Some people travel to Germany to pick up a new BMW or Mercedes.
Instead we picked up a “new ride” for our four year old son – a German engineered stroller!
As I have said many times – the stroller is under-appreciated and often overlooked as the sanity saver it can be when traveling and in everyday life!
I was wooed by the Buggster S at the ABC Kids show in Las Vegas this past Fall. On our annual Europe trip two months later, I was able to meet more of the Trends for Kids team at their headquarters in Ergolding, Germany.
My family and I spent a rainy afternoon learning about the origins of the company and the ongoing testing and research that makes TFK so great as well as the entire TFK line of strollers and equipment in their child friendly showroom.
I am always looking for a lightweight, durable stroller that a child can grow with – and a parent can easily travel with. Lightweight is only great if it also is quality made!
The Buggster S appealed to me because of its many features. My four year old child is tall and his comfort was going to be key in our satisfaction with the stroller. Not only did my son like the stroller, he fell asleep in it before we were able to board the train back to our hotel.
Smooth Ride Suspension
I was also impressed by the smooth ride of the stroller – both for my sleeping son and for a parent pushing it. Rico, the sales rep for TFK, explained this smooth ride was due to a front and rear suspension system. (Yes, this is what the S stands for in Buggster S!)
The spring loaded wheels and tubeless pneumatic tires were designed with the European cobblestone streets in mind. If a stroller does well on those cobblestone streets, it will do well on uneven sidewalks, rural country roads, on and off subways, trains, planes, and anyplace else we venture to take a stroller. The front swiveling wheel is great for everyday use, but locks for rough terrain. The lightweight aluminum frame is strong, durable, and safe.
Safety
The Buggster S meets the tough German TUV-GS standards for safety. Because I am also German – I can vouch for the strict German view on safety. I think this toughness is because us Germans tend to prepare for the “what ifs” in life. This stroller is well made because the designers and engineers understood first-hand the needs of parents and grandparents.
Storage
These Germans thought of even the smallest details – like where to store the cover when not in use. The cover folds flat into the triangle shape of the roomy basket underneath – therefore not taking up any extra room when not in use!
A push of a button, and the wheels are easily removed to fit in even smaller confines when storing or transporting the stroller. I like the fact that you can “roll” the stroller in its carrying case – because there is an opening for the back wheels to fit through. No need to carry the stroller at any point.
Comfort
Living in California, heat can be an issue. How many times have you picked a child out of the stroller only to feel a sweaty back. Hot kids are uncomfortable and cranky. The “AIRGO” seat insert is a cushioned breathable insert that allows those little backs to feel air circulation and comfort.
Washable
To show just how much Trends for Kids understands kids – they made pretty much the whole stroller washable. From the zippered sun canopy to the easily removable washable fabric of the seat, TFK allows us to wash the travel grime and sticky gunk off. (I once again am reminded of how my German relatives air out and launder their comforters and pillows daily. Cleanliness is important in this culture.)
Rain Cover
Our stroller was washed by nature a few times on our trip. The rain cover with zippered window was amusing for my son. He was thoroughly protected from not only the rain and snow, but also the wind on those cold, winter days in Germany. The rain cover allowed him to remain warm and cozy, yet he had the freedom to interact with us as well as access food and drink through the window. To make it more fun for my son, my husband and I would “knock” on the window, gaining access only when given permission by the happy occupant of the stroller.
Sun Cover
Returning to California, I was initially concerned the canopy would not be large enough for sun protection, but I was quickly reassured the sun shade accessory allowed kids to sit comfortably protected by the sun (95% UV-A and UV-B protection) all the while enjoying the scenery. Once again – a great point. Kids want to see what’s going on – so how many times is the canopy retracted to gain a better view- especially by older kids?
The Trends for Kids sun shield accessory not only protects from the sun, it allows kids to see what’s going on and offers protection from insects! (Providing peace of mind for parents and grandparents!) Not worrying if the sun has shifted and is shining in on your little one or if the mosquitoes are buzzing around in the stroller is wonderful. The cover easily secures on or is removed and stores compactly when folded.
(the sun shade is on display – see the Buggster S hanging on the right?)
Multi-purpose Investment
Strollers are investments. Purchasing multiple strollers is not required when choosing the Trends for Kids line. Instead they have made the Buggster S a stroller that grows with your child. From infant car seat adapters to a Quick Fix Carry Cot option, this stroller is perfect for newborns to toddlers to growing preschoolers! The footrest grows with the child adjusting to their height and the reclining seat adjusts to the need for sleep while on the go.
I was also really excited by the other options parents have for transporting kids while enjoying an active lifestyle! Check out this stroller that easily adapts as a bike “trailer”.
The designers, owners, and sales reps of Trends for Kids understand the needs of parents as well as kids because most are active parents themselves. This first hand knowledge of life with kids is incredibly important when providing active families with quality products. Trends for Kids even understands that kids love to play. So they built an area right into the showroom for the little ones to keep busy while the parents choose the stroller or accessories.
Weight Limit
The weight limit? Well, regardless of what is printed, I can vouch for the fact that an adult was photographed being pushed around in a Buggster S. Not saying who or where, the point is this stroller is strong and will grow with your child! My son will be five in a few weeks, and he runs to the Buggster S before his cousin can get in. It is the stroller of choice for him and he often falls asleep when riding in the comfort and class of the Buggster- S.
German Engineered Trends for Kids Buggster S.
A ride so smooth and functional – you’ll wish they made an adult version.
Congratulations to the team at Trends For Kids!
The Buggster S has been Jet With Kids Approved! for travel!
