Katy Newton of The L.A. Times has an interesting video report about the
LA Kids Consignment Sale, a biannual kids' used-clothing and equipment sale. Over 275 families consigned pricey baby wear, toys and equipment to the sale, which is a treasure trove for new parents. We like the new father who is sent on a mission to the sale to find baby clothes. He's taking his mission very seriously, as he carefully compares sizes then calculates how much the child will have grown by winter.
It's all part of a growing trend of high-end baby gear consignment. Everyone wants the hottest stroller and gorgeous kids' clothes, but the prices of the top brands are sky-high. But smart moms are finding fabulous deals on gently-used items which are sold on consignment.
The article accompanying the video has some great links for new moms who are looking to find great deals on second-hand high end strollers and other must-have items.
Quinny brand strollers are quite popular in Europe and are finally going to be available in the U.S. Quinny released a statement about the launch:
The Quinny Buzz, $499.99, is available in select specialty stores now. Chic, colorful and convenient, the Buzz is a modular travel system, accommodating not only a reversible, reclining stroller seat, but compatible with the Quinny Dreami bassinet and Maxi-Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat (both sold separately). On-the-go parents will love the Buzz's hydraulic technology that unfolds the stroller at just a touch - no hands required. A height-adjustable handle ensures mom and dad's comfort, while the stroller's unique three-wheel design and suspension system allow easy maneuvering.
The Buzz's cousin, the Quinny Zapp, $199.99, will be available in select specialty stores beginning August 1. A perfect travel stroller, the full-size Zapp features an ultra-compact fold - 12" x 27" - and comes with its own travel bag. Like the Buzz, it is compatible with the Maxi-Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat (sold separately). In case there are spills while on the road, the Zapp's durable nylon fabric is stain resistant.
"We're extremely excited to bring such a successful European brand to the American market. The Quinny brand embodies the combination of trendsetting fashion with innovative precision engineering. It's for parents who want stressless, reliable transportation for their children with designs that complement their individual sense of style," said Lisa Abdinoor, Dorel Juvenile Group's director of marketing for the Quinny and Maxi-Cosi brands.
The Quinny Buzz and Zapp will be available at select specialty stores such as Albee Baby Carriage, Babystyle.com, Buy Buy Baby, Giggle, Right Start and other select retailers nationwide.
The U.S. version of the website is still under construction (it launches June 15th) , but U.S. readers can click on the UK version to see a video of how the Quinny Buzz stroller automatically unfolds, which is pretty interesting. Anyone who has struggled with folding/unfolding portable baby strollers will appreciate this high-tech way to get baby around in comfort. As an added bonus, daddy won't need a Valium because he had to spent thirty minutes in a hot parking lot unfolding/locking/assembling a portable stroller.
Now that Britney Spears is soon to be a mom, the baby presents are pouring in. When Britney and husband appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Ellen gave the couple a top of the line stroller: a Silver Cross Balmoral Pram, which usually runs about $2,800. The Silver Cross line is favored by celebrity moms such as Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, rockers like Jon Bon Jovi, and British royalty. But the pram that Ellen gave Britney is not your usual Silver Cross Balmoral. Ellen ordered a customized "pimped out" pram, with with spinning chrome wheels, neon lights and a Sony DVD player. That Ellen, such a kidder.