product reviews - Pitstops for Kids

Travel Gear We Use: Abiie Huggs baby carrier review

November 29, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Reviewed by our baby and toddler gear tester, Karyssa Booth.

Time for a baby carrier review! I received the Abiie Huggs carrier in the mail a couple months before my daughter could fit into it. I waited until she was about five months old before I used it. On initial inspection, I was a little overwhelmed by how many buttons, clips, and snaps it had. I am still figuring out new functions of the carrier each time I use it. For example, the flap that serves as support for the back of the neck and then folds down so the baby can look around. Who knew? The only thing I haven’t mastered is nursing while she is in it, but I’m pretty sure it is not possible.

The Huggs carrier excels in comfort for the parent and baby:

There is a seat that supports the baby’s rear and allows movement for its legs and hips. Other baby carriers seem to have the legs spread too far apart or facing the baby out which seems awkward to me. My baby has never been in the Huggs and appeared or acted uncomfortably. She can usually sit in it for a little over an hour with no complaints. Even after wearing her in the carrier for a long time it doesn’t hurt my back.

Unfortunately, the seat that makes the carrier supportive for the baby also is its downfall. I recently took a trip and opted on a stroller that I could check in at the gate instead of the carrier because I didn’t have enough room to store it under my seat with my carry on and diaper bag. It’s too bulky for the plane with limited space. If I was also traveling with my husband, I’m sure I could have made it work. Traveling with a baby solo, it wasn’t happening.

My favorite aspects of the Huggs is the quality and support. It is obvious that a lot of thought and planning went into the creation of the Huggs. The base zips off and when I need to get the baby out quick or she is asleep, it’s really handy. The Velcro belt works really well and once I Velcro and snap the belt around my waist I rarely have to readjust. The sun/rain cover with multiple snaps to fit many different size heads or fit as baby grows. The pockets….who doesn’t love a plethora of pockets? I can easily fit my keys and phone it the belt pockets, baby toys in the large front pocket. I also like to clip a pacifier or toy to keep her happy while babywearing.

Putting on the Huggs:

I recently wore the carrier to a family function and all of my cousins with small children commented on how nice it was. The joke was that whenever anyone tried to use a front pack they can’t seem to reach behind and do the back buckle without some difficulty. Where the buckles are positioned on the Huggs, I am able to reach around and buckle the back myself fairly easily. I can also secure the waist belt and put my head through, sit baby on the seat and buckle the straps on the sides under my arms.

Overall, I would rate the baby carrier as excellent and recommend it to friends and family that were looking for a comfortable well-designed front pack. If someone is looking for a pack that had a lot of features this is the pack for them. My only caveat: if one criteria is to be able to pack the carrier down small for travel, I would look for another option.

Pick up a Huggs on their website for $129! Readers have also found on Amazon. Sell your own products using a Amazon marketing agency.

Karyssa was sent a complimentary Huggs for the purpose of review. All opinion remains her own.

Aventura Clothing fall leggings and jeggings for travel days

October 11, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

I’m back with this travel season’s Aventura Clothing picks! Listen, I continue to promote this brand as an ambassador because when I travel, I’m wearing Aventura about 80% of the time. Why? Most pieces are organic cotton, which are comfortable and dont’ wrinkle, plus so many of their items are versatile. I can travel carry-on only without a hitch when I pack a lot of Aventura leggings and jeggings, pair them with tunics and cardigans, and wear my favorite boots onto the plane. Here are my favorite fall leggings and jeggings for travel:

Fall leggings and Jeggings:

Liz Jegging: Fits and looks like a pant, but comfier, which makes it the perfect pant for when you want to achieve a tailored look, but not suffer while sitting for a long time, like in a plane or car. Comes in three jewel-tone colors for $77, and it’s organic cotton.

Kody Legging: Aventura has a bunch of different patterned and styled leggings this fall, and as a reminder from past seasons, Aventura’s leggings are like legging/tight hybrids, in my opinion, in all the best ways. They fit snugly and do not sag, but are thicker than traditional tights. This season, I tried the Kody, and love their subtle horizontal stripes, but the Bienne is a solid classic, and the Nordic-looking Sasha is always good in winter. And I love that almost all Aventura’s leggings are around $35.

Karma Jegging: These jeggings fit loosely and have a really comfy waist, plus pockets! The fabric is thin, which is generally a good thing, but they tend to reveal every curve, bump, and bulge. If that’s not a problem for you, go for it! They’re a poly-spandex blend with a 28-inch inseam, which is a little long for me, but worked fine scrunched up with a boot or rolled. $85

Shatki Legging: My favorite of the season! The Shantki is thicker than most of Aventura’s leggings, ready-made for chilly evenings and winter days. It looks more classic than sporty, and has both hip pockets (perfect for your phone) and a zippered security pocket that would fit a car fob or key or a credit card or room key. It’s poly-spandex with a brushed interior, selling for $89 (and worth every penny).

Favorite tunics to pair with them:

Quinlan Tunic: This poly-wool blend is super soft, and the tunic is breathable even though it’s pretty thick. The cowl-neck gives it some elegance, while still feeling like you’re wearing your coziest sweatshirt. Great with any of the leggings above. Comes in four jewel-tone colors. $105

Cheyenne shirt-jac: Everyone needs a shirt-jac in their life, and this one is cozy enough to feel like a blanket. The plush fleece is heavenly, and while substantial, since this shirt-jac lives up to its name, fitting like a shirt while warming you like a jacket, it’s not too bulky. It has a curved hemline for a more tailored look. I wear mine with just a tee or cami under it. Comes in three colors for $115.

Don’t forget! Pit Stops for Kids readers get 20% off Aventura orders! Use coupon code Whitley20 at checkout!

Outdoor gear brands that give back

October 1, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

As a gear reviewer and travel writer, I am familiar with many travel brands and outdoor gear companies. As we head into this year’s ‘giving season’, I’d like to highlight just a few that donate significantly to a charitable cause or program…not just during the holidays but all year long!

Outdoor gear brands that give back:

Lifestraw:

Lifestraw makes filtered straws that make contaminated water safe to drink. You can buy them solo, or as part of a full water bottle in the Lifestraw GO. They’re great for travel to countries where the water is not potable, or for backcountry hiking and camping trips.

How Lifestraw gives back: For every LifeStraw sold, one school child in a developing community also receives safe drinking water for an entire school year. So far 1,015,652 students have been given safe water. 1621 schools reached. The LifeStraw Safe Water Fund is also working in Haiti, Kenya and India. More information of the Follow the Liters program can be found here.

Cotopaxi:

Utah-based Cotopaxi makes one of our favorite backpacking packs, the Taboche. I love the bright colors and flare they bring to all their backpacks, totes, and outdoor clothing. This season, their new day pack, the Luzen, is perfect for every type of traveler…and perfect for under the tree.

How Cotopaxi gives back: Cotopaxi and the Utah Refugee Services Office have come together to launch a skills-based volunteer program in Utah called the Refugee Coding Project. Started in partnership with the Bhutanese refugee community, the coding program has been so successful, community leaders and youth from five other key refugee communities in Salt Lake City requested the program and Cotopaxi met that demand.

Aventura Clothing:

Aventura Clothing is a lifestyle and travel brand for women. You can see us review many of Aventura’s organic cotton pieces here.

How Aventura gives back: They give back to Uncommon Threads, a boutique-style clothing program where survivors of domestic violence receive styling services and new clothes. Aventura donates new clothing quarterly, which enables women in need to feel the self confidence and empowerment they need in their daily lives.

Toad & Co:

Toad&Co is a lifestyle brand inspired by a love of the outdoors. I have loved them for years, especially their travel and hiking pants that flex, resist stains, and fit my body in a way that makes me feel good about myself.

How Toad & Co gives back: As of this fall, 98 percent of the line is sustainably-made with at least 80 percent sustainable fibers and/or fabrics that are third-party certified for responsible manufacturing. And as always, a portion of every Toad&Co purchase goes toward supporting people with disabilities.

GoLite:

This brand makes exercise and outdoor clothing that’s breathable and practical for travel, the outdoors and running (including trail running).

How GoLite gives back: GoAid is a program that promotes health support and community empowerment, while sister pillar GoResponsibly commits to ensuring that 80% of the introductory GoLite product line is developed from environmentally preferred and low energy production materials. What does this mean? For example, their ReGreen Windshell is made of 100% recycled green bottles, in partnership with eco-organization Tzu Chi.

Costa:

Long loved for their high-quality sunglasses, we love to travel with Costa during both beach season and ski season. These sunglasses wear well, don’t break easily, and always come with protective bags and cases so we can protect our investments.

How Costa gives back: TheirUntangled Collection is created by recycling fishing nets that are at the end of their lives. These nets go into each pair of the polarizes sunglasses in this line.

Ecoths:

The men’s line of Aventura Clothing, Ecoths makes organic cotton and lifestyle pieces ideal for men who are active and busy…both at home and while traveling. The Pit Stops men in my life love the Xavier Shirt for warm-weather travel destinations, and they now also offer travel-ready pants and hoodies.

How Ecoths gives back: When you purchase clothing from Ecōths, you feed the hungry. As part of their Good Sam program, Ecōths feeds one person for one day with each garment sold. In just over two years, they have donated over 200,000 meals across the US.

DownTek:

You may have heard or seen the name DownTek in regard to your outdoor gear: this sustainable, water-repellant down company is the supplier of choice for big names in the gear industry, including L.L. Bean, Big Agnes, and more. One of my favorite travel products with DownTek is the Big Agnes Shovelhead Hooded jacket, which is extremely lightweight but warm enough for deep winter adventures.

How DownTek gives back: Sustainable Down Source, creator of DownTek, participates in three programs that give back to children including, Ronald McDonald House Quilts for Kids, Parks4Kids and K.I.D.S. / Fashion Delivers. Down pillows created by SDS have been provided to K.I.D.S. / Fashion Delivers, and SDS has also donated to outdoors programs through Parks4Kids, encouraging exploration, appreciation and understanding of natural environments and resources.

Mountain Khakis:

Mountain Khakis is one of our favorite travel wear brands for outdoorsy men and women. Their khakis are their signature pant, but we find we love their sweaters and pullovers most. This year, MK is debuting a new line of luggage, which will compliment their canvas totes and bags.

How MK gives back: Each year, Mountain Khakis offers a limited-edition design which supports the mission of Protect Our Winters (POW), the leading climate advocacy group for the winter sports community founded by professional athlete/artist/environmentalist, Jeremy Jones. This year’s offering is the Men’s POW XVI Sweater.

Parks Project:

Parks Project is an outdoor lifestyle brand that funds various national park projects through their apparel and accessories. Parks Project is an official partner to the National Park Service, serves as a supporting business partner to the National Parks Foundation and is carried in over 100 retailers around the nation. We especially love their tees that serve as reminders of our trips to favorite national parks.

How Parks Project gives back: As a for-profit business, Parks Project supports 22 individual park groups around the nation. Every product sold carries a story and contributes to habitat restoration, animal conservation, educational initiatives and visitor services across America’s parks, promoting Parks Project’s ethos, Leave It Better Than You Found It.

Stitch Fix for fall travel: wardrobe planning tool or indulgence?

September 6, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

So I finally tried Stitch Fix. Yes, I know I’m behind the times. I decided to take the plunge because I needed some fall travel clothing, and wanted to expand my style range a bit, and try a few new options. I’m not much of a shopping fan, and I’m not terribly concerned with style, so I wasn’t sure if it would be for me. Here’s what I learned.

Stitch Fix for fall travel:

Everyone who signs up for Stitch Fix starts by filling out a style profile. The questions range from practical (what’s your height and weight) to personal preference (do you like casual clothing, business clothing, a mix, etc). Even though I’m not really a ‘clothes person’, I found it fun to fill out the style profile.

Afterward, you’re given a series of images of styles and clothing options that you can rate as thumbs up or thumbs down. This was fun, too, and it helps the stylist who will be assigned to you get a feel for your preferences. You can do more of these ‘slide shows’ later, and honestly, I still find them fun.

Once you’ve filled out the style profile, you can schedule your ‘Fix’ or you can ask for automatic shipments. I scheduled mine, for more control (though you can opt out any time either way).

Note: You’re never obligated to buy any of the clothes sent to you, but you do have to pay a small stylist fee if you opt to return all the items. If you buy, the fee is waived, and if you buy everything in your box, you get a significant discount.

My first box arrived, and it was a mixed bag (or box). I had a pair of skinny jeans, which I liked, but I already had a pair in my closet, a few tops that really weren’t my style, a boxy sweater I thought I’d hate when I unpacked it, but ended up loving, and a button-up tunic I liked, but didn’t feel was high enough quality to keep. In the end, I kept one item: the sweater. I sent the rest back in the pre-paid envelope (easy-breezy).

I enjoyed the experience but didn’t feel it met my goal of finding some new styles for my fall travels, but since you rate all the items in your box after it arrives, I decided to give it another chance. Now, my stylist would ‘know me’ better, right? Right! My second box was MUCH more ‘me’, while still giving me new options to try that I wouldn’t have picked out for myself. I got another pair of skinny pants that I liked but didn’t need, but then got a thin, fitted sweater that will be perfect for the plane, a great scarf, another tunic that was higher quality, and only one top that wasn’t really my thing. I kept everything except the pants and top.

I like that Stitch Fix sends you little cards that give you style ideas with your order (like below). And that they make it so easy to return things. You have three days to make decisions, so you can try the new items on with stuff you already have in your closet. You can list a budget in your profile, and I set mine at something around ‘medium’, since I wanted higher quality items but didn’t want to spend a lot. The items sent to me tended to be in the $40-80 per item range. The stylist fee is $20 (waived if you buy).

Overall, I did gain some new travel wear for fall travel, so I’m satisfied. And while I don’t need more items now, I can ‘pause’ Stitch Fix and come back to it, scheduling more ‘Fixes’ in the winter or spring for more flair to my travel wardrobe as needed. Every so often, I’ll continue to update my style profile in the meantime.

Have you used Stitch Fix? What are your thoughts?

Note: I tried Stitch Fix at the invitation of the company, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain my own.

Best food containers and bento boxes for the road

August 30, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

One of the best ways to save money and stay healthier on road trips is to pack your own food. Almost every road trip we take, we pack lunches and drinks, whether we’ll be on the road a few hours or a few weeks. Since we banned plastic baggies and disposable plastic containers in our house years ago, the best food containers for our car include the following. Bonus: For a list of road trip friendly snacks, check here.

Bento boxes for the road:

Seal Cup Trio: This trio of round stainless steel containers come with soft rubber lids and are made by ECOLunchBox. We love that they nest together when not in use, so they take up less room in the cupboard, and that they’re not very heavy. If you’ve toted around glass containers, you know what I mean (see below). The Seal Cup Trio are perfect for snacks like pretzels, cut fruit, and granola. You can put wet items in, but not liquids. They’re $29, which is a good deal for three pieces.

ECOLunch Pod: These little 5 ounce rectangular containers are complete stainless steel, with stainless steel lids. We love them because they’re very versatile: you can use them for snacks, or as accessories to your lunch, storing wet wipes or even crayons or other crafty games for the car. They’re only around $8 each.

PlanetBox food tray: No doubt about it, PlanetBox food systems are expensive. However, we use one every day for our son’s lunch for school, then again on the road. What I love: it’s all one unit, so it’s easy to transport and not lose pieces, and the included dip containers never leak. For what it’s worth, we never use the included cover…just one more thing to lose in the car! Pick one up for $64.

Life Factory: For bigger food items, such as prepared salads and sandwich rolls, we use Life Factory 2-cup and 4-cup containers. Beware: these glass containers are heavy to lug around (so they’re best for road tripping where food transport is at a minimum). However, we love them because they’re encased in rubber to prevent breakage and seal very well. Pick up the 2-cup version for $17.

HydroFlask growler: We love everything HydroFlask (hey, it’s an Oregon company, and we’re Oregonians!) but many families don’t think of buying a growler for road trips. Usually used for beer, growlers are ideal for keeping drinks cold on the road: we fill our growler with water, tea, and fruit juices to dole out along the way. Plus, if the adults in the family come across local brews, they can easily fill up! They’re under $50 on Amazon. We also use HydroFlask water bottles and food containers, but note: in our experience, the food containers do not keep liquids like soup hot for more than five hours.

What to carry road trip snacks in:

For short term road trips and outdoor pit stops, we love to use our bulga basket. We picked ours up for under $25. I use bulga baskets more than soft-sided coolers because I can easily access everything and see all the items I’ve packed, which I find very convenient. However, I cannot keep foods very cold in a basket. When we need to transport foods longer than a few hours, I turn to my Yeti cooler. No, buying a Yeti isn’t overkill: this high end cooler may have been designed for hunters and explorers out in the wilderness for days and weeks at a time, but trust me, after using one, you’ll never go back to a regular plastic cooler again. Our Yeti Tundra keeps our food cold and fresh for days!

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Best essential oils for travel

August 9, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Like everyone else (it seems), I’ve recently started using essential oils in my home and for my family. While I don’t deem them lifesaving (gasp!), I do believe essential oils add to our family’s well-being and overall health. Why not take this show on the road? We have a round up of the best essential oils for travel (and when to use them):

Three best essential oils for travel:

Motion sickness:

Several members of our family suffer from motion sickness in cars and on ships. I hate medicating for this, because no matter what we use, we seem to get drowsy. Before motion sickness can hit, I like to use essential oils topically (to the back of the ears, temples, or wrists) to fight nausea. It’s important to apply the essential oils before getting in the car!

Essential oils for motion sickness: ginger, peppermint, or spearmint. Alternatively, get a pre-made blend. We like Motion-Eaze, which is a combination of lavender, peppermint, frankincense, chamomile, myrrh, Ylang Ylang, and birch.

Immune defense:

This is a biggie. We do everything in our power to prevent sickness while on vacation. For immune defense, we diffuse essential oils at home pre-trip. If you have a small diffuser, you can even bring it along on road trips to use in hotel rooms and vacation homes. You can also just bring the oils, and add a few drops to a bowl of boiling water to breathe in.

Essential oils for immune defense: clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary. Or use a blend like Thieves. We are using Best Friend, from Better Essentials. Better Essentials makes blends nearly identical to those made by the big essential oil makers, at a lower cost. Their oils are 100% pure, therapeutic grade, and third-party tested.

Sleep:

Sleep is absolutely essential (no pun intended!) while on vacation. To assist with sleep in hotel rooms and other unfamiliar places, we apply essential oil to our wrists, plus perhaps a dab behind the ears. You can also spray pillows lightly. I just don’t suggest doing this in enclosed spaces like airplanes, as the scent could bother others.

Essential oils for sleep: lavender, or a blend like Breathe. We are using Fresh Air from Better Essentials (their version of Breathe), or we use pure lavender. Hard to beat it!

How to conveniently bring essential oils:

Luckily, essential oils come, by their very nature, in small packages. They are easy to bring along on road trips in any first aid kit or medication kit, and easy to bring for air travel in a 3-1-1 bag. Almost all are under 3 ounces. Several travel-sized diffusers are on the market, but we don’t bother with this: for our use on the road, we apply our essential oils topically. However you decide to use your oils, make sure you buy therapeutic grade, and place all oils in a plastic bag or otherwise airtight container. This will contain the scent (when you don’t want it) and also prevent any leakage.

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Do you use essential oils? What are your favorite blends?

Family mountain biking tips and gear

June 29, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Our family loves mountain biking. Many outdoor-focused resorts now offer mountain bike rentals and mountain bike single track, and we discovered the sport while traveling. Right away, our kids wanted to mountain bike at home, too. Here’s what we’ve learned about finding family mountain biking trails (at home and while on the road), how to best transport your bikes, and the gear it’s helpful to have with you.

Where and how to mountain bike while on vacation:

Even if you can’t or don’t want to get into mountain biking at home (after all, there’s lots of gear to buy), all families can try mountain biking while traveling. Look for family resorts that focus on outdoor activities and nature, ski resorts in the summer, and state parks. Many resort towns offer bike rental shops, and ski resorts will often have rentals available slope side. Our favorite resorts for mountain biking offer gear for kids, a variety of single track for all abilities, and amenities for after biking, like pools or spa services.

The Lodge at Eagle Crest, Oregon: This Central Oregon family resort has everything you’d want, including a full bike rental shop with sizing for young kids to adults. There are easy paved bike loops for those who want a tame experience, plus miles of single track (dirt paths) accessible directly from the property for those who want a challenge. Plus, Eagle Crest has golf, pools, restaurants, and playgrounds. Read a full review.

Northstar California: We love to mountain bike at ski resorts! Northstar, located in North Tahoe, CA, has some of the best gravity-based mountain biking for families. What does ‘gravity-based’ mean? It means the trails all run downhill, with lifts to carry you (and your bike) back up. The trails are marked easy (green) to advanced (black), just like during the ski season. You’ll also find fun elements like bridges and berms to play with. We recommend taking a lesson at a ski resort like Northstar. Another favorite location: Park City Mountain Resort! Read a full review.

State parks: State parks in many states offer easy access to mountain biking trails. The only downside: usually you’re on your own for bikes, so bring them with you or look for a local bike rental shop. To find state parks with the best single track, try state park pages by state, such as this one for Florida or this one for Utah.

How to get into mountain biking at home:

Once you’ve tried out the sport on vacation, I bet you’ll want to check out the mountain biking scene near your home as well. We’ve found that the best way to enjoy family mountain biking at home is to:

Get a bike rack for easy transport to trails
Get to know your local bike shop
Join a Facebook group or club

You can read below for detailed info on getting a bike rack to fit your car. But first, a word on the importance of a local bike shop: these establishments serve several purposes. The staff at a good bike shop can help you maintain your bike, whether it’s a fancy model or just a starter bike, and educate you on bike tire pumps, locks, and the best trails near your home. We could learn a lot about caring for our bikes ourselves, but instead, we just bring our bikes into our local shop for inexpensive tune-ups every so often. Our bike shop also posts information about local bike clubs and groups for fun rides, plus maps of area trails.

The best way to find local single track trails is to ask people in the know, whether that be your neighbor whose always on his bike to the bike shop pros. We have several mountain bike and hiking networks within a few miles of our house, and our teens will often load up the bikes and ride for a few hours in the evenings.

Gear you’ll need to mountain bike on your own:

If you want to mountain bike at a resort, likely the only thing you’ll need is a water bottle. Everything will be provided. But at home, here’s the very basics of what you’ll want:

Mountain bike: I’m a firm believer that mountain bikes don’t have to be top of the line…to start out with. Look for a bike with good shocks, mountain biking tires, and a fairly lightweight frame. You don’t need full suspension on your first bike, and kids’ bikes can have even fewer frills. This guide to buying your first mountain bike is helpful. Our kids started out with Trek bikes with just a few gears, and grew into their bikes with more bells and whistles.

Helmet and pads: Helmets while mountain biking, are of course, essential. Do you need a motorcycle-style helmet with face guard? Probably not, at least until you start doing some serious vertical. However, it’s worth investing in a good pair of padded shorts. We have been happy with G-Form Pro-X compression shorts. These breathable, thin compression shorts fit well under athletic shorts or pants and give kids (and adults) just enough added padding to make those inevitable falls less painful. Best of all, G-Form’s shorts are versatile: invest in them once, and your kid or teen can wear them during biking, skiing, skating, and even sports like soccer. With three active boys, they’re now a staple in our closets.

We also recommend knee pads and shin guards, ever since our oldest bashed his shin hard enough to leave a scar when falling (the pedal hit his shin bone). At very least, plan to ride with long pants and a lightweight but long-sleeved shirt.

Bike rack: If you’re biking as a family, you’ll need a bike rack for your car sooner rather than later. When we got ours, we started mountain biking at least twice as often, because suddenly, it wasn’t a hassle to get out there. The easiest and cheapest way to transport bikes on your car is with a trunk-mounted bike rack. Our favorite is the Yakima Fullback. It fits on most cars, and is easy to take on and off. The downside: you have to remove it to access other things in your truck or far-back of your car. If you have a hitch mount and can spend a few more bucks, opt for a hitch-mounted rack that swings away from your vehicle for ease of use. Our favorite is the SportRack Ridge Swing. Roof-top racks are also available, but most only hold one bike per rack.

Teach Proper Technique:

Kids who have previously only biked on pavement need to learn proper mountain biking technique before tackling single track. Teach kids what’s commonly known as “default position” or “attack position”: stand with pedals level, elbows bent, and weight centered over the bike. Remind kids to remain relaxed; no stiff muscles or death grips allowed.

No matter the terrain, whether it be steep, rocky, or technical, teach kids to keep their head up and their eyes focused on the trail ahead of them, not on the obstacles they’re currently trying to avoid. Looking at obstacles such as trees, trail edges, or boulders just about guarantees you’ll hit them. Encourage kids to practice often, even if just at home. Grass, dirt, and even curbs, gutters, and stairs can be great places to hone mountain biking skills between trips to the trail.

Safety first

Mountain biking can seem intimidating to some kids. Others will be fearless. Both reactions can end in injury. Hesitant kids may try to navigate tricky terrain too slowly, losing balance in the process, and overconfident kids can tackle terrain at too high a speed, resulting in a spill. Help fearful kids by encouraging plenty of practice at home, on flat ground. Repetition is key to gaining confidence. Teach overconfident kids by example, displaying caution where relevant. Never push kids onto terrain they don’t feel ready for, or into a group of riders above their ability level.

Pin for later!

Source: Fix.com Blog

Do you mountain bike as a family? What are your tips?

Joovy Qool review: travel-ready stroller

June 22, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

UPDATED FOR 2018

The Joovy Qool lives up to its name. With a sleek design and luxury features that mirror those of the most expensive brands on the market, the Qool makes it look easy. Which is definitely the point, for those of us wanting our strollers to go the distance while traveling.

Our baby gear tester Karyssa tested to Qool in 2014 with her son, and is back with an updated review of the newest Qool model with her newborn daughter (with Deklan now along for the ride as a preschooler). Designed for babies three months and up (or from birth with a car seat attachment), the Qool is still not the lightest stroller on the market, but like most Joovy strollers, it manages to fit into the lightweight category while not skimping on features.

Joovy Qool review:

I was excited to try out the new Joovy Qool stroller with bassinet with my daughter. The package arrived promptly, and my husband started putting it together as soon as it arrived. The instruction booklet is pretty thick, but he was able to do most of the assembly without the instructions fairly easily. He only referred to the instructions once. Total assembly including the bassinet took about 15 minutes.

Initially looking at the stroller I thought that it would be heavy because of the larger wheels and wider base. That was not the case. The stroller is so easy to lift into my car, much lighter than it looks. Breaking it down or opening it up is a breeze and takes about 5 seconds.

The ability to attach the bassinet to the stroller and allow my baby to sleep comfortably is so convenient. Attaching the bassinet to the stroller is really simple just line up the bassinet and click. We did not get the car seat adapter for the stroller because it wasn’t available for the brand of car seat we have. Honestly, I am happy that we didn’t because I am more likely to put her in the bassinet and she will be more comfortable. The Mayo clinic does not recommend for babies to be in car seats for long periods of time outside of the car.

Joovy made the fabric inside the bassinet super plush and soft it almost has a velvety feel. It is white though, so I lay a blanket down between the baby and the mattress in case of spit up or accidents. The sun visor has 50+ sun protection and comes with a great zip cover the also works to protect your little one from extreme weather. My only wish is that the visor came down a little lower or had an option to completely shield my baby from the sun. If I am walking in the middle of the day I have to put a thin blanket over the top to completely shield her from the sun.

The stroller rolls great on and off the pavement and I think the large wheels help make it a smoother ride.

My four-year-old loves to sit on the Qool bench seat and doesn’t even mind being buckled. It’s great for the longer walks when he decides he is too tired to walk or he just wants to sit and take a break. Unfortunately, we can’t use the seat with the bassinet but otherwise it is an amazing addition to the Qool. There are several position options for the Qool bench seat and the stroller in the instruction booklet.

Storage is plentiful in the bottom of the stroller. It will fit my diaper bag, blankets, another backpack and more. I am certain that it would fit all of my shopping bags and diaper bag during a shopping trip at the mall. My four-year-old even thought that he should crawl under there and make sure it fit him, and it did.

Joovy Qool at a glance:

Want the highlights? Here’s Karyssa’s quick takes:

Easy access brake
Maneuvers easily through tight places
Nice leather grip
Medium sized basket storage (can hold a purse but not a large diaper bag)
Expandable cover shields baby from rain and sun
Wheels glide over bumpy terrain
Doubles as a jogging stroller
Compacts and folds to fit tightly in small spaces
Lightweight
Leather bumper for baby to hold or attach toys
Adjustable handlebar makes for easy steering at any height
Cushy gel-like seat (which is removable)
Front wheel locks from swivel at a push of a button
Difficult to fold for some (I had trouble; husband and son could fold it in 6 seconds)
Cover window not large enough for baby to view out of easily

Pit Stops for Kids Joovy Qool Review for one toddler:

If you’re using the Qool with one child, is easy to maneuver through tight areas that can often frustrate parents pushing a stroller. I tested the Qool at a large sporting event with mobs of people. The stroller turned effortlessly through the crowds. A major advantage is that this stroller fits in tight areas at department stores and turns on a dime around racks that can otherwise hang up stroller wheels.

The brake is easy to find and engage in the middle of the rear wheels, and virtually anyone can push the stroller comfortably with the adjustable handlebar. The handlebar has a nice comfortable leather grip and a cup holder can be easily attached as an additional accessory.

The expandable sun and rain cover kept my little one sheltered but still able to see out the front. My only caveat: the peek-a-boo window is on the small side, and doesn’t provide much of a view.

The seat is really cooshy with a gel like liner unlike any other stroller seat I have seen. The shoulder harness is easily adjustable for different sizes. I jogged with the stroller over bumpy sidewalks and bricks without ever feeling a jolt. The wheels have major shock absorption and I was very impressed that it handled so well. The front wheels can also be locked by just pushing a button above the wheel.

Initially I thought the Qool was tricky to fold up, but my husband and twelve year old could handle it no problem. Once I tried again it was super easy. It can be folded down tightly with the seat in about five seconds. After it is folded down it can’t be pushed or pulled; it has to be lifted. It is extremely lightweight so that makes up for it.

Tip: Not sure which Joovy stroller is right for you? Compare the Qool to the Joovy Caboose VaryLight, also reviewed by a Pit Stops for Kids mom!

Buy the Qool for $549 on Joovy.com, or Pick it up on Amazon for about 20% less!

Summer sandals for kids: shoes for summer travel

May 25, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

It’s that time of year…time to go through the closets, size kids’ feet, and buy shoes for spring and summer travel! We’re parents too, and we know it can be frustrating to buy summer sandals for kids only to have them discarded: maybe they’re too hot or too pinchy or too…something. Luckily, we review travel shoes all the time, taking the guess-work out of the process for you. When it comes to children’s sandals for travel, we put them through their paces, chat with brand reps, and pack the shoes in our own travel bags before deciding which shoes to recommend. Below are our top summer sandals for kids for this year:

Keen Moxie Mary Jane:

This Mary Jane option is cute while remaining tough as nails, which is just how a girl’s shoe should be. You get the signature Keen rubber overlay around the toe, guaranteeing that extra protection while your kid explores, and while not waterproof, the Moxie does well in light rain or small puddles. Since this sandal is closed-toed, it’s game for just about anything; our East Coast editor’s daughter wore hers everywhere from the playground to a spring break beach trip. Pick up the Moxie Mary Jane in toddler through big kid size.

Keen Chandler and Newport:

The Chandler sneaker is made of breathable quick-dry mesh with a non-marking rubber sole and good, deep tread. No slipping in this shoe! There are no laces to tie—that was a big plus in the eyes of my six-year-old—but the hook-and-loop strap system still allows for a snug, secure fit, which makes Mom happy. This sneaker is available from toddler sizes ($50) up through big kids’ size 7 ($55). Find it for significantly less on Amazon.

Note: Last year, we recommended the Chandler CNX, which we still love. If you need a shoe that’s more rugged, check it out.

My nine-year-old wanted to try an outdoor sandal rather than a sneaker, because he wanted to be able to splash in the water as well as hike. The Newport Neo fits the bill. Lightweight and very supportive, this sandal has the same fabulous tread to grip uneven surfaces. It’s constructed of materials that repel water and offer natural odor control (every #boymom knows how important that is!). Plus, it’s machine washable. Newport Neo is available for $55 from little kids’ size 8 up through big kids’ 7.

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Columbia Techsun:

This sandal is no frills, yet incredibly affordable. If you have kids who are going to outgrow their summer sandals before Independence Day, you’re welcome. At only $35, the Techsun is a strappy sandal that can easily be worn as a light walking shoe as needed, but performs best in the sand, on the river, at the lake, and near the waterpark. Pick it up for even less on Amazon.

Hi-Tec Cove:

This substantial sandal can easily be worn on light hikes, making it one of the best all-purpose shoes for your kids this summer. It’s not flashy like the Uneek, but some kids prefer the understated (I know I have one like that). It’s easy to get the Cove on and off, and the back has a heel strap, but not a full molded back, which makes it one of the more breathable shoes we tried. Pick up the Cove in toddler through big kid size.

Bonus: Crocs Cayman: I fought Crocs for a while, because I am not a huge fan of their looks, but darn it, these shoes are excellent summer travel shoes for young kids. Give in and buy a pair and enjoy having happy kids. Better yet, get the Mickey Mouse version.

See more sandal reviews for summer travel!

Disclosure: Pit Stops for Kids tested multiple sandals for this review. Post contains affiliate links.

Five foundational Aventura Clothing pieces for spring trips

April 13, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Spring travel brings all types of weather, making packing a challenge. If you want to pack carry-on-only this spring but need to bring along outerwear, boots, and other ‘just in case’ items, it’s crucial to plan your main wardrobe carefully. What you need to do: identify core clothing pieces that provide you with a packing foundation: a few pairs of neutral pants, layering tanks and tees, and lightweight spring jackets that pull it all together. Add a few tops and scarves and you’re set!

Foundational Aventura Clothing pieces for spring:

Regular readers know I’m an Aventura Clothing ambassador, but I accept this gig year after year because no joke: I think Aventura Clothing is the best women’s casual clothing brand out there. Why? Most pieces are organic cotton or bamboo that don’t wrinkle and feel great, Aventura offers Fair Trade items, and its eco-conscious ethos is something I can get behind. Aventura’s clothes are flattering and stylish, but most importantly to this traveler, they’re practical and comfortable. Here’s what to make sure you have ready for your spring carry-on:

Channing Jogger: My new favorite pants! These cute jogger-style pants come in four neutral colors and adds a casual vibe to any outfit without looking like you’re in sweatpants. Because oh no. You’re in fitted, flattering organic cotton. For a price of $82, I think I might get a second pair in another color (remember, Pit Stops for Kids readers get a steep Aventura discount…see details at the bottom of this post).

Arden V2 Capri: A classic capri pant is key. I love the Arden (long a staple at Aventura) and this new version has an even more flattering fit. I love that the legs can roll up to an 18″ pedal-pusher length or be rolled down to a 24″ length. Perfect for transitioning seasons. It’s organic cotton and comes in a bunch of fun colors for $79.

Zelda Tank: I recommend this tank every season for every packing need for a reason, people! It’s the perfect layering piece! This stretchy tank fits under any top, and can be worn alone when the day heats up. Plus, it’s on sale for under $13. Get several!

Gilda Legging: With its chevron print, the Gilda legging is stylish and goes with everything. I always toss several pairs of leggings or tights in my bag: they take up hardly any room and can create multiple outfits. Pair this one with a hoodie or sweater or with a dress or skirt.

Tara Jacket: This fitted jacket gives you a crisp, tailored look while keeping you warm when that spring day decides to take a detour back to winter. It’s not too lightweight (there’s some heft to this jacket), and the military-style, full-button front is very stylish. Best of all, you get lots of pockets and the whole thing is organic cotton for $99. I love the oil green color, but since I already own two jackets in a similar shade, I went with white. I’m a bit concerned about this now…how will I keep white clean? At least it’s machine washable.

Supplement your five pieces with past seasonal staples:

Or, check out these additional new offerings:

Tops such as the Sheridan or Ridley LS: I personally think every woman needs some plaid in her life. The Ridley fits so nicely, it can go from horseback to back deck to dinner. The Sheridan is even more feminine with decorative buttons on the back and a more tailored look.
Organic cotton dresses such as the Yardley: I’m in love with this faux wrap, tulip-hem dress. It has an Oriental flair to it, and can be dressed up or down easily. It’s definitely coming on spring trips!
A hoodie or pullover like the Amaris Hoodie: this super simple hoodie gets the job done. You look cute while staying warm when the weather turns, and the neutral pattern on this black-and-gray hoodie goes with just about everything.

Want to try Aventura Clothing at a discount? Use coupon code Whitley20 at checkout for 20% off any Aventura order (even sale items). Limited to one time use per customer. Must create or have a current logged in account with Aventura (free to set up).

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