Zigo Mango Trailer Mode

Mango Kids Bike Trailer Mode

New for this season, the Mango X2 Complete from Zigo is the hottest new mom/day/cute baby accessory to be had.  At $599, the value of the Zigo Mango is hard to beat when compared with other trailer-to-stroller products from companies such as Burley or Chariot.

The Zigo Mango X2 Complete is a fully functional premium stroller right out of-the-box. It converts easily to a jogging stroller or a kids bike trailer. There is no need to purchase conversion kits. It includes 8″ front caster wheels, a 16″ jogger wheel kit, and a trailer arm hitch set. The Zigo Mango comes with 20″ rear wheels, which rolls right over obstacles, and dual drum brakes are standard.

In stroller mode, the Zigo Mango is a smooth ride, thanks to the 20″ rear wheels. Two children can ride side-by-side, though you need to buy an extra harness for the second one. This is not one of those trailers where your kid is scrunched up on the floor like a pet carrier. The  Zigo Mango can be thought of more as a stroller that converts to a trailer. The stroller function is well-executed and not an afterthought (which is sadly the case for many trailers.) If you never used the Mango as anything other than a stroller, it’s still worth buying ( you can buy the  Zigo Mango X2 Stroller separately (as opposed to the Mango x2 Complete) and purchase accessory jogger or trailer kits later as needed.)

Mango in Stroller Mode

To convert from stroller mode to trailer mode or jogger mode, the caster wheels are positioned to point upright or can even be removed entirely to reduce weight. The trailer or jogger kit connects to the front of the Mango.

The Mango jogger has a fixed front wheel, which is what you want for stability and true tracking. The Mango performs well in this regard, and thanks to the 20″ wheels performs well in rugged terrain. Modulating your pace is easy with the dual drum brakes.

As a kids bike trailer, the Mango offers a comfortable and stable ride. The Mango Complete includes a safety flag and a mesh and plastic cover for use as a trailer (the Simple ECS). It has a built in roll-cage for protection as well as side guards to deflect obstacles.

Mango Jogger Mode

The StoragePod accessory adds one cubic foot of storage space to the rear of the Mango. This is great for use in any mode to carry all that baby gear, and is a must-have for longer trips.

The Deluxe Environmental Control System is a nice accessory to have. Although the Simple ECS is functional, it lacks the style and fit of the Deluxe. If you are planning to be an all-weather user then consider adding the Deluxe ECS.

Mango StoragePod

The Zigo Mango is available in Mango Red or Mango Yellow. The best thing about this product is the price. In the United States, the Zigo Mango is offered only direct from Zigo, cutting out the dealer mark-up. It is listed at $599 on the Zigo website, but if you “Add to cart to see better price” it is only $499.  This price point is hard to beat for Zigo style, functionality and quality.

To purchase the Zigo Mango X2 Complete you will need to visit the Zigo website at store.myzigo.com. The Zigo Mango and accessories can be purchased there, along with the flagship Zigo Leader Carrier Bike.

Stroller G2

Every time you think you’ve seen the latest the stroller industry has to offer, you discover something like the Stroller G2 and realize that there is always room for innovation.  The Stroller G2 by Orbit Baby is perhaps the most user-friendly design we’ve seen so far.  There appears to be no limit to what the Stroller G2 can do.

The unique aspect of Orbit Baby’s Stroller G2 is its 3DRotation™ capabilities, which allow the child seat to ergonomically rotate-and-recline in one fluid motion.  Your baby can now face you, away from you, to the side, lay flat, and recline all to your heart’s desire.

The other extraordinary feature for the mom or dad with their hands full is the one-handed folding design.  With a simple twist and lift motion, the Stroller G2 folds flat enough to store even in mini car trunks.  Although this is not the only stroller with one-handed folding, this is a particularly sleek implementation.

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle - Bike, Walk, Run With Your Child

Orbit Baby has even incorporated an entire Stroller Travel System as an accompaniment to the G2.  The Car Seat Base installs in under 60 seconds thanks to its patented StrongArm™ mechanism which pulls the seatbelts tight for you, so you can quickly and securely install the car seat simply by turning a knob.  The baby seat detaches seamlessly from the stroller frame and can be mounted to the circular SmartHub™ of the Car Seat Base from any angle, making travel with an infant easier than ever.

Orbit Baby has created a remarkable product and you get what you pay for.  If you’ve got some extra cash to spring for the $750 Stroller G2 (excluding travel system), then the convenience and versatility of the design may be worth it.

The UPPAbaby VISTA Stroller and Bassinet Insert

It is one of the most frustrating questions plaguing soon-to-be parents: “What do I do with the stroller once the kids have outgrown it?”  The VISTA Stroller by UPPAbaby is one of the first designs meant to grow with your children from infancy into their toddler years.  The VISTA Stroller seems to be top of the line when it comes to functionality and transforming capabilities.  UPPAbaby has included two unique inserts which snap almost effortlessly into place on the frame.  First, there is a bassinet insert, equipped with ventilated sun shade, and lined with organic soybean fiber and cotton.  After your baby has reached between 3 to 6 months, he should be ready to swap out the bassinet for the child seat.  The UPPAbaby VISTA child seat is incredibly versatile as it is both reversible and has 4 adjustable positions, including upright.

The frame folds down easily in one step, with or without the seat in place.  The VISTA Stroller is also compatible with a variety of accessories by UPPAbaby, including rain shields, car seat adapters, and travel bags.

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle - Bike, Walk, Run With Your Child

While UPPAbaby’s VISTA Stroller is very convertible, it does not appear to be suitable for unpredictable terrain, so you may be better off sticking to the city streets.  We also noticed that there is no apparent way to add a jogging component to the VISTA.  A last critique would be the irony in the claim that the UPPAbaby VISTA stroller grows with your child, yet there are no suggestions for what to do with the bassinet insert once your child has outgrown it.  There may still be room for improvement in future UPPAbaby designs.

Bumbleride Indie Twin 2010

Bumbleride offers a nice variety of stroller models and accessories.  The 2010 model of the Bumbleride Indie Twin is a perfect companion for parents managing two toddlers.  Unlike the stroller component of the Zigo, for instance, the two children have their own independent spaces with a separator in between.  The maneuverability seems top notch, especially with the pivoting front wheels which can be locked into a forward or backward facing position.  Besides the smooth maneuvering, the Bumbleride Indie Twin’s other features, like the adjustable handlebars and sun canopies, show that Bumbleride really takes interest in the needs of both parents and children.  The kids will be in the lap of luxury with the adjustable footrests and reclining seats, which not many dual strollers offer.  Another plus is that the Indie Twin is ideal for families who love to travel.  With two simple movements, the Bumbleride Indie Twin folds up to be surprisingly compact, making it possible to store in an overhead airplane compartment.  The Indie Twin is available in several cool colors like Lava, Seagrass, and Spice, and it comes standard with a cup holder, air pump and rain cover.  At $679.99 the Bumbleride Indie Twin is not a bad value, especially for the two-child family.

The idea is simple: Why not get the maximum effect out of your daily stroll, while having fun with your child at the same time?  Moms have turned traditional child strollers into effective workout equipment.  Groups of Strollercizing mothers can often be found in and around Central Park, performing synchronized routines, all with child in tow.

The techniques claim to target muscles generally associated with motherhood and child birth.  The convenience is a plus because, unlike calling a babysitter just to get to the gym, you can now strengthen and tighten anywhere you take your stroller.

While classes such as these can teach some great strengthening and toning techniques, you may wonder if you will receive a decent cardio workout as well.  This is the time to get creative.  Products like the Zigo Leader could be a fantastic addition to a Stroller Fitness workout.  Hop on and, with your child in the front ChildPod, ride to the park.  Then uncouple the ChilPod from the bike, and get into the rest of your workout routine.  You could even add the jogging stroller attachment if you’re really looking to up your endurance.

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle - Bike, Walk, Run With Your Child

If you’re a working mom with a hectic schedule, why not give something like Strollercize or Strollerfit a try?  And if you’re feeling adventurous, look into a carrier bicycle as well; the combination of the two is sure to instill a healthy routine in both you and your children.

Bugaboo Stroller

There is no baby product that inspires lust like a Bugaboo Frog or Bugaboo Chameleon stroller.  Bugaboo has nailed the high end luxury stroller market with it’s rolling art objects.

However, much like a luxury car, there are 2 ways to enter the Bugaboo market.  You can go plunk down $730 new (that is if you can avoid the temptation of the darling accessories that can easily drive the price of a Bugaboo Frog over the $1000 mark) or you can buy a used Bugaboo Chameleon or Frog on Craigslist or Ebay.

Try going the Craigslist route first; for instance there is a Bugaboo Chameleon (retails for $979 new) on New York City’s Craigslist right now for $350 that the seller bought last year.  As another bonus to buying used, frequently you can find extras like the Bugaboo Universal Drink Holster, Bugaboo Parasol, Bugaboo Travel Bag or Bugaboo Footmuff included with the stroller.

If you are not in an area where you can find Bugaboo’s on Craigslist go onto Craigslist’s New York City site, or the site of the closest large city and look there.  Very often sellers will box them up and ship them out to you.

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle - Bike, Walk, Run With Your Child

If you are a germ freak and weirded out about putting your baby in a used stroller, consider buying a used Bugaboo then purchasing new upholstery.  You can order a replacement fabric set through Bugaboo which includes sun canopy, seat fabric and bassinet apron for around $100 and you have a huge choice in colors.

Graco Ipo

If you saw the Graco Ipo roll by you at the mall it would be easy to mistake this cool, European style stroller for a Maclaren or a Peg Perego.  Graco strollers are like Buicks; they may be comfortable and have a cup holder that can handle a Big Gulp but they are not exactly stylemobiles.  Along comes the Graco Ipo.  The Graco Ipo features the one hand fold of a Maclaren Quest, the upholstery styling of a Peg Perego Pliko P3 and the pricing of store brand diapers.  Which makes the Graco Ipo the perfect stroller under $100.

Beyond the Graco Ipo’s fashionable looks, the Graco Ipo has a list of features typically found on higher end strollers.  It has a compact one hand fold, storage basket, reclining seat, adjustable leg rest and it weighs 17 pounds.

The Graco Ipo has some drawbacks which include upholstery that is not removable (but neither is a Maclaren Quest’s unless you break out tools) and smallish hood (if this really bothers you or you live in the Sun Belt consider adding a canopy/sun shade extension available at most baby stores); however the pros of saving at least $150 over its competitors, the Maclaren Quest and Peg Perego P3, without sacrificing style outweigh the few cons.

Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle - Bike, Walk, Run With Your Child

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Zooper Bolero

If you are in the market for a stroller that is unusual, beautiful, practical and can be used from newborn on up, consider the Zooper Bolero.

The Zooper Bolero has some brilliant design point.  For instance, while Peg Perego Pliko P3 and Maclaren Quests are great strollers, any parent who has owned one will tell you that the 2 handle style is great for a compact fold, but hard to push with one hand without hurting your wrist.  The Zooper Bolero has the compact fold of the Peg Perego Pliko P3 and a traditional single handlebar that makes steering with one hand a breeze. 

The Zooper Bolero seat also converts into a bassinet for newborns, so you don’t have to put a bassinet attachment onto the frame like you do with Bugaboo Frog and Bugaboo Chameleon strollers.  Also the Zooper Bolero is compatible with popular infant car seats including the Graco Snug Ride, which some strollers in the same $300 price range such as the Maclaren Quest are not.

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Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle - Bike, Walk, Run With Your Child

The Zooper Bolero is also a great value.  Zooper products are very durable, I had a Zooper Waltz for about 3 years as my main stroller, and it was in great shape when I passed it along to another mom.  They also come with accessories that other stroller manufacturers such as Maclaren charge extra for including: a cup holder, rain cover, UV shade, and boot or sleeping bag.  My son was shy so the UV cover was wonderful for him because it kept strangers from touching him in stores (if you are an expectant parent you will be surprised at how often this happens).  The UV cover is like a mesh shade that covers the stroller and also darkens the stroller’s interior to make napping on the go a more calm experience.