If you are looking for a side by side double stroller with loads of features, the very popular Maclaren’s Twin Techno Stroller (price range between $329-$379) delivers.

Features include five seat positions, front and rear suspension, extendable legrests, individual sun canopies, a compact umbrella fold and carry handle.

It fits through standard doorways, weighs 27 lbs. and will hold up to 55 lbs. in each seat. It will not take a car seat, but is suitable from birth on.

New features on 2009’s Twin Techno include: a new black fabric/black frame version, elasticized pockets on the back of each hood, hubcaps and larger UV-protected viewing windows.

All Maclaren Strollers are phthalate- and lead-free, and their packaging uses recycled materials.

Celebrities who use Maclaren double strollers are Heidi Klum, Marcia Cross, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt and Britney Spears.

Putting it Together
The six wheels come attached, so snap on the double sun canopy and the two bottle holders which attach to the back of the middle frame of the stroller, one above the other.

The Ride
The Twin Techno has good front and rear suspension and is perfect for both urban and suburban use unless you have extremely bumpy sidewalks. When folded up, it will fit in any closet or trunk. I was very pleased that I could push it one-handed while holding my older child’s hand. If you do have a higher weight combination of children, it may be a little harder to push.

To engage the brakes, use your foot to push both brake levers to the right. To release the brakes, push both brake levers to the left.

The Seat
The Twin Techno will hold children from birth to 55 lbs in each seat.  It will fit through standard doorways, so this means narrower seats — though my 3 ½-year-old and 18-month-old fit easily. The harness straps were a cinch to adjust the harness straps to fit and had a simple clasp. To open the clasp, grab the buckle with your thumb in front and your forefinger behind, then push your fingers together to unsnap the buckle. The seats are easily removable for washing (always a plus). The sun canopies are water resistant and a raincover is included.

Accessories
A raincover, luggage tag, and two bottle holders are included. Additional accessories include a double mosquito netting ($25), a carry bag ($60), a twin universal organizer ($40), and a twin footmuff (matches the charcoal grey Twin Techno).  You can customize your Twin Techno with the two seat accessory packs (included when you order a Twin Techno), which consists of a headrest and straps — just pick your color/print combo or get the reversible seat pads (additional).

Storage
You can pack a lot in the shopping basket. If you need more storage, Maclaren makes an organizer for their twin strollers. Since the handles are not close together, if you want to hang a diaper bag on the handles, you’ll either need a wide double stroller bag (I like Skip Hop’s Duo Double) or use Kalencom’s Stroller Straps (read our review) to extend the reach of the straps on your regular diaper bag.

Sun/Weather Exposure
The sun canopy was fine. On really sunny days, an additional tie-on sun shade, a clip on parasol or a double UV cover may be helpful. A rain cover is included and compact enough to fit in the hood pockets or baskets.

The Fold/Unfold
The Twin Techno has a double umbrella fold. To fold: Pull up the lock in back of both the seats. Then use the foot pedal on the right side to collapse the stroller and fold the whole stroller forward. Push forward to engage the side auto locks. To unfold: release both side locks, open the stroller, then, using your foot, push both footplates down fully to lock.

The Twin Techno is compact enough to fit in every size trunk. This would also be a good double stroller to take on a airplane trip, but I would recommend utilizing the Maclaren Carry bag with it, to protect against damage.

Pros: The Twin Techno’s compact width and suspension makes it terrific for city and suburb use.

Cons: It isn’t for rough terrain or jogging. Wish it had an extra handle in the middle frame for easier maneuvering.

Final Verdict: This classic double stroller will go from birth to 55 lbs. per seat, has a compact fold and will fit through standard doorways.

Recommended for: Urban and suburban dwellers who need a side-by-side stroller for sidewalk and errand use.

– Nancy, Queens, NY, mom to budding comedian 3-½-year-old Ben and princess-in-training 1 ½-year-old Allegra, loves finding stuff that makes her family’s life easier

Posted in CBB Faves, Fashion & Gear, Fashion & Gear - Strollers, Main

Nature’s Baby Organics new bubble bath ($13) comes in two divine scents, a lavender scent (to calm and soothe your baby) and a tangy tangerine scent (to perk up your little one).

Made with essential oils and luxurious moisturizers, the bubbles are long-lasting and extremely gentle so they will not dry or irritate baby’s tender skin.

Though you do have to be sure that there is no residue/shampoo/condition/body wash in the water or the bubbles will disappear too fast, the fact that the ingredients are 70% organic and safe makes it worth the trouble.

It was somewhat comforting to know that the bubbles were organic while my son was grabbing handfuls of the foamy bubbles and stuffing them into his mouth like they really were tangy tangerines!

I also love that the bubble bath is paraben-free, SLS-free, 1-4 dioxane-free, synthetic fragrance-free, gluten-free, and vegan, all of which are important for kids with allergies and skin sensitivities. And you can now find the line at Whole Foods and Target!

– Jenn

Posted in CBB Faves, Fashion & Gear, Fashion & Gear - Bath and Body Care, Fashion & Gear - Green, Main

Teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini! With the temperatures rising, summer can be a particularly uncomfortable season for expectant mothers. Hot and humid weather is tough for most people, but add a burgeoning belly to the mix and the day can quickly take a turn for the worse. Fortunately, clear skies and plenty of sunshine provide the perfect opportunity for mamas-to-be to head to the nearest beach (or pool!) and let gravity work its magic.

The hot weather looked like it was the last thing on Kendra Wilkinson’s mind when she posed for a picture at the Pirate’s Booty Beach House! The former Girls Next Door star — who now headlines her own reality show, Kendra — was happy to show off the beginnings of a belly in her hot-pink bikini. Unlike Kendra’s barely there bump, a heavily pregnant Nicole Richie couldn’t hide hers! The proud mama — in a black bikini top matched with swim shorts — let the world catch a glimpse of her growing tummy when she visited the Malibu shores with boyfriend Joel Madden.

Although Kendra and Nicole didn’t mind baring their bellies, many designers often lean toward the two-piece tankini style for their maternity lines. While still offering the flexibility and comfort found in a bikini, the tankini also provides women with a bit more coverage. That isn’t to say traditional bikinis are unheard of for expectant mamas, but be prepared to put in extra effort in your shopping search!

Michael Williams/Startraks; Cleyton Vitalino/Splash News Online

Steal That Style: Kendra and Nicole’s Bikini Bellies with the two-piece suits below!

a pea in the pod’s Ruched Maternity Tankini

Breaking Bank: Looking to slim down the growing belly? Try a pea in the pod’s Ruched Maternity Tankini Swimsuit ($135). While the price may have you thinking twice before forking over the cash, the maternity line — known for its large celebrity fan base — is worth the splurge! The bikini bottoms sit very low, but the high back side offers plenty of coverage. Made with thick halter straps, the top will no doubt lend pregnant women plenty of support in those tiring months!

Brighten up a babymoon with Maternal America Maternity Jessie Flutter Tankini ($105)! The bold, beautiful fabric flows gently over the belly — ideal for women with sensitive skin — while at the same time boasting more than enough coverage of the bump. The halter-style top comes with adjustable straps for just the right fit, that can also be removed for added comfort.

Motherhood Maternity’s Keyhole Detail Maternity Tankini

Not Pinching Pennies: We are loving Motherhood Maternity’s Keyhole Detail Maternity Tankini ($40)! Not only does the floral design add the right touch of tropical flair, but the bikini bottoms pull up over the belly for extra support. Like most maternity two-piece suits, the bikini back sits up high to provide plenty of coverage to all the assets!

Ta-da! In search of a true maternity bikini? Prego Maternity Bikini ($60) fits the bill and then some. The traditional black bikini bottom sits under the belly button while the halter-style top comes complete with an adjustable tie for added support.

Liz Lange for Target’s Indie Dot Tankini

Bargain Buying: For women with large busts, pregnancy can pose a number of problems: In addition to finding maternity tops that give expectant mamas enough support, the added weight can often put a strain on the back. Fortunately, Liz Lange for Target’s Indie Dot Tankini ($15) knocks out two birds with one stone! The thick tankini straps are extra-wide to provide support where it is needed most.

Not pleased with any of these looks? Try mixing and matching your own bikini with Old Navy Maternity’s swimwear line. We think the Maternity Side-Tie Bikini Bottoms in Cabot Cove ($8) would look adorable with the Maternity Halter Tankini in Black ($10)!

– Anya

Posted in Celeb Style, Fashion & Gear, Fashion & Gear - Maternity, Fashion & Gear - Summertime, Main, Steal That Style

If I had a nickel for every time someone has complimented my Green Girl ecoTOTE ($45 and up), I’d be a wealthy, wealthy woman.

Correction: a wealthy, wealthy, environmentally friendly woman.

This bag — I have the Heath pattern — is somehow a magnet for all funky mamas.

Everyone loves it.

And really, why wouldn’t they?

On top of all the beautiful, eye-catching prints that are available, the ecoTOTE bags are reversible (two bags in one, my friends!), and so, so roomy. I can fit all kinds of things into mine and still have room for a sippy cup or two.

To make ecoTOTES even more wonderful, Green Girl makes kid-sized versions called Tiny Totes ($20 and up). The same style that mom uses, but in a smaller size and with kid-friendly prints and adjustable straps. My children have been happily packing theirs full of toys and snacks and carting them with us to playdates and appointments.

I know the cost of a Green Girl bag is higher than the kind you can buy at your local supermarket, but Green Girl totes are extremely versatile: a beach bag one day, a yoga bag the next and they’re fabric so they’re much more durable. I happen to be using my ecoTOTE as a purse right now and you certainly won’t catch me doing that with a grocery store bag!

Green Girl bags are available in canvas or lighter-weight cotton. There are also jute bags and lovely organic options, as well.

– Stephanie, crunchy, urban Canadian mama to a 4-year-old contrarian son and a 1-year-old philosopher daughter loves all things green, gadgety and glam

Posted in CBB Faves, Fashion & Gear, Fashion & Gear - Accessories, Fashion & Gear - Green, Main