Naturally, the Los Angeles Moms Blog event on Sunday attracted a number of companies with products aimed at mothers of babies and young children -- and now that my sweet little girl is a "terrible teen," we are way beyond that. But there were quite a few items on display that had me wishing I could turn the clock back a decade just so I could give them a try.
This was one of them: The Taga is a three-wheeled bicycle/baby carrier that converts to a stroller -- so you can ride to the store with baby and do your shopping, too.
It originated in Europe, where people actually do get around cities on bikes, and will be released here in the United States in April.
When I saw this, all I could think was that if I'd had one of these, it might not have taken me 12 years to lose my pregnancy pounds.
Then again - knowing myself as well as I do - I might have only used it in stroller mode. But who knows? If I'd had this, I wouldn't have my usual excuses ("But where would I park the bike?" "The baby is too heavy to carry without a stroller!" "It's too hot and smoggy in the Valley." OK, the Taga wouldn't solve that issue. But two out of three ain't bad.)
According to the company's specs, you can transport a child up to the age of 6 in the Taga, which exceeds European and US safety standards. The company also markets a full range of accessories. With an MSRP of $1500, this is not an inexpensive vehicle... but I understand that some of the trendy Bugaboos new moms are buying today cost nearly that much (and remember - it's not just a stroller, but a bike too).
(Thanks to Carla Duharte Razura of babyjidesign.com for allowing use of her Taga photo.)
Stride Rite was also there. Megan will probably keel me for revealing this, but until recently, her feet were so small, that she was still wearing this company's excellent children's shoes. (My slender daughter has extremely narrow feet and bargain shoes didn't cut it. This was the only brand that fit her properly.)
If they came in her newly acquired adult size, I might be able to convince her to wear them again - just look at this year's styles!
If you visit the Stride Rite website now, be sure to enter their "Wear n' Wash Sweepstakes." The grand prize is a $250 in-store gift card, a year's supply of Tide®, and a Whirlpoolof ® DUET® Steam Laundry Care System. There will also be a weekly giveaway the company's Washables sneakers.
Also present at the event was a representative from Pretend City Children's Museum. Again, I don't see myself paying these folks a visit any time soon - at least, not until I have grandkids to entertain (and that had better NOT be any time soon!) But I have fond memories of taking Megan to similar places in and around the San Fernando Valley when she was little. To be honest, I relied on these places to provide her a safe and air conditioned place to play during the long, hot Valley summers.
The folks at Pretend City asked us to let our readers know about an event they are holding on March 13. I think it's worth sharing with you all:
Good To Go From Head To Toe Family Fun & Wellness Fair
When: Sat., March 13, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Pretend City Children’s Museum (29 Hubble in Irvine, CA)
Cost: Free to attend fair!!!
More than 30 partners will be on-site providing free language, dental, vision and hearing screenings; fun games and activities for kids; raffles for prizes throughout the day; music provided by 92.7 Jill FM.
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