Kids' Stuff

Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday September 25, 2008

Simon Tsang

Simon Tsang test-drives the latest in baby transport - plus a few items to keep the tiny tearaways amused.

With such a variety on offer, shopping for a pram can be difficult. Size, shape, weight and space all need to be taken into consideration, and let's not forget looks. Needs also change quickly. What may be perfect during the first six months may be less than ideal further down the track.

1. Cool convertible

Peg Perego Skate Pram, $1399.

Phone: 1300 766 494; global.skate-pegperego.com.

Italian-based Peg Perego has designed the new Skate pram so the entire bassinet unit converts into a seat. The bassinet can be removed without much effort and can face forwards or backwards. It's also interchangeable, with a baby carrier option for newborns. The two front wheels swivel or lock and, despite appearances, the folding mechanism is easy to handle. The bassinet is beautifully made, with a durable waterproof material on the outside and a soft padded lining.

2. Natural high

Love N Care Trekker, $129.

Phone: 1300 732 599; www.lovencare.com.au.

This is designed to let you hike about in comfort while your baby enjoys the scenery from a high vantage point. It has two seat positions, is foldable and lightweight (2.2kg), and includes a sunshade cover.

MacLaren Techno XT Stroller, $499. Phone: 1300 667 137;

www.cnpbrands.com.au.

Strollers are a more convenient and lighter alternative to prams. While most only accommodate children from the age of six months, this Techno XT model can be used from birth. It has four recline positions and can turn into an almost-flat bed. A padded head protector is built into the top of the seat and the folding hood has an extended section that unzips so your child is well covered. The suspension makes it easy to push and reflective piping strips are added for night safety. It includes a foot muff, shopping basket and rain cover. The aluminium frame construction is sturdy yet relatively light at less than 7kg.

3. Rattle 'n' roll

Brio Bell Rattle, $11.95.

Phone: (03) 9821 4405; www.bebeonline.com.au.

This classic wooden rattle comes in four colours and is suitable for infants aged from six months.

Nursery Monster Lights by The Source, $49.95. Phone: (03) 9821 4405; www.bebeonline.com.au

This string of 20 monster-themed night lights can be arranged in many different ways to illuminate a child's room.

Sleep Sheep, $49.95.

Phone: 1300 886 470; www.sleepsheepandfriends.com.au.

The Sleep Sheep has a sound box inside its body that gives out the sounds

of nature, including rain, the ocean, whale songs and the beat of a mother's heart.

4. Rock 'n' stroll

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Tri-Fix Baby Carrier, $499.

Phone: 1300 766 494; global.skate-pegperego.com.

This carrier attaches to a fixed base in the car or clicks on to the Skate pram when you're out and about. Simply pull the quick-release lever at the top of the carrier to remove it. The carrier locks onto the Skate frame in the same manner as a bassinet.

Sirch Sibis Olga Rocker, $299.

Phone: 1800 104 678; www.worldlykids.net.

There's an old-world charm to toys by Sirch, a German woodworking company that has been around for 300 years, but at the same time they're modern in design. This rocker, for example, is made from laminated birch plywood with a webbed fabric seat and will delight a child while adding a decorative touch to the home.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home