Baby Must Haves: Stokke Xplory & Giveaway!

Ah the stroller is definitely a necessity when having a baby - even for those constant baby wearing mamas because sometimes you need a break/rest when out and about.  I've drooled over coveted the Stokke since I first saw a super tall and skinny mama pushing one around at the mall.  Alas, I had my bulky travel system that Kenzie did not even want to sit in (nor did I want to push).  Since Hubs was of the mind that one does not need to own several strollers I was out of luck.  Fast forward two years and I am delighted to announce that Mason is riding around in his divine Stokke Xplory in the oh so chic Black Melange textile.  

I tore into gently opened the box and assembled the stroller with minimal effort.  I just love the black melange textile because it is on trend with the denim industry and Mason just looks so cool riding in it.  It's of great quality and easy to keep clean - who wants a dingy stroller?  I want to start off by showcasing the Maxi Cosi Infant Car Adaptor which is a necessity when Mason falls asleep in his carseat and I don't want to disturb him (he's a pretty light sleeper so tired baby = cranky baby).  It clips right onto the Xplory Chassis in mere seconds and the carseat slides and clicks right on top of the two bars.  Easy peasy.  The Xplory also offers adaptors for Peg Perego and Graco carseats.  

We can't leave out Kenzie who ironically wants to sit in the stroller when she sees Mason in it.  This is the crying child who I had to carry home two blocks from the park while pushing the stroller (without a baby carrier) - - in the heat.  I always attribute her resistance (at that time) to sitting in strollers to not having the best ride (stroller snob before I even knew it).  The Stokke Xplory offers the Sibling Board which attaches to the Xplory chassis by just pushing in on the side tubes and voila ready to ride.  Only one child can ride at a time from age 2+ and up to 44 lbs in weight.  

Perfect for Kenzie because she is the only sibling Mason has and although hesitant to get on at first, is now a pro at "skateboarding".  I have never mentioned skateboarding so she must have seen older kids at the park doing so and is now imitating it with the sibling board.  She just loves it so much!  I adjust the handlebar upwards so she can hang on to the bottom part and I can push from the top (neat oval shape of the handlebar allows such a function).  

Now onto the main attraction - the close and special bond of having your baby high up on the chassis.  The adjustable seat can face forward or face you.  At Mason's age, I like to have him face me.  The footrest needs to be taken off and put back on when you have baby face you (not a huge hassle).  It's adjustable so no dangling feet!  The seat is lightly padded - cushioning Mason's ample body haha.  There are five seating positions: 3 facing me and 2 facing forward.  handle is easily adjustable to accommodate the height of the pusher.  

I love that the hood is water repellent with a netted fabric allowing ventilation.  We were out and about shopping with the Xplory when it started pouring - - guess who left the rain cover in the car?  I'm not used to carrying around/using a rain cover but needless to say I have it stored neatly inside the spacious bag for such occasion.  The seat height is my favorite because when you are out at a restaurant and your little one wants to eat (yes Mason is going to start on solids soon - porker!) you can just pull them right up to the table without placing into a usually dirty highchair.      

       

The storage space is a bit different than any I have seen.  It's actually a large bag that attaches to the base of the stroller.  It opens wide to store diaper bag, jackets, shopping bags, etc.  I like that you can zipper it closed to keep your stuff safe from the grimy situations that you stroll in.  The wheels are sturdy allowing one to stroll on most surfaces with ease.  I can even push with one hand with Kenzie on her sibling board - it's that smooth!  

The adjustable footrest is the bomb!  This prevents dangling feet and you can tell from the photo the wide range of heights it can accommodate.  Since Mason is still a wee little thing I don't necessarily need to put it on but since he's growing like a weed - - I think in a few more months his shoes will hit the footrest :)  I also love that if Mason is grumpy, I can wear him and Kenzie can get the luxury of riding in his Xplory because of the fantastic range of weight/height.   

Onto the fold.  This was one of the main frustrations I had in the beginning.  There is no traditional side latch to open and close.  You just pull the tab up and it easily opens/closes.  It's almost automatic!  The fold is pretty compact for the amount of stroller you get plus you can take the seat off for an even more compact fold.  I usually have the car seat adaptors on for the fold and the actual seat separate in the trunk.  Since it is easily interchangeable, no need to stress which one to have on the stroller at all times.

There are lots of little features that you will be amazed at once you start using the Xplory.  I smile every time I stroll with the Xplory because of how fabulous it is.  I am now the person who people come up to asking the brand and model.  I love it!  

Buy It:  You can purchase the Black Melange Xplory for $1,099.00, Stokke Xplory Maxi Cosi Adaptor for $79.99 and Xplory Sibling Board for $119.99.  The Xplory comes in a myriad of colors and Summer and Winter kits are also available to    


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One Winner will Receive a Stokke Xplory!

(Open to US and Canada)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Being MVP received one or more of the products mentioned above for free for evaluation purposes. Regardless, all opinions expressed are still 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials In Advertising. Being MVP Disclosure.