Trying out the Contours Twist Grow With Me seat

We recently had the opportunity to test out the Contours Twist Grow With Me Seat in the Adkins Asylum. It's always fun to try out new gear, and as our family grows, we find our needs for different baby gear adapts as well. We really loved the design and the bright color selection that it comes in. But more importantly, we loved the fact that the foam insert comes out completely for cleaning! If you have children, you know there's really never a time when "clean" and "eating" are used in the same sentence!

We used this for feeding Paisley, who at the time was 7 months old. She seemed to be dwarfed by the seat, but then she is particularly tiny. Ella tried it out as well, and she managed to fit in just fine - however, we buy things that will grow, so I wouldn't necessarily suggest buying it for a 3 year old with the intent to use it long term, if you get my understanding. Paisley seemed to enjoy it though, as she liked to sit up and look around.

As for Kevin and I, it really made feeding easier and the Contours Twist Grow With Me seat is very versatile for all types of feeding. We have a counter height table and stools, so finding a highchair to work with that isn't always easy. I loved how I was able to strap it onto one of our stools (with a back) and sit and feed her, especially post-surgery. Kevin, on the other hand, likes to sit on the floor and feed the baby. So it worked for both of us! We're particularly fond of the Contours line of baby gear. They are consistently striving to make something that is good for more than a 3 month use. They care about safety and are always open to suggestions. I love their customer service, having dealt with them when we purchased our Contours Options Elite Tandem Stroller!

Click here to read my review of the Contours Twist Grow With Me Seat on Amazon.

A bicyc... erm, stroller built for TWO!

We have been running back and forth trying to find a stroller/pram that will work for both Ella and Paisley now that Paisley will be coming home soon. Who knew what an adventure that would be?! After visiting several different retailers, we had decided to go the route of a tandem stroller - mainly because I have difficulty pushing a single stroller through a doorway... so the thought of trying to maneuver one twice the width was a bit daunting to me. Let me first start off by stating that we borrowed a friends stroller and ultimately decided that it wasn't going to work. That's what brought us to the Contours Options Elite Tandem Stroller. We bought this at BuyBuyBaby, and I very rarely endorse any particular store... HOWEVER - we received the BEST customer service. The most knowledgeable floor associates and helpful management team I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Just wish they were closer to where we lived. In any event, the bottom line is that we LOVE our Options Elite. 

As seen in the picture below, we love the versatility of the carriage with the seats! With Paisley being so tiny, having come home from the hospital at just under 5lbs., we had to get a certain car seat. Unfortunately, it was not compatible with many other travel systems. We loved that the Options Elite came with a universal adapter bar (be sure to check that your model car seat works, as not every seat will work). As she transitioned into the regular seat, she was able to sit upright and look around. We like to face Ella and Paisley to one another, as they like to giggle and stuff. But there are also occasions when we just like to flip them around as well. One of the major selling points for me was the side zipper in the underneath storage. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to get something out from under the stroller and having to fight because the seat is there. The Options Elite has a zipper on both sides. That's right, BOTH SIDES. I loved it!

   

I honestly only had 2 complaints. 1 - it's a bit bulky/heavy for my liking. Mind you, this is a double stroller. I have to remind myself of this. And while yes, the aluminum frame is more lightweight than others... I had a bit of difficulty picking it up to put in the truck. 2 - accessories are not included. And by accessories, I mean the drink tray particularly. I've never seen a stroller that didn't come standard with the tray... so it was a bit of a surprise to learn that those were additional. We did get them, mind you. Along with the rain covers, the parent console (a neoprene like zippered bag with areas for your phone and a bottle) and the shopping bag attachment if you happen to be out and about with only 1 child. 

After the purchases though, I'm a happy camper. The 4 wheels handle most terrains easily, and you can easily push the stroller with one hand, although 2 hands on anything I'm steering makes me feel more comfortable! The Options Elite comes in several different canopy color options, but I fell in love with the Laguna Blue with the chevron pattern on the inside. They are easy to clean and there is a zippered mesh section that you can unzip to allow more airflow in the buggy. Highly recommended!