Fall is upon us!

It's finally starting to cool down here in Phoenix. And by cool down, I mean it's under 100* and we can open our windows at night! So, that means it's time to get back to outdoor activities that don't involve swimming or water.  Here's two fun outdoor things to do this week. We just published our fall specials so reserve soon if you're coming to visit!

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park - still a favorite of ours and it's fun on the cheap.  Ride the miniature train, carousel, have a picnic, and play at one of two large playgrounds.  We love visiting this park because it's so much fun for the kids (and adults too!) Admission is free, children under 3 ride free with a paying adult. Ride tickets are just $1. The train ride is 2 tickets and carousel is 1 ticket. You can't go wrong with a train ride for just $2! Our daughters enjoy long ride around the park's playgrounds and the sound of the train's whistle as we cross the sidewalks.

 Out of Africa Wildlife Park - Another one of our favorites. They say, "don't call us a zoo!", and they are definitely not in the typical sense.  It's about an hour drive north of Phoenix, but if you have time, it's definitely worth a day trip. You can get very up close and personal with lots of animals. The included safari ride is amazing as is the Tiger Splash show, where the trainers get into a big pool with multiple tigers and jump, swim and play with them.  These are photos I took with my own little camera!

New Items!

Wow, I didn't realize it had been so long since my last post! Here's some new items we are now carrying for rentals!

• New Foundations full sized cribs. ALL rental companies, hotels, and child care facilities have until the end of  2012 to update their crib inventory to comply with the new CPSC crib safety standards. This is more than just drop sides. It also involves beefed up hardware and testing. Virtually all cribs manufactured before June 2011 DO NOT comply.  If you are planning on using a hotel's crib, double check that they are aware and ask if their inventory is updated. Specifically, as to speak to the housekeeping supervisor as the reservation agents do not generally know this information.

• New Summer Infant Super Seat. With the recent recall of Bumbo chairs, I felt it was best to remove them entirely from the inventory. We now feature a similar option (and with more toys!) in the Super Seat.

• Ergo soft infant carrier. This is one of my indispensable baby items that I use almost every day and figured it would be a great addition to the inventory. It's great for vacations when you're out and about but can't always have a stroller with you. We like it for hiking and places where a stroller doesn't always work well.

• Puddle Jumpers swim aid.  As my little ones get older, I discover great products that need to be added. This is wonderful for a curious swimmer that doesn't want to be held, but needs that extra help in the pool. ALWAYS supervise your children in the water of course!

Anything else you'd like to see? Just ask!

Toddlers and Planes

I've been asked countless times by friends and family this one particular question: What's the easiest way to travel on an airplane with my toddler's gear? I thought I'd share my recommendations based on my own experiences and those of my customers. I'll give you a few options for getting to your destination depending on your situation.

• Travel with CARES and rent when you get there.  

My first recommendation would be to use the CARES harness and rent a car seat, stroller, or any other gear at your destination if the budget allows and there's a rental company that meets your needs.  Your child must be flying in their own seat (which they must if they are 2+) to use the CARES harness.  We rent CARES harnesses and ship them nationwide for a very reasonable rate too. If your child isn't old enough to walk through the airport, use a cheap umbrella stroller.  Your stroller WILL get dirty at the least or broken at the worst, even if you gate check it. 

• Travel with CARES and check other items

If there are no rental options at your destination, I'd recommend checking the car seat and stroller as luggage, but make sure it's well protected to minimize damage.  You may prefer to gate check these items, which you may also do with most airlines, however that's two more bulky items you have to take with you through security, along with your carry on, diaper bag, purse, and child.  If it's in the budget, check into purchasing a Cosco Scenera car seat (~$50 but still highly rated) and a cheap umbrella stroller if you can make do with that.  That way, you won't be seeking reimbursement for $500+ for a broken car seat and stroller that are now useless at your destination. Car seats and strollers are still free to check (verify with your airline, especially American Airlines and their new stroller policy), but other gear will be charged per normal baggage policies with your airline.

• Take your car seat on board and use a Go Go Kidz Travelmate

If you feel your toddler would be happier/more secure/sleep better in their car seat, then take your seat on board and use a Go Go Kidz Travelmate to turn your car seat into a stroller for the ride through the terminal.  This is a little more work as you will have to detach the Travelmate and send the car seat through the x-ray machine or have it hand checked if it doesn't fit.  Installing the seat on the plane isn't always the easiest task either.  Check the plane seat width and your car seat's width beforehand to be sure it will fit. If you are a Phoenix local, we rent the Go Go Kidz Travelmate too. Once you get to your destination, rent a stroller and other gear as necessary.

• Carry your infant in a soft carrier and rent at your destination

If you are traveling with a lap child, carry them in a soft carrier or cheap umbrella stroller and rent when you get to your destination.  Again, if this isn't an option for you, check your car seat and stroller as luggage but make sure it's well protected.  You will have to take your baby out of the carrier for security so be prepared for that. Another useful onboard item for infants is the FlyeBaby portable seat. Unlike CARES, it is NOT approve for taxi, take off, and landing, however it can give you two free hands to play with baby while you are in flight.  We also rent the FlyeBaby seat and ship them nationwide.

Visit us online to check out all of our air travel rentals or all of our premium baby equipment and gear rentals available for delivery in the Phoenix and Scottsdale-metro areas!

Updated Compliance Date to 2011 Crib Standards

Our trade association of baby gear rental companies, Baby Travel Pros, recently had a meeting with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, where our representative asked for a change in the compliance date to the 2011 crib standards, as they affect our businesses.  The change was granted and extended to December 28, 2012 to be consistent with the date given to hotels, child care centers, and other places of public accommodation. The ruling can be read here.




What does this mean for you as a renter of baby gear?   Rest assured that our crib inventory will be just as safe as it is today, right up until new cribs are obtained.  As the Associations current president and co-founder, I along with my colleagues requested this extension to allow us time to obtain the commercial inventory that is so scarce in the marketplace right now.   As of this post, most of our 68 members have been unable to find any cribs that meet our needs.

What does this mean for you as a consumer?  You can still use your non-compliant crib in your own home as long as you want to, however it will be illegal to sell, resell, or donate (unless out of the country) a non-compliant crib after June 28, 2011.  This includes manufacturers, retailers, consignment stores, and individuals.  Again, hotels, child care facilities, and rental companies have until December 28, 2012 to update their inventory.  The main changes made to the previous 40 year old standard were to the integrity of the crib slats, types of hardware, banning of drop-sides, integrity of mattress supports, and requiring more rigorous testing that a crib must pass.  Here is a Q&A put together by the CPSC explaining the 2011 crib safety standards.

I'd like to explain why I choose to use "commercial" crib inventory instead of purchasing from the many manufacturers that sell cribs at Babies R Us and the like.  The crib is the single most popular item in most rental companies inventories.  In one year, a single crib can go in and out of our delivery van about 80 times (two trips for each rental), and set up and used about 40 times.  Of course they are safety checked between each rental and to date I have NEVER had a safety issue while a crib has been out on a rental.  I currently use Foundations folding full sized cribs because they are extremely sturdy, never been recalled, do not require assembly which limits wear on the hardware, and they look nice to boot.  Many commercial cribs were already made to the voluntary ASTM standard that the new CPSC crib standard was modeled after, however most manufacturers are choosing not to retest or retrofit current models, but rather come out with a whole new line.  Our current cribs may actually pass these new standards, but we will never know because they will never be tested.

We are currently working with several commercial manufacturers to obtain new inventory and as soon as it's available, we will begin replacing our fleet of cribs.  Unfortunately this is no small investment, and one that I will make for the third time in 4 years due to the ever-changing environment of crib safety and recalls that's been going on for the last 2 years.  However, as a parent of two small daughters myself, there's no price you can put on a child's safety. 

2011 Crib Standards

At the end of 2010, the CPSC issued new 2011 Crib Standards mandating that cribs go through more rigorous testing and have stronger hardware, in addition to eliminating drop side rails.  Any company selling or leasing full sized or compact sized cribs must comply by June 28, 2011, including baby gear rental companies. Hotels and child care centers have until December 2012 to comply. 

What does this mean? Well, we will be replacing our entire inventory of cribs by the end of June, even though our current models are barely over a year old.  We take your child's safety very seriously and pride ourselves in providing high quality cribs manufactured by Foundations specifically for commercial use.  Since the issuance of the new standard was just given at the end of December, suppliers are working quickly to release new compliant cribs as soon as possible.  The best case scenario we've been told is that they will be in the marketplace by the beginning of May.  Rest assured that our current inventory of cribs are safety checked between every rental and the issuance of a new standard does not suddenly make any existing crib inherently unsafe.

Staying for Spring Training?

Are you coming to Phoenix or Scottsdale to visit one of our 10 Spring Training facilities? Here's a few good deals at our most popular family friendly resorts with one- and two-bedroom set ups. 

Xona Resort - North Scottsdale - 2 bedroom suites with optional adjoining 3rd room for a discount, plus $50 dining credit

Wigwam Resort - Litchfield Park - AAA Four Diamond resort stay for two, golf for two, and $50 resort credit. The bigger casitas are great for families too!

Westin Kierland Resort - North Scottsdale - connecting 1- and 2-bedrooms suites, $100 credit per day for dining, spa, or FUN activities, kids under 12 eat FREE. Use promo code LYF

If you're here for an extended stay, ask us about discounted long term rates for your baby gear rentals too!

Baby Gizmo Reviews

If you're in the market for a new stroller but it's one that you can't find locally, I like to rely on Baby Gizmo.com's video reviews. They're also running a great 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway contest also. (Today's the last day!)

Smart Family

In case you missed it, we were recently featured on our local ABC Smart Family show!



And yes, we are expecting baby girl #2 right around New Years!

Demo Strollers at the AZ Kids Expo

Come by and check out our demo strollers and travel gear at the AZ Kids Expo on Sept 18-19th at University of Phoenix Stadium! On display we'll have the hottest and newest strollers from phil & ted's, BOB, Valco, and Britax. Look for some special show-only deals with rarely offered savings of 10%-15% off on brand new models. We'll also have demos of the Go Go Kidz Travelmate, C.A.R.E.S. child aviation restraint system, and FlyeBaby portable infant seats, all used for air travel with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. We will also be providing a infant and toddler feed, changing, and play area too.

New phil & ted's Explorer on order!

The newly released phil & ted's Explorer offers some much anticipated upgrades to the popular Sport model. Keeping the same frame, great 12"air tires, and versatile doubles kit, the overall look is sleek and stylish. Here are some of the nice new features coming your way.

1. Seat design - There's now a removable padded insert in red, navy, green, or black. The stroller and frame are all black, with the exception of the all apple green model. The inserts are interchangeable should you wish to change up the color of your buggy. Both the main and doubles kit seats are made with a new design allowing for better air flow and both use a newer quick release harness system like the Smart Buggy. The quick release harness system has two release points on the harness, one for each side, instead of four like the Sport model.

2. Plastic covering in foot well - Similar to the Dash buggy, the Explorer's footwell now has a plastic kick mat instead of all fabric, making it easier to clean.

3. Pedal brake - A new pedal "flip-flop friendly" foot brake is replacing the old wire brake system. From an avid flip-flop wearer, this is a very necessary upgrade. No more bending down to release the brake with your hand.

4.One hand fold - The two release clips on each side have been replaced with one release under the base of the seat, making a one hand fold possible.

5. Sun canopy - Another great upgrade from the Sport is the new follow the sun canopy. The canopy is not attached at the back of the stroller so it can be rotated all the way forward and back to keep the sun out of baby's eyes.

6. Sun canopy for second seat - The doubles kit for the new Explorer now gets a sun canopy as well! The doubles kit attaches the same way that it did in the previous Sport model, to both the front and back of the stroller.

7. Car seat adapter - The car seat adapter can now be used with the main seat in the fully upright position, allowing for a second child to ride in the doubles kit on the rear of the Explorer. Previous models did not allow this function.

The phil & ted's Explorer upgrades do come with a slightly higher price tag of $479.99, about $30 more than the previous Sport model. The doubles kit remains the same at $89.99 even with the new sun canopy. The Explorer is due in stock at the end of August, so preorder now, or reserve one of our new rentals for your test drive on our website at http://sweetpeababyrentals.com.

New Travel Gear Addition - FlyeBaby

Our newest addition to Sweet Pea Baby Rentals' air travel rental inventory will arrive in just a few days! We're adding the FlyeBaby portable chair to our rental inventory. FlyeBaby provides a hammock style chair for your infant (up to 25 lbs) to rest in while in flight. It attaches to the tray table and has restraint straps to hold your infant safely in place so you have two free hands to play, change diapers, or read a book while she naps. It's a great alternative to holding your baby for an entire flight! It also doubles as a portable restraint that can be attached to a variety of chairs for feeding or playing. Best of all it's lightweight and portable. We are taking orders now and are able to ship rentals nationwide!

CARES Harness Review

We recently had the good fortune of being able to take a 7 night Alaskan cruise with our extended family including our 3 1/2 year old daughter. I knew I'd be bringing along one of our Child Aviation Restraint Systems (CARES) for the 10 hours of plane rides there and back, but I immediately thought, do I need to bring her car seat just to try to find a place to store it in the tiny cabin? The only time we'd be in vehicles other than a boat was our transfer to the hotel for the first night, our transfer to the port the second day, and one tour we'd booked. Since we were on a one-way cruise, renting in Anchorage was not an option (although visit Northern Lights Traveling Tykes if it is for you), so I started researching. I came across the Ride Safer Vest, which seemed to fit the bill perfectly for us. Since this was my first time personally using both of the CARES and the Ride Safer Vest, I thought I'd share my experiences. First I'll review the CARES harness.

CARES Harness Review
We grabbed the 6" stuff sack, threw it in our backpack, and headed out at 4am for our flight. I was VERY happy I didn't have a car seat to haul when we got held up at security alone (yes, at 4am) for a full backpack, stroller, and carry-on search. My daughter and I then ran to the gate to be the last ones on the plane. I had the CARES out of the bag, slipped over the back of the seat and had her strapped down in less than a minute, never having used it before. Of course, I suppose I had a little advantage having been renting and inspecting them for over a year.


The process is easy:

1. Lower the tray of the seat behind you
2. Slip the harness over the back of the seat and tighten
3. Raise the tray back up
4. Strap in your child and adjust the shoulder straps as necessary

The Pros:

• Extremely light weight and small
• Good for kids 22-44 lbs (has also been approved for special needs children and adults)
  
• Easy to install and secure
• Child can't kick the back of the seat in front
• Can be used in any seating position (car seats typically can only be installed at the window seat for evacuation purposes)
• Approved for taxi, take-off, in flight, and landing
• Used on 4 different flights and 4 different aircraft including a small commuter plane with no problems or questions from the flight attendants.
  

The Cons:

• No crotch strap meant my daughter could wiggle down
• Since the airline seats were curved, the back of the strap holding it on tended to hit her at the back of the head. This didn't seem to bother her though, even when I asked.
• No head support when she fell asleep. I just unbuckled her and gave her a blanket to lay her head on.
• This isn't related to the harness but she could unbuckle the airplane seat belt herself, but not the chest clip on the harness.

All in all, I highly recommend this as an alternative to a car seat, especially for older toddlers and preschoolers. If you're flying with a 1-2 year old on a long flight, you may consider the car seat for comfort if you want them to sleep for a long stretch. In those cases, check out the Go Go Kidz Travelmate to turn your car seat into a stroller for the airport.

Summer Vacations - Plan Ahead!

If you're busy planning your summer vacation, whether it be to Phoenix or anywhere else, visit our partners at Baby Travel Pros to find a rental company that serves your destination. Many companies sell out during peak travel periods so you may want to book the essentials, like a crib or car seat now to ensure they are reserved for you. Making reservations weeks or months in advance is not uncommon, and the company will appreciate your planning ahead so they can better serve you. Generally additions and changes can be made to your order up to a few days before your scheduled delivery if necessary. Unsure of just what you'll need? Check out the guide to recommended gear by age.

Baby Travel Pros is an association of independently owned and operated baby gear rental companies across the world. The only association of it's kind, members are committed to providing safe and clean baby gear for you and your little traveler.

New Full Sized Cribs!

We are very excited to report that our brand new full sized, commercially rated and tested wood cribs are here! Why are we so excited? This crib has been manufactured and tested to meet the ASTM Standards for commercial crib rentals. (Our new mini-cribs by LA Baby Company meet this standard as well.) While the adherence to the commercial standard is not a law in Arizona, we are committed to providing a safe environment for your child.

The vast majority of the cribs on the market are only designed and tested for residential use (one child, assembling once, maybe twice), including the popular Delta models that most rental companies use. While they meet residential ASTM and JPMA standards, they are not rated for commercial rentals. Our new Foundations cribs are full sized, folding models featuring hardwood construction and heavy-duty hardware that lessens the amount of wear and tear typically inflicted on a residential use crib when used as a rental. Not only does this make our free set up and removal easier and faster for us, but in the event that you need to move the crib (with our permission of course), it's much easier for you too.


Visit us online today at http://sweetpeababyrentals.com to view all of our other rental items and let us help you make your family vacation a little easier!

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

My family and I had the pleasure of taking a day trip to Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, AZ this past weekend. I say pleasure because it was one of the best "zoos" I have ever been to. For me, the zoo typically means pushing around a stroller and holding up a heavy 3 year old to see all the way to the back of the enclosure for about 6 hours. Here, we parked our stroller and our 3 year old actually thought the animals were too close to her!

The photos you see on their website are actually photos that I could have taken myself, and these photos here, I really did take myself with my basic little digital camera, no fancy zoom lens or anything. You are within feet of the animals and they are all very visible thanks to the way the enclosures are set up. The park houses all types of animals from lions, tigers, and other cats, bears, giraffes, zebras, and ostrich, to a rhinoceros named Boom Boom whom we happened across on our way out of the park. There was something strange and funny about rounding a corner to see a rhino sleeping under a desert tree fenced in by nothing more than concrete traffic barricades.

Upon our entrance to the park, we caught the outgoing safari ride and were handed carrot sticks as we got on - then were told not to eat them. Our very first stop down the dirt road was at the giraffe's enclosure where he eagerly awaited the bus and our carrot sticks. The driver gave everyone sufficient time to take photos and feed the giraffe. Some unsuspecting passengers got a friendly lick on the face from the giraffe when we ran out of carrots too! We ventured on into a gated area where zebra, ostrich, more giraffe and lots of other animals roamed free. The tour guide was wonderful at explaining all about the animals and bringing them right up to the bus (with some treats) for some great photos.

At the end of our safari, our driver dropped us off at the top of the hill just in time for the Tiger Splash show. In the show a few brave staff members and two very large tigers jump and play in the water with inflatable pool toys, which the tigers joyously pop. One of the owners of the park narrated the show and stressed that they animals are not trained but that they work on a relationship basis with them. For example, to get a toy from one of the tigers, they offer something else in return. The tiger would give up the toy for, in this case, a piece of meat. There were no signs or spoken commands to any of the animals.

After the show, we grabbed a bite to eat from the burger stand then checked out and pet the boa constrictor during the Giant Snake Show. The handler did not carry around the snake to everyone, for one because it was about 15 feet long, but rather she opened the gate to the show arena and let anyone come in that wanted to check out the snake.

We wandered around and in most cases had the animals all to ourselves since the park was not crowded at all. It was so strange to stand 4 feet from two bears who sat looking straight at you, or a tiger who walked over to see what you were doing. We stayed for the Wonders of Wildlife show which on that day was the grizzly bears. At the end of the show, we happened to see the two founders, Dean and Prayeri, sitting watching the show as well. We stopped to tell them what a fantastic park they had created and ended up talking to them for over an hour. They are wonderful caring people who care about the animals as well as their staff and community.

Where: Out of Africa Park, Camp Verde, AZ (~60 mi north of Scottsdale)
When you get there, turn right before the court building and follow the road until it becomes dirt. We found out they are having a problem with the transportation department allowing them to post permanent signage.

When: Daily 9:30am-5pm

Price: $36 adults, $28 seniors, $20 kids 3-12 (under 3 free) (Yes, it is a little pricey but worth it. There are reduced AZ resident rates as of right now, and coupons are available on their website, and check entertainment books and brochures for coupons too)

Book soon for Chirstmas!

As we do most holidays, Sweet Pea Baby Rentals was SOLD OUT of many items over Thanksgiving.  The most popular last minute request? Crib tents for a pack n play (which we unfortunately do not have).  Moms and dads, you might want to pull out that pack n play at home before you leave and give it a whirl for nap time just to make sure that junior can't and won't climb out.  Discovering this on day 1 of Christmas vacation at Grandmas might leave you in a pinch when most rental companies are sold out of full sized cribs and crib tents. 

As an added bonus for December, we're also offering a FREE booster high chair rental with every order booked by December 20th.  Check out our packages and specials for more information.

My Airport Busy Kit

I ran across a great product a few weeks ago called My Airport Busy Kit.  It's a lunch-box sized kit aimed at keeping preschoolers busy in the airport, on the plane, or during any outing where entertainment is necessary.  The Airport Busy Kit is geared toward ages 3+, and luckily my own product tester is just that age (barely 3 years old).   No sooner did I have the shipping box open did she scoop it up and start sifting through the contents. 

Our kit contained everything pictured here: an activity book, a blank notepad, stickers, washable markers, crayons, plastic kids scissors (that cut paper but not fingers), Wikki Stix, wooden wands to color, a lacing board, a tic tac toe game, a tape measure, and linking figurines.  For some of the games in the activity book, she did need my direction which is understandable as they are also geared toward a slightly older age group, but for the most part, she was able to handle the majority of the items herself.  She happily sat at the kitchen table and played for an hour before dinner, showing off her linked acrobats, measuring things, putting sticker fish into the fishbowl, coloring one of the wands, and cutting paper.  We repacked everything easily into the carrying pouch and first thing the next morning, she went right back to it and played some more. Our conclusion: the kit is a great tool to add to the arsenal of things to keep the 3+ age group busy on a plane or in the airport!

If you're renting cribs, car seats, or other gear from Sweet Pea Baby Rentals while on vacation in the Phoenix-metro area, we offer FREE SHIPPING with your purchase.  If you rent a CARES harness from us, we can add the kit to your shipment too.

Cost to Rent vs. Cost to Bring

The baggage fees that airlines are charging this holiday season might have you thinking twice about what to bring with you.  Take a look at our comparison chart by Sweet Pea Baby Rentals that shows you the cost to rent versus the cost to bring your gear along. 

Picture yourself standing at the ticket counter, checking in for your flight.  First you get hit with at least $15 for each bag you check, so for mom and dad's two bags, that's $30 on top of the price of your tickets.  If your airline gives your lap child a baggage allowance, that'll be another $15 for his bag.  If they don't, then it will count as a second bag for you and cost at least another $30. 

So now you're probably up to $60 and haven't gotten to baby's essentials, like the Pack N Play, car seat or stroller.  You're most likely in luck with the car seat and stroller fee-wise.  Typically you are able to check these at no charge but you run the risk of them being smashed, broken, lost, or at least dirtied in the baggage hold with all the other suitcases.  You cannot carry either of them on board unless you have purchased a seat for your child, in which case you can bring an FAA-approved car seat (most car seats are). Another alternative to the car seat is a CARES harness and you can even get a free rental for your flights when you rent a car seat from us while you here.

If you decide to bring along the Pack N Play, now you're up to a 3rd checked item which carry fees up to $130!  At this point, you're already standing there with it in hand, so what else can you do besides take it along.  That's most likely more than a new Pack N Play would cost if you bought one at your destination.

Our best advice is to put smaller babies in a soft front pack carrier or bring a cheap $10 umbrella stroller with you to get through the airport, preferably one that you don't care if it gets smashed along the way.  Save yourself the headache and expense of checking the car seat, pack n play, portable high chair, toys, and other essentials and rent them from us.  We'll have everything waiting at your rental car counter when you arrive, or can deliver to a local residence, resort, condo, or wherever you need the gear.

New Mini-Crib

We've added a few new items to our inventory recently here at Sweet Pea Baby Rentals. Our newest addition to our rental inventory is the Mini-Crib, just in time for the holidays. The Mini-Crib is smaller than a full sized crib and comes with an upgraded 3" mattress (more plush than the standard 1"). The mini-crib (also known as a compact crib or portable crib) is good for kids up to approximately 2 years old, depending on their height. The length of the mini-crib is 38", so if you're child is close to this height, it might be better to go with a standard full-sized crib or try the phil & ted's Traveller, both 51" in length. The compact mini-crib is perfect for tight spaces where a full sized might not fit, like next to a bed, or in a den / office.

How To: Part 2 - Bob Strollers

As a follow up to last weeks post about how much we love BOB, I wanted to share some tips on how the stroller actually works. If you've just reserved your first BOB Gear jogging stroller for your Arizona vacation from Sweet Pea Baby Rentals, read on! Maybe you'll be showing your children the beautiful back country of Sedona, taking a walk in the warm desert evening, or just giving a ride to the resort pool. Here's some tips on our BOB jogger rentals that might help get you on the road that much faster. The Bob Revolution Duallie (double) model is show in the photos below but the process is exactly the same for the Revolution single and other models.



1. The fold is very easy.

To fold the stroller, pull up on the red tabs under the handle bar and flip the handlebar forward toward the foot rest.

Pull up on the red cord at the base of the seat to collapse the wheels.









For extra storage space, remove the rear and/or front wheels with the flip of a lever.











To unfold the BOB jogger, swing the back wheels out until they lock, then unfold the handlebar to the upright position.

2. The canopy is great.
Extend the canopy all the way out (shown on the right side). The two stage canopy can be pulled back half way and locked into place by using the draw string on the top of the canopy (shown on the left side). The draw string is only accessible by the parent from the top of the canopy. (A request from us - parents please don't put your drinks or coffee in the folds of the canopy. Thanks!)




3. Lock the front wheel straight for pushing through sand or on rough terrain. Flip the red button on the front of the wheel, then rotate the wheel around until it locks straight. This helps to keep it from catching when pushing it through the sand or over rocks and rough terrain.

4. Adjust the suspension for older children. Since the BOB strollers can be used up to 70lbs total(single) or 100lbs total (double/duallie), they have two suspension settings. Our rental strollers are set on the softer setting for younger children, but if you have older toddlers and pre-schoolers riding, adjust the suspension to the stiffer setting to give them a better ride.

5. Recline one or both seats independently.

Shown in the Bob Revolution Duallie here, one seat is upright and the other is fully reclined. The recline is infinitely adjustable to this position.





Try out one of our BOB Revolution strollers for your family today. Our Try & Buy program makes it easy and affordable to test drive one of our rentals risk-free too. If you decide to buy one from us, we'll credit the rental cost toward your purchase.