Cosatto To and Fro Double Review

Cosatto to and fro double stroller, cosatto stroller, double stroller, to and fro duo
With two small age gaps under my belt and a third on the horizon, double pushchairs have been a part of my life for three years.  There seems to be more choice than ever and we were excited to try out the brand new To and Fro double from Cosatto.  It boasts all the ease of an umbrella fold stroller but with the added advantage that when using it with a newborn, they can be parent facing.

We love the extra features that Cosatto offer, and the to and fro double pushchair comes with a four year guarantee as standard.  The design is bright and colourful (something I find very important), and I love how much this double stood out.  The package comes complete with raincover, two footmuffs and cupholders and it is ready to go pretty much straight from the box.

My favourite thing about the to and fro double stroller is the fact that the newborn can be parent facing.  For me this is something I will not compromise, especially having had two winter newborns who needed the protection of being facing in.  It is really easy to change from facing out to facing in and it lies completely flat with a five point harness.  The hood is really generously sized and with the footmuff on as well it looks lovely and snuggly.  I have used it for Finn facing in when he is tired, but in parent facing mode the child does have to be flat - I would love to see an option to have them parent facing sat up in the future.

The seats seem quite a generous size for a side by side double, these pictures were taken just before Archie turned three and he is on the 75th centile for his height and weight.  He isn't in a buggy much any more but his little legs still get tired on a long day out and it is important for me that he has a proper seat when he needs a rest.

The pushchair comes with two footmuffs as I mentioned above, but I would say these are designed for twins more than siblings as they are suitable until around 12 months with an average sized baby. You can see in the picture the size of it compared to the size of Archie.  It would be great if you could order co-ordinated blankets for older siblings as I just love the raindrop design and it would be great to continue it across everything.

The buggy was easy to push, I did need two hands but then the combined weight of these two is around 26kg so that isn't surprising!  I found it easy enough to get up and down curbs, around corners and shops and I had no problem taking it on buses and trains.

The baskets were pretty generous for a double buggy when the children are facing out although if they lie down or parent face then they are harder to access but not impossible at all.  I am used to the fact that most double pushchairs sacrifice on basket space and this has the equivalent of two stroller baskets which is great.

The buggy is compact when folded compared to other doubles, it has an umbrella fold similar to other strollers but of course is twice as wide.  I did find that when folded the hoods came off completely so every time I set it up again I had to click them back on again.  I do find it a bit annoying as I can't get the buggy in my house set up so we fold it up and down a lot but it only takes a minute or so each time.

Overall, I would say that this is a good double stroller.  The fact that it can parent face for a newborn is something new and amazing and if I was looking to buy a double stroller to use from birth it would be this one without a doubt for that very reason.  I would say that this is better suited for young twins than toddlers or children with a big age gap, but I find it easy enough to push despite quite a weight and size difference between my boys.

Disclosure :  I was sent this stroller for the purpose of this post but all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

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The Cosatto Ooba Review

We were sent the Cosatto Ooba in Charleston to use with our newest arrival and I am really impressed with it.  Not only does the Ooba look bright and fun, but it comes with some great features and extras that make it stand out.

The monochrome design of the Ooba is eye-catching without being too bright and completely unisex too in my opinion.  The frame is really easy to fold, using two simple mechanisms (which are handily labelled too) and folds pretty small, although the carrycot does need to be removed first.  Because of the way the frame crosses over the basket, I was worried it would be hard to use, but we have had no problems putting a changing bag underneath or using it with shopping bags.  

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Cosatto Supa Racoon Riot Review

I love colour and personality when it comes to things for the children and the gorgeous designs that Cosatto bring out are what first attracted us to their products over 3 years ago when Dylan was small.  We chose a little monster stroller for our little monster, and three years on it is still going strong.  We were offered the chance to try their newest stroller recently, the Supa and it has all the great features we love from our old stroller, but with so many more too.

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Cosatto Hootle Review

We love bright when it comes to things for the boys, and that is why I have always been drawn towards Cosatto.  Their baby products have so much personality and so do my boys so they seem a perfect match.  We were recently sent the new Hootle car seat for Archie to try out, a group 0+/1 option that is suitable from newborn all the way through until 18kg (approximately 4 years).

Archie is currently borderline for rear/forward facing, but realistically he was too big to rear face as he is quite tall, so we used the seat with him facing forwards.  Cosatto say this seat can rear face until 13kg, but baby can be turned at any point from 9kg should you wish.  This would have been great for Dylan who reached 9kg long before he was ready to turn, and I wish we had been more aware of the options back then.  

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Win a Cosatto Giggle in Oaker

I have been a fan of Cosatto since we first started thinking about pushchairs nearly three years ago.  When Dylan was six months old we bought him a lightweight stroller and we went for the little monster design- it was perfect for our little monster Dylan and our second little monster  still uses it now.

Cosatto are known for their colour and their style and there is nothing boring about their pushchairs.  Today I have a gorgeous Giggle in Oaker to give away to one lucky reader.  Suitable from birth with the carrycot (included), the giggle is sure to stand out.  

Cosatto have no hidden suprises so the Giggle comes with the carrycot, seat unit, changing bag, footmuff and chest pads meaning you are ready to go! You can also buy a matching car seat to go with it!

Entry is very simple via the rafflecopter below - Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Pushchairs to look out for in 2014

As you may have noticed, I have a bit of a thing for buggies.  As a non-driver, they are my only set of wheels and I love discovering new brands, new designs and spotting them out and about.  After having the opportunity to test a few, I do feel like I know my stuff too, and the Baby Show last weekend only served to fuel this obsession.  I thought I would share my top 5 for 2014 - new colours, styles or updates for the year that I think are going to be big

First up is the icandy Raspberry.  I bought a Cherry when I was pregnant with Dylan and still love it now.  Icandy pushchairs are noticeable, well made and I love the beautiful colours for this new design.  The Raspberry is new and is a from birth stroller that will be available from spring/summer this year.  It can be world or parent facing and folds incredibly compactly with the seat still on.  It lies flat and I mean completely flat which makes it suitable for a newborn, or for those rather odd babies like mine who will not sleep on their back even in a buggy! The black chassis is classy and makes the coloured hood really pop, and there is a silver aluminium option too.  With interchangeable colour packs that come in 7 gorgeous shades, the buggy can change with the season or your mood.  I love the black chassis, and for me the lush(red) or sunflower(yellow) are the best colours - bright and unisex.  Everything seems so well thought out from the adjustable handle, the way it folds with the handle in the air, and the hard case at the front of the buggy for storage.

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Cosatto Troop Car Seat Review

At the rate my little man is growing, it won't be long until we need to update his carseat, so when Cosatto offered to send us a Troop, their new group 1,2 and 3 seat, I couldn't resist checking whether it was cosy enough for a 9 month old as well as spacious enough for a 12 year old.

Cosatto have been one of our favourite baby brands since we first discovered them all those months ago.  Dylan and Archie have quite a selection of Cosatto high buggies, car seats and high chairs and I fall in love with every new collection they bring out.  We have been testing the Troop in the funky pablo design and I have to admit that I love it even more in the flesh.

With a white base and colourful triangular design, this car seat was designed to stand out and we get comments from everyone who spots it.  The seat can easily be attached to the car using the Isofit systembut it is perfect for occasional use too as rather than strapping the carseat in with the seatbelt and then using the 5 point harness, both actions are combined into one with the use of the impact shield.

The impact shield is used for younger passengers and slots into the chair keeping the child incredibly secure.  Some have been sceptical about it as a 5 point harness is the norm, but I have to admit it feels more secure than a traditional carseat and there is no way that sea is going anywhere if it is strapped in properly!  Dylan loves having somewhere to rest his arms and seems very comfortable in there.

For an older child, the impact shield would be removed, and the seat belt used over the seat.  To make the seat usable for an older child, there is an easy handle at the back of the head rest that when pulled up, raises the head rest and broadens the shoulders leaving lots of space.  I haven't tried the seat with an older child yet but I can see that this will last Dylan for many more years!

The seat feels well padded, soft and secure and I would be confident using it for Archie when he progresses from his infant seat in a few months time.  Despite Dylan being an incredibly chilled little man, I can already see that Archie is raring to go and he will be the one climbing up the curtain poles in a few short months.  One of the great features of the Troop is that even a little monkey wouldn't be able to escape the shield, unlike a harness and all the time the impact shield is on, they will not be able to unbuckle their own seat either, which would make me feel a lot safer.  

On the smallest setting at 23 months

The only real issue I have had with this seat is that it is quite big and I do struggle to get the seatbelt round i sometimes although there has never been an occasion where I couldn't manage it.  The list of pros is pretty impressive though:

-Side impact protection

-washable covers

-2 position seatback recline

-5 headrest positions

-gorgeous design

-works from 9 months all the way to 12 years

-free 4 year guarantee

-easy to use

- works in all cars

I would definitely recommend this seat for ease of use and the practicality of not needing to upgrade every few years as your little one grows.  Although it is quite big, it is this aspect that offers the great fit and extra protection so it is well worth it.

Disclaimer:  I was sent this car seat for the purpose of this review 

but all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

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Cosatto Supa Dupa Review

Having two children under twenty months, a double buggy is inevitable and as part of my role as Cosatto Brand Buddy, we have been reviewing their new Supa Dupa double stroller.

The Supa Dupa was super easy to put together and comes complete with two newborn headhuggers, two foot muffs, two insulated bottle holders, a cup holder and a raincover.

We chose the Big Bro, Little Bro design and it was love at first sight.  The pushchair is colourful and bold without being too bright and I loved the colour scheme.  I think the design is great for slightly older children as they really take on the role as 'big bro' and the fact that both sides are clearly marked means no readjusting the straps each time!

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Win a Cosatto Yo!

Cosatto may just be my favourite baby brand and I am loving my role as brand buddy.  I have been testing some amazing products and have loved every one of them!  I am teaming up with Cosatto now to offer you the chance to win one of their gorgeous Yo! Toffee apple strollers worth £230!  You can see my review of the Yo! and how much we loved it.

Cosatto are renowned for their vibrant and colourful designs and the toffee apple is certainly not one you will lose in a crowd!   It is suitable from newborn and comes complete with a headhugger and matching footmuff as well as a handy raincover that can be clipped onto the side of the buggy, giving you more space in the basket for the all important shopping!  It is sturdy and well made whilst still folding umbrella style and fitting nicely in the boot.

So if you want to be in with the chance of winning one of your very own, just fill in the rafflecopter form below!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  The prize is provided by Cosatto, I am receiving no financial reward for hosting this competition however I am a brand buddy for Cosatto and have received other products for review.

ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

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Super Parenting or Super Cot? - Cosatto Moon Unit Review

Either this product is amazing, or I am a super babysitter!

Today I agreed to look after my friends son whilst she had a few tests at the hospital.  This meant over 4 hours alone with two toddlers and my 35 week bump.  To say I was scared is an understatement and after a busy few days, I was lacking in energy as well.  

The morning started smoothly and I realised that sometimes two is no more difficult that one.  The boys pushed play pushchairs, brick trolleys and walkers around the house, giggling away and making me dizzy with their energy.  The hours were flying by and soon there were some little tummies rumbling.  Luckily they kept each other entertained long enough for me to put together some lunch for the three of us, but the yawns and eye rubbing had already begun.

I am blessed to have a toddler that loves his sleep, and I took him upstairs as soon as the last bite of sandwich was gone and watched his thumb pop in his mouth and eyes close.  The other tired toddler is not known for his love of sleep however, and is taken for a walk every day as he will eventually give in when in the pushchair.  As this was not an option, I thought I would put the Cosatto Little Monster travel cot to the test.  I simply put him in, covered him with a blanket and told him he needed a nap.  I walked out the room and plonked myself on the floor just outside the room waiting for tears and tantrums.

I heard nothing.

I waited five minutes before poking my head round the door to see closed eyes and a little bum sticking up in the air.  Two children asleep within five minutes of each other meant a cup of tea, a sneaky bar of chocolate and a chance to sit in peace for an hour whilst they both stayed asleep and I waited for my friend's return..  Question is - my amazing ability at childcare or one comfy cot?  As I am not about to climb in the cot to test it out, I am going to use this as a testament.

The travel cot folds up into a handy bundle, but contains everything you could possibly want inside.  The cot and mattress are perfect for a toddler and it will be a long long time before Dylan could ever climb out.  If I was to use the cot for Squish however, I could add in the bassinet feature and have him at a height I can easily reach, whilst still safely and securely inside and with just as much wriggle room.

The cot comes with a detatchable changer meaning no bending over on the floor and no need to worry about somewhere sanitary in an unfamiliar place.  There is also a detatchable bar with funky dangling monsters to keep little hands and minds entertained. 

We are huge fans of the little monster range and have reviewed the Moova car seat as part of my role as brand buddy as well as having bought the stroller ourselves so it is great to have the familiar character in the house again.  Dylan loves having a play in there when he gets over excited and I am thinking of making it a permanent feature of the living room for when I need to leave Dylan and Squish unattended to make a much needed cup of tea.  I am really impressed with the design,  the thought that has gone into making it perfect for  all ages and the ability it had to send a non-sleeper to the land of nod.  I have found the cot quite heavy and the whole package does weigh 13.8kg but this adds to its sturdiness and it feels like it can cope with a real toddler no problem.

It was really simple to put up and take down and the additions are tough to put on but therefore feel incredibly secure when they are, and I wouldn't worry about leaving a small baby in the bassinet.  Both toddlers give it a great thumbs up as do the bloke and I.  At £160 it is certainly not the cheapest travel cot on the market but it is one that really will last as it is strong and sturdy and suitable from small baby to active toddler so for me it is well worth the money..

Disclaimer:  I was provided with this travel cot as part of my role as a Cosatto brand buddy.  I cannot guarantee any super sleeping powers and I cannot guarantee any super babysitting skills but the story is 100% true!

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Cosatto Little Monster Moova Car Seat Review

I am rather excited to say that I have been chosen as one of Cosatto's new Brand Buddies, meaning I will be bringing you exclusive news and reviews over the next few months.  They are a brand I completely adore as their products are full of colour and personality - much like my family I like to think and they are both gorgeous and practical.  I have already told you about the Yo! Toffee Apple and the Slim Jim Highchair and for the last couple of weeks we have been testing the Little Monster Moova Car seat.

The car seat is suitable for children from approximately 9 months until 4 years (Stage 1) so will last a long time.  It comes with a removable and washable cover so you can keep it looking clean and lovely for the three years or so your little monster will be in there and the funky patterns make it much better at hiding a mess than some plainer car seats.  It is easy to install with a 3 point harness and we had no problem getting it in and out of cars.  I did find the instructions were not as clear as some other seats and it took me a while to get it in securely but once you have worked out the trick it is easy to get in and out in future.  

The higher sitting position is great for nosy toddlers who like to see where they are going and the three recline positions mean no lulling head when they start to drop off.  Dylan looked happy and comfortable in his and the design suited him completely!  We already have

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The Baby Show

I adore my gorgeous little boy but it is lovely to have a bit of time sometimes just me and the bloke.  Ironically we decided to spend a day away together visiting The Baby Show at Earl's Court.  We had a lovely day exploring the stands as expectant parents and making the most of some fantastic offers from some of the companies.

The baby show is the place to shop for all your baby needs from pregnancy through to toddlerhood and the exclusive discounts mean you can't help but leave with a bargain.  We caught up with brands we already love and discovered plenty of new ones. We bought some lovely clothes for Dylan and all sorts of gorgeous bits for little Mr Squish.  We also spent time checking out the double pushchair options ready for next year.

The stall we looked for first was the last one we found and that was the lovely

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Cosatto Slim Jim Highchair Review

It comes as a shock to me, but not everyone wants their house looking like a toyshop just exploded in there! Some people have been there, done that, bought several T-shirts and are now ready for their white tablecloths, cream sofas and uncluttered house.  Not me of course, I am destined to have years of colour and mess as I share the house with two under twos from early next year.  My mum and dad however fall into the second category.  All their children have grown up and left home(ish) and they are enjoying the peace.

Their peace is interrupted every Thursday when they get a visit from my little monster as I go off to work for the day and the little corner of the living room reserved for baby bits is growing at a speedy rate.  They shouldn't have to compromise every room though and when we were offered the Cosatto Slim Jim highchair I knew they would love it.  

Dylan needs somewhere to sit and eat his dinners but high chairs can be quite cumbersome.  The slim jim folds away so

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Cosatto Yo! Toffee Apple Review

Cosatto are one brand which I have loved since I was pregnant with Dylan.  Their products are funky and bright and exactly the kind of think we like to use.  When they offered me the Yo! in one of their new fruity colours to review I was over the moon as we had already been eyeing them up!

The Yo! toffee apple is a lovely orange colour and really is incredibly bright.  There is no losing this in the park and I love that is stands out from the boring black.  The box contains everything you need from the raincover to the footmuff and newborn headhugger meaning you can grab the baby and go!  The wheels clip in easily and the hood slides in - simple as that.  5 minutes and it is set up!  The rain cover is ready in a bag with a handy hook meaning it takes up no basket space.

The stroller is light, although not as light as some others.  This is great as you want something a bit sturdier if you are using it for a newborn and you can hand a couple of bits on the handles without worrying about it tipping up.  I found the handles unnecessary for bags however as the basket is huge for a stroller and easily fits in everything we need for a full day out including blanket and jumpers.  I love this as I do like to carry round twice as much as I really need!

The buggy is

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