand makes it easy to swing over your shoulder. Although it does not accept a car seat, its suitable from 3 months to 40 pounds. The extended SPF 50 pop out sun shade and a cup holder for mom are the "little" details that makes this stroller outshine others in its class.
* Baby Jogger City Mini Single (or double if you have a houseful of little ones):
One hand, one step fold you can literally do while holding a venti latte or a newborn (but we wouldn't recommend holding both at the same time while folding this or any stroller). The seat reclines completely flat, will accept a car seat, and/or a bassinet, which will make transporting your new baby about the bustling city a breeze. Despite the brand name, "Baby Jogger" this is not a jogging stroller!
Other strollers that would work for you include Bugaboo Cameleon (pro:chassis weighing 20 pounds, sold with the bassinet: dual purpose for strolling and sleeping-- ideal for homes with limited space!. Cons: stroller seat/adapter/bassinet must be removed when folded which is pretty quick and easy, but may not be ideal for frequent taxi use) Stokke Xplory (pros: seat, bassinet, car seat adapter sits up way high to keep your baby out of the yucky fumes and exhaust. Table height making meals at little bistros easy and high chair free. Can easily be pulled "dolly style" up flights of stairs. Cons: weight with seat and bassinet range from 23lbs -28lbs, can tend to lean more on the heavier end for this type of lifestyle)
The Athlete:
Lets face it, you were on as many sports teams as you could possibly be on per season. You wake up and run 6 miles or more daily, before work, and even on vacation, just because, or even as a warm up to your work out. Regardless of where you live, chances are after the baby comes you will be itching to get back out again. Some people will tell you that "you will want to enjoy that run alone" but realistically, if you are a stay at home mom or dad, without a nanny, you won't have many chances to run alone. These strollers can be used from birth and on, however you should never run or jog with your baby until your Pediatrician gives you the OK (usually around 6 months or older)
Features to look for: Size DOES matter...so Large tires are crucial. A lockable front wheel will keep you on track, and a hand brake is a bonus. Some of these can be used as your main stroller (for running and everyday life) but for the most part they are best for what they are designed for. Keep in mind you will need to store these puppies someplace, so make sure you have a home for them to come back to after a nice workout.
* Mountain Buggy Terrain: Large 16" rear tires make running as smooth as can be. The front tire has 3 modes: Lock, Swivel and 40*, so you can go for a 2 hour run but then navigate through a park, or neighborhood sidewalks. (Bonus: fabulous in snow and sand) If anyone has ever tried running down a hill, with a stroller, you will truly appreciate the hand AND foot brake, make stopping easier than before. Suitable from birth up to 77 pounds. Rugged, Durable, Long Lasting...pretty much a slam dunk all around.
*BOB IronMan: Its "going the Distance...Its going for Speed..." The IronMan is built for business...it will tow the line for those LONG runs (couch to 5k program participants need not apply) Racing Yellow/Red is the most popular because it can be easily seen...as in, those around you will see a blur of yellow as you race by. The 3, road bike thin 16" low profile, high pressure tires combined with the state of the art suspention system, will drive so smoothly you will forget you are even pushing a stroller. Features include: front wheel remains fixed at all times for stability, ultra padded seat reclines 70*, and the tough, welded frame will last through countless usage and children (ok,maybe you can could the number of kids you have, but runs? we didnt think so)
The Townie:
Like it or not, you are a quintessential soccer mom in the making. You are fortunate enough to have a garage and a basement/ attic, hopefully live in a neighborhood with lots of young families, and possibly are able to walk to the local park, schools, grocery stores and coffee shops. This is not to say you dont make the occasional trip to the city or vacations, but overall, you hang out in your neighborhood, drive when and where you have to. Stereotypically speaking, these people have larger cars, SUVs maybe or wagons (volvo comes to mind...) , a compact fold is nice to have but not crucial since you are able to store your stroller in your garage or basement.
Uppa Baby Vista : From busy city streets to winding country roads; from an afternoon feeding the ducks in the park to retail therapy - the VISTA takes your child on the road in style. Designed to grow with your child, the VISTA is the ideal strolling solution from birth through the toddler years. It comes equipped with an organic soy-cotton blend bassinet and a toddler stroller seat that will face you or face the world. Everything- huge, over-sized under-seat basket included- is removable and washable...and replaceable! It adapts easily to your growing family with solutions for a big brother or sister: optional Rumble Seat for your "back seat driver" or a PiggyBack Board for the older child who is too cool for strollers but might have the tenancy to wander off or get tired quickly if left to walk beside the stroller.
BumbleRide Indie Single Single weighs just 20lbs, quick, 2 step fold (you will need both your hands for this one), easily fits in the back of your car with plenty of room for all the other stuff you tote around (bonus for those that cant bear the thought to part with hatchbacks) Big , easily assessable storage basket can hold picnics, backpacks, dinner, dolls and more. Suitable from birth to 45 pounds. Favorite features: 100% removable, washable fabric, INCLUDED car seat adapter/ bumper bar, storm cover, tire pump, head hugger and harness straps. This is the official-one-stop-shop stroller that will make cruising the beach, the boulevard, the playground and the city as easy as 1 2 3.
If you are STILL overwhelmed, we're sorry, we tried...but we had to start somewhere...baby steps. We understand the ins and outs of this process, and promise to be more helpful next time. This is just ONE of many stroller blog entries coming your way. We will features specific brands, tell you exactly WHY some strollers are $900 while others are just $50, and what that means for you and yours. For all you families out there that might just have one (or none yet) but know your family is "On the Grow", its a good idea to check out strollers that convert from singles to doubles. Stay tuned for that entry over the next few days. We will give you the 411 of a few of our favorites and why we love them as much as we do.
If you would like personalized stroller match-making, please call us or send us a note on Facebook or via email (isnt technology fabulous?) ...or gas up the ol wagon and make a date with one of our stroller experts.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Obsessed with Skip Hop
My new obsession is Skip Hop. This company just gets better and better with each product they put out. First off, the original Skip Hop diaper bag -- the Duo -- is the best. It has a slim profile so you don't stuff it too full and is nice and gender neutral for both moms and dads to use. It was the first diaper bag to clip onto your stroller handle, and in my opinion, still is the best.
About two years ago the company came out with a line of feeding products. The Chow and Tool were a bit flawed, but the Splash is great -- it holds a ton of bottles for drying and looks cool. Next they came out with the Playspots -- really cute interlocking foam tiles that are great to make a playspace anywhere and the stylish (but still affordable) City Chic diaper bags. Now, they've come out with a line of fun toys including one of the few activity mats that is not painful to adult eyes! Also new are a baby care log book to record feeding, diaper changes and naps, a super cute plate and cup set, as well as some simple but really useful bin organizers.
I can't wait to see what they come up with next!
About two years ago the company came out with a line of feeding products. The Chow and Tool were a bit flawed, but the Splash is great -- it holds a ton of bottles for drying and looks cool. Next they came out with the Playspots -- really cute interlocking foam tiles that are great to make a playspace anywhere and the stylish (but still affordable) City Chic diaper bags. Now, they've come out with a line of fun toys including one of the few activity mats that is not painful to adult eyes! Also new are a baby care log book to record feeding, diaper changes and naps, a super cute plate and cup set, as well as some simple but really useful bin organizers.
I can't wait to see what they come up with next!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Join our Facebook Group
Find out about HBG events, network with other Hip Moms and hook into related groups by joining our Hip Baby Gear Facebook group!
Join by visiting http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=35807813025
Join by visiting http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=35807813025
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Recession Baby Blues
With all the bad news about the economy, many customers are trying to get the most from their money when preparing for a new baby. And even without a global recession looming, there are so many things a new parent needs that the costs can seem overwhelming!
What we try to tell our new parents and Hip Baby Gear is this -- pick you battles! Decide what is really important to you and concentrate on getting the best quality items in that category. For example, many of our customers our avid joggers and walkers and plan to spend a lot of time with their new baby outdoors and on the road. If that is the case, don't penny pinch on the stroller you choose. You will only end up being unhappy with a lower-quality brand and likely end up buying more than one and spending more money in the end.
If you really want to make sure you are a wise shopper in this area, think about getting a versatile standard stroller that can do a lot of things -- one that is great for both indoor and outdoor strolling, travel, power walking and multiple terrains. Good choices: Bugaboo Frog or Cameleon, Uppa Baby Vista and Quinny Buzz.
Another option is to look for a stroller that can be used beyond just your first baby. The Phil & Ted's Sport and Valco Runabout, for example, both have toddler seat add-ons that will turn your single stroller into a double for baby #2! Uppa Baby Vista 2009 will have this option as well.
You may also want to think about resale options. Most high-end models, particularly Bugaboo resell for within a few hundred dollars of the original price, even after years of use.
What we try to tell our new parents and Hip Baby Gear is this -- pick you battles! Decide what is really important to you and concentrate on getting the best quality items in that category. For example, many of our customers our avid joggers and walkers and plan to spend a lot of time with their new baby outdoors and on the road. If that is the case, don't penny pinch on the stroller you choose. You will only end up being unhappy with a lower-quality brand and likely end up buying more than one and spending more money in the end.
If you really want to make sure you are a wise shopper in this area, think about getting a versatile standard stroller that can do a lot of things -- one that is great for both indoor and outdoor strolling, travel, power walking and multiple terrains. Good choices: Bugaboo Frog or Cameleon, Uppa Baby Vista and Quinny Buzz.
Another option is to look for a stroller that can be used beyond just your first baby. The Phil & Ted's Sport and Valco Runabout, for example, both have toddler seat add-ons that will turn your single stroller into a double for baby #2! Uppa Baby Vista 2009 will have this option as well.
You may also want to think about resale options. Most high-end models, particularly Bugaboo resell for within a few hundred dollars of the original price, even after years of use.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Fly Baby Fly!
With summer in full swing, many of us with babies and young children will be hitting the road for a family vacation. So I thought this would be a great time to revive one of my favorite Ask The Hip Dad sumbissions from our website.
Q: My wife and I have a 14-month-old boy, and we have plans to travel to Barcelona for 10 days. This includes a 7-hour plane ride!
A: Every hip mom and dad should know that for the long flight, most airlines offer special services for babies. Some of the most common features include:
It is also imperative to pack the right things in your diaper bag. Don’t forget:
Q: My wife and I have a 14-month-old boy, and we have plans to travel to Barcelona for 10 days. This includes a 7-hour plane ride!
A: Every hip mom and dad should know that for the long flight, most airlines offer special services for babies. Some of the most common features include:
- A bassinet for infants under 8 months
- Baby meals
- Lower fares for babies
- Pre-boarding for families with small children
- Hot water or the ability to heat bottles
It is also imperative to pack the right things in your diaper bag. Don’t forget:
- Diapers
- Change of clothes
- Books and toys
- Blankets
- Food and bottles
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