Bugaboo Donkey Stroller Review
October 5th, 2011
The Bugaboo Donkey had a limited production run in early April 2011. Customers snatched them up almost as fast as an iPhone on opening day. Since April, it’s been hard to get one…until now. October 1st marked the nationwide release of the Bugaboo Donkey stroller, which is now available at many retail stores across the US. We started selling them a few days ago, and they are still flying out the door…
There has been so much publicity about this new breakthrough stroller, but there are still so many people that are not quite sure what it is or why and when to buy one. So, I wanted to take a few minutes to answer some of the FAQs we’ve been getting in hopes of providing you all with a better understanding of the wonderment that is the Bugaboo Donkey.
What’s so great about this stroller?
The Bugaboo Donkey is a revolutionary product for it’s function. It is a single stroller that will expand into a double. The expansion is made possible by releasing 3 clips and pulling the stroller out width-wise. It’s really as easy as it sounds. It takes approx 15 seconds to expand or contract the stroller.
As a parent of 2 boys and a store owner selling these products, I’m a huge fan of strollers that can accommodate multiple children while still being able to function as a true single stroller. In years past, customers would purchase a large, clunky double stroller if they had 2 kids. However, what happens when you only have 1 of them that morning? Or the older one is now in pre-school. Do you just push your large double around with one empty seat? or perhaps buy a single stroller just for those days? Yesterday, I might have advised you to do one of those things. Today, there are a few stroller companies that have engineered the perfect strollers to accommodate a growing family. Bugaboo is one of them, and the Donkey is the newest and best (to-date).
There are 3 Bugaboo Donkey models. Which one should you buy?
Before I answer that, I’d like to clarify that all 3 models share the SAME stroller chassis (frame). So, whether you purchase the MONO, DUO, or the TWIN version, the stroller frame is exactly the same. The Bugaboo Donkey MONO is for parents with 1 child that are considering having a second in the near future. For those of you that are familiar with the Bugaboo brand, this MONO Donkey is kind of like buying a Bugaboo Cameleon that can expend into something more. Like the Cameleon, it comes with the stroller frame, seat, and bassinet. It also includes a handy side shopping basket for a quick trip to the store or for storing those large cumbersome park toys.
The Bugaboo Donkey DUO is for parents with 2 children of different ages. So, if your kids are a couple of years apart, this model is perfect for you. To make it easy to understand, it’s the Bugaboo Donkey MONO Stroller + a second Seat (seat frame/seat fabric/canopy). With this model, you can have 2 seats, 2 infant car seats (when used with the Bugaboo Donkey Car Seat Adapters), or 1 of each stroller seat, bassinet, or infant car seat. For days when you have both kids, the DUO is great. For times when you just have 1 child, while the other is in school for example, you can convert the frame into the Bugaboo Donkey MONO.
The Bugaboo Donkey TWIN is for parents with 2 children of the same age. So, if you are having twins, this is the stroller for you. This stroller is the Bugaboo Donkey DUO + a second Bassinet. The idea behind this configuration is to have 2 bassinets for your twin newborn babies. If you have 2 kids of the same age and they are already 3 months or older, the Bugaboo Donkey DUO would be the better model to choose.
So, again, regardless of the model you select, the stroller chassis (frame) will always be the same. So, if you are buying the Bugaboo Donkey MONO stroller now, all you need to purchase for baby #2 is the DUO extension kit which is essentially the second seat.
Can the Donkey fit through a normal doorway?
Yes! The Bugaboo Donkey MONO is 23.5 Inches wide. In the DUO/TWIN configuration, it’s 29 inches. A standard doorway measures 30 inches. So, in every configuration, the Bugaboo Donkey will easily fit through the door.
Is it easy to fold?
Yes! The stroller folds much the same way as the Bugaboo Cameleon. In addition to the 2-piece fold, the Bugaboo Donkey can also be folded as 1-piece. It’s a little bulkier and heavier to do it this way, but if you’ve got the space in your trunk it’s a little quicker. The stroller weighs 28.6 pounds as a MONO and 33 pounds as a double (DUO/TWIN). Definitely one of the lighter doubles on the market.
What about accessories?
Bugaboo has updated most of their stroller accessories this season to be compatible with all Bugaboo Strollers. So, whether you have the Bugaboo Cameleon, Bugaboo Bee, or Bugaboo Donkey, you will be able to use the new Bugaboo Universal Footmuff, Seat Liners, Parasols, and Wheeled Boards.
Color Options
The Bugaboo Donkey is offered in 2 base colors, Sand and Black. The canopy (Stroller Canopy) and Tailored Fabric (Canopy + Bassinet Apron) colors are Black, Red, Off-White, Pink, Royal Blue, and Sand. In typical Bugaboo fashion, you can mix and match to create your own unique color pallet.
To sum it up, we think that the Bugaboo Donkey is an incredible product; a definite advancement in the stroller industry. Meeting the demands of a growing family, this stroller will be as popular in its MONO configuration as it is as a DUO/TWIN. It’s been a long time coming, but Bugaboo certainly did not disappoint. So, when you are thinking of dishing out about as much as you would for a used car, I would strongly consider this stroller.
Bloom Fresco Loft High Chair Review
September 16th, 2011
There are lots of high chair options out there these days, so it’s important to do a little research and choose the right one for you. There are chairs with or without trays, ones that are height adjustable and some that are fixed. There are even high chairs out there that can support your own weight, such as the Stokke Tripp Trapp with a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds!
The Bloom Fresco and Freco Loft High Chairs are relatively new on the scene, and have been gaining popularity. Since many customers are only hearing about them for the first time when they come into our shop, I thought it would be helpful to write about the features and benefits a bit.
There are two versions of this high chair; The Fresco and the Fresco Loft. To the naked eye, they look identical. That’s because they are, aside for the height. The Bloom Fresco High Chair can reach a maximum height of 30 inches (at tray/table level), while the Fresco Loft extends to 36 inches. The decision of which one to purchase can be made when considering the height of your dinner table. While most people dine at a regular table, many families have kitchens bars or islands that are considerable higher. For those people, having a chair that can extend to bar-height (36 inches) is ideal.
Aside from height adjustment, there are numerous other great features. To keep it organized and as concise as possible, here’s a quick rundown.
Weight Capacity
The Bloom High Chairs can hold up to 78 pounds! When it comes to buying these expensive baby products, it’s always good to understand all of the benefits first. At least that way, it will help you get over the sticker shock. When evaluating the $400 to $500 price tag of these chairs, consider how long you’ll be able to use them. In this case, your child can comfortably fit in this chair for the next 10 years!
Age Range
When you buy this high chair, it comes with 2 seat cushions. One is for use from birth with the booster seat (included), while the other larger cushion is for the toddler years. So, technically, this chair can be used from birth.
Flexibility
The Bloom Fresco and Fresco Loft is height adjustable; the seat can rotate 360 degrees (and can lock into place); has wheels on the base to make moving it easy and effortless; and can recline too! The reclining feature is especially helpful during the first few months, and allows you to be able to bottle feed your child with comfort and ease.
The Tray
The tray on a high chair is often a permanent fixture. They all come off, but most require the child to eat on them rather than on the dinner table. I love the idea of your child being able to sit at the table and join in on the conversation. With 2 kids of my own, this feature provided much more engaging family time while eating our meals together. The great thing about the Bloom Fresco and Fresco Loft High Chairs is that the trays are removable. So, your child can eat with the tray beside you or without the tray pulled up to your dinner table. Each chair comes with 2 trays. The larger one that you usually see in all the pictures online is usually used for eating, while the smaller one (which is tucked underneath the larger tray) is a great play tray.
Color Options
The Bloom Fresco Loft comes in two base colors; Black or White. The Fresco comes in white only. However, both chairs offer 10 different seat cushion colors. So, you’ll definitely be able to match it to your home decor. The cushions are also sold separately, so you can change the entire look of your chair for $90. This comes in handy if you are preparing for your second child and need to change it up a little.
Overall, the Bloom Fresco and Fresco Loft High Chairs are as beautiful as they are functional. If you can get over their expensive price tag (remember, you’ll have it for 10 years), the features will be sure to win you over.
Snuggledry Hooded Towel Review
September 13th, 2011
Bathing your little ones is kind of fun. They splish splash in the tub and laugh and giggle there way through it. The only problem is getting them out without getting drenched with water. As the sign says, babies are slippery when wet. It’s important to grab them with both hands, but then how do you get their towel around them before soaking your own shirt? The Snuggledry towel will definitely help with that. It’s a super long towel that attaches around your neck (mom and dad’s, not baby’s!) like an apron. So, when you are ready to take your child out of the bath, you can confidently use both hands and bring them straight onto your chest without juggling a towel under your chin and/or between your teeth. Since it’s super long, all you need to do is take the bottom part and bring it up to swaddle your baby. Simple and so easy to use.
There are so many hooded towels out there. We sell many of them, and sell them well. They are great looking and come in a seemingly infinite number of color and pattern combinations. However, I always recommend them for babies that can stand up. That way, when a parent takes their child out of the bath, you can stand them on the bath mat and safely wrap their towel around them. for the first 9 to 12 months, though, I highly recommend the Snuggledry. It’s more functional and safer to use.
The Best Teething Relief!
September 12th, 2011
Nobody likes teething time…It’s painful to watch your kids go through it, and it’s painful to be a parent tasked with taking care of kids going 
through it. The whining, the drooling, it’s all pretty tough. There are several great toys on the market to help. There are normal chew toys, such as Sophie The Giraffe and friends and Banana Brushes, that are natural and safe for your kids to chomp down on. Then, there are the freeze-able ones… These are the ones you’d normally find at your local pharmacy. However, there is one that truly impressed us for its clever design. Cold packs are great, but the problem is that they freeze your child’s hands along with their gums. The Teething Bon Bon is a cool new product that addresses the issue. It’s basically a cloth with two knots on either side and a warm wooly center. Too use it, you simply dip the knots in water and place it in your freezer. The result? frozen, chewable knots with a warm woolly pillow to hold on to. So, your child will get relief only where he/she needs it; the gums.
Every so often, a product comes along that addresses a real need and a better way of handling it. We try to write about these companies and the products they produce. For teething, my hat’s off to the Bon Bon!
Orbit Baby Stroller Review
September 9th, 2011
Orbit Baby Stroller Infant System
We’ve been selling Orbit Baby products for years, and have done extremely well with them. I’ve wanted to write a review of their stroller for quite a while, but felt that we needed to experience the product a little longer first to write something meaningful.
As a dad to 2 young boys, I’ve had the opportunity to use several different strollers. For the past year, we’ve been using the Orbit Baby Toddler Stroller for our 2 year old son. We absolutely love it. It’s a phenomenal product for so many reasons. As a general observation, I will say that this company has thought of everything, and managed to solve most of the issues we all seem to have with other leading strollers on the market today. So, specifically, what do I mean? Ok, here’s a breakdown;
For one, there are no adapters! Since Orbit Baby makes their own infant car seat, clicking in from the car to the stroller is as quick and easy as picking it up and putting it down again in one fluid motion. Not only that, but their patented Smart Hub technology allows you to plug any component into any one of the Orbit Baby base products. For example, the Orbit Baby Toddler Car Seat, Infant Car Seat, and Bassinet will all seamlessly snap into the Orbit Baby Car Seat Base, Bassinet Rocker, AND the stroller frame. Yes, that’s right, you can even take the big, bulky, permanently fixed toddler car seat and stick it on your stroller frame if you need to. While I don’t recommend using the Toddler Car Seat as a Stroller Seat, that fact that it can be used this way is extremely helpful when traveling.
Orbit Baby Toddler Stroller w/SideKick
The most obvious feature to the Orbit Baby Stroller System is the ability to rotate the Infant Cart Seat, Stroller Seat, Bassinet, and Toddler Car Seat 360 degrees. This is a first, and currently the only stroller on the market today that offers this feature. So, what’s the real advantage to it? Well, I can think of too many to write in this entry. However, for me, there are two that stand out the most. The first would be to facilitate ease of entry into the car. With traditional infant car seats, you have to wrench your back slightly to drop it into the car seat base in your car at an uncomfortable angle. With the Orbit Baby Infant Car Seat, you can face the car door, drop the car seat into the base, then rotate it 45 degrees into it’s proper rear facing position. So simple, yet so smart. My second favorite is being able to rotate the stroller seat, creating a number of great new features such as; Turning away from the sun, giving your child a better view of you while still being able to see the world, and being able to use your stroller as a highchair in a restaurant. When your stroller is alongside the dinner table, just rotate the stroller seat and voila! A great high chair is born! Not only is it more comfortable than those nasty restaurant high chairs, but it also allows you to keep your stroller with you instead of the usual mandatory check-in at the front of the restaurant. I hate that.
Aside from these significant advantages, here are a few smaller ones to consider;
Orbit Baby Color Packs
Removable Cargo Pod (Under Seat Bag)
Again, a really simply idea, but solves so many issues. I love it because it doubles as a diaper bag, allowing me to take the bag into the front seat of our car and access the bottles, diapers, wipes, and toys that we put in there. Being able to remove it also allows for easy access to everything in there. It also makes packing up a breeze. We load it up with snacks and toys in the house, then slide it onto the stroller in the garage.
SideKick Stroller Board
This thing is just plain awesome! Every single person stops us wherever we go and comments on how cool it is. The Orbit Baby Sidekick is a stroller board that connect to the back wheels of the stroller frame to allow your child to stand on the back and “hitch” a ride. These types of boards are common with high-end strollers. It allows you to have a second child standing on the back, or your stroller riding child to take a break from sitting for a while. However, what makes this board unique and better than any of its competitors is it’s location. While all other boards sit directly in the back of the stroller (blocking your walking stride), the Orbit Baby Sidekick clips onto the wheels off to the side. This keeps the center wide open so you can walk and push your stroller properly. Since it clips onto the wheel, there is an option for two of them! This means that you have the possibility of having three children on this stroller at once. Very clever.
Orbit Baby Stroller Panniers (Storage Baskets)
For those of us who need a little extra storage (lets face it, we all do!), these detachable Panniers are a gift from the heavens. They are sold in pairs (1 on each side of the stroller), and each provide an extra 8 pounds of unobstructed storage. Easy to access, easy to use, easy to remove. These things are just what you need for that stroll to the market, or down to the park or beach.
Orbit Baby Bassinet w/Rocker
Orbit Baby Bassinet and Rocker
So, every high-end stroller has a bassinet option. What makes this one so unique is its size (the largest on the market), and the rocker that comes with it. Earlier in this article, I spoke about how interchangeable all Orbit Baby products are with one another. So, the rocker that comes with the bassinet can be used at home with the bassinet and all 3 of Orbit Baby’s seats (Infant, Toddler, and Stroller Seat), creating an instant rocker/bouncer.
Orbit Baby Color Packs
These Orbit Baby Color Packs are a brand new addition, allowing you to change the look of your Orbit Baby Stroller Seat. So, if you are bored with the look of your stroller seat, these color packs will offer you 9 different color options. They are also great to consider to make your stroller more gender-specific for your current child or the one on the way!
Double Stroller Adapter!
Although this product has not yet been launched, its pending release has been a huge factor with our customers looking to purchase a stroller that will grow with their family. Orbit Baby has plans to release an adapter to turn your Orbit Baby Stroller into a double! (which will be compatible with the current G2 Stroller Frame). So, come November/December, Orbit Baby customers will be able to purchase one, allowing this popular stroller to carry up to 4 kids! (2 in seats, and 2 on Sidekicks). I think it might be time for a motor!
All-in-all, Orbit Baby is a great company, producing great products that address many of the issues we all face with strollers on a daily basis. There are many phenomenal strollers on the market today. Orbit Baby’s a great one to add to your list to choose from!
August 26th, 2011
We just received these Natursutten pacifiers in today, and are very excited about them. They are made from all-natural rubber from the Hevea tree. What that translates to is a great, chemical-free, allergy-free, pacifier. What’s also important to note is that they are made in a one-piece mold, so there are no cracks or joints. This helps prevent bacteria from forming.
The larger than normal shield (the round base) is round and flat, so it won’t leave any marks on your baby’s face. It’s also too large for an infant to squeeze the entire pacifier in their mouths, so they won’t choke. All-in-all, a terrific product. The only down side is that they will need to be replaced often (approx. every 4 to 5 weeks). That’s the price you pay for an all-natural product!
2011 BOB Stroller Review
January 31st, 2011
The 2011 BOB Strollers have arrived! So, what’s different this year? Let me help break it down for you.
New Terminology
BOB is abandoning the “AW” or All-Wheel term. Instead, they are classifying their strollers into two categories; CE for City Experience and SE for Sport Experience. For those of you that are familiar with the brand, the AW strollers featuring 3 12″ wheels are now known as “CE“, while the standard BOB Revolution Strollers featuring 2 16″ rear wheels are now referred to as “SE“.
Fabrics
New fabrics provide more technical benefits and bold new colors. The 2011 BOB Strollers are now available in Orange, Red, Navy, Yellow, Blue, Black, and Plum. If I had to try to describe the new fabrics, I’d say that they are more vibrant, lighter, and more resistant to the elements.
Integrated Accessory Adapter
This is perhaps the biggest change for the 2011 line. Brand new for all BOB strollers, the integrated accessory adapter allows for quick and easy installation of BOB infant car seat adapters and snack trays. Instead of having to bring your stroller into a bike shop and having to unscrew your adapter, this new system allows you to install and remove the adapters with the click of a button. Also, instead of a “one size fits all” adapter, BOB came out with separate adapters for each brand of car seat. BOB Single Strollers are now compatible with Graco, Peg Perego, and new for this year, Chicco Infant CarSeats. The BOB Duallie Strollers are compatible with the Graco Infant Car Seat adapter only.
The new and improved snack tray has room for a sippy cup, snacks, and more!
Improved Seat and Harness
With the new seat fabrics, BOB has also re-engineered the stroller seat itself. The ultra-supportive, redesigned seat now features heat press technology for additional padding and added back support. In layman’s terms, the seat has pockets of padding throughout the seat, similar to a pair of well padded bike shorts! Ultra soft and incredibly comfortable. The 5-point seat harness now features more padding to help secure children much more comfortably.
Stroller Lock
The 2011 BOB Strollers all feature a new buckle that fastens the stroller while folded. So, now your stroller will stay folded and safely locked in place.
Suspension System
The award winning (well, I’m not sure if they actually won an award, but we love it!) suspension has been improved as well. We can’t imagine a smoother ride, but BOB continues to improve their already flawless product.
BOB has really pulled out all the stops with this stroller. They managed to take the best jogging stroller on the market and improve upon it without losing their signature BOB style. We have been huge fans of this brand for years. With these new improvements to their 2011 BOB Stroller line, we are even more enthusiastic about the brand.
For those parents looking for an exceptional jogging stroller, or even a great all around stroller, BOB will not disappoint.
Orbit Baby G2 Stroller – Delivery Schedule
April 29th, 2010
We have been receiving an average of 60 phone calls daily about the new Orbit G2 line and when to expect delivery. So, I wanted to inform you all of what is going on in the world of Orbit Baby and delivery times moving forward.
Pampered Tot has successfully shipped all customer pre-orders dating from January through March. All new orders placed in April will be shipping on or around May 15th. The great news is that there is a very high demand for Orbit Baby strollers right now. However, that means that retailers will not have “on the shelf” stock for months. Our store, like so many others, keeps on pre-selling the goods. By the time we receive our shipments from Orbit Baby, the stock is 100% committed and pre-sold. So, my advise to all of you Orbit Baby fanatics is to find a reputable retailer that you are comfortable buying from and pre-ordering your G2 product right away!
By the way, the product is outstanding! The improvements are incredible. Although it has been a long and frustrating wait, it’s worth it! (based on the customer feedback that we have been receiving over the past 3 weeks).
I would also like to take this moment to apologize for the lengthy delay. Although it’s out of our control, we still feel terrible that it has taken this long to get you strolling again in your new G2 stroller and/or accessories. So, thank you for sticking with us, and for sticking with the Orbit Baby brand. Should you guys have any questions about your orders, delivery times, or product information, please contact us anytime. As always, with a toll-free number, instant chat, and email, we are available 7-days a week from 8am to 10pm PST.
Bugaboo Cameleon Vs. Bugaboo Frog – What’s the difference?
April 27th, 2010
At www.PamperedTot.comwe sell loads of Bugaboo strollers. We love the brand and the product. It’s well made, durable, and backed by a generous 2-year warranty. When customers looking for a Bugaboo stroller call us, their first question is “What’s the difference between the Cameleon and the Frog?”. Well, enough people have called and emailed us, so I thought it was time to write about it.
The Bugaboo Cameleon and the Bugaboo Frog strollers have many similarities, more so than differences. So, what does the Cameleon have that the Frog does not? (or shall we say, why should I pay $220 more for the Cameleon…).
The Cameleon has these added features:
- The Stroller Seat is 2 inches longer
- The Handlebar is adjustable
- The underseat bag is larger
- The front wheels have spring-loaded shocks
- The color options
So, after reading through the list of Cameleon extras, what should you do? Well, that depends on you. If you are tall and want to make sure your feet don’t constantly hit the stroller when you walk, the handlebar extension is a great feature. If you plan to use the stroller until your child grows out of it, the extra 2 inches in length on the stroller seat will ensure longer use. If you have a girl and want pink, then have a boy for your second child and need to switch your stroller to blue, a $99 Tailored Fabric Set will essentially change the look of your stroller and adapt to your needs (the Cameleon is made up of a base color and your choice of 13 tailored fabrics. So, changing the look is easy, fast, and relatively inexpensive).
You can’t go wrong with either stroller. They are both excellent products that will last longer than you need them to. Our Cameleon is 5 years old, and is just as functional and great looking for our second child as it was when we bought it. If you need more guidance or assistance with your purchase, please let us know.
Stokke Xplory Stroller Rider Board Review
April 23rd, 2010
The New Stokke Xplory Rider Board is finally here! 
I have to say that it’s, by far, the best stroller-branded board we’ve seen. It’s sleek, easy to put on, and extremely easy to use. It took a long while, but now Stokke Xplory Stroller users can finally hitch 2 kids on this totally awesome ride!
The setup is simple. Take it out of the box, the clip the 2 ends of the board into the clips alredy provided on your current Strokke Xplory Stroller chassis. PLEASE NOTE: This new Rider Board is only compatible with Stokke Xplory Strollers with serial number 113464 or higher.
The use is just awesome. Unlike many wheeled rider board, Stokke’s version requires absolutely no hardware or dangling cords. When in use, it glides smoothly under the seat handle. When you’re done with it, just kick it up. It fastens completely out of the way and onto the stroller chassis with an ultra strong magnet. There no need to tie it to anything. Once it’s up, it will not get in the way of your walking stride at all. I was really amazed.
So, for all you Stokke fans waiting for the Rider, it’s now available for $119.99. For fans of other competing luxury strollers, you know have a reason to take another look at the ever popular Stokke Xplory Stroller again…
