Best Baby Strollers

If you are planning on taking a vacation with your kids in tow, travel toys are essential, especially if, like me, you hate the idea of your kids being glued to a TV screen for the whole trip. Whether you are driving in a car or flying in a plane, these travel toys are guaranteed to keep kids busy and parents sane.

Travel Magnadoodle
There is nothing new or fancy about the Travel Magnadoodle; it’s essentially the same travel toy you played with as a kid, only a little more compact. Kids of all ages love to draw pictures on magnadoodles almost as much as they like to erase them. You’ll love not having to keep track of crayons and paper.

Glove Compartment Games by Klutz Guides
If you are traveling with a kid who can talk, point, or listen, then you should bring along a copy of Klutz Guides’ Glove Compartment Games. Older kids will get a huge kick out of silly games, and younger kids will have fun watching mom and dad play with this wonderful, low-tech travel toy.

Monkey Magnets Jungle and Monkey Magnets Vehicles
Monkey magnets are like the color forms you used to play with as a kid only more portable. Each Monkey Magnets set comes with fun templates to follow, or kids can create their own special designs. Monkey Magnets are a great toy for “quiet time,” because most kids get so absorbed with them they don’t even realize they aren’t talking. All the Monkey Magnets come in a metal case that serves as a work surface and storage unit all in one.

Magnetic Travel USA Map Puzzle by Anatex
My cousin swears by this travel toy for older kids. Magnetic Travel USA is a clear map of the United States with channels around the edge of each state. Up to two kids at a time use the included magnetic wands to move small balls through the states from one coast to the other. I love this travel toy because it is educational and lets two kids play together at the same time.

Best Travel Activity Book Ever by Backseat Books
The name really says it all. The Best Travel Activity Book Ever really is the best. Kids from 4-8 will spend hours pouring over this book’s coloring pages, dot-to-dots, mazes, games, and more. The Best Travel Activity Book ever is a classic travel toy that will help your kids forget that the DVD player even exists.

Alex Car Valet
Get your hands on all the travel toys listed here and you’ll need a place to keep them all. The Alex Car Valet is the perfect storage solution for travel toys. The Alex Car Valet fits on the back of most car headrests. Kids can store all their crafts, stickers, snacks, and toys in one place, keeping the car clean. The cover of the Alex Car Valet also serves as a work surface, and when kids are done, the whole thing zips up into a nice little package. This travel toy keeper is a must have.

As the mother of a busy toddler, I know how much moms rely on engaging toys that stimulate their kids (and keep them busy for at least 10 minutes). Over the past two years, I have come up with a list of my son’s favorite toys. If you are looking for a birthday or holiday gift for a 2-4 year old, consider some of these choices.

Fisher-Price Amazing Animals Sing & Go Choo Choo
My son got this for his first Christmas, and he still plays with it all the time. I like this toddler toy because it plays educational songs (and, gasp, they aren’t that annoying!) and encourages creative play. My son likes the Amazing Animals Sing & Go Choo Choo because, well, it’s a train, and that’s about all it takes. My boy loves moving the animals around the different cars and watching the train drive around the living room. This is a toddler toy that will continue to entertain into the school years.

LeapFrog Word Whammer Fridge Phonics
Thanks to this great educational toddler toy, my son knew all his letters before he was two. I like the LeapFrog Word Whammer because it endlessly entertains my son (and his friends of all ages) while teaching him valuable pre-reading skills. My son loves this toddler toy because it has a million parts to play with and sings silly songs. He loves following the Word Whammer’s directions to find letters and spell words.

Radio Flyer Retro Rocket
This was my son’s first ride-on toddler toy, and it’s still his favorite. The Radio Flyer Retro Rocket has fun buttons to push, a secret compartment under the seat, vibration, and lights. My son loves driving his “rock” down the sidewalk and pushing the buttons to make a noise whenever someone walks past him. I love the way this toddler toy looks like a vintage toy my parents might have played with. After two years of use, the only maintenance our Radio Flyer Retro Rocket has needed is new batteries.

Brio Jungle Safari Figure 8 Set
As I mentioned before, my son loves trains, so it’s no surprise that when he goes to visit Nana, all he wants to do is play with the Brio Jungle Safari Figure 8 Set. Brio recommends this product for children ages 3+, but with proper adult supervision, I think this toddler toy is suitable for children as young as 2. The Brio Jungle Safari Set comes with track, train cars, and adorable wooden animal figures. My son will push the train cars around the track for hours at a time, and I’m guilty of playing with this toddler toy too, even when my son wasn’t with me!

Melissa and Doug Cardboard Blocks
My husband loved playing with cardboard blocks when he was a kid, and my son is no different. Melissa and Doug’s cardboard blocks are very sturdy and durable—my son sits on them all the time. I love that my child spends hours in creative play. It’s true the blocks take up a lot of space, but it’s worth it for this must have toddler toy.

Quinny is a Dutch company popular in Europe. Americans are discovering Quinny’s unique style and quality craftsmanship. If you want a stroller that will get attention, Quinny may be a good choice. There are only two models readily available in America. Here is a quick overview of each.

Quinny Buzz Stroller
The Buzz is Quinny’s newest and most chic stroller. Like Bugaboo, Quinny designs strollers that are functional and cool without being juvenile or cutesy. Men will enjoy pushing the 3-wheeled Quinny Buzz because it’s extremely maneuverable and sporty looking. The Quinny Buzz is very light and has a smooth ride thanks to its rear air-filled tires. The Buzz’s seat has two positions, flat recline and upright. For newborns, Quinny offers the optional Dreami carrycot that easily attaches to the Buzz’s Chassis.

Perhaps the most innovative feature of the Quinny Buzz is its ability to automatically unfold. Thanks to a unique “gas spring” mechanism, the Quinny Buzz unfolds with a nudge from your foot. While the Quinny Buzz’s automatic unfold is a neat trick, it’s also problematic. Because the Quinny Buzz is designed to unfold automatically, folding it takes more effort. What’s more, some parents complain that the Quinny Buzz can snap open unexpectedly, painfully trapping their fingers.

In addition to the reversible seat (front or rear facing) and chassis, the Quinny Buzz comes with car seat adaptors (compatible with the Quinny Maxi Cozi car seat), a sunshade, shopping basket, bug net, and rain cover.

Quinny Zapp Stroller
The Quinny Zapp is a light stroller designed especially for traveling or as a second stroller. Most of Quinny’s strollers have three wheels, but the American version of the Quinny Zapp has four, unlike its European counterpart. Extra wheels mean extra stability, but they come at the cost of a more cohesive design. The Quinny Zapp is still nice to look at, and it has Quinny’s trademark smooth ride, despite the lack of air-filled tires. The Quinny Zapp has wide tires that allow it to handle slightly rougher terrain than other light strollers.

What really sets the Quinny Zapp apart from other strollers is its ultra-compact 3D fold. When folded, Quinny claims that the Zapp is the smallest stroller in the world. The Quinny Zapp is light and easy to carry and travel with. Quinny even sells a special adaptor to make it possible to carry the Quinny Zapp on a bicycle.

The only downside to the Quinny Zapp is that it is so small and light it can seem a little flimsy. This stroller isn’t for everyone. If you spend a lot of time on rough road or need a lot of storage, you’ll find the Quinny Zapp lacking. However, if you need an easy stroller to use for short walks or trips to the mall, the Quinny Zapp is a great choice. Quinny includes a rain cover, carry bag, car seat adaptors, sunshade, and shopping basket with the Zapp.

If you need an all-around pushchair that can be used in the city or the country, the Quinny Speedi is the best choice. While not quite as sexy as the Buzz or the Zapp, the Quinny Speedi is still stylish and sporty.

Thanks to 3 air-filled wheels, the Speedi has the smoothest ride of any Quinny and travels well over virtually every surface. The Quinny Speedi also has more storage room than the Buzz or Zapp, and has a seat that is larger and more comfortable for baby.

The Speedi is the largest of the Quinny pushchairs, so it’s not ideal if you have a small boot or limited storage space. The Quinny Speedi comes with rain cover, sunshade, adjustable shopping basket, and car seat adaptors.

If you want a stylish pushchair that is easy to use and beautiful to look at, a Quinny may be a good choice. Quinny is an expensive brand, but they make quality pushchairs that will last for years. Here is a brief overview of Quinny pushchairs available in the UK.

Quinny Buzz Pushchair
Quinny has made the Buzz for city-dwellers who want their baby to travel in style. The Quinny Buzz is the most striking of all the Quinny models, and is a good choice is styling is important to you. Like all Quinnys, the Buzz is light and easy to push, making it maneuverable and well-suited to life in a crowded city.

The most innovative feature of the Quinny Buzz is its ability to automatically unfold. With a simple nudge from your foot, the Quinny Buzz sets up on its own and is ready to use. The only problem with this feature is that the Quinny Buzz can spring open unexpectedly and pinch your fingers.

Quinny includes a sunshade, all weather set, and “Buzz Box,” which is essentially a small shopping basket. The Buzz can also be used with a Quinny Maxi Cosi car seat or the Quinny Dreami carrycot, making it suitable from birth.

Quinny Zapp Pushchair
If you are looking for a second pushchair to keep in the boot or to take on holiday, the Quinny Zapp is a great choice. Quinny has designed the Zapp to be the most compact stroller in the world when collapsed. If you have a small amount of space, the Quinny Zapp will suit you well.

Thanks to wide wheels, the Quinny Zapp can handle bumps and jolts better than most other light strollers, making it a smoother ride for baby. The Zapp comes with a carry case, making it easy to take in the car, carry on a bike, or load on the bus or train. The Quinny Zapp is so small, you can even carry it on to an airplane—anyone who has traveled with a baby knows how nice it is to have a pushchair at hand.

The Quinny Zapp comes with car seat adaptors, sunshade, rain cover, and travel bag.

Quinny is a Dutch brand long popular in Europe and gaining fans in the US. Like their rival Bugaboo, Quinny makes strollers that are minimalist, eye catching, and father friendly. Both companies market to high-end consumers; that’s why you see so many movie stars, politicians, and social elite pushing Bugaboos and Quinnys. If you simply must have the stroller of the stars, you’ll want to consider the Bugaboo Gecko or the Quinny Buzz. This side by side comparison should help you decide.

Design
Let’s face it, design is the real reason you are considering buying a Quinny Buzz or a Bugaboo Gecko. You could find plenty of strollers with similar features for a lot less money, but none of them would look as cool as a Gecko or a Buzz.

Cosmetically, both strollers are nice to look at. The Bugaboo Gecko is older by a few years, and it shows in its slightly boxier design. The Quinny Buzz has a shallower seat that looks a little more modern, but the Gecko’s seat looks more comfortable. The handle on both strollers looks about the same. The real difference between the Buzz and the Gecko is in their chassis. Based solely on looks, the Quinny Buzz has a sleeker chassis with a sporty three-wheel design. However, the Bugaboo Gecko’s four-wheeled chassis is more versatile and can be used in more places. Both the Quinny Buzz and the Bugaboo Gecko feature larger, air-filled rear wheels that give a smooth, effortless ride.

Both the Bugaboo Gecko and the Quinny Buzz come with pointless storage systems that are too small to be practical even if they do look cool.

Function
If you are going to use your stroller primarily in the city, both the Bugaboo Gecko and Quinny Buzz will perform beyond your expectations. The Quinny Buzz is smaller and features a compact fold that opens by itself with a little nudge from you. The Buzz’s narrower wheelbase comes in handy when using public transportation or navigating crowded streets and shops.

If you plan to take your baby off the beaten path, the Bugaboo Gecko is a much better choice. The Buzz doesn’t handle snow, sand, or rough road well. The Bugaboo Gecko by comparison can go virtually anywhere thanks to the chassis’ ability to transform into an all-terrain vehicle.

Value
Both the Bugaboo Gecko and the Quinny Buzz are expensive. The base model of the Bugaboo Gecko comes with chassis, stroller seat, bassinette, weather covers, and a 2-year warranty for about $680. The Quinny Buzz comes with weather covers, car seat adaptors, and a sunshade for around $500. The purchase of the Quinny Dreami bassinette brings the cost up to $690, making both the Quinny Buzz and the Bugaboo Gecko equal in cost.

Are you looking for a unique European stroller that isn’t just another Bugaboo? The Quinny Speedi SX stroller is a great choice. Quinny, a leading manufacturer of baby products in Europe, makes stylish strollers that turn heads everywhere they go. Currently only two Quinny models are readily available in the US: the Quinny Buzz and the Quinny Zapp. Both of these strollers are cool looking, but neither one is Quinny’s best model. Available only in Europe, the Quinny Speedi SX stroller, introduced in 2006, is the only Quinny worth the money you’ll pay for it.

Quinny has taken an interesting tack with its American line. While all the European Quinnys are 3-wheeled, the American version of the Quinny Zapp has four wheels. No doubt Quinny made this decision to address the concerns of parents who found their Quinny strollers to be precariously tippy. Yet, the design of Quinny’s stroller frames really lends itself to three wheels, and it’s sad to see the Quinny’s sleek profile be ruined because of faulty engineering. The Quinny Speedi SX manages to accommodate slick design and stability by using a wider wheel base and lower center of gravity than the other Quinny models. The Quinny Speedi SX has all the hip looks of the Quinny brand without any of its instability. Why spend all that money on a Quinny if it doesn’t look like one?

The Quinny Speedi SX is larger than other Quinny models, but I find this negligible for most US customers. Unlike Europeans who are more likely to be dealing with narrow streets, public transportation, and tiny car trunks, most Americans who can afford a Quinny will have ample room for its larger size. If you live in New York or Chicago, you might do better with a Quinny Buzz, but for the suburbanites, the Quinny Speedi SX is a much smarter choice. Unlike the Buzz and the Zapp, the Quinny Speedi SX has ample storage and can handle just about any terrain you care to push it over. With three air-filled tires, the Quinny Speedi SX is even light and maneuverable enough to use for brisk walks or jogs through the park.

Personally, I want a stroller that can serve me all the time. Quinnys smaller strollers are really meant to be used for travel or as a second stroller. Who wants to pay hundreds of dollars for a second stroller? The Quinny Speedi SX is light enough to take on trips and use when running errands but rugged enough to handle long walks over uneven terrain. It may take some extra effort to get your hands on one, but if you must have a Quinny, the Speedi SX is the way to go.

If you have your heart set on a Quinny pushchair, the Speedi SX may be your best choice. All Quinny models are fashionable and sleek as well as easy to push and maneuver, but the Quinny Speedi rises above the Buzz and the Zapp with some thoughtful features the smaller pushchairs lack.

Quinny makes 3-wheeled pushchairs. This design has plusses and minuses. On the positive side, Quinny’s compact 3-wheeled pushchairs are very light and easy to maneuver. Parents are always happy with Quinny’s performance in this area. However, Quinny’s smaller pushchairs, the Zapp and the Buzz, are so light that they tend to be unstable and tip easily. The Zapp and Buzz also have a small plastic swivel wheel in front that doesn’t handle rough terrain well. Quinny has addressed this problem with the Quinny Speedi SX pushchair. The Speedi SX has three air-filled pneumatic wheels that handle bumps, kerbs, and rough road extremely well. Because the Quinny Speedi SX’s wheel base is slightly larger than the Buzz and Zapp, the Speedi SX doesn’t tip easily and is much more stable, even in snow or sand.

Another complaint about the Quinny Buzz and Zapp is that they don’t have enough storage. The Quinny Speedi SX comes with an adjustable shopping basket that can hold everything you need for a day out and about. Even a very small amount of weight hung from the handles of the smaller Quinnys would cause them to tip backwards. The Quinny Speedi SX is longer and more stable than the Buzz or Zapp, so you can hang shopping or a nappy bag from the handle without worrying about it tipping over.

Quinny admits that the Buzz and the Zapp are designed for light use. Neither pushchair is meant to be an all in one transport solution. The Quinny Zapp doesn’t even recline, and the Buzz is too small for most toddlers. The Speedi SX, on the other hand, really does work in nearly all situations. Unlike the Zapp and Buzz, the Speedi SX can handle all sorts of terrain whether its cruising city streets or strolling through the woods. The Speedi is comfortable for kids and parents alike with a spacious seat and an adjustable handlebar. The Quinny Speedi SX comes with both foot and hand brakes, making it ideal for walking on hills and over rough pavement.

The Quinny Speedi SX pushchair does have some drawbacks. Like the Zapp, the Speedi doesn’t recline, although the seat is tilted back slightly (which older kids may not like). The Quinny Speedi SX is also a little larger than other Quinny models when folded, but in my mind the benefits of a slightly larger pushchair outweigh the loss of some space in the boot.

The Quinny Speedi SX in only average in value. A complete travel system with pushchair, carrycot, and car seat will cost about £480. That’s a lot of money, but the Quinny Speedi SX will last for years and perform through multiple children. All in all, the Speedi SX really is Quinny’s best pushchair, even if it isn’t their most stylish or innovative.

Quinny, a European manufacturer of baby products, is gaining popularity in the US market with its stylish, modern strollers and baby carriers. Moms (and especially dads) who are tired of babyish strollers with cartoon character fabric and clunky styling will appreciate the Quinny Zapp, a lightweight travel stroller with a modern esthetic.

Quinny has managed to make a stroller that looks sporty and chic. The Zapp is truly a unisex baby stroller. Dads love the Quinny Zapp’s minimalist, curvy brushed aluminum frame and vivid, eye-catching colors. Despite being a compact stroller, the Quinny Zapp has ergonomic handles that are comfortable for even tall men to use. The Quinny Zapp features a solid colored seat in aqua, orange, bright pink, and lime. A black version of the Quinny Zapp stroller is also available but hard to come by. The black version of the Zapp can cost up to $50 more than the other colors.

Quinny didn’t sacrifice function for form with the Zapp stroller—something that happens far too often in the trendy, stroller-of-the-minute market. The Quinny Zapp is the most compact stroller on the planet (or so Quinny claims), making it perfect for travel or keeping in the trunk for running light errands or cruising the mall. When folded down, the Quinny is remarkable 12” x 27”! That makes the Quinny Zapp small enough to fit in the leg room beneath your baby’s car seat or carry on a plane. The Quinny Zapp comes with a carrying bag to protect the stroller during travel.

Parents who use the Quinny Zapp rave about how easy it is to push and maneuver. Tales of weaving effortlessly through crowded shops abound. One mother said the Quinny Zapp is to easy to use, she can push the stroller with one finger over flat surfaces. Unlike most other light strollers, the Quinny Zapp has wide 2” wheels that allow it to travel over moderately rough road—but certainly not as well as a larger stroller would. Folding and unfolding the Quinny Zapp is pretty easy once you get the hang of it, but be prepared to use both hands rather than one as you would with a Graco model.

The Quinny Zapp featured on the American market is slightly different than the model found in the UK. The American Zapp has four wheels instead of three like all the UK models. More wheels mean more stability, and Quinny seems to have responded to complaints that its three-wheeled strollers were too unstable and prone to tipping, especially if bags were hung from the handle.. The American version of the Zapp also features an under-seat storage basket, a feature the UK parents sorely missed. The UK version also lacked adjustable shoulder straps. Some British parents complained that the Quinny Zapp’s straps were far too small for their older kids. Quinny has addressed this problem in the American model by including adjustable straps. Neither model features a reclining seat, something that many parents are upset with. Quinny had to sacrifice a reclining seat for the Zapp stroller in order to make it fold so compactly. While some bemoan this fact, it shouldn’t really be a problem if you are using the Quinny Zapp as it is intended: as a travel or second stroller. Babies can sleep in the Zapp if parents use it as a travel system with the Quinny Maxi Cosi car seat.

If you are looking for a lightweight, super compact stroller that is high on style and daddy friendly, the Quinny Zapp may be just right.

Quinny has addressed the needs of parents who travel a lot with the Quinny Zapp—a stylish lightweight pushchair that Quinny claims is the most compact pushchair in the world when folded. Whether or not Quinny is right isn’t as important as what parents say: the Quinny Zapp is a fabulous pushchair for going on holiday with baby.

The Quinny Zapp pushchair is, like most Quinny models, three wheeled. The front swivel wheel makes the Quinny maneuverable and easy to steer. Parents across the board say that the Quinny Zapp pushchair is a dream to walk with and can even be pushed with one finger on a flat, level surface. The Quinny Zapp’s rear wheels are much wider than most lightweight strollers, allowing the Zapp to ride over moderately rough surfaces like bluestone and pea gravel. The Quinny Zapp comes with a pushchair carry bag that makes it easy to pack the Zapp for the boot, plane, or train. Quinny even makes a bicycle attachment that allows you to carry the Zapp pushchair when cycling.

Quinny is known for their stylish pushchairs, and the Zapp is no exception. If you want a pushchair that will turn heads, the Quinny Zapp is an excellent choice. The Zapp almost looks futuristic with its bowed out, pod-like frame. Quinny makes the Zapp in an array of beautiful eye-catching colors along with some more neutral favorites for the understated mum. The Zapp is also easy to collapse and store. Although some parents found the Quinny Zapp pushchair hard to work with, most sang the praises of the Zapp’s easy folding and unfolding. The Quinny Zapp’s handles and breaks were also rated as comfortable and easy to use.

The Quinny Zapp is not ideal for all parents. Quinny designed the Zapp as travel and light use stroller rather than an all around performer. Do not purchase the Quinny Zapp as your only pushchair as it lacks some of the most basic amenities. Quinny made a major oversight by not including a reclining seat in the Zapp. Many parents complain about their children being unable to sleep in the Quinny Zapp pushchair (but if your baby is like mine the lack of recline doesn’t matter as he won’t sleep in a pushchair anyway). The Quinny Zapp also lacks any storage at all—not so much as a cup holder or small bag. Hanging anything other than the lightest of bags from the Zapp’s handle will cause it to tip dangerously backwards. Optional bags are available, but they are expensive and don’t perform to most parents’ standards.

Another drawback to the Quinny Zapp is the quality of its accessories. Many parents complained that the sunshade doesn’t stay on very well, and nearly everyone mentioned that the rain cover included with the Quinny Zapp pushchair was so flimsy that the slightest gust of wind would send it crashing down on the baby. Some parents found the very lightness of the Quinny Zapp disconcerting as the pushchair felt flimsy and insubstantial.

Overall, the parents who rated the Quinny Zapp the highest were the ones who were using the pushchair the way it was designed to be used: for travel and running errands round the shops. If you are looking for a pushchair to take on holiday or to keep in the boot, a Quinny Zapp may be a good choice. Otherwise, look for a pushchair with more features.