My Baby’s Got A Deluxe Stroller

Gregg Zegras, publisher of iVillage Parenting Network, a multimedia company for baby goods, publications and TV, said New York leads the way for luxury baby goods trends.

“Pregnancy is really hip now,” Zegras said.

“Manhattan celebrities are at the top of the list promoting pregnancy and child-bearing. They drive the high-end market, which then finds its way to the rest of the country.”

The luxury stroller market is also skyrocketing. Silver Cross, the favorite for royals and Madonna alike, costs $2,500. Ellen DeGeneres bought one for Gwyneth Paltrow. Catherine Zeta-Jones is also a fan.

Bugaboo – favored by Ripa, Moore, Uma Thurman, Conan O’Brien and Kate Hudson – had three retail outlets in the U.S. last year. Madonna just gave David Letterman one.

This year, there are already 150 outlets in North America. They’ve even upped their prices with special “limited edition” denim models for $875.

“During the first three months of this year we already achieved 70 percent of our sales for 2003,” said spokeswoman Angelina Vieira. “Being a parent doesn’t mean you have to stop being you.”

Excerpt from an article by: Jennifer Gould
Source: New York Post