Rave & Review

4 strollers in one with the Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight {Review}

You know when you get something that just clicks so well that you wonder how you ever did without?  That was the exact way I felt when the Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight arrived for review.  As slim as a single stroller and more versatile than any of our other double strollers we’ve ever used, the Joovy stroller filled a need for us in a very big way.

They say the Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight stand-on tandem stroller is like two strollers in one, but I would argue it’s more like 5 strollers in one.  You can use it from birth with the car seat adaptor and you can use it for multiple kids in multiple different configurations.  Back to back, front to back, standing in back, or multiple configurations with the baby seat adaptor, the Caboose Too Ultralight is as versatile as parents need to be when caring for more than one stroller-age child. 

Seriously, just look at all the ways you can use this stroller with just a few minor adjustments and no extra seat or accessories to buy.

But, not only is it a parent pick because of all the ways it grows with your kids – throughout the day and throughout the years – it’s also a huge hit with the kiddos.  The first thing the kids said when they saw the stroller assembled was “it’s a stroller train!” {mind you, this was before they knew the name of the stroller and the Caboose reference}. 

Apparently, the fact that it reminded them of a train makes it the coolest stroller, ever.   

At first I was a bit worried neither child would want the back seat when it was in front to back mode because the back seat is harder to get in and out, doesn’t have a snack tray, and has less visibility.  But, it turns out, they both prefer that seat.  They both call dibs on the back seat or “caboose” of the stroller like one would call shotgun, and they don't honor "spot back" should the seat be vacated for more than a moment. 

But, no matter what seat they are sitting in, both kiddos adore this stroller.  So much so that when we went on a recent family vacation, the first thing they made sure I packed was the "choo choo stroller" before we left the house.  Not games, not snacks, not their special toys or blankets - they didn't want to leave until they made sure I was bringing their beloved stroller on vacation with us.  Which, of course, I was. 

During the last few weeks that we've been testing out the stroller we have taken it on two vacations and numerous mini-road trips to two different islands, to the windy Washington coast, to the local tulip festival, to the mall... twice, and around town nearly every single day.  It has seen dirt, rain, mud, sand, and it has seen the inside of a shark's mouth {above}.

While the Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight is lighter than other double strollers, it's not exactly a lightweight.  Obviously, this deluxe stroller can't be compared in size and weight to a bare bones umbrella stroller that has no bells and whistles. With a long list of comfort and safety features and multiple ways to roll, it's not surprising that it weighs more than basic stroller, but what is surprising is that even with all these features, it still only tops out at 23lbs when empty.

Of course, you can remove the back seat, the snack tray, the hood, and the handle organizer to get rid of a few more pounds, but those are some of my favorite features of the stroller, and what makes it all-day practical.  Even loaded up with all of our vacation gear, souvenirs, changes of clothing, and more, the stroller still handled like a dream and the kiddos were even able to recline in their seats when they got exhausted mid-afternoon.   

While hubby had no problem carrying it down a long flight of stairs empty while visiting the islands, I probably wouldn't have managed on my own and would have just as soon walked around instead of taking the stairs, or would have at least folded it up first. 

For a stroller with all these bells and whistles, it's pretty impressive that anyone is able to lift it, let alone down a flight of stairs.  And, the best part is that when folded, it's actually really easy to manuever and carry with you, or wheel along with you by the handle.  For this reason, it's definitely going to be the stroller we take this summer on our cross-country plane and train adventure when every pound will count but we won't want to sacrifice all-day comfort. 

Specs:
Stroller Weight: 23 lbs. / 10.43 kg.
Stroller Dimensions Folded: 10.5” H x 21.5” W x 43” D
Stroller Dimensions Assembled: 41.5” H x 21.5” W x 38” D
Rear Seat - Age - Max Weight - Max Height: 6 months+ - 45 lbs. / 20.41 kg. / 44”
Rear Bench Seat/Platform - Age - Max Weight - Max Height: 2.5 years+ - 45 lbs. / 20.41 kg. - 44”
Front Seat - Age - Max Weight - Max Height: 3 months+ - 45 lbs. / 20.41 kg. - 40”
Car Seat System - Age: Birth+

More specifically, the Joovy Caboose Too will be the stroller of choice whenever space and portability is an issue.  Whereas other double strollers just barely fit into my bare trunk, I have so much space around the Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight that I don't even know what to do with it all.  I'm ridiculously excited just thinking about all the things I can put in my trunk without having to remove the stroller completely, which will make it the perfect go-anywhere choice.  Whether we're going grocery shopping, to pick up stuff for our garden, or on a family vacation, all that extra space is going to very well appreciated.

To buy: you can buy the awesome Joovy Caboose Too Ultralight for $299 right on the Joovy website as well as check out all their other gear to take you from newborn to grade school.

A big thank you to Joovy for sending the Caboose Too Ultralight to facilitate this review and make us ultra-portable this spring and summer.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours.

Pouch Carrier Cover from Rain or Shine Kids {Review & Giveaway}

While we’ve had a bit of a mild winter here in the Pacific Northwest so far, it looks like winter is going to hit us pretty hard in the next few weeks.  Taking other years into account, this means that we are likely looking forward to months and months of ice, freezing temperatures, and snow in our future.  While most of us have snow gear and down jackets we can slip on, the problem becomes what you can do to keep the littlest ones warm during freezing temperatures.  The answer, of course, is Rain or Shine Kids, our favorite Seattle brand. 

We’ve raved about their Woobee blanket that kept our daughter from freezing in our trip across Spain and Morocco, we’ve adored their UPF Sun Blanket that helped protect our little guy from sun, wind, and rain, and we’ve recommended the Fleece Blanket for all the weather in between, but now they’ve got a brand new line of Pouch Carrier Covers that we are crazy about.  Designed to keep your little one toasty while rolling, strolling, or sledding, the cover is the perfect thing to place over your baby carrier, your stroller, your car seat, or even in the event of a snowstorm, your sled.

We got to check out this new line at the ABC Kids show in September and thought it was truly brilliant, so we were thrilled when one arrived at our doorstep right before the cold hit.  Now that the weather has taken a dip, the Rain or Shine Kids Pouch Carrier Cover has gotten quite the workout over the top of the ERGO baby carrier.  When the weather dipped even further and the snow began to fall, we loved using the cover right over the top of our Mountain Boy Bambino Grande Pull Sled, keeping the little one toasty warm even while the flakes were falling.

Like everything made by Rain or Shine Kids, the design of the Pouch Carrier Cover is truly outstanding.  With the signature Woobee weatherproof cover paired with their super soft lining, it looks just like the Woobee we love, but with some important differences.  Instead of a flat perimeter as with traditional blankets, the bottom half of the Pouch Carrier Cover is gathered with an elastic hem, creating a pocket that your little one’s lower half is enveloped in.  Then, ¾ of the way up the cover, they included coordinating grosgrain ribbon to tie to baby carriers, strollers, car seats, wagons and more. 

Quality details throughout and extra features will make this the only cover you will ever use.  For instance, my favorite feature: the front kangaroo pocket for your hands {while front carrying} or your child’s {while strolling, rolling, sledding}.  This was great during our daily snow walks where I couldn't wear gloves and take pictures, and also served as a warm and dry place to hold onto the camera in between shots. 

I also love that Rain or Shine Kids included snaps tabs on the sides and the undersides that you can connect if you’ve got too much fabric and reduce bulk while providing the coziest environment possible.  Not only does this help keep the cover fitted to whatever carrier or seat you're using, it is also so incredibly snugglable that you will never want to take your babe out.

While I have focused the review on how great this is for babies {and the people that carry them}, this adjustable nature makes it a cover that is not easily outgrown. It is so adaptable that our three year old can still use it if she tucks up her legs and our 1 year old fits in it with room to spare, as you can see below. 

We’ve used it numerous times throughout the past few weeks and it’s now a fixture on our days out for keeping the little ones cozy in the car, in the stroller, the carrier, or just about anywhere else.  We love it so much that we always have it ready, which is great because we're going to be needing it around here well into June!

Find out more about the Pouch Carrier Cover from Rain or Shine Kids as well as the rest of the Woobee family at rainorshinekids.com

One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a Rain or Shine Kids Pouch Carrier Cover of their very own!

To Enter: Visit Rain or Shine Kids and let me know what other item of theirs you have your eye on.

And, as always, there are extra entries available!  {Please leave a separate comment for each completed}

1 Extra Entry - Post on your Facebook wall about the giveaway {http://t.co/Ij0SzYCT} and tag Rain or Shine Kids and R&R on Facebook

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2 Extra Entries {per method} - Follow Rave & Review! Subscribe by RSS feed, Subscribe by email, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll or sidebar.

1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter.  Simply tweet the following after following us both:

I want to keep cozy with the awesome @RainOrShineKids Baby Carrier Cover! Enter the #giveaway from @RaveAndReview http://t.co/Ij0SzYCT

2 Extra Entries - Blogger Bonus.  Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post and leave an address where I can find your writeup

1 Extra Entry - Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

On February 28th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. US addresses only.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congrats to:

#104 meaghan mcdermott said... The sun cover would be great to have!

The Rain or Shine Pouch Carrier Cover for review and the giveaway were offered at no charge to us.  All opinions remain 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review.

Travel Light with the QuickSmart Line {The Backpack Stroller Review}

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide - Day 29

The holidays are right around the corner, and for most of us that means traveling.  We all know that traveling with young kids has its own unique challenges and considerations, most of which are even more prevalent in the busy, over-crowded, and over-packed holiday season.  The biggest challenge for parents of young kids is how to offer the comforts of home without compromising mobility... and that’s where QuickSmart comes in.

I remember the first major trip with our daughter as an infant was an exercise in patience.  From a Tetris-style packing of our sedan with a stroller, playpen, and all her other assorted gear, to realizing that we really, really should have brought the high chair, we definitely learned a lot about how not to travel with an infant.  Since traveling is a big part of our lives, I knew we needed to come up with a solution that would allow us to continue to explore as a family and enjoy a life on the go.

If I had been able to purchase every single one of QuickSmart’s amazing products back then, I would have done so happily.  Specifically, I would have gladly traded the 40 pound pack n’ play for the 3-in-1 Travel Bassinet {which is a changing mat, structured sleeper and shoulder bag packed into one}, and traded wrestling with a sweet potato-covered toddler in my lap for the Easy Fold High Chair {which folds down to a height of 9” with the tray attached}.  Both of these would have made traveling with a tot so much easier and fun that we just might have done it more. 

I’ve talked before about the utter amazement I felt playing with all the QuickSmart gear at the Funtastic booth during the ABC Kids Show in September and how I truly felt like I was seeing the future of baby gear, but nothing can compare to actually test driving them with little ones.  In our rigorous test driving the QuickSmart Backpack Stroller with both a young toddler and a preschooler, I quickly realized how ingenious the design really is. 

Not only it is the only stroller that fits inside a backpack, it’s also a great, compact stroller for quick and easy trips just about anywhere.  Since my son has gotten so heavy I’m not able to carry him for long periods of time anymore and unfortunately I require strollers to get around on a daily basis.  This isn’t a problem if we’re just exploring around town, but the problem comes when we need to transport the stroller along with other gear or we end up at a less-than stroller-friendly location.  While the QuickSmart Backpack stroller won't replace your big and bulky "everyday stroller" with all the fancy cupholders and storage compartments, it truly is the best travel stroller ever made. 

This holiday season has convinced me that having a super compact QuickSmart stroller might just be the best thing that ever happened to our on-the-go lifestyle.  In the overcrowded Seattle downtown and the last-minute mall shoppers, the QuickSmart backpack stroller pretty much saved my sanity.  Being able to have a compact stroller capable of navigating the crowds and the narrow aisles has made it possible for us to get out as a family and enjoy the magic of the season. 

Instead of feeling like I was constantly in the way of others or feeling like there were certain areas I would never be able to get close to because I wasn’t able to fit the stroller, the QuickSmart takes up no more of a footprint than a standing adult does.  Once we laid down the ground rules that all long-legged toddler feet had to be resting on the footrest at all times lest we come to a complete halt, we were ready for a day filled with crowds, holiday excitement, and some really un-stroller friendly areas we don't ususally get to explore. 

I love that I can easily slip right through aisleways and doorways and get right where I need to be with the QuickSmart backpack Stroller, whether that’s in a long line or it’s strolling around on crowded sidewalks.  Having the whole wheel area of the stroller open and unobstructed also adds to this feeling of nimble-ness and makes it my top pick for small areas and lots of people.  Not feeling like I was going to run over toes or into walls made the crowd not bother me a bit, and we were all able to enjoy the last few days of all the beautiful decorations and lights of our beautiful city. 

As well as getting around town and mall effortlessly, the truly amazing thing is that after we’re all worn out and ready to go home, we can still all fit in the car, even after making a few purchases.  I’ve talked before about my compact sedan and how hard it can be to get all of us and our gear back and forth, but what most people don’t realize is how many times we can be holding that perfect gift in our hands and have to put it back on the shelf instead of purchasing because we simply cannot fit it in the car unless we go back home, drop off the stroller, and try and reclaim some of our trunk space.  Calling this a pain doesn’t even begin to describe how frustrating this can be – especially when you can’t get back to purchase in a reasonable amount of time. 

However, with the QuickSmart Backpack Stroller, we still have so much trunk space available that we could fit every single present under our tree in our car with us and still have space for the QuickSmart ScrambleBug Ride-On Toy we reviewed earlier this year.  Even if we found the perfect gift that took up the whole trunk, we could still easily fit the Backpack Stroller in the backseat of our car, in between the two kids’ massive car seats, or in a real bind, it could ride in the passenger seat with me. 

While the QuickSmart Backpack Stroller has been simply amazing around town, I can only imagine how awesome it will be on our next family plane ride.  We found out the hard way on our way to BlogHer that airlines don’t accept any liability at all for damaging your stroller – whether you check at the counter or at the gate – and unfortunately have a ruined stroller to prove it.  The airline’s suggestion to us: If we have to bring a stroller we should drive next time.  My suggestion: Get the QuickSmart Backpack Stroller, the only stroller that can fit in the overhead compartment on an airline.  If that’s not truly brilliant, I don’t know what is.   

Here's why you need the QuickSmart Backpack Stroller:

• Lightweight: Weighs only 11 lb in its backpack
• IT FITS IN A BACKPACK!
• Has a 45lb weight limit, which is on the higher end of most strollers and well into the preschool years for most children
• 5 point safety harness
• 1 position recline
• Retractable hood for shade
• Aluminum and steel frame that is tough, yet lightweight

Find out more about their gear, how to use it, and why it is awe-inspiring on QuickSmart’s YouTube channel.  To purchase from the line, check out the QuickSmart's products on Amazon.com or BabyAge.com to get the most up to date prices as well as the fastest shipping.  Be sure to check out QuickSmart on Facebook and Twitter as well to keep up on all their amazing products!

QuickSmart: Making Parenting Smarter… and smaller {Ride-On Toy Giveaway}

Get Out and PLAY Event – DAY 41

At the recent ABC Kids Expo in Kentucky there was one company that was generating a whole lot of buzz.  It seems everywhere I went I was asked “have you seen the stroller that fits inside the backpack?” or “did you see the highchair that folds completely flat even with the tray attached?” and I was happy to respond that yes, I was very, very familiar with QuickSmart, an Australian company that has recently made its way to the States. 

As a parent, there are few things I value more in children’s gear than clever design and ease of use, both of which are the very basis of the QuickSmart line.  Their innovative line of products is the stuff that I dream of, including that ingenious backpack stroller and flat-fold high chair everyone was raving about.  Not only do they make awesomely innovative products for both parent and child, their line is nothing short of amazing because of how compact and portable each piece is.  In fact, their stuff is so compact and portable that rumor has it that their entire line of gear can fit inside the trunk of a compact sedan… which includes 2 strollers, a portable 3-in-1 play yard, travel bed/bassinet/changing station, a highchair, and 2 ride on toys!  Awesome, right?

Speaking of their toys, how cute are their little ride on “bugs”?  They have two different types of ride-on toys for ages 1-3: The ScuttleBug with three wheels and a handle for steering and the ScrambleBug with four wheels that rotate for steering with your feet.  Not only are they completely adorable, they’re also perfect for the kid on the go.   Incredibly lightweight and portable so they can easily be tossed under a stroller, carried by a toddler, or even kept in the trunk… just in case.

All this compact portability is great because with how much the little ones love it, you will be glad that you can easily take it with you wherever you go.  Then, once you get where you are going, it is mere moments until your little one is cruising on their own with no assembly required.   You simply flip the legs into place and it’s ready to roll.  When you’re done, it’s just as easy to fold it up compactly with a great pinch-free design for little hands.

We got to try out the QuickSmart ScrambleBug ride-on toy this past month and love it so much we’ve taken it everywhere with us.  We chose the ScrambleBug that you can steer with your feet since we have both a 1 year old and a 3 year old and thought this way they could both use it easily. 

Once we saw the ScrambleBug in action we knew it was the right choice, especially for our youngest.  Because it has 4 castor wheels that each rotate 360 degrees, it has a freedom of movement that allows your little one to get around easily, even navigating out of corners, around obstacles, and from side to side, backwards, and more.  QuickSmart calls it “frustration free” and I couldn’t agree more.  Even my 12 month old is able to manage it by himself and scoot around the house without getting stuck around our kitchen island or sofas.

Because we have light wood floors that, as far as I can tell, are made of the softest wood ever, I really love that the ScrambleBug has non-marking and non-scratch wheels.  In addition to not marking up the floor as the little ones ride, the ScrambleBug wheels also make for a quieter ride, which makes it a great indoor toy.  Of course, it can also be used outdoors, so we were really happy we already had a helmet for our little guy so he could scoot off on his own happily.    

For products that are as clever as they are compact, you really can’t go wrong with the new line from QuickSmart.  From strolling, relaxing, eating or playing, there’s something in their line that will simply blow you away.  If you have a moment, you should head over to the QuickSmartGo site and check out all the amazing gear that everyone will soon be talking about.  Speaking of amazing gear, how would you like to win one of every single item in the QuickSmart line?  If so, you should head on over to the QuickSmart Facebook page and enter their HUGE giveaway today!  But, in the meantime…

Head on over to http://quicksmartgo.com/ for more information and to see some videos of their products in action.  You can also find the ride-on bugs for purchase on Amazon!

Want to win an awesome QuickSmart Ride-On "Bug" of your choice?

To enter, simply visit QuickSmartGo and tell me something you learned about one of their products and what ride-on bug you would like {including color preference - ScrambleBug comes in orange/charcoal or green/yellow and ScuttleBug is available in either red or yellow colors}

 And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar {2 extra entries, must be verified to count}

2) Tweet about this Giveaway after following us both {daily Tweet, just post link here}

Have you entered the awesome @QuickSmartGo ride-on toy #giveaway from @raveandreview? I really want to win! http://t.co/yoEOxScN

3) "Like" QuickSmartGo on Facebook BONUS - you can enter their HUGE contest while you are there and be entered to win their entire line! {2 extra entries, must be verified to count}

4) NEW!  "Like" Rave and Review on Facebook! {2 extra entries}

5) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage {2 extra entries, just post the URL where I can find your writeup}

6) Place my button in your sidebar on your blog or website  {1 extra entry, must have an active link to R&R}

7) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

On November 10th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US Addresses.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who have entered and congrats to: 156

Jennifer T. said... I learned that the Scramblebug was a Dr. Toy 100 Best Products winner. I like the Scramblebug Yellow (and green) Grasshopper.

Thank you to QuickSmart for sending their awesome ride-on bug to be revewed.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Mountain Buggy Terrain Jogging Stroller

Get Out and PLAY Event - Day 40

If you are serious about getting in shape after baby, there’s really one investment that you should consider – a rugged jogging stroller. Cheaper than a gym membership and perfect for those that don’t have babysitters at the ready, by running, jogging, and hitting the trails with your little one you are able to get moving while still bonding with baby. We recently got a chance to test drive the Mountain Buggy Terrain stroller and were really impressed with the premium features that make this one serious stroller.

Mountain Buggy strollers are some of the most rugged and durable strollers anywhere and are perfect for roads, sidewalks, trails, and even rough terrain other strollers can’t touch. Their motto is “life without limit” and this stroller definitely fits the bill. Like all Mountain Buggy strollers, the Terrain was designed in New Zealand and engineered to be tough enough to handle whatever may come your way.

The first thing we all noticed was how incredibly smooth the ride is in the Terrain, effortlessly gliding over stones, dirt, grass, and rocks. Even steering one-handed, the stroller is stable and well-weighted, allowing for an easy ride. This is partially thanks to the rugged air-filled tires, shock absorbing suspension, and also in part due to the high ground clearance.

For the best control over different terrains, there are different front wheel settings that are easy to select on the go. Whether you leave the front wheel so it swivels or lock it firmly in place, forward or backward, it’s easy to customize your ride.

As with most nice strollers, the Terrain has a recline adjustment that can allow children to lean back and relax while you roll. The really cool thing about this stroller is that the seat can be set at any angle thanks to a pull strap recline mechanism. It does require two hands, but still allows you to customize your ride for your child and activity. The best thing about it is that it goes almost entirely flat, which means it can even be used on new babies {at slow speeds} instead of the 6mo+ restriction of most jogging strollers.

If you do have a little babe, you will be happy that the Terrain will also act as a travel system with an infant car seat adapter. There are adapters that work specifically with Evenflo, Peg Perego and Graco seats as well as a universal car seat adapter that works with Baby Trend, Evenflo, Graco, Peg Perego, Maxi Cosi, Chicco, which means you could even use the Terrain for your daily run as well as for shopping trips. If you’re like me and swoon whenever you see a carrycot, you will love that there is an optional Terrain Cot you can buy as well.

For the older toddler, we love that the Terrain has a roomy seat that is 14” wide and has a 20 ½“ seatback with a whopping 24” seatback-to-canopy measurement that can accommodate older and taller children. It also has an incredibly high weight capacity of 77lbs, which is the highest weight rating I have ever seen in a stroller.

The Terrain has a large sun canopy with a sun visor and peek-a-boo window that offers a good amount of shade for your child and does well when the rain clouds roll in. For us parents, there is a large capacity basket below the seat that can handle all sorts of accoutrements and even has a mesh zippered top to ensure you don’t lose anything when you really get moving.

Safety is always a big concern of ours, so we love that the Terrain also has a great 5-point padded harness with a safety buckle that even our crafty toddlers could not break out of. We also love that there are two brakes on the stroller; a rear footbrake that locks both wheels to park and secure the stroller as well as a hand brake on the handlebar to give you complete control as you pick up speed. While we don’t use the handlebar brake very often in our strolls, we appreciate the option over the traditional nylon strap brake that other strollers come with.

Besides safety features and comfort to spare for your little one, the Terrain also has some great features for mom and dad, including a great adjustable handle height to accommodate different sized joggers. Even at a full run, my husband and I did not kick the back of the stroller, which is an amazing feat considering we both have incredibly long legs.

Unlike most other jogging type strollers, the Terrain comes with a console-style attachment that has cupholders and cubbies for snacks and essentials. It should be noted that the cupholders are more for water bottles than lattes, as they lean backwards from the stroller and make it easy to toss in capped beverages and retrieve them easily. There are also two cupholders in the seat pockets for your little one to store a beverage or two.

We also really love the easy lever system fold/unfold of the Terrain which allows you to get out on your way quickly and easily. Once folded, there is a locking strap that keeps the Terrain closed for transport. While the Mountain Buggy Terrain Jogging Stroller is great for around town, field, and trail, it isn’t the most compact folding stroller. It does fit in the back of our compact sedan with a little rearranging, especially with the wheels removed, but at 29lbs, it is a bit heavy to take in and out.

If you’re looking for sleek, sporty, and incredibly maneuverable, the Terrain is the perfect stroller for you. It is weighted well so that it doesn’t feel flimsy even while trekking, but also handles like a dream even with baby on board. With a rugged frame, superior braking system, high weight limit and expandable system that can accommodate even babies, we think the Terrain is a fabulous all-terrain jogging stroller for your sporty lifestyle!

Find out more about the Terrain as well as the full line of Mountain Buggy products at http://mountainbuggy.com/

A big thank you to Mountain Buggy for letting us test out the Terrain jogging stroller.  All opinions are 100% ours and no monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

B-Ready for Everything with Britax {Review & Giveaway}

Get Out and PLAY Event - Day 21

If you’ve been in Washington over the past two months, it’s likely that you saw us crisscrossing the state with our newest ride.  No, not a car, a stroller: specifically, the new Britax B-Ready stroller.  In an effort to save money, use less gas, and get some good and healthy exercise, we’ve been relying heavily on the B-Ready to get around town and all across the state with two kids in tow. 

We’ve seen our share of strollers throughout the past 4 years but none quite like the B-Ready.  In fact, as we’ve been taking our show on the road… er, sidewalk… we have attracted so much attention and made so many friends that you would have thought we were pushing a hover craft instead of a baby stroller.  Even people that have no children, have grown children, or already own a high end stroller of their own want to stop and talk about the B-Ready.  

So, naturally, this has led to us showing hundreds of people all the different features we love, and talking to them about the major selling points of the B-Ready.  This includes the fact that it “grows” with you, has 14 different configurations, and, quite frankly, is the coolest stroller ever.

So, what makes this the coolest stroller ever?  So glad you asked. 

To start with, it is neither a single stroller nor a double stroller – it is both.  The B-Ready is purchased as a single child stroller and then with the optional extra toddler seat attachment, it converts to a two child stroller quickly and easily.  This allows you to use it as a single stroller for your first child and then merely add the optional seat as your family expands.  When your oldest is done with strollers and can keep up on long walks, you simply remove the second seat and it is back to a single stroller, which ends up saving you money in the long run. 

More than a reality check about diapers, college tuition, and sleepless nights, I wish that when I was pregnant someone had given me the advice to purchase a convertible stroller as my first stroller.  I mean, we knew we were going to have more than one, so why not plan ahead?  Then, instead of having a graveyard of single strollers we no longer use and don’t make sense for our family of four, we could have saved our money for this one stroller – the stroller to end all strollers.      

The other cool thing about the way this stroller converts is that instead of becoming huge and unmanageable, the B-Ready never loses its compact, single stroller footprint when it is in its double stroller form.  Because the two seats are positioned almost vertically, it never is unwieldy or cumbersome.  When we are out with the Britax B-Ready, the most common thing we hear is “whoa, look! a double decker!” as people pause to admire the beauty that is our stroller. 

Perhaps most surprising to people who are new to the B-Ready is that even with this stacked configuration, there is still an open, airy feel to the stroller which everyone seems to prefer.  Britax really put a lot of thought into the design and even added extenders which you can use if you’d like more space between the seats or to give the child on the bottom more headroom and legroom. 

For our children {3 years and 9 months}, we found that the bottom seat has plenty of room even without the extensions, but as our youngest gets older we    will likely add these in to give him more room as he grows.  Having seen other stacked strollers that have a very compact and closed-in design, we really prefer the Britax version and so do our kids.  Surprisingly, our oldest would actually prefer to ride in the bottom seat, and it’s only with convincing that we are able to claim that spot for our baby so we can use the lower basket for storage instead of legroom. 

Speaking of storage, the  B-Ready design has plenty of it.  The lower mesh basket is large and has one of the coolest features we have seen in a stroller to date – it is accessible from the top, back, and all sides.  Since it has zippered access on the sides and in the front that allow you to organize and access, nothing gets lost in the cavernous storage basket, even on the go.  When doing grocery shopping and more we are able to fit a surprising amount in the lower basket as well as on the Mommy Hook that we attach to either the back handle or the side of the stroller to hold our shopping bags.

With all this storage, extra seats, and even with two children on board, we found the B-Ready to be surprisingly nimble and easy to maneuver fluidly, even one-handed.  The four wheels roll effortlessly over payment or rough urban terrain, have all-wheel suspension, and are easy to turn 360* with a simple flick of the wrist – oh yes, it’s that smooth.   

Besides being expandable, maneuverable and practical, the B-Ready also comes with a list of premium features such as full coverage canopy hoods for both seats, an included rain cover for the main stroller seat {secondary canopy for the add-on seat can also be purchased}, an integrated cup holder, dual reclining seats, adjustable footrest, easily adjustable five-point harness and head pad, one-step linked brake locks {hello, sandal season}, fenders over the rear wheels, adjustable height handle, and more configurations than you can even imagine - with 14 different ways to roll!

These 14 different configurations include options for one or two infant car seats {most Britax infant seats are compatible and you can buy additional infant seat attachments to use with other models as well}, one bassinet, one or two toddler seats, combination toddler seat and infant seat, rear-facing options, forward-facing options, seats facing each other, and so on.  Each of the configurations can be set up in mere seconds with the simplest click-and-go connections.  Every accessory clicked in smooth and easy straight out of the box, making the whole stroller feel like the quality-made ride that it is.

And, the Britax B-Ready is nothing if not quality.  All of our walking these past few weeks truly wouldn’t be possible with a lesser quality stroller.  We’ve hit the trails, the beach, the mall, and just about every trail or sidewalk in the Seattle metro area and it seems like every time we use it we fall in love with it just a little bit more. 

I simply cannot imagine another stroller fitting our needs as well as the B-Ready and would gladly trade our collection of strollers for a B-Ready {with a Britax Blink Stroller for lightweight traveling} now that I know how awesome this stroller is.  There’s really no better way to connect as a family than to go for long walks together, and this stroller makes it possible to go longer than ever before.  That, to me, is worth its weight in gold.

The B-Ready Stroller has an MSRP of $499.99 USD and the additional seat is $149.99 USD.  You can buy the B-Ready directly at the Britax site or at retailers throughout North America. 

 
Thanks to their generosity, one lucky Rave and Review reader will win a B-Ready Stroller in Twilight!  Awesome, right?

To Enter: Simply "Like" Rave and Review on Facebook {feel free to leave a message if you would like!} - Don't have Facebook? Message me and we will find another way for you to share the love!

 And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar {2 extra entries, must be verified to count}

2) Tell friends and family about this giveaway on Facebook by @ mentioning the R&R FB page in a status update or wall post or, if FB is being finicky, you can use this URL http://www.facebook.com/RaveReview {2 extra entries, just leave your FB name in comment if it's not obvious}

3) Tweet about this Giveaway after following us both {daily Tweet, just post link here}

"I want the @Britax B-Ready Stroller so bad! Thanks, @raveandreview for an awesome giveaway! http://bit.ly/mM2bFC" 

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage {3 extra entries - just post the URL where I can find your writeup}

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website {2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R}

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

On August 31st at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn via Random.org, announced here, and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. 

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to Jessi (Jessica) who was the very lucky winner!

A big thank you to Britax for providing the B-Ready for review as well as offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review. 

phil & teds Metro Backpack Carrier: Father's Day Pick

Get Out and PLAY Event - Day 18

The more I learn about Phil&Teds, the more I covet every single item they make.  From the moment I started thinking babies, there was one children’s company that just stood out in every way.  Maybe it’s their modern and minimalistic design, or maybe it’s the fact that my husband is like a {unpaid} salesman for the company, but it always seemed we came back to Phil&Teds whenever we were discussing our ultimate baby wish list. 

Now that we’ve got two kidlets to chase after, the idea of “hands free” is not a luxury, it’s a survival skill.  With two kids comes two sets of gear and accessories, as well as twice the opportunity for disaster, all of which forces you to be prepared on a level you never thought possible.  Phil&Teds understands that gear that is smarter and more efficient makes everything more fun, which is why even those without children are likely to have a soft spot for this fun company that set out to change parenting on the go. 

Our latest love is the Phil&Teds Metro Backpack Carrier that is perfect for the urban wild as well as the great outdoors.  Made with heavy duty rip-stop and waterproof materials with a serious metal framed carrier, the Metro makes it possible to take your tyke anywhere that you can go, and is bound to be the daddy pick of carriers.

Features of the Metro Backpack Carrier we’re raving about: a custom fit with a fully adjustable back height and hip belt which means mama and daddy-o can both use it, a slim profile that makes it ideal for crowded spaces as well as enjoying nature, a lightweight aluminum frame {4.4lbs} that holds plenty of gear along with baby, and a small folded profile that doesn’t take up excess space when not in use. 

In addition to all these features that make it a top pick for performance, the Metro is also supremely comfortable for you and for baby even for long excursions.  It comes with firm padded shoulder straps and ventilating mesh back pads for you and a super soft and adjustable child seat for the little one that makes it one of the most comfortable carriers we have tried.  Should weather threaten your good time, the Metro comes standard with a sunhood as well as a removable wind/rain cover to keep your little one protected and secure.

When brainstorming the best uses for the  Metro Backpack, we had  no shortage of places that a slim profile backpack carrier would be the ideal choice.  From outdoor concerts and festivals to beach walks and rugged trails, the Metro Backpack is the perfect choice for anytime you want the luxury of walking at adult speed with little ones in tow but don’t want to look like you just came down from the mountains.  We extensively tested this throughout the past month at various locations in the Pacific Northwest and found that the Metro is great and roomy without feeling like overkill for just a quick walk to the cornerstore and back.

If you are going for the Mountain Man look and feel, Phil&Teds has the Escape Backpack Carrier that is ideal for storing extra gear for the great outdoors.  With a zip off daypack, hydration pack, and roomy cargo areas, it would be the ideal choice for the rural parent.

No matter what your adventure, Phil&Teds has you covered this Father’s Day and beyond.  You can buy the Metro Backpack Carrier at the Phil&Teds direct or at numerous local retailers throughout North America and the world over.  Still not sure what Dad of the Year would like?  Get him a Gift Voucher from the Phil&Teds site! 

Features of the Metro Backpack Carrier
•    Lightweight and tough aluminum frame
•    Durable, waterproof, washable nylon (300 and 600 denier)
•    Ample cargo space
•    Sun hood with removable wind and rain cover included
•    Folds flat for easy storage
•    Self-standing stable base for safe loading and unloading
•    Change sheet for clean tushies on the go
•    Fully adjustable harness for Mom and Dad
•    Compact, sleek design for managing crowds and tight spaces
•    Padded and adjustable child harness
•    Takes your baby from 3-4 months to 3 years (about 16-40 lbs.)
•    Carrier weight: 4.4 lbs.
•    Tough and waterproof 300 & 600 denier fabrics
•    Dimensions: Unfolded 27.6" x 12.6" x 16.5"/Folded 27.6" x 12.6" x 4.7"
•    U.S. and European safety certified

A big thank you to Phil&Teds for sending their Metro Backpack Child Carrier to be reviewed.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review.

The First Years Ignite Stroller {Review & Giveaway}

Get Out and PLAY - Day 4

I know my daughter can’t ride in a stroller forever, but as she creeps nearer and nearer to the weight limit on most strollers, I can’t help but feel a bit frantic.  The thought of giving up naps on the go, portability on wheels, and my personal on-the-go purse hook just sends chills down my spine.  Whether we are traveling, exploring our neighborhood, or even grocery shopping, I don’t think I would get much done without my beloved lightweight stroller.

When I heard that The First Years had introduced the Ignite Stroller, a lightweight and compact stroller that is rated for up to 50 lbs and can fit within any baby budget, I was thrilled.  That’s 10 more pounds of strolling bliss than most strollers offer, as well as numerous other features that I have come to rely on during our days out. 

The Ignite stroller was ready to stroll within a few minutes of coming out of the box, and it’s been strollin’ ever since.  From the local mall to our farmer’s market and even doing hot laps around our kitchen island, my daughter loves the Ignite stroller and has been giving it quite a workout.  And, it’s great that she loves it because she still has over 15 lbs to go before she hits that 50 lb weight limit and there’s a whole lot more strollin’ in her future. 

Raves:  Taller handles, which I love because my hubby is 6’3” and I’m 5’10” so we can’t use just any stroller on the market comfortably.  This paired with the fact that I don’t kick the back of the stroller when I walk might be the number one reason I’m raving about the Ignite.  Neither of us have to stoop to push and can walk with normal strides without worrying about our toes.  But, the great part is that my much shorter sisters all agreed the handle height is even comfortable for them, which means everyone is happy to help push.   

Adding to the ease of use is that the Ignite maneuvers really well, so much so that my two year old daughter can push it easily – even if that’s through my kitchen at dinnertime.  She also really loves to fill the large parent console located on the stroller handles.  While ideally this would be used to store baby and toddler necessities safely should I want to leave the purse at home, it does usually have all her favorite toys zipped comfortably inside which is nice, too.

I really adore the multi-position recline, which makes all the naps on the go possible.  Since this is something that many lightweight strollers are lacking, this was a very big deal to us.  I can’t tell you how many times my daughter has napped in the Ignite in the past month, or how much ground we’ve covered while doing it, but I certainly can tell you how much we’ve appreciated having a quick and easy stroller to grab when we are out and about.

It also has an easy one hand fold, a slim profile once folded, and easy carrying at only 14 lbs which means that you could even take the Ignite on a major trip with you.  Whether you are checking it at the gate or with your luggage, it would certainly be nice to have once you get to your destination and you will be very glad you packed it.  While I do wish it had a carry strap for taking through the airport, I will settle for throwing it in an umbrella stroller bag which can be bought in numerous stores and online.

While you won’t find air filled tires or other luxury features that the other full-size strollers have, it is perfect for the parents who need a sturdy and well thought out stroller for zipping about town.  It has 8 larger 6” wheels that stroll easily on pavement, sidewalks, and even hard-packed dirt, making it great for urban and slightly rural settings.  The front wheels even have swivel locks on them, a feature that is really rare in umbrella-type strollers and something that we appreciate when discouraging our daughter from pushing her brother down the street. 

The Ignite also has a decent sized canopy that was ideal for our uses but might need to be paired with a rain cover if you plan on using it during bad weather frequently.  During light rain it did well shielding baby and toddler, and when the sun peeks out it covered all the exposed skin of my little ones well.  It can also be completely removed if it is in your way for indoor use or cloudy days, something I really liked.   

The only thing that took a little while to get used to was that the undercarriage basket was hard to get to when reclined.  It wasn’t impossible to get at, but it is much easier to get at when fully upright.  As someone who has used far too many strollers with little to no basket, I was happy to see that the Ignite was decent sized and could fit a fair amount of child’s gear, cameras and more.  As long as the items weren’t huge, they could be easily accessed even when reclined.

Overall, we really liked the Ignite and would recommend it to anyone who needs a lightweight stroller for around town or while traveling.  The Ignite is packed with features, can last from baby to toddler, and has a great budget price that parents will appreciate.  We loved the way the Ignite handled, especially in tight spaces like crowded markets and trips around town and have found it indispensible now that we oftentimes have to fit two strollers in the trunk.

The Ignite Stroller is available in numerous designs and patterns including Abstract Os, Pink Polka Dotty, and Retro Geo and retails for $59.99  -Dimensions: 34.5″ L x 18.5″ W x 39″ H

Click here to see all color options and to buy the Ignite Stroller at Learning Curve

 
One very lucky Rave and Review reader will soon be Getting Out to PLAY with an Ignite Stroller of their very own!

 To Enter: Simply visit The First Years and tell me another one of their many awesome products you would love to own

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Like The First Years on Facebook

3) Tweet about this Giveaway after following us both (daily Tweet, just post link here)

Get Out and PLAY! Win an Ignite Lightweight Stroller from @raveandreview and @TheFirstYears click here to find out more http://bit.ly/fj9ePY! 

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

8) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On June 1st at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn via Random.org, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US and Canadian Addresses.

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to the lucky winner: #427 Julie Brown said... I'd really love to have the True Fit Recline Convertible Car Seat - Urban Life. I'm going to add it to my baby registry. Thanks for the giveaway, the stroller is awesome.

A big thank you to Learning Curve who provided the sample for review as well as a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Piggyback Rider {Review & Giveaway}

Get Out and PLAY Event - Day 1

Oftentimes our days out are not stroller-friendly.  Whether we are traveling, going to be in large crowds, or will simply be covering a lot of unpaved ground, we go wheel-free fairly often.  This wasn't a problem when we only had little ones that could snuggle up in a front pack or toddlers that could go in a backpack, but now we've got a child who loves to explore as much as we do and who prefers to lead our way.

As much fun as this is watching her explore, the problem comes when she inevitably tires before we do.  Typically that leaves us carrying her the rest of the way, either on the hip, on the back, or on our shoulders, all of which are awkward and takes extra hands to secure her along the way.

Sometimes we bring an extra baby carrier for this reason, but that brings with it a whole host of problems.  Issues such as what to do with the carrier when she's walking on her own, how to easily get her in and out over and over again quickly, and what to do when she finally outgrows the baby carrier all together.  A better solution, and something we are so excited about, is the Piggyback Rider that allows you to carry your child on your back quickly and easily while still allowing them to see everything that's going on around you.

While the Piggyback Rider might appear from a distance to be similar to other child carriers, once you see it in person you will realize it is unlike anything else on the market.  Instead of a metal framed or soft back carrier, the Piggyback Rider is unique in that it doesn't have a pouch or seat your child goes into, which we all know limits the size your child can be to still be carried comfortably as well as their mobility while riding. 

In place of a fabric seat is a metal bar that your child actually stands on while riding, making it ideal for older children who want more freedom and a better view.  While the Piggyback Rider is worn like a backpack over both shoulders, it’s the single metal bar that simply hangs at your hips that makes it so unique.

This bar makes it easy for a child to hop on easily without needing extra adults to help, and it gives both you and your child more maneuverability on the go.  But, that doesn’t mean that it is without safety features to help secure your child.  The Piggyback Rider comes with four spots for your little one to hold onto, a removable safety harness to ensure your child stays in place, and slip resistant covering over the foot bar to keep little shoes secure. 

What’s great is that the Piggyback Rider is great for multiple ages since the maximum weight is an astonishing 60 pounds.  When accommodating different sized passengers, you will love that the backpack straps, the height of the bar, and even the security harness can all be adjusted in numerous ways to give you and your child the best possible fit.

Things we absolutely love about the Piggyback Rider: since the Piggyback Rider consists of mainly shoulder straps for you and your child, it makes it an ideal carrier for hotter weather when you want minimal coverage.  As opposed to traditional carriers which hold your child tight against you and then wrap them in fabric, the Piggyback Rider allows your child to lean tight against you if they want to or lean back ever so slightly so they aren’t even touching you. 

The minimal size of the Piggyback Rider also makes it great for wearing in tight spaces as well as the fact that it rolls up so small when you’re not using it.  This makes it great for festivals, events, and more when a big backpack would be cumbersome and hard to store.  Also a huge bonus is that the entire carrier comes in a convertible storage bag which can be used as an attached pouch as well as a mudflap to keep dirty shoes off of you.  

Although it is fairly small, we loved that the Piggyback Rider is still strong and sturdy.  This is because it is made with high quality climbing buckles and webbing as well as an incredibly strong aluminum bar that doesn't warp even when faced with the higher end of the weight limit.

But the number one reason we love the award-winning Piggyback Rider is that every child likes a piggy back ride.  Finding a solution for giving one without straining, pulling, or balancing is a hit for both parents and children alike, but even better is that all this bonding can be done hands free.  By moving your child’s weight to the backpack-like straps, you can carry them for a much greater amount of time before you get tired, which just might make you dad of the year.  

FEATURES OF THE PIGGYBACK RIDER:
•    For kids 2 ½ to 7 years old (up to 60 pounds)
•    Weighs less than 3 pounds and is the size of a rolled towel
•    Built with a shoulder mounted foot bar for child to stand on, four integrated grab handles to hold, and a safety harness to secure your child
•    Made of strong and sturdy high quality climbing buckles, webbing and tempered aluminum bar
•    Comes in a covertible multipurpose storage bag/mudflap
•    Allows adult to stand much straighter than the typical 30-40 degree slouch associated with the old-fashioned piggyback method
•    So many uses - walking through the mall, amusement park, sports game, hiking and more!

  BUY IT: The Piggyback Rider can be purchased for $79.99 with free shipping directly from Piggyback Rider online.  To see it in retail, check out the Where to Buy map.

 
With hiking, vacation, and outdoor season just around the corner, one very lucky Rave and Review reader will soon be sporting a Piggyback Rider of their very own!

 To Enter: Simply tell me one place that you would use the Piggyback Rider. You can visit www.thepiggybackrider.com for ideas.

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Like Piggyback Rider on Facebook

3) Tweet about this Giveaway after following us both (daily Tweet, just post link here)

Get Out and PLAY!  Win a Piggyback Rider Child Carrier from @raveandreview and @PiggybackRider click here to find out more http://bit.ly/eJSQls! 

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

8) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On May 12nd at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn via Random.org, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US Addresses.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congrats to # 7

Christina G. said... We go on daily walks and my 4 year old is too big for the stroller and yet always tires halfway home...this would be perfect!  

A big thank you to Piggyback Rider who provided the sample for review as well as a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Blue Celery Organic Double Sling Baby Carrier

I’m a HUGE fan of babywearing.  Besides being the only way I can get out of the house with two kids alone, it’s also a great way to snuggle and bond with my baby while still enjoying being out.  So naturally I was really excited when I recently found a great Canadian company that makes an organic double sling style baby carrier that is a hybrid of structured carriers and wrap style carriers, offering the best of both while being more versatile than either of them alone. 

The Blue Celery Sling is made in Canada and is a versatile all-around carrier for a variety of different positions for baby, tyke, and toddler.  It’s easy to use, fun to wear, and great for just about any activity you can dream up.  The stretchy organic material of the Blue Celery Sling makes it easy on your back, neck, and shoulders, as well as making it the perfect place for your little one to snuggle right in, which is why it is baby approved as well as mama approved!

The first thing that impressed me about the Blue Celery Sling is that it comes packaged in a reusable unbleached cloth bag reminiscent of a lunch sack, which I thought was great for a variety of reasons.  The first reason is that I love when baby carriers come in bags that help keep them contained {and clean} in the car, stroller, or even diaper bag, and the second being that it’s going to make a great lunch sack for my little one when he’s ready for meals on the go.

The next thing that impressed me was the variety of positions you can do with the Blue Celery Sling.  Since it is a unique double sling style carrier with a removable sash, you can choose between 5+ separate carry positions from cradle to upright and even a hip position.  This makes it is extremely versatile and economical for parents on a budget since it can effectively take the place of multiple carriers. 

Another huge plus is that it can be used for preemies to preschool which means that you can use it for longer than some other style carriers that have more rigid sizing.  Whereas some carriers aren't great for small babies, the Blue Celery is perfect even with little little ones, which I think is a huge plus.  While my toddler is dead-set on being a "big girl" and didn't want to go in the wrap, if she was willing, she would have fit comfortably as well and been well within the 35lb weight limit. 

But the thing that impressed me most was how much my son LOVES it!  He loves to be snuggled 99% of the time, so a sling that has a bit of stretch and still allows him to be close is pretty much the best thing we can carry him in.  When he gets sleepy, I love that I can secure his head in the sling better than with other carriers (he's only 4 months old and doesn't have complete neck control yet, especially when drowsy).  This extra security is especially nice for long periods of time when I know he will fall asleep. 

All of the Blue Celery Sling positions are fairly simple and easy to figure out with minimal instructions and diagrams, which is a plus for all those that claim wrap carriers are too complicated for them.  With a double sling style carrier, you get nearly all the benefits of wrapping without actually having to wrap.  In fact, there are absolutely zero buckles, clasps or buttons on the sling, which definitely gets extra points from me for ease of use.  The pictures in the instructions also helped a lot, and I thought they were well done even for first time babywearers.

But, by far the best thing about the carrier is that you can use the Blue Celery Sling as a traditional sling on one shoulder only and then also over both shoulders to evenly distribute the weight of your baby.  Add in the sash and the Blue Celery Carrier becomes even more versatile, allowing you to secure baby to you easily and give you the utmost in hands free mobility. 

Having multiple positions and carrying methods is a great thing so that you can change positions frequently and easily throughout the day depending on baby’s mood and your activity.  This makes it the perfect carrier for when you are out of the house all day and doing different tasks, and even for multiple children if you have two that are willing to be carried.  As someone who travels a lot and is often away from the house all day, these multiple positions are really key so I don’t get sore and tired.

Another thing helping me babywear all day long is the awesome stretchiness of the organic fabric of the Blue Celery Sling that makes little ones feel lighter in this type of carrier than in a traditional rigid sling or front pack.  If you’re like me and like to stay active with your little one without feeling  it in your back, neck and shoulders the next day, you will love this little bit of stretchiness that acts as a weight reduction carrier.  This is even more important as your little one gets older and heavier but still wants to be carried and snuggled while you’re out.

The only real drawback to having a double sling over a wrap carrier is that it does make it harder to share one carrier between two different sized people.  Because the Blue Celery Sling comes in 5 different sizes, you will have to decide who you specifically want the sling to fit when you are buying and then try and make it work for anyone who might share in babywearing duties.  I can see this might be an issue if you are taking turns carrying baby over long periods of time or over the course of a long vacation.  It also means that if you need the Blue Celery tighter for a certain activity or task, you only have the additional sash you can adjust, which is sometimes not quite adjustable enough.     

But, the fact that the Blue Celery Sling is extremely versatile and can be used as a sling, upright carrier and hip hammock while still maintaining most of the functionality of a multi-hold wrap makes it something that I think most parents will find indispensable.  That, paired with its full machine washability makes it an easy top pick for me in baby carriers.  

My son loves it, I have hands free, and my back doesn't hurt the next day... win, win, win!!  It’s really no wonder that the Blue Celery Sling was recently awarded the PTPA Seal of Approval as this carrier is definitely parent tested and parent approved – oh, and baby, too!

To find out more about the Blue Celery Sling, visit http://www.bluecelery.com/ as well as visit them on Facebook

A big thank you to PTPA Media for having us test out the Blue Celery Sling.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.