Archive for September, 2007

BabyRecommend Weekly Roundup - 21st September 2007

It has been another busy week at BabyRecommend. We thought we would give you the opportunity of reviewing anything you may have missed. We took our first look at the Quinny Zapp baby stroller together with a number of convertible baby car seats. We found a cool video of the Bugaboo Bee and an interesting way to save money on childcare.

If there are any news stories, articles or products you would like us to cover, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We always welcome your feedback, both positive and negative. Please leave comments on the respective articles or for more general feedback, please send us a mail.


Baby Stroller Review - Quinny Zapp Stroller

Quinny Zapp Stroller
The Quinny Zapp Stroller is the cheaper of the two available Quinny baby strollers. The more expensive stroller, the Quinny Buzz Stroller is available for 500 dollars. This review will not concentrate of the differences between the 2 models, rather we wish to concentrate on the Quinny Zapp and how it compares with other similarly priced baby strollers.

We love visting Europe and seeing all of the designer strollers that are available. It is now good to start to see them being being introduced into the US. Perhaps this is due to their popularity in Hollywood, or just that we are starting to enjoy the uniqueness of the designs. Bugaboo, Quinny and Stokke are the leading European brands that are now breaking into the US market.

The Quinny Zapp provides a complete baby stroller solution from around 6 months to 4 years (up to 40 lbs in weight). The stroller itself weights about 13 lbs, a similar weight to competitive strollers. When folded, the Quinny Zapp is the smallest stroller in the world. However we are not sure how true this statement is (the statement comes from Quinny!), but we can say that it does fold to a very small and compact size.

Quinny Zapp Stroller
The Quinny Zapp Stroller is available in a range of colours, examples of which are shown in this article.

The stroller combines traditional European styling with modern construction and safety features.

Quinny Zapp Stroller
The Quinny Zapp is a very popular stroller in Europe. However, the US model is different in a number of key areas. Firstly, the European model only has a single front wheel. Secondly, there is no basket underneath. Having tried both strollers, we can say that we actually prefer the US model. The extra wheel provides additional stability when maneuvering and the included basket, even though it is quite small does provide a handy space for small shopping items. However, the additional wheel does make the stroller look more ‘traditional’ rather than the individual design of some European strollers. If you are looking for a truly individual look, we recommend you take a look at the Stokke Xplory® Complete Stroller System. However its price of $950 dollars will put off most people.

Key Features

  • A lightweight full size baby stroller with ultra compact 3-D fold
  • Highly maneuverable, lockable front wheels that can rotate 360 degrees
  • Stain resistant and durable nylon fabric
  • Five-point padded harness
  • Includes a canopy, rainshield, travel bag, and adapters for use with the Maxi-Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat

A 5-point harness provides adequate support, and the removable and adjustable padding on the harness offers a supportive and comfortable fit.

A popular feature is the inclusion of adapters for use with the Maxi-Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat. For parents looking for a complete travel system, they now have the option of a system more trendy than the rather plain and dull travels systems that are available.
Quinny Zapp Stroller

We were particularly impressed with the easy braking system. You only need one pedal to lock both of the back wheels. The stroller is very light, but this can also be a disadvantage. You always need to use the brake when stationary as the stroller can roll and tip easily as the centre of gravity is quite high.

One feature we were disappointed with (and carried over from the European model) is that the seat only has one position and does not provide any recline. This can leave child in a slumped over or slouchy position and can become very uncomfortable. This is more noticable on younger and smaller children, who have less control of their neck and tend to lean or slouch forward.

Another area of concern is how the seat attaches to the frame via zippers and velcro. When you wish to attach the car seat adapters, you need to unzip the seat. However, this is not a simple task, and can be a pain in itself, as the zippers were really difficult to open and close. The zippers can easily collapse and are then impossible to close.
Quinny Zapp Stroller

The set of included accessories is very comprehensive. A canopy and raincover are included to protect the stroller and your baby from the weather. A travel bag provides handy storage for the folded stroller and is made from a strong fabric. Please see the photos below for examples of the raincover and travel bag.

Strengths

  • Included car seat adapter
  • Very small size when folded
  • 5-point harness
  • Comprehensive included accessories, including travel bag and raincover

Weaknesses

  • Lack of a seat recline
  • Zipper not easy to open and close when removing seat to attach car seat adapter

The Quinny Zapp Stroller is available for $240 dollars.

4 Stars Recommended

Additional Images

Quinny Zapp Stroller
The Quinny Zapp is a neat and stylish stroller.

Quinny Zapp Stroller

The included rain cover fits very snuggly. Visibility is not reduced, so your child does not feel enclosed.
Quinny Zapp Stroller
The Quinny Zapp folds very very small, and can easily fit into small sedan trunks. The folding mechanism is a very clever design.

Quinny Zapp Stroller
The included carry bag is made from a strong fabric.

Childcare Insurance for Sick Children

We were reading an interesting article from Sydney, Australia. One of the issues facing parents is the rising cost of childcare fees even when your child is sick. More and more parents are placing their children into childcare, and with the increasing mortgage and rental costs, it is only something that we see will continue.

An Australian insurance company is offering an insurance policy that will cover the cost of full or part-time childcare fees if your child is sick and cannot attend. The policy will cover a child if they are sick for more than three consecutive days of childcare.

The policy costs between 50 and 75 US dollars per year. The policy, Kids Cover is offered by the Altiora Insurance Brokers.

As the cost of childcare is increasingeach year, this may be of help to parents. However, as it seems that childcare is to blame for many of the illnesses, perhaps the childcare centers themselves should not be charging us on days when your child is ill.

BabyRecommend Store Updated - 5 Star Products


We are pleased to announce that we have updated the BabyRecommend Store with all of our 5 Star products.

The store is populated with products from Amazon.com, so you can be assured of a safe shopping experience. If you think that we should be including additional categories or products, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.

BlogRush Widget Added to BabyRecommend

You may have noticed that we have added a BlogRush widget to the sidebar of BabyRecommend. We hope that this service will bring you other related articles that are of interest.

If you have any comments about the BlogRush widget, wish to share a product or service to our readers, or just want to give us some feedback, please Contact Us.

Amazon.com Sale - Big Discounts Off All Britax Baby Car Seats

Following our post highlighting the discounts available on Britax Baby Car Seats and Strollers, we bring you another great discount from Amazon.com.

They are currently offering big discounts across the complete range of Britax Car Seats. As an added bonus, free shipping is also provided.

Examples include the best selling Britax Roundabout for $193.59 (from 220) and the Britax Marathon for $237.59 (from 270).

To take advantage of these offers, you need to be quick, as the sale ends on the 15th September.

Baby Car Seat Review - Britax Marathon Baby Car Seat

Britax Marathon Baby Car Seat
The Britax Marathon Baby Car Seat is the most expensive Britax baby seat. At $270, it is one of the more costly car seats and is at the top of the Britax range. The quality of the components is noticably higher than other cars seats. The straps are very strong and supportive, being thicker and wider than other Britax models, helping to limit any issues with tangling. However, you may need to add additional padding (available from babies’r'us for only a few dollars) as they can rub against the babies neck and body. It should be noted that the Marathon is larger (28″H x 19.5″W x 25″D) than most baby car seats, and can be tricky to fit, especially in the rear facing position in a smaller vehicle. Allow for at least 31″ of backseat space to properly accommodate this model. The seat is very well padded, especially around the head and neck around. The padding is also machine washable. The Britax Roundabout is available in a range of colors and patterns to complement most vehicle interiors..

As with the Britax Roundabout, it is easy to understand how this car seat has become a bestseller. Its range of safety features is very impressive, and even though it is expensive, a car seat is one item where many parents are happier to spend more money.

Features

  • 5 point harness with patented Floating HUGS system
  • Built-in lock-off clips, Versa-Tether & Safe Guard Latch Connectors
  • Equipped with Energy Absorbing EPS and Comfort Foam for safety and comfort
  • Fits from birth (5 lbs)

Strengths

  • High safety features (however, we hope that you will never need to use them)
  • Strong and supportive straps
  • Very well padded, especially around the head and neck
  • Approved for use on airplanes (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213 compliant)

Weaknesses

  • Expensive
  • Larger than typical car seats, and may not fit smaller vehicles
  • The larger straps may need additional padding as they can rub against the babies neck and body

The Britax Marathon Baby Car Seat is available for $270.

4 Stars Recommended

Baby Car Seat Review - Britax Roundabout Baby Car Seat

Britax Roundabout Baby Car Seat
The Britax Roundabout Baby Car Seat is the top selling baby car seat on Amazon. The comfort and safety features are the same as the range-topping Britax Marathon. Both the Roundabout and the Marathon include additional EPS foam side impact protection, helping to reduce the risk from side impacts. The straps are very strong and supportive, being thicker and wider than other Britax models, helping to limit any issues with tangling. However, you may need to add additional padding (available from babies’r'us for only a few dollars) as they can rub against the babies neck and body. The Britax Roundabout is available in a range of colors and patterns to complement most vehicle interiors.

As with the Britax Marathon, it is easy to understand how this car seat has become a bestseller. Its range of safety features is very impressive, and even though it is expensive, a car seat is one item where many parents are happier to spend more money.

Features

  • Easy installation with built-in lock-off clips, Versa-Tether’, and Safe Guard Latch Connectors’
  • Tangle-free five-point harness for convenience and a more secure fit
  • Equipped with Energy Absorbing EPS foam for additional protection during impact
  • Fits from birth (4 lbs)
  • Supports up to 40 lbs

Strengths

  • Very high safety standard - seems to be at the top of every safety award
  • Anti-twist straps actually work!
  • Very comfortable fit

Weaknesses

  • Expensive
  • The larger straps may need additional padding as they can rub against the babies neck and body

If you’re debating between the Britax Roundabout and the Britax Marathon Baby Car Seat, think of the latter as the big brother. They are identical in terms of comfort and convenience features, but the Marathon has a higher weight maximum and is larger than the Roundabout. If you do not need the extra size of the Marathon or have a smaller vehicle, then the Britax Roundabout is the better model, and costs nearlly 60 dollars less.

The Britax Roundabout Baby Car Seat is available for $219.

5 Stars Highly Recommended

Baby Car Seat Review - Evenflo Triumph DLX Convertible Baby Car Seat

Evenflo Triumph DLX Convertible Baby Car Seat
We previously reviewed the Evenflo Tribute 5 Baby Car Seat, awarding it 5 stars.
Another popular Evenflo baby car seat is a larger version of the Evenflo Tribute 5 Convertible Baby Car Seat. The Evenflo Triumph DLX Convertible Baby Car Seat can be thought of as its big brother. It is wider than the Tribute 5, and may not fit smaller vehicles, especially if positioned in the middle seat, where it can extend out over both side seats. The side and head padding is very supportive, and can be easily removed and machine washed. The Evenflo Triumph DLX features a modern looking design, with a blue color scheme that should complement most vehicle interiors.

Features

  • New Easy-off pad
  • BuckleRight Buckle gives visual verification buckle is secure
  • Rear-facing for children 5-30 lbs, Forward-facing for children 20-40 lbs

Strengths

  • Supportive side and head padding
  • Removable and machine washable padding
  • Includes a cup holder!

Weaknesses

  • Larger (wider) than the Evenflo Tribute 5, so check the fit if you have a smaller vehicle

The Evenflo Triumph DLX Convertible Baby Car Seat is available for $140.

If you require the extra size and padding, then the Evenflo Triumph DLX offers great value for money. However, it is nearly 3 times the cost of the Evenflo Tribute 5 and does not offer 3 times the features. For those looking to spend less than 150 dollars, we would seriously consider the Evenflo Tribute 5 Convertible Baby Car Seat, as it offers extremely good value for money.

4 Stars Recommended

Baby Car Seat Review - Cosco Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Baby Car Seat

Cosco Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Baby Car Seat
The Cosco Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Baby Car Seat provides a good range of feature at an affordable price. One of the selling poingts is that the Cosco Alpha Omega Elite can be used as a booster seat, supporting children up to 100lbs. This is a great feature for Cosco to include, and may swing the decision for parents looking for a seat that can be used beyond the typical lifespan of traditional car seats. Padding is soft and comfortable and strong EPP foam is included for additional side impact protection.

However, one of the biggest issues with the Cosco Alpha Omega Elite is that the seat does not fully recline as much as with other baby car seats. Even when fully reclined, the babies head can easily flop forward, especially worrying when a young baby is still strengthening their neck muscles. I have read many reports of this issue, so it is not just something that we have found. Another issue is the short crotch strap, where the strap buckle will rub against the babies legs, rather than being higher up. For the average baby size, the strap length is okay. However, for taller babies, it is too short and uncomfortable.

Note that the Eddie Bauer Convertible car seat is also made by Cosco, so these comments also apply.

Features

  • LATCH equiped for 5-35 lbs Rear facing; 22-40 lbs Forward facing; 40-100 lbs belt positioning booster
  • Removable, full-wrap tailored fabric pad
  • Padded head rest: Infant insert
  • Extra-wide roomy seat with comfort support seat
  • Up-front harness adjustment

Strengths

  • Sturdy EPP foam for increased side support
  • Well padded
  • Can also be used as a booster seat to 100lbs

Weaknesses

  • Does not recline as much as other seats
  • Crotch strap is too short and the buckle can dig into babies legs

The Cosco Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Baby Car Seat is available for $139.

We have only given this car seat 3 star as we feel that the lack of a fully reclining seat makes it less ideal for parents wishing to use the seat from birth. If you are planning on using a car seat from birth, we would only give it 2 stars. There has been numerous reports of this issue, so it is not just something we observed. If you are planning on using the seat after your baby is a few months old, then the Cosco Alpha Omega Elite has a lot of good features. The standout feature has to be its use as a booster seat, supporting children up to 100lbs. However, there are better car seats available for less money.

3 Stars Average (Poor if using the car seat from birth)