Thank you to all the families who participated in the Bugaboo photo booth contest at the Children’s Museum’s Family Fair fundraiser! We’re thrilled to announce the winner of the Cameleon3 stroller raffle is… Patricia Figari! It will come in handy when her family welcomes a new addition later this year.
After they joined us at the Family Fair, we were curious to learn more about Bugaboo so we reached out to Melissa Gad, their marketing manager in NY, with a few questions about the company’s commitment to family and the importance of play.
Could you tell us about Bugaboo and what makes it different?
Bugaboo is a global mobility company with a history of developing innovative products that change the way people move. You may know Bugaboo from seeing our strollers on the streets of NY, but we also make a modular luggage system that launched last year – the Bugaboo Boxer. To learn more about our products, please visit www.bugaboo.com.
Bugaboo is a Dutch company. Are there any differences between raising kids in the Netherlands and raising them in the US that people might find surprising?
Women in the Netherlands leave the hospital just hours after giving birth, but for the next eight to 10 days they are provided with “kraamzorg,” which means postpartum care in Dutch. This includes the services of a maternity nurse who is focused on the wellness of mother and baby. The nurse does everything from monitoring the little one’s weight, to preparing light meals, to occupying older children. This is an amazing benefit that could surely be useful to American moms and dads!
As biking is a huge part of Dutch culture, children learn to ride a bike as early as two years old. It is very common to see anywhere from one to four children’s bike seats on a single adult bike. In the Netherlands there is less pressure on academics in daycare and preschool, less homework and fewer extracurricular activities assigned throughout childhood. Children are encouraged to perform at their own level, not the highest level. The Dutch believe this ultimately leads to healthier, happier people.
In addition to a Bugaboo stroller, what items should families make sure they have when planning a trip to the East End?
Beach necessities are a must! Pick up some fun sand toys for the kids that encourage creative play; basic pails and shovels will do just fine. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen as well. Your Bugaboo has a sand and snow mode, so you can pull it right onto the sand.
If you are headed out East for the weekend, the car ride can make kids restless, so come prepared with some fun activities and snacks for the road. It will make the trip a bit easier for everyone.
The Children’s Museum promotes learning through play…for kids and grownups alike! Tell us about the importance of play for Bugaboo.
At Bugaboo we’re passionate about families, exploration, adventure, and helping people move freely through the world. With their strollers in tow, Bugaboo parents have taken their children on some incredible adventures filled with play and creativity along the way. Whether you’re out for an everyday stroll or traveling to a faraway place, your Bugaboo can help you and your family journey to the places you dream about.
Other than the Children’s Museum, what are some of your favorite family-friendly spots in the Hamptons?
The live music at Wölffer Estate Vineyards on Fridays and Saturdays is unexpectedly family friendly and plays host to many young families picnicking and enjoying the sounds of local bands.
Main Beach in East Hampton and Cooper’s Beach in Southampton have great facilities for families and picture perfect stretches of beach; they definitely provide the quintessential Hamptons seaside experience.
For some fun with animals, head to David’s Lane in East Hampton to feed the ducks and walk around the trails. This is a great activity for a day that isn’t quite beach-worthy.
When it gets too hot, venture inside to the East Hampton Library, where they have kids activities for all ages, including Storytime Yoga and Lego Club.
Ice cream is also a must! Hit Sip n’ Soda in Southampton or Candy Kitchen in Bridgehampton for a vintage diner experience, or Sag Harbor favorite Big Olaf’s for a delicious homemade waffle cone by the marina.
