Bumbleride Queen B Give-A-Way

All subscribers are eligible to win a Bumbleride Queen B Stroller and Bassinet this month.

To win: Make a comment on this post AND subscribe to LullabyLuna.

Bumbleride Queen B is a great stroller worth over $500.

Strollers-on-the-Go

In my five years of parenting and three children, I have owned a fleet of strollers: a couple umbrella strollers, a single jogger, a single travel system stroller, a double all-terrain stroller... I have gotten rid of strollers, bought new strollers, and at this point I don't feel like I have one stroller that meets my needs best. What is my point? When you go to buy a stroller, you need to take many things into consideration for you. Your best friend may tell you that x is the best stroller in the world for a list of reasons and it may be a great stroller, but it may not be the best stroller for you.

You need to think about number of kids, stroller purpose(s)-travel, are you on-the-go, your size and stride, storage space, vehicle space, where you will use it, weight of the stroller, accessories/options... And you thought deciding to have a baby was a difficult decision.

Here are a couple of stroller options that may be right for you. All of these strollers take travel and sleep-on-the-go into consideration. Don't miss a nap! You can easily create a sleep environment similar to yours at home in a cozy bassinet attachment by adding a sound spa for white noise, a blanket for darkness, a swaddled baby for comfort (or unswaddled for our older travelers) and off you go into the world of well-rested baby while not missing out on the family vacation or other summer outing.

One option, the Micralite Toro has many great features that could make it the stroller for you: It is a great looking stroller, with great color options, and waterproof woven fabric. It has a nice, smooth ride which is great for sleep. It is light weight, a mere 19 pounds- weight is a big consideration when stroller shopping, especially when travel is considered. It easily folds up and stands alone with a locking feature for compact storage- great when you are staying in a hotel or filling a car with all of vacations' necessities. You can easily steer with one hand- a must when you have another child or luggage in tow. It fits through small spaces nicely and turns around tight corners. The seat moves from a full recline to upright. You can also use your Maxi Cosi car
seat with it, or buy an adapter to use other car seats, after removing the standard seat. It also has optional all-terrain wheels if you want to travel with four
all-terrain wheels instead of just two. It comes equipped with air
pump, all weather hood, foot muff, and zip on rain cover.

The Toro has an optional, cushy carrycot for sleeping or newborn comfort- imagine your baby sleeping soundly as you meander through an art museum or antique shop or walk along the beach or stop at a cute little cafe for some brunch. The mattress is large and nicely padded. It comes with a boot-like cover and has a shade. Not only can you use the carrycot for sleep on-the-go, you can also use it as a travel bed for non-rolling babies at a hotel, while camping, or a nap at grandma's house. The carrycot really makes it a great travel option.

Some things to consider that may not make it the match for you: It is pricier- but after all my stroller purchases, I have come to realize that you get what you pay for! The sun-shade is short. The basket is on the smaller size (but honestly I have never been that impressed by many stroller baskets size or accessibility- especially when you are looking for a more compact stroller). The seat is smaller- yet my 3 year-old and 5 year-old both fit in it. You have to use a provided Allen wrench to adjust the handle bar height. It does not have drink or snack trays for adult or child. You should check out how it works with your walking stride, especially if you plan on using it for exercise. It worked fine for me, but there is a chance you could kick the tires since they are set close together.

Sleep Tip: Get the carrycot! Use the boot, cover, and a lightweight blanket to make the ultimate sleep environment. Add a sound spa for added effect and lasting sleep.

My favorite things about the Toro: Narrow frame, overall look, handle bars- easy to maneuver and push with one hand, nice ride, and the awesome carrycot!

If you decide that the Toro is the stroller for you, you can buy it online or at a store near you.

Another "On-the-Go" stroller option is the Bumbleride Queen B. It is a pram style stroller, that comes in ruby and lava. It has great handling on and off the road thanks to the fully inflatable wheels- the front wheels rotate while the back wheels are stationary- it also has amazing shocks. As you meander through your neighborhood or town feel free to stop at the grocery store- it has a huge storage tray- you could squeeze three bags of groceries in easily. And if you are planning on having more children you can actually turn the B into a double stroller by adding on the toddler seat attachment. Another unique feature, that I always dreamed about having on a stroller with my first child is a reversible seat- face you, face out- and it is easy to adjust!
The seat fully reclines and the foot rest can be put down or all the way up- making a somewhat bassinetlike space. It also has a full covering sun shade- a great feature! You can also use many
car
seats with
it, It comes equipped with rain cover, footmuff, bumper bar, cup holder, and infant seat safety belt.

Let me tell you, when my youngest daughter was riding around in this stroller she was as happy as a clam- she was well supported in a Lazy Boy like seat, up high where she could see everything. She really felt special.

The Queen B has an optional bassinet for sleeping or newborn comfort. It is very compact and also comes with a boot-like cover and has a shade. Since it is nice and compact it works well for travel with or without the Queen B tagging along.

Some things to consider that may not make it the match for you: Again, it is
pricier. It does not have drink or snack trays for adult or child. It is heavy- 31 pounds- like most prams are, but it is also extremely sturdy. It is not a tight turning stroller- you will get used to this and this is pretty standard for prams. This is not a compact stroller when folded or up.

My favorite things about the B: Amazing storage tray, great height for child's viewing pleasure, reversible seat, bassinet for sleep!


Sleep Tip: The bassinet folds up small making it great for bringing on trips or wherever you need a sleep-on-the-go option.

If you decide the Queen B is for you, you can buy it online or at a store near you.

Travel on the Go: Graco Infant Travel Bed

Traveling with a baby? In search of a compact sleep solution?

Graco makes an Infant Travel Bed that is great for travel, nap time out or whenever you need a place to put your baby to bed. It is very compact- ideal for airplane travel as well as an already loaded car. It weighs under 5 pounds and has nice shoulder strap for comfort. You could also easily pack it in a larger suitcase. It is wipeable and comes with two removable, washable sheets and is extremely easy to assemble. This bed could serve your sleep-on-the-go needs until your baby is 5-6 months and/or the baby starts rolling/pushing up... I suggest keeping it on the floor for safety purposes.

Sleep Product Review: Traveller by phil & teds

I have been a mother for five years. During those five years, I have lugged around a heavy pack-n-play everywhere- onto airplanes, to grandma's house, to playgroups, to friends houses, to the beach- wherever sleep needed to happen I took that heavy piece of baby equipment. Many times I have been seen with a pregnant belly, toddler on hip, diaper bag on shoulder, pack-n-play in hand, and preschooler holding onto my leg. I could not have done as much as I have without that wonderful portable sleep environment, for which I am very thankful!

But, over the years I have also wished that it wasn't so heavy- that it wasn't something I had to "lug around", and could possibly cause a back injury (slightly kidding- I have a bad back and I am not that big of a person). Well, friends there is now something that is lighter, something that can lessen our load as mothers and fathers. It is called the Traveller by phil & teds . This sleep cot is made to travel with its compact size (it can easily fit in the overhead baggage compartment on an airplane or the storage space under a stroller) and light load- a mere 6 pounds when all is said and done. This really is the travel bed to buy if you are looking for a lightweight, easily luggable portable sleep environment.

What else does the Traveller offer you may wonder?

• A self-expanding mattress that fits in-between two pieces of flame retardant fabric (the seal is on the inside of the lining). Tip: you will need to help it along for the first few times by blowing into the valve. This mattress is a thermo-insulated pad- like a camping pad.
• Rip stop fabric- if you get a hole in the material it will stop right there.
• Easy to put together- honestly it is not as fast as a pack-n-play being opened by a seasoned user, but it is pretty dang quick.
• The fabric is easy to clean by just wiping it off. There is no option for a sheet since the mattress is in-between two pieces of fabric. You could use an infant sleeping bad, or place something like the Phil & Ted Cocoon or Snuggle and Snooze inside for young babies.
• There are breathable screens for closing it up if you choose, a UV screen option called Slim Shadee (for snoozing on the beach), and stakes for keeping it outside camping if you desire. It really is an inside and outside playpen/sleep option.
• It is very strong- don't worry about it not being as sturdy as its alternatives. It also includes the bonus of a Global Safety Certification
• And it fits through doors all set-up. Can you believe that?
  

So, as you consider the travel bed for you and yours, I would consider what you plan on using it for- if it is just going to sit in your house and never move by all means go with the standard travel bed. If you plan on travel, visiting, and the parental role of "lugging", you may want to consider the Traveller and lighten your load.

The Traveller comes in Black, Red, and a limited edition Graffiti print.
You can purchase it for $199.

Sunday Sleep Dilemma

Q: I need to run errands in the morning with my baby and my kindergartner. My baby really still needs a morning nap. How do I get my baby the sleep he needs and get my errands done?

A: You may not like my answer, but don't skip your baby's needed nap! Figuring out another plan...
Ideas:
-Go to the store at night if you have someone that can be at home when the kids are asleep.
-Shop online as much as you can.
-Bring lunch with you to the errands and go after your baby's nap time. Think less clean up too.
-Go after your baby's afternoon nap. More crowds, but it is usually a funky time for kids and may be nice to get out.
-Get a babysitter once a week for a few hours and get all your errands done sans kids. It is much quicker and may be some nice quiet time for you.
-Consolidate errands, so you can spend less time out during the week.

Sleep Ponderings from Me: Newborn Sleep-On-The-Go

A great part of newborn sleep is that they can sleep anywhere for the first few months. First time moms appreciate this as they transition from "no kid" life to "kid life". And moms with other children appreciate this, since they can easily continue with their other childrens' activities or out of the house play.

Take advantage of this 'skill' that will disappear quickly. So, how does this "Sleep-on-the-Go" work?

When: Newborns need to sleep again after being awake for 1-2 hours; I always tend to lean more towards the one hour window- look for your baby's sleep signs (yawning, rubbing eyes, mild fussiness, not wanting to be put down...)

Where: Carseat, Bassinet stroller attachment, sling or front-pack carrier, your arms, a pack-n-play at someone's house, etc.

Why: Because newborns can sleep out and about. Take advantage of the short lived freedom that allows you.

How: If your baby falls asleep in an infant carseat- just take them with you in the carseat. If your baby needs to take a nap- swaddle them and put them in the stroller bassinet or pack-n-play, or Kiddopotamus swaddling blankets have holes in the back where carseat buckels can go through and you can buckle your swaddled baby into your carseat. Or put your newborn who needs a nap in a sling or other newborn carrying device.

Other tips: you can put a sound spa wherever they are sleeping... and really try to mimic their sleep environment when you are out. Check out this past post for an example of how one mom extended her sleeping-on-the-go to 7 months: sleep environment to go.

Sleep Ponderings from Me

I just returned home from a 12 day vacation with the family. Husband, wife, three kids drive 2000 miles in 12 days touching five states. It was quite the trip. And I would have to say that my kids (ages 4 1/2, 2 1/2, and 5 months) were absolutely amazing!

So, how did they sleep you wonder? They missed a couple naps when we were driving- just depended on what we did that day and where we had to stop, but overall their sleep stayed on schedule. My 5 month old took great naps on the road, and she would take 3 hour naps on the beach (in her pack'n'play, covered with a blanket, with her noise maker). She woke up at night some of the nights- but 4 of us were staying in the same room. It is vacation; you can't expect perfection.

My other two kids went to bed a bit later a couple of the nights- had to be flexible for the extra fun things you do on vacation, but they went to bed easily, took good naps and were amazing.
Thanks to them getting to sleep well on the trip they were able to keep great attitudes.

Sleep Product Review: The Ultimate Out and About Sleep Set-up

The best place for a baby to take a nap is in their bedroom, but let's face it there are times when we can't or don't want to stay at home so our sweet little babies can take all their naps in their peaceful bedrooms. Sometimes we want to go to breakfast or take our other children to the park. Or sometimes we just have to take the other kids to ballet or gymnastics or wherever. There are solutions to allowing your precious little baby get their nap and still be out. Here is one option a friend of mine came up with:

Description:
Inside of a stroller that has a bassinet type option or possibly inside of their carseat create a sleep environment as close to their one at home as possible:

The Stroller
She uses the Easy DuoWalker (http://www.easywalker.nl/usa/duowalker.html) with the CarryCot (GREAT set-up). I have used my Graco stroller- fully reclined with the feet part up so it turns into a bassinet (http://www.gracobaby.com/catalog/product.aspx?modelNumber=7B11CAD3&CategoryID=12).

Noise Machine: Put some batteries in yours and take it along- put it right inside the bassinet. She uses the same wave sounds that she uses in her sons bedroom.

Sleep Positioner: Grab the sleep positioner from their crib (If they are out of this now- skip it).

Swaddle: Swaddle your baby just like you would at home (If they have outgrown the swaddle skip it too).

Darkness: Lay a breathable blanket to create the same dark environment at home over the top- block out that sun.

Binkie/Paci: She gives her little guy his favorite, loves the sucking and sleeps longer with it (just like she does at home).

The Goal: to create the same sleep environment you have created at home- to maximize the nap on-the-go.

Thank you DeNai for sharing. And good luck creating your sleep environment on-the-go. Please share any other sleep set-ups you have created for sleeping on-the-go.

Sleep Product Review: Petunia Pickle Bottom Sojuourn Sling

I have the Petunia Pickle Bottom Soujourn Sling that I LOVE!! (http://www.petunia.com/collections/original/sojournslings/) I have used it since my baby girl was born in March. It keeps them all tight (much like a swaddle), warm, and snuggly- a great sleep environment- when you have to be out. I would just put her in there, give her her paci and she would be out. I have also nursed in it numerous times- easy! This is great when you have older kids in school or activities and your little baby needs to sleep during one of these activities. As much as I hate for my little one to have naps on the go it happens.
I just used it on my trip to Oklahoma- she nursed in there, slept in there on the plane ride to and from and did wonderfully. It is also compact- fold up and throw in your purse. You can use it in three different positions- cradle, front, and hip. (http://www.petunia.com/questions/). We have actually just started using the front position which also works well (not for sleeping on the go but for carrying)
So, why do I love this one? I have actually used four different sling brands. I have liked them all. But, I honestly like this one the best for a variety of reasons: stretchy and soft fabric (I have not used one that is as stretchy), great pattern(s), comfortable to wear (more comfortable than the other four I have used), reversible, organic fabric.
The Serenity Sling does not have the same stretch, but fits differently making getting baby in and out easy and is just as cute! For more detailed descriptions visit their site: www.petuniapicklebottom.com