Pimp My Ride - Phil & Ted's Sport

When we were cruising around a while ago in our Phil & Ted's Sport, I was thinking about how we ended up with the  mix of storage/sun/trouble-shooting solutions that we have.  Most of them aren't made by Phil & Ted (sorry guys).  Here is a quick rundown of how we pimped out the Phil & Ted's Sport (not out of vanity, but out of necessity):

Console
We started with the Phil & Ted's "Hang Bag" console and quickly returned it.  The three pockets - in order - are: bottle, larger unstructured zippered pocket, bottle.  Both of the bottle pockets are open on the bottom which is great for bottles or sippy cups, but no help if you want to drop - say - your house keys or your phone in there (if you do, they will bean the child in seat #2).  We found the center zippered pocket to be too large, too deep, too dark and generally too easy to lose things in.

Out of necessity we strapped on our Baby Jogger City Mini Console and found that it fit perfectly.  It has three structured pockets - in order - are: mesh cup/bottle holder, square flip top "cooler" pocket, and another cube shaped compartment.  The mesh cup holder mesh on the sides and solid on the bottom so it is great for an iced coffee or your keys or loose change (or all of the above).  The two square pockets are solid, structured cube shapes and are great for Blackberry/phone, mittens, bows, toy trucks, etc.  I use one of them for a pump bottle of hand sanitizer, a travel pack of tissue and a lip gloss.


Supplemental Storage
There are no seat back pockets so where to put your wallet?  Due to the placement of the second seat (and tipping issues) you can't attach a diaper bag to the Phil & Ted's Sport.  I've seen a few creative parents figure out how to attach one to the side of the stroller frame, but it is very difficult to attach/detach.  Phil & Ted's came out with the Mini Diddy (tot-sized mesenger bag that attaches to the back of either seat), but it doesn't hang flush to the back of the seats so doesn't work well for practical day to day walking around.  It basically bangs you in the shins the whole time.

The Phil & Ted's Pannier Bags give a little bit less than a grocery bag's worth of storage.  It is unstructured so it tends to look floppy when it isn't full of nice, lightweight square things (like maybe kleenex boxes), but with one on each side it can add a lot of storage.  All that extra storage comes at a small price.  If you put one on each side it becomes very difficult to reach into the main basket from the side anymore.  The straps for the bag clips are also a bit long and can drag on the ground.  We choose not to do them because the storage was too unstructured and they gave the stroller a much wider profile and a sloppier look.


Instead we chose to go with a pair (sometimes a trio) of Skip*Hop Saddle Bags.  One on each side and one on the bar taht runs along the top of the 2nd seat.  The small size of the Skip*Hop Saddle Bag means it doesn't hold a ton , but it gives you a great place for your wallet, wipes and a few diapers (it can even hold a Potette + diaper).

Rain Cover

So we bought the Phil & Ted's double rain cover.  Its bulky (350 cubic inches tightly rolled), but it fits pretty well.  Just make sure to put the second seat upright (non-reclined).

Sun Shades
If you've met me driving my P&T in the summer you've probably heard me gripe about the TERRIBLE sunshade on the P&T Sport.  Really - they're a joke.  If the sun was shining down on you from directly above, it would provide shade for Tot #1's head (but not her shoulders, arms, body or legs).  Since the second seat is tucked behind and underneath the first seat, Tot #2's legs are always shaded (but not necessarily his head, shoulders, arms, etc).  You get my picture.  The "sunshade" looks kind of like a sunshade, but it does not actually provide any shade from the sun.

I love the Protect a Bub Compact Sunshade and the Protect a Bub Tandem Sunshade (shown) which provide great sun coverage (UPF 50+) and store very compactly (included 8"x8" drawstring bag).  They attach to the stroller with a set of fabric ties and can easily be pulled back/tucked up to take kids in or out of the stroller without having to fully remove the sunshade.  They are also cross-compatible with a lot of other strollers so it is something you can hand down to friends, siblings, etc. after you're done with strollers.



Winterizing
For the babe we started out with the Phil&Ted's Cocoon, but quickly returned it.   It was very, very snug fit in the 2-child infant mode and was difficult to get in/out of the reclined main seat.  If you live in a cold climate and need bundlers, the toddler size JJ Cole Urban BundleMe is a good option with a little compromising.  For the main seat, skip the elastic band and pull the top pocket over the top of the seat (you may need to undo the two clips at the top of the seat under the canopy).  The child shoulder straps should hold the rest in place.  For the second seat, pull the elastic band all the way around the seat frame and pull the top pocket over the top of the fabric portion of the seat (below the bar).  If you are using this in infant mode (second seat mounted on top, main seat fully reclined),  you can use the second bundler in the full reclined main seat.  Just make sure to tuck the top portion of the bundler away from the baby's face.

Potty Seat

If you have a toddler you probably will need a potty seat.   And it just so happens that my favorite potty The Pottette Plus seat fits pretty well in the Skip*Hop Saddle Bag which can be strapped on the side of the stroller frame. 

Groceries/Bags

For a light grocery shopping trip, bulky/heavy items are best stuffed in the basket under the stroller (if you have room), but you can hang a couple bags of lighter items off a pair of MommyHooks on either side of the handlebar.   The MommyHook is one of my favorite inventions.  Between all of our strollers, I think I own about six of these.  Two have already been worn to death and had to be replaced.  Make sure to balance your load equally between hooks, checking that the bag don't swing near child #2's head, and make sure you install the clip opening facing out for easy access.  

Quick Favs - Outdoor Play Blankets

So spring is in the air and the park is starting to look inviting!  We searched high and low for the best outdoor play blanket and among our mommy friends the JJ Cole Essentials Blanket is our hands-down favorite.

It weighs less than 5 pounds and unfolds into a generous 5' x 5' square.  The exterior is waterproof and both sides easily wipe clean with a washcloth (or Clorox wipe).  It also folds easily back into shape and the attached velcro flap seals it into a 15" x 10" 5" rectangle.  It fits in the bins of most strollers and the detachable shoulder strap makes it just as easy to throw across your shoulder.

Plus is comes in a bunch of fun colors and patterns!

The disposable Neat Sheet is a close second since it easily fits in the washer and for under $10 if it gets really disgusting you don't feel too bad about throwing it away.

CPSC - Sling Safety Warning

Here is the CPSC warning that just came out regarding safe practices with sling style carriers:

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs 

Washington, DC 20207 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 12, 2010

Release #10-165  

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Infant Deaths Prompt CPSC Warning About Sling Carriers for Babies

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months of age. In researching incident reports from the past 20 years, CPSC identified and is investigating at least 14 deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers, including three in 2009. Twelve of the deaths involved babies younger than four months of age.

Slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies. In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles. The sling's fabric can press against an infant's nose and mouth, blocking the baby's breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two. Additionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate. 

Many of the babies who died in slings were either a low birth weight twin, were born prematurely, or had breathing issues such as a cold. Therefore, CPSC urges parents of preemies, twins, babies in fragile health and those with low weight to use extra care and consult their pediatricians about using slings.

Two months ago, the Commission added slings to the list of durable infant products that require a mandatory standard. Additionally, CPSC staff is actively investigating these products to determine what additional action may be appropriate. Until a mandatory standard is developed, CPSC is working with ASTM International to quickly complete an effective voluntary standard for infant sling carriers.

CPSC recommends that parents and caregivers make sure the infant's face is not covered and is visible at all times to the sling's wearer. If nursing the baby in a sling, change the baby's position after feeding so the baby's head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother's body. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about frequently checking their baby in a sling.

CPSC is interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are directly related to infant slings. You can do this by visiting www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772.

CPSC - Sling Safety

I'm a fan of baby carriers in general, but buzz on the mommy/baby wire is that CPSC is about to issue a warning regarding the safety of carrying infants in sling style carriers.

Sheri at Magic Beans just did a helpful post on the upcoming CPSC warning on the safety of sling carriers and infants on Spilling the Beans.  Also, check out this helpful site on determining the safety of your sling/carrier.

Quick Favs - Bathtub

Someone recently asked me about bathtubs - which is another funny, random thing like diaper pails that I have very strong feelings about. I love, love, love the First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn-to-Toddler Tub.   We had one or two other infant tubs before we found this one and it is by far the easiest to use.


It has adaptors molded into the bottom so it fits into the kitchen sink which is one of the easiest places for an adult to bathe a baby until they are about 9m old.  The drain plug doubles as a temperature check.  The detachable sling is perfect for newborns - especially for sponge baths before their little belly button stump falls off.  It has two positions for older babies – a reclined position for babies who can’t sit up yet and a sitting position for slightly older infants and small toddlers.  It is also $18 which is hard to beat.

Sorry for the delay...

Sorry for the delay everyone, but even Gear Mommy needs a vacation.  A week at Carlisle Bay in Antigua hit the spot perfectly.  I'll do a full post soon, but Carlisle Bay ranks as one of the very best family luxury resorts I've ever been to.  Unlike most resorts that are "kid tolerant," Carlise Bay really goes out of their way to be kid (and family) friendly.  Amazing.

Quick Favs - First Choice Monitor

Baby monitors.  Here is another one of those things where used some bare bones ones and some fancy-schmacy ones, but the best one we've found is somewhere in the middle.  Off the top of my head between our house, both sets of grandparents' houses and various hotels, we've used at least 7 different baby monitors that range in price from $19.99 to $250+.  The Safety 1st High Definition Digital Monitor (which costs $69) is my favorite by far.

What I love about this monitor is the simplicity.  It is a clean and simple in every way.  It runs on one clear channel and we have never had an interference issue with it (other monitors, Blackberries, clock radios, cordless phones, wireless networks - nothing!).  The nursery console is small (about 2.5" square) and has a great microphone.  The battery life is also fantastic.  We can often unplug the parent unit during the morning nap and run around until mid-afternoon without having it lose its charge.  The belt clip doubles as the stand to keep it upright on your night table.   The beauty of the design is that it is so small and so simple that it virtually blends into the background when you're not using it.

Yes, it doesn't have fancy features like temperature, music, light shows, video or intercom, but do you really need them?  What you need in a baby monitor is a clear sound of what's going on in the tot(s)'s room without snap-crackle-pop of interference or being tethered to the power cable (because of poor battery life).  This one is a winner.

Quick Favs - Biodegradable Disposable Placemats

Making sure the kids have good manners is something that has always been important to us as parents.  Part of that process is learning how to eat politely in a restaurant.  The corner diner has been a great place to practice our table manners in a low pressure setting.  For that age when dropping things (read: dishes) is the favorite pastime Classy Kid Germ Defense Placemats have been a great plate substitute.

They come in a ziploc pack of 10 or 20 complete with crayons.  They have adhesive around all four edges that is strong enough to keep all but a wily toddler from ripping it off the table, but easy enough for an adult to remove without taking the finish off the wood.   The different themes give kids something to talk about and something to color (the included triangular crayons are small but sturdy).

They're a little pricy at about $0.50 each, but you'll enjoy dinner out a lot more knowing that your toddler isn't eating off a germ infested table or throwing the china on the floor.  It also feels nice and green to know that the placemat will happily biodegrade with your toddlers leftovers.

Quick Favs - Toddler Friendly Seating - PB Teen Flip Lounger

Most toddlers love to horse around (yay!).  Climb up on things (eek!).  Jump off things (shudder!).  We quickly learned when Tot #1 turned 18m that the super comfy Dutalier glider and footrest were going to be forced into early retirement.  You could just see her doing the math of foot rest to glider to radiator cover to window ledge.

That left us with a big furniture gap - we needed something comfortable for an adult to sit on for snuggles or story time, but with a minimal drop and minimal movement to reduce the risks if a toddler climbs up on it.

We stumbled on the Pottery Barn Teen Flip Lounger completely by accident - Pottery Barn Teen wasn't really on my short list of places to look for nursery/playroom furniture.  One day we just happened to walk by the store, saw it through the window and were like "that's perfect!".

It is great.  It has a nice thick cushioning and a wipe-clean ultra suede finish.  It is available in navy (a bit darker than the picture above), pink, pale green and brown.  The angle of the back is adjustable from full upright (pictured) to full flat with a few positions in between.  We have ours leaned up against a wall to reduce the toddler temptation to turn it into a rocking tackle drill and it is substantial enough that she can't move on her own (but it's easy for me to pull out when I need to vacuum or fetch toys behind it).

For parents with active toddlers struggling with adult-friendly seating for a kids' room this is a great solution.

Quick Favs - Skip*Hop Duo Deluxe Diaper Bag

A few years ago when I was pregnant with Tot #1 I spent a lot of time looking at diaper bags.  As a new mom you start to look at your diaper bag not only as a piece of baby gear, but quite possibly as a replacement for your everyday handbag (at least for the first year or two).  That being said, I've never been a big fan of the luxury diaper bags - Coach, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc.  You know it is going to get gross and possibly so gross you'll have to throw it away.  You also need something that is designed by people who understand how you're really going to use.  An experienced mom of two took me aside and said "Listen, there is only one diaper bag you need.  The Skip Hop Duo."  She was so right.

Flash forward three years and I'm now on my second Skip Hop Duo.  I upgraded to the Skip*Hop Duo Deluxe last year for Mother's Day because I fell in love with the new Blossom pattern (left).  My old Skip*Hop Duo was still in such great shape that I donated it to Room to Grow. 



Here's what I love about the Skip*Hop Duo Deluxe:

• Magnetic closures on the main pocket and both front pockets so things are easy to access, but still secure.
• Contrasting colored lining makes it easy to find things inside - no more black hole.
• Just the right number of pockets: two mutli-diaper size ones on the inside, two big open ones on the outside (with pen holders!), two zippered pockets on top (perfect for wallet, keys, etc.), a mesh pockets for water/bottle/blackberry/Purell and a closable mini side pocket for change/lipstick/etc.
• The shoulder strap is easily adjustable and well padded.
• Super smart strap system.  You can attach the Duo Deluxe to your stroller without removing the shoulder strap.  This is awesome.
• 

• It comes in at least 19 different colors and patterns so the chances are, there is something that fits your style.
• The best part is, if you spill a cup of apple juice or worse - it can survive the occasional trip through the washing machine with a couple old towels.  This can save your diaper bag and maybe your sanity too.