I’ll admit that, somewhat often, I wish I could just crawl into the nearest Quinny or Bugaboo and be schlepped about — especially circa 3:15 in the afternoon.  Now that I’ve got my hands on a Monkey Moo stroller blanket, the urge is even stronger.  These sleek, hip blankets are uncommonly soft and cozy.  At 26″ x 32″, they are a bit small for me, but I can only imagine the bliss a baby must feel being enveloped in the Monkey Moo. Check out Monkey Moo for their selection of delightful patterned and solid blankets ($64).  And, of course, they are machine washable.

Australian parents can now customise their Bugaboo Cameleon with fabric items featuring the signature Paul Frank characters Skurvy, Clancy or Julius. Online boutique bebe are taking pre-orders now for the first Australian delivery of these limited special collection items due to arrive at the end of March.

It’s the first time Bugaboo has released printed fabrics from another company on their product, and based on the feedback the range is getting overseas, we think it will be a much-coveted collection.

The Bugaboo + Paul Frank collection consists of two tailored fabric sets ($229.95), four footmuffs ($229.95) and two blankets ($79.95). The fabric sets consist of a canopy, tailored seat fabric and apron.

One of the tailored fabric sets features skull-and-crossbones character Skurvy in all his glory. Additionally, there is a footmuff showing a larger Skurvy.

The other set (pictured) has colourful blocks and many of Paul Frank’s signature characters. A blanket and footmuff are also available in the same design.

A red blanket and footmuff featuring all-time favorite Julius the monkey, and a yellow footmuff with Clancy the giraffe round out the group.

Visit bebe for the whole collection, and to place a pre-order.

That’s not news to anyone on this blog, right? Turns out that the Stefani-Rossdale clan is even specialer (I know) than we thought. Gwen, Gavin and Kingston took baby Zuma out in their new Marc Jacobs Bugaboo and…

Yes, I said the new MARC JACOBS BUGABOO. It’s one of only 15 in the world. That means there are fourteen people roughly equal to the Stefani-Rossdale’s level of specialness and a whole hell of a lot of us that aren’t.

Still sounds pretty cool.

Hi!

Here’s a few of Amy’s takes on ubiquitous parenting “necessities:”

On the Prius: “It’s as roomy as a minivan!”

Overpriced strollers: “If grandma hadn’t given us the money for the Bugaboo, we never would have paid for it!”

The rest is worth a look, no matter where you live.Try not to cringe if you recognize something familiar ….

What would you pay for this hot new limited edition stroller?

What if we told you there are only 15 available?  How about if you knew it was designed by Marc Jacobs?  If $US1500 was the number you came up with, you know your luxury sedans.

In this latest ultra high end kiddie gear collaboration, Marc Jacobs has turned the Bugaboo Cameleon into a work of art.  Think of it as the Bentley of the stroller world, because it’s all about the look-at-me details and enormous price tag.

The black on black stroller is outfitted in the “love Marc” print.  For mummies with the time to keep up with trends, they’ll recognise the print from Marc Jacob’s spring line.  Mini fashionistas can also identify elements from the Little Marc Jacobs Collection.

If you’ve got the coin, you can pick one of these up starting November 26th at a handful of shops, such as Marc Jacobs’ boutiques in New York City, Dubai and Amsterdam.
 

Picking a stroller can be as time-consuming as selecting the family truckster.  When you’re considering high-end buggies like the uber-trendy offerings from Bugaboo, it literally pays to know the different models.  Read on to see how the Bee ($US529) compares to the Bugaboo’s other souped up rides.

Due to roll out in Australia any day from now, the Bee targets parents who shunned the heavier predecessors.  Like its bulkier brethren, the compact Bee works from infancy to toddlerhood.  It’s car seat adaptable and offers a comfy adjustable seat.

This stroller is the best pick for travel, or parents who like to stash the stroller in the car for jaunts to the zoo. The trim 20″ width is ideal for running errands and weary moms are thankful that Bugaboo Bee has shaved two or three pounds off the weight of the competing models.

Since looks are essential for anyone considering a Bugaboo (and they must be if you are in this price-range) the Bee delivers.  Consider it the Mini Cooper of the stroller world.

Pros: No more flats–the Bee has molded tires.  One-piece fold is a godsend.
Cons: No removable bassinet (you’ll have to wake a sleeping baby).
Best for: Parents who crave Bugaboo’s status and quality without the expense.

Frog: The original Dutch Bugaboo stroller. ($US759)

Pros: Removable bassinet.  
Cons: Less storage and the lower handlebar won’t work for tall parents.
Best for: Getting all the street-cred for owning a Bugaboo while saving a few bucks.

Cameleon: Fully-loaded Porsche Cayenne of the stroller work. ($US899.99)

Pros: Mod design available in kicky colors.  Huge wheels can handle bumpy terrain.
Cons: Bulky and a bear to fold flat.
Best for: Style conscious parents on the hunt for a smooth ride.

Cameleon Denim: High-end urban buggy in the trendiest finish. ($US959)

Pros: The dark denim color hides dirt.  
Cons: Pricey.
Best for: Parents trying to hang on to their cool-quotient.

Paul Frank Special Edition for Cameleon ($US129 for fabric set, shown): Tricked out accessories for the Cameleon.

Pros: Zippy fabrics are a great way to personalize your buggy.
Cons:  You’ll have to wait until ‘09.
Best for: Wanna be rock stars.

Is your Bugaboo stroller just too average? Or did you buy it before you realised there were much newer and more expensive strollers out there? Or, maybe you (gasp!) received it as a gift? Well, if you are the victim of such first-world problems, then AirborneMini from Iacono Design has your solution. They make insanely cool aftermarket parts for Bugaboo strollers all machined out of aluminum – not the least of which are those sweet rims in the picture.

The idea is, much like a person might modify a motorcycle or car, you buy and install accessories or add-ons for your Bugaboo to make it cooler. AirborneMini Tuning currently has, in addition to the rims, five parts to choose from – a Billet Cup Holder, a Drop Axel, Custom Brackets, Wheel Bullets and a Billet Coaster Board. According to the web site you can purchase the parts individually or in packages. Unfortunately there is no price information, but there is a contact form to fill out if you're so inclined.

A drop axel kit with machined aluminum rims? I have to say that would look seriously badass.

Check it out at AirborneMini.com

Note: For those of you who were wondering (I was when I first checked it out), a "billet" is what you call the piece of metal before you "machine" it out into a useable working part. Usually it's used when referring to motorcycle parts, but hey, why not strollers?