Britax “Blink” Stroller Recall

March 1, 2010

Britax has issued a voluntary recall of their new Blink umbrella stroller.  Prompted by the recent rash of recalls and Blink’s similar hinge folding mechansim, Britax did not want to risk injury to little fingers and pre-emptively recalled the Blink BEFORE any incidents occurred. 

As you know, the Blink is our current Stroller Source giveaway, so I went to Britax’s website to obtain a free remedy kit.  If you own a Blink, please follow these steps:

  • Stop using your Blink immediately
  • Flip your Blink upside-down and locate a sticker on the frame just under the storage basket.  Write down the Model Number, Batch Number, and Manufacture date.  You will need this information to complete your recall registration.
  • Go to www.blinkrecall.com to register your stroller for recall.  The remedy kit will be sent to you.  If you have any further questions regarding this recall, you can call the Britax Information Line at (888) 427-4829.

I am currently awaiting my remedy kit for our Blink giveaway stroller!  I’ll let you know how quickly I receive it, and if the installation is simple… more soon!

Check it out: Sweet Peas & Stilettos

February 17, 2010

Alright, I have a new favorite website: www.sweetpeasandstilettos.com.  Besides being a FANTASTIC mommy resource for everything from baby gear to makeup & fashion, the site is super user-friendly and adorable!  But the best part of the site, in my opinion, is the “Sole Searching” section- it’s the author’s own witty walk down memory lane via her shoes.  Each pairof shoes has a story that will make you laugh out loud, and contemplate your own closet :-)

Stroller Source In-Depth Review: Britax “Blink” Umbrella Stroller

January 24, 2010

As a personal fan and owner of Britax products, I am thrilled for the opportunity to review their new Blink umbrella stroller.  With a retail price of $149.99 and lots of great features, the Blink is a fantastic option for parents who want a moderately-priced, high-quality stroller.  In light of Maclaren’s recent recall of their uber-popular umbrella strollers, many of us are looking to other brands for options, and I believe the Blink is an excellent choice. 

** Important Note: the Stroller Source Ratings are based on a 5-point scale as it relates to other strollers in its own category.  In other words, an umbrella stroller with small wheels will never compare to the super smooth ride of a jogger with large pneumatic wheels.  Our ratings compare the reviewed stroller to comparable strollers of its kind.

Ease of Assembly (1 = Hard, 5 = Very Easy)

Stroller Source Rating = 5

Assembly of the Blink could not have been easier.  Just snap on the front wheels and the canopy, and I was ready to roll!

Quality (1 = Poor, 5 = Excellent)

Stroller Source Rating = 5

The Blink lives up to Britax’s reputation for excellent quality.  The frame is lightweight yet sturdy & solid, the fabric is durable & easy to clean yet soft & comfortable, and the mechanics of the stroller (fold & unfold, adjustable leg rest, suspension system) are smooth and easy to use.  I am impressed!

Size (1 = Bulky, 5 = Compact)

Stroller Source Rating = 5

Compared to other moderately-priced umbrella strollers, the Blink is mostly the same size or about 1” smaller in some areas, which is great when you want compact!  But it’s definitely not small- both my 1 yr old and my 2 ½ yr old had plenty of space to ride comfortably.  It’s great for stashing in the car or in the corner of your home!

Weight (1 = Heavy, 5 = Lightweight)

Stroller Source Rating = 3.5

At 16 lbs, the Blink is not the lightest weight umbrella stroller out there (some are as light at 11 lbs).  But although it is heavier, 16 lbs is certainly manageable and the Blink feels sturdy and substantial.

Storage (1 = Limited, 5 = Lots of storage)

Stroller Source Rating = 4

The Blink has a pretty standard mesh cargo basket which is easily accessible from the back and sides.  There is also a nice zippered pocket on the back of the canopy for Mom’s keys, phone and cash.  I personally like a parent cup holder option, so I missed that.

Value (1 = Poor Value, 5 = Excellent Value)

Stroller Source Rating = 5

For a moderate price point of $149.99, and a lot of higher-end features like all-wheel suspension, a huge canopy, adjustable leg rest and beautiful fabrics, I think the Blink is well worth the cost.

Ease of folding/unfolding (1 = Difficult, 5 = Very Easy)

Stroller Source Rating = 4

The actual acts of folding and unfolding the Blink are easy.  With a simple tug on the carry strap (which unlocks the frame) and a step on a side lever, the stroller folds downward and locks automatically.  Conversely, to unfold the stroller, you simply release the lock with your hand, unfold the stroller and lock the frame into place by stepping on a back lever, and you are good to go.  However- I did have one issue: the Blink is unable to fold when the brakes are engaged.  I personally like to lock the wheels on my umbrella stroller when it’s folded, which allows me to lean it up against a wall for storage in my garage.  Unlocked wheels will of course roll, so the stroller has to lie on the ground, which takes up more floor space and also means it can get dirty on the garage floor (in my case).    

Ride (1 = Bumpy, 5 = Smooth)

Stroller Source Rating = 5

The Blink handles everyday terrain exceptionally well for an umbrella stroller.  In addition to all-wheel suspension, the Blink has extra-wide (1.5”) EVA foam wheels, which will handle those small bumps with ease and comfort.

Maneuverability/Steering (1 = Difficult, 5 = Very Easy)

Stroller Source Rating = 5

Whether we walked our urban neighborhood or ran some quick errands, the Blink was super simple to maneuver and steer.

Stylish (1 = Unattractive, 5 = Very Attractive)

Stroller Source Rating = 5

I am a person who usually buys my strollers in basic black so I was a little apprehensive about the “Cowmooflage” fashion that was sent to me, but I really, really like it!  It adds just the right amount of character and whimsy to my basic taste.  The Blink is available in 5 total fashions, each of which would appeal to any number of tastes.

Comfort (1 = Uncomfortable/Cramped, 5 = Very Comfortable)

Stroller Source Rating = 5

With soft fabric, supple padding and plenty of space, both my 2 ½ year old and my 1 year old were very comfortable riding in the Blink.  The adjustable leg rest was something new for us, and I must admit it was great for the shorter, chubbier legs of my littler one. 

Accessories and Options (1 = Lack of Accessories, 5 = Lots of Accessory Options)

Stroller Source Rating = 4.5

Umbrella strollers are usually a bit limited in the accessory department in order to keep the stroller compact & lightweight, so it is not unusual for accessories to be minimal.  The accessories the Blink does include are great- the canopy is extra large, and the included carry bag is durable and convenient.  The only accessory I really missed was a cup holder- I need a spot for my water!

OVERALL STROLLER SOURCE RATING = 4.67

Top Pros:  Great value, Excellent ride & maneuverability, Excellent quality, Ease of folding & unfolding, Great fabrics and fashion options

Top Cons:  Slightly heavier, No wheel brakes in the folded position, No parent cup holder

Now it’s your chance to win this excellent stroller!  To enter, simply complete our quick and easy stroller survey.

Graco Stroller Recall

January 20, 2010

Prompted by 7 reports of laceration and amputation of childrens’ fingertips, today Graco Baby Products voluntarily recalled all of their Passage, Alano and Spree model strollers produced from October 2004 thru February 2008.  That’s approximately 1.5 million strollers, which were sold at major retailers such as Babies R Us, Target, WalMart, Sears and Kmart.  The culprit is the hinge mechanism on the canopy which allow it to open and close.

If you own one of these strollers, stop using it immediately and contact Graco for a free canopy hinge cover.  You can order the hinge covers online by clicking here: http://pages02.net/newellrubbermaid/gracobaby/canopy1, or by calling (800) 345-4109.

Stay tuned for further developments!

Stroller Donation

January 18, 2010

In the spirit of a post-holiday clean & purge, I was finally ready to say ‘good-bye’ to a couple of strollers I hadn’t used in a while.  Sure, they were in pretty good condition and I could probably sell them on Craig’s List, but I liked the idea of donating them.  So I contacted a local (Chicago)shelter for women & children called Greenhouse.     It couldn’t have been an easier, more feel-good experience!  Everyone was so warm and appreciative, and I was so happy to have helped.  If you live in Chicago and want to donate your used stroller(s) to Greenhouse I would be happy to pass along the information.  If you are not in Chicago, I urge you to locate your local shelter for women & children, and please tell us about it!  You may have a neighbor who would like to make a donation as well :-)

Stroller Source In-Depth Review: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited g-edition stroller

November 12, 2009

For our very first Stroller Source In-Depth Review, I am thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to test-drive the Jeep Wrangler Limited g-edition stroller.  An important note about this stroller, and why I was so thrilled to use it, is that it is environmentally responsible- it uses PET fabric that utilizes water bottles recycled from 100% post-consumer waste.  As the resident “recycle nazi” of my household, I loved the g-edition stroller just for this!  But it has lots of other great features too- read on to learn more! 

** Important Note: the Stroller Source Ratings are based on a 5-point scale as it relates to other strollers in its own category.  In other words, an umbrella stroller with small wheels will never compare to the super smooth ride of a jogger with large pneumatic wheels.  Our ratings compare the reviewed stroller to comparable strollers of its kind.

Ease of Assembly (1 = Hard, 5 = Very Easy)

Stroller Source Rating = 5

The Jeep Wrangler g-edition was simple to put together.  In addition to attaching the wheels; the canopy, parent cup holder, and side cargo bags had to be attached and it couldn’t have been easier.  The owner’s manual was clear and easy to understand.

Quality (1 = Poor, 5 = Excellent)

Stroller Source Rating =  5

I felt the quality of the g-edition to be excellent!  The frame is very sturdy and substantial for an umbrella stroller, the fabric is durable and easy to clean, and the overall design and features were well thought-out and helpful to both the caregiver and child.

Size (1 = Bulky, 5 = Compact)

Stroller Source Rating = 4             

The g-edition folds up very compactly and fits easily into the back of my small SUV, and it even fits nicely into the front passenger seat of my car when the back was occupied (by our dog, Charlie!).  The frame is a little bit bulkier than other umbrella strollers, and as a result the g-edition feels a bit more substantial than other umbrella strollers out there.

Weight (1 = Heavy, 5 = Lightweight)

Stroller Source Rating = 4

Weighing in at 15.5 pounds, the g-edition is average weight for an umbrella stroller, and it is great for quick trips, public transportation and air travel.  For me, it was great to stash in my car for use on day trips to the museum and also for running quick errands around our neighborhood.

Storage (1 = Limited, 5 = Lots of storage)

Stroller Source Rating = 5

When it comes to storage, the g-edition goes above and beyond the standard cargo basket!  It has a pocket on the exterior of the canopy (super convenient for mom) two detachable cargo pockets that hang on either side of the stroller, and one mesh pocket on each side of the seat interior.  When my 2 year-old son first saw this stroller, he started filling all the pockets with his trains and trucks!  One note about the cargo basket: there are cross bars at the bottom of the basket space which may be slightly prohibitive… but I think the multiple additional storage options more than make up for it.

Value (1 = Poor Value, 5 = Excellent Value)

Stroller Source Rating = 5

With an MSRP of $139.99, I think the g-edition is an excellent value for the money.  In addition to being great quality, it has plenty of added features & accessories for convenience.  Other umbrella strollers with comparable features cost $30-50 more.  Last, the g-edition has a weight capacity of 50 lbs, which is 10 lbs more then most other umbrella strollers, so you can use it for a longer amount of time with an older child.

Ease of folding/unfolding (1 = Difficult, 5 = Very Easy)

Stroller Source Rating = 4

The g-edition has a 3-step fold; first you pull a little tab with your foot to unlock the frame, then you collapse it down, and finally you manually lock it closed with a built-in clip.  To open, you simply undo the clip, unfold the stroller, and lock the frame in place by stepping down on the folding bar in the back of the stroller.  There is nothing complicated or difficult about folding or unfolding the g-edition, but there are other models that are slightly less involved.

Ride (1 = Bumpy, 5 = Smooth)

Stroller Source Rating = 4

For an umbrella stroller with smaller sized, EVA foam wheels, the g-edition stroller rides nicely.  The suspension in the front and rear wheels was helpful for absorbing the little bumps and cracks I encountered in urban sidewalks. 

Maneuverability/Steering (1 = Difficult, 5 = Very Easy)

Stroller Source Rating = 3.5

Overall, the g-edition maneuvered nicely.  The only time I encountered any difficulty was when I tried pushing the stroller with one hand, because I had to hold my older child’s hand to cross the street.  Also, my husband, who is 6’0 tall, sometimes kicked the back of the stroller when he pushed it.

Stylish (1 = Unattractive, 5 = Very Attractive)

Stroller Source Rating = 4

I will admit: I am one of those people who always buys a stroller in basic black, so I was a little skeptical about pushing around a lime green stroller!  But my 2 year-old son loved it as soon as it came out of the box (his favorite color is- can you guess?  GREEN) and soon I liked it too.  Note: the g-edition is available in green only.  I could personally do with smaller/less logos, but overall it is a nice-looking stroller, and who knows- the next stroller I buy may be green!

Comfort (1 = Uncomfortable/Cramped, 5 = Very Comfortable)

Stroller Source Rating = 4

My 2 year-old and my 10 month-old both found the g-edition to be comfortable.  The seat was plenty wide, deep and tall for each of them.  One super cool feature is that the fabric interior of the seat rolls up to expose a mesh backing, which is great for keeping your little one cool on those hot days!

Accessories and Options (1 = Lack of Accessories, 5 = Lots of Accessory Options)

Stroller Source Rating = 5

Umbrella strollers are usually a bit limited in the accessory department in order to keep the stroller compact & lightweight, but the g-edition offered pretty much everything you could hope for in an umbrella stroller.  In addition to the crazy amount of storage pockets & basket, the g-edition includes a removable parent cup holder and a nylon travel bag for your stroller.  Last, the g-edition has a great, extra-large canopy.

OVERALL STROLLER SOURCE RATING = 4.375

Top Pros: Great value, environmentally-friendly produced, tons of storage, higher weight capacity for longer use, large canopy, great included accessories (parent cup holder, travel bag)

Top Cons: Slightly bulky for an umbrella stroller, one color option, taller parents may kick the back of the stroller while pushing

Now it’s your chance to win this excellent stroller!  To enter, simply complete our quick and easy stroller survey.

Maclaren Stroller Recall

November 9, 2009

On Tuesday, November 10, 2009, Maclaren is voluntarily recalling all strollers produced within the last 10 years- that’s over 1 million strollers produced between 1999 and 2009.  The recall was sparked by 12 reports of childrens’ fingers getting caught and seriously injured in the side hinge of the folding mechanism. 

If you own a Maclaren stroller produced within the last 10 years:

  • Stop using your stroller immediately
  • When the recall becomes official on Tuesday 11/10/09, order a hinge cover from Maclaren’s website or phone line (specific link and phone number to be announced)
  • Do not use your stroller until the hinge cover is installed

More info to come… stay tuned!

Hooray for Maclaren, our newest Stroller Source partner!

October 24, 2009

I am so thrilled to welcome Maclaren as one of our many GREAT stroller brands featured on Stroller Source!  As many of you know, Maclaren is known for their durable, safe and lightweight umbrella strollers.  They are currently busy gathering information on their strollers to make your browsing experience with Stroller Source an easy one, so please check back soon for all the specs, features and details on all Maclaren strollers!

Congrats to Lori Z, the winner of our very first Stroller Source giveaway!

October 23, 2009

One giveaway down, LOTS more to come… 

Lori Z. was randomly selected from our many fantastic stroller reviewees as the winner of the Mutsy 4Rider stroller!  Better yet, her current stroller is on-the-outs so this couldn’t come at a better time for her- yay :-)   Congratulations, Lori!

Next up: the fabulous and eco-friendly Jeep Wrangler G-Edition umbrella stroller.  I’ve been using it myself for 2 weeks and it rocks!  Check back soon for my in-depth review of the G-Edition, and details on how you can win one for yourself!

We’re finally live and fully functional, baby!!

October 16, 2009

Sorry for the HUGE lapse in posts!  I’ve been super busy working to get our Stroller Search and Stroller Compare tools ready to go, and I’m proud to say we’re finally up and running (whew!!)   So please- give it your best shot!  Put it to the test, and if you encounter any problems or you have ideas for improvement, I would love to hear your ideas.

Next up and coming soon: an in-depth review of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited G Edition stroller by none other than…ME!  Until then, check out the stroller at http://www.stroller-source.com/default/strollerDetail.aspx?sId=227&b=0,17


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