Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
IT is the ultimate in buggy-bling: the baby-stroller for the infant - and parents - who must have everything.
The latest pushchair from California harks back to classic 1950s hot rods, with chrome trim kit options, teardrop fenders and surround sound to let the baby rock while you are rolling.
The top of the range tailfin Roddler from Kid Kustoms will set parents back at least $3,500 (BD1,320). Customised paint jobs, suede or leather upholstered bucket seats and even brake lights are among extras available.
Kid Kustoms' director, Jamie Coblentz, said: "Our Roddlers start with a timeless design and let you build in a host of accessories. It gives the customer a blank canvas.
"It's a lot of fun to conceive your own model and I love helping the customers choose their colours and such like.
"Gone are the days of being relegated to pushing your child in something as stylish as a shopping cart. Our buggies are really made the same way a car is, only without the production line. In essence it's the same as having a custom hot rod for your kids."
So would parents in Bahrain splash out on a super stroller?
Andrea Castellino, 30, customer service team leader for freight forwarding company Gulf Agency Co, from Hidd, officially joined the 'mummy's club' last November.
She said: "During my third trimester my husband and I went scouting for strollers and we ended up getting more and more confused.
"We were looking for something that was both practical and comfortable for our baby. It had to be sturdy and we didn't mind it being stylish as well. After all our research we finally set our minds on a brand called Juniors from Mothercare at Marina Mall.
"The stroller is easy to handle - opens and closes easily and can be stored away easily too. It has space for storing the baby's bag, it also comes with a forward tray that doubles as a safety feature plus a table for toys. Oh, and it even has a cup holder.
"The price was a major factor as we found a lot of strollers with the same features but with a big difference in the cost due to the type of fabric and open/closing mechanism. "This one cost us approximately BD65. Other than the space it occupies in the boot of your car, this stroller is ideal for all outings.
"And, to answer your question about spending $3,500 on a stroller, my answer is no! I wouldn't want to go in for a $3,500 stroller even if money was not a problem. The reason being is that strollers are used quite ruggedly, as in over all surfaces - and not to mention all the possible juice and feed spills that your baby might create.
"We use a stroller for say about two years max and then once your child starts walking, your stroller is of no more use. It's only when your baby is still immobile that the stroller helps you go about your normal routine with baby in tow.
"Besides, I'd rather use that money to save for a gorgeous pair of diamond earrings or that much needed vacation to Paris!
Almira Fernandes, 29, a marketing co-ordinator visiting the kingdom from Al Quoz, Dubai, said: "I purchased a 'Junior's' stroller. What I love about it is that it has a reclining seat, with a canopy for my baby's comfort.
"Mind you, there are so many positive features to this stroller. It's lightweight with a combination of aluminium, plastic and fabric. It's easy to clean too - the stroller is washable. It also has a brake locking system that locks the wheels in place, and the wheel base is wide so that helps with stability. The wheels swivel and are easy for manoeuvrability.
"The stroller also has a medium storage pack, just below the seat, so I can put the baby's bag in it - giving me less of a load to carry. It can be easily folded or unfolded. It's also easy to quickly fasten and unfasten the harness and the most important thing is it keeps baby safe.
"The negative aspect of this stroller is that it has a non-reversible handle and non- pneumatic tires. Hence it does not suit all terrains.
"I only spent AED350 (BD35) on my stroller which is an excellent price. Why would I spend $3,500 on a stroller when I can get a stroller for a reasonably better price, with all the features that would meet my needs? No, I don't think so!"
Kelly Kettunen, 31, from Saar, a teacher at the British School, said: "I have a Chicco stroller. It's very comfy for Jake but can be too big to put in the boot of the car sometimes because it is quite cumbersome. But it has a good basket at the bottom and the stroller can lie flat as well so it is good for when Jake is sleeping. It's pretty good.
"The stroller - including the car seat - came to BD110. I would not, however, pay $3500 for a pushchair. No way!"
Katherine Kirkman, 28, a marketing communications co-ordinator, from Budaiya, uses a Graco stroller she picked up during a sale in the UK for around BD90.
She said: "It's OK for now but I am looking forward to buying a lightweight one now that my daughter is getting bigger that is easy to fold away and has a sun shade."
But would she pay $3,500 for one? "No way!" she agreed with all the other mums.
Five buggies a day are built at the Kid Kustoms' Californian workshop, with orders already taken from Hollywood stars and sports personalities, Mr Coblenz said.
For those who want a more affordable runaround, $2,000 will buy a Roddler without the custom options.
For an extra $500, parents get a choice of eight pearly paint jobs and accessories.
For another BD1,000 you could buy a Tata Nano from India, the world's cheapest car.
Despite the retro look, the company claims it uses "featherweight materials".
As its web blurb puts it: "We can assure you that your kids will enjoy pushing it one day as much as they did riding it."
Still, there's a small consolation for shoppers fearing more buggy bottlenecks at the malls.
Those who can afford these little numbers - or delivery charges - will probably be sending their domestic staff on errands.
