New Strollers 2013
9 Hot Strollers For 2013 (Including One We Can't Even Show You!)
We'll admit that we're a bit stroller obsessed around here. It's always fun to see the new styles and gizmos manufacturers dream up to keep baby comfy and parents happy, so at last week's ABC Kids Expo, I was eager to see what the companies have up their sleeves. They certainly didn't disappoint. With old favorites showcasing new and improved styles and new brands hoping to shake up the market, there's plenty to look forward to in the coming months. Keep reading to see the strollers that piqued our interest — including one so top secret that we can't even show you a picture of it!
Stokke Crusi
Just after the ABC Kids Expo ended, Stokke announced the introduction of its first stroller in nine years. The Crusi ($1,430) will use the same seat as the current Xplory (with five seating positions, from bassinet carry cot to "highchair" that places tots at the right height to dine at the table), making it suitable from birth to 33 pounds. The change comes with the ability to add a "sibling seat" (or rumble seat) at the bottom of the stroller. The buggy should be available in February 2013.
Stokke Scoot
Not satisfied with just one new stroller in 2013, Stokke will also introduce the Stokke Scoot ($900) in February 2013. Billed as the company's compact buggy, the Scoot will weight 22 pounds and feature a one-handed fold and carry system (in the promotional literature, a dad is folding the stroller while still carrying his tot). The seat on the stroller can face forward and back and will recline to four positions with a magnetic strap system. Unlike other lightweight strollers, the seat height on the Scoot will remain high enough to be brought tableside.
Phil & Teds Sub4
Dubbed the first jogging stroller designed for marathoners, Phil & Teds's Sub4 ($899) made its debut this month. The company's first jogging stroller is lighter, and ultimately faster, than almost any on the market, using a unique motion control hub to create balance and stability, while allowing for an adjustable suspension while out on the road. The most striking part of the stroller is its sleek, multilayered, aerocore seat, which is specifically designed to create a comfortable yet safe ride for tots.
Quinny Yezz
At less than 12 pounds, the Quinny Yezz ($280) will be one of the lightest — and most unique-looking — strollers on the market when it hits US stores in March. The backpack-like folding frame folds in on itself, creating an almost flat fold. Though the stroller doesn't recline and won't have a storage basket, its wheels — which bear a strong resemblance to skateboard wheels — create an unbelievably smooth ride.
Nuna Pepp
Nuna's first entry into the US stroller market, the Pepp ($260), is a streamlined stroller for tots from birth up to 39 pounds. Its modern design allows it to fall flat on itself for easy storage, while its zip-based (full) recline provides plenty of comfort for tots. A height-adjustable handlebar and one-touch breaking system also make it convenient for parents. Expect to see the Nuna Pepp this Spring.
Mountain Buggy Mini
Fans of Mountain Buggy strollers know just how rough-and-tumble the strollers are, but they've never been known as city strollers — until now. The Mountain Buggy Mini ($350) is designed as a compact version of its popular buggies. Its lightest stroller yet (it weighs in at 17 pounds), the Mini features a lightweight frame, 10-inch Aerotech hybrid-blend tires, and an easy single-hand fold. It should be available by the end of 2012.
Chicco Liteway Plus
I always thought of the Snap and Go as the newborn version of the umbrella stroller — it folds up quickly, weighs next to nothing, and is great for families on the go. The problem is, it is temporary, only used while a child is in an infant car seat.
Well, the Snap and Go may soon be a thing of the past. Chicco's Liteway Plus ($180) is an umbrella stroller system, meaning it is an umbrella stroller that fits an infant car seat (the Chicco KeyFit or KeyFit 30, sold separately) right into the seat — no special adapters, no seat conversions. Just fold the stroller seat down and slide in the car seat for a travel-size and lightweight buggy that truly goes from birth to 5 years old. The Chicco Liteway Plus will be available by the end of this year.
Baby Jogger Summit X3
Baby Jogger's been listening to its customers and has heard the call for a longer seat. The new Summit X3 ($429) has a wider and taller seat than the second generation buggy, offering more headroom for tall kids. But most exciting is the new remote swivel wheel lock, which eliminates the need for mom to lock the wheel in jogging mode by hand. The stroller, which will debut in the Spring, will also be made into a double ($649).
Bumbleride Era
While meeting with Bumbleride about the new colors and fabrics it's offering this year, we were given a little sneak peek of the stroller the company plans to introduce this Summer. Unfortunately, though, Bumbleride's not ready to reveal its design quite yet, but based on the drafts I saw, it looks very impressive.
The Bumbleride Era will be the first customized stroller to hit the market. Buyers will have the option of ordering the reversible seat, four-wheel buggy with either a padded seat for infants or a soft, sling-style seat for toddlers. It will also be car-seat-adaptable and a bassinet will be sold separately. Regardless of which seat parents choose, it will feature a compact fold, just like the current Indie frame. Sounds interesting, right? We promise we'll share a peek as soon as we can!
