Category Archives: pushchairs

August 14, 2012

Orbit Baby G2

As a self-confessed pram addict I feel the need to keep up to date with the latest launches which is why yesterday I found myself at the UK launch of the Orbit Baby G2 buggy. Afternoon tea in the beautiful Loft Lounge at The Hospital Club, Covent Garden, was an added bonus.

The Orbit Baby G2 is a pioneering buggy which launched in the UK for the very first time yesterday. It is the product of a two-year process of user research, and has already experienced tremendous success in the United States, with an A-list celebrity following (Natalie Portman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jessica Alba and Kourtney Kardashian) since its launch in 2006.

About the Orbit Baby G2

Designed by two Silicon Valley-based dads with a background in high-end product design, and already dubbed the “Dyson” of the buggy world, the Orbit Baby G2 has a host of nifty, innovative features that help make parent’s lives that little bit easier:

One-handed folding – when you become a parent, you also become a professional juggler so the stroller has been designed so that parents can fold it up easily using just one hand

3D rotation – ideal for taking the little one to restaurants, zoos, or most public places, the seat rotates 360 degrees, from front to rear facing, and into recline; all without having to detach a thing

Compact – the seat and chassis has been designed to fold up so small that it can fit into the most compact of car boots, even a Mini

UV protective shield – the breathable material pulls down to fully cover the baby, providing protection from the elements or just a bit of shelter to snooze

Removable cargo pod – the removable pod hangs beneath the buggy, converts into a changing bag with strap, can be whipped in and out without having to waste time transferring all your bits and bobs from the undercarriage into a separate bag.

Sidekick Stroller Board – the wooden buggy board is a completely new concept fitting round just one wheel. It can be folded up when not in use, and your toddler can hold on and get a great view when tired of walking!

The Orbit Baby G2 looks different because it is, but definitely in a good way! It has lots of unique features designed to make life easier and I can’t wait to see them on the streets of London!

The Orbit Baby G2 is a modular system that includes a pushchair chassis, seat, collapsible rocker and carrycot. The Orbit Baby G2 pushchair system, priced at £620 (RRP) for a single stroller (£59.95 RRP for the canopy) or £999.95 (RRP) for a limited edition 6 piece newborn package. It is supported by a complete line of accessories, including: Panniers, Sidekick Stroller Board, Weather Packs, Green Edition Footmuff and Stroller Travel Bag.

The Orbit Baby G2 is available for pre-order now and for sale from selected stockists and John Lewis nationwide from 17th September 2012. To find out more visit uk.orbitbaby.com

(Delicious Orbit Baby G2 biscuit from the Biscuiteers!)

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Filed under days out, London, pushchairs

Tagged as days out, London, Orbit Baby G2, pram, pushchair

August 8, 2012

Pram envy no more?

I’ve always thought of myself as a bit of a pram junkie. I was lucky enough to have been chosen to test the new iCandy Strawberry over the last few months. It’s a nice pram but it didn’t blow me away so I decided to give it back early. I found it a bit big for using on public transport so it’s gone. We’re not missing it so I know I made the right decision.

This means that Little Sis is getting to use the front seat of the Phil & Ted’s a lot more as the toddler just loves walking. Last week he walked from the supermarket to our house which was a mile in length, I was so very proud of him.

I’m not particularly keen on our Phil & Ted’s Explorer. It’s fine with one child in and it’s really adaptable, I just find it heavy with two children in. It’s also a bit shoddy. One morning I found a nut in the bassinet where the 8 month had been sleeping and couldn’t think where it came from. A couple of days later a screw fell out of the handlebar of the Phil & Ted’s. I was glad we were near home as I often take it on the tube and can’t imagine what would have happened it the handlebar had come off as I was balancing precariously on the escalator!

A couple of thoughts on the iCandy Strawberry -

The things I like:

it’s very light
handlebar extends easily
easy to use brake
folds without having to take the seat unit off – loved this feature!
compatible with Maxi-Cosi car seat
can be used from birth with the bassinet but Little Sis had outgrown it at 5 months
seat can be forward or backward facing
seat has multiple positions and a handy pocket beneath the seat for keys, phone and purse

Things I didn’t like

shopping basket felt quite small with little support around the sides
wheels are plastic and so hit kerbs with a bump
have to buy accessories – colour set, drinks holder, etc
can’t use a buggy board with it

Overall the iCandy Strawberry is a lovely pram but not great if you carry a lot of bags. The biggest advantage is that it folds really easily which you can do with one hand if necessary! It also fitted well into our car boot, and left plenty of room for the important stuff, like the scooter for the toddler, the changing bag, etc.

Pram envy over? Watch this space!

A day at the Olympic Park – London 2012

Today was the day we had tickets for the Synchronised Swimming at the Olympic Park. We decided to take the toddler but leave the 8 month old with nanny who was happy to shop at Westfield Stratford. We drove to Buckhurst Hill and got the tube from there to Stratford which was only a couple of stops. Initially we had the tube to ourself, although it got busier at every station nearer to the Olympic Park.

Once we got off the tube we felt like we were part of a very well-oiled machine. As well as thousands of spectators there was a huge number of volunteers offering help as soon as we stepped off the tube and made our way to the Olympic Park. There were a few steps at Stratford tube station but apart from that the Park was surprisingly accessible. There were special dedicated lanes for families and wheelchair users so we were able to get through security easily and straight into the park.

Olympic Stadium

We were spoilt for choice for something to eat and had a good look round before heading to the Aquatics Centre. We couldn’t find baby changing outside the Aquatics Centre but it was available once inside. There was also a buggy park staffed by volunteers where you could leave your buggy. It was full of prams and buggies so we put the raincover over it (as they were overflowing out of the tent) and left it.

Olympic Park buggy park – Aquatic Centre

There were no lifts to any seats in the Aquatic Centre but the toddler was amazing and walked up the metal stairs to the top. Once we opened the doors into the Centre we were almost knocked over by the heat which we just weren’t prepared for. The Synchronized Swimming was amazing and the toddler enjoyed people watching, shouting and cheering along with the rest of the crowd, especially when it was the turn of Team GB.

Aquatic Centre

We left shortly before the end, partly to escape the crowds, and headed into Westfield Stratford City for a quick visit to the Lego Shop before dinner and home. We had an amazing day out and I would recommend that it – the Olympic Park is as much for children as it is for adults!

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Filed under days out, Local Review, London, Olympics, pushchairs

Tagged as days out, Local Review, London, Olympics, pushchair