going without a stroller or car - Page 2

[boater]

Another link (written by an MDC mama):

http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/28/baby-essentials-that-arent-part-3-strollers/

[MamaKickyPants]

I live in Toronto - great access to transit (buses, trams and subways) and most everything we need is in walking distance. We have a car, but DH takes it to work, and we try to minimize our driving. With DS, we didn't buy a stroller until he was 5 mos. Then he hated it and refused to go in it. So I babywore exclusively for the first year. It was totally fine, wonderful, easy! I LOVE carriers for transit. Now that we use the stroller sometimes (McLaren umbrella stroller, so it's small), I miss the ease of babywearing.

We have one of those grocery carts - it is great. Get one with good sized, sturdy wheels. I used to bump it down the stairs in front of me to get to the subway platform.

As far as bags - I've tried LOTS of different options. I like a backpack. For the first 6 mos when DS was on my front mostly, any backpack would work, but for back carries, the Ergo backpack is genius! The other option I came up with for back carries (I usually used a woven wrap) was a nice hip or waist pouch. They make some really nice ones these days that are much less like the dorky 'fanny packs' my ILs use when travelling . Because DS wasn't an infant at that point, I tended to keep things minimal - one diaper, a few wipes, my wallet and keys. I clipped a toy to the carrier for him to play with while we walked. 

[happysmileylady]

I use ring slings as my carrier.  One thing I have found really great with the weather being colder is a little hooded cape.  I made it for my dd for Christmas and it's actually been REALLY useful with the ring sling.  I can put it on her and when I put her in the sling, I can hang the cape over the top rail of the sling, so that it's still keeping her warm, but it's not getting twisted up and all bulky in the sling.  And when I take her back out, she's still got it on to keep her warm. 

Now, I didn't use it much when it was really cold, but when it's above freezing, into the 40s, where you still need a coat and hat on them, but not something too heavy, it's been great.  It's made out of fleece so it's nice and warm.

I don't know anything about grocery carts, as I drive to the grocery store. 

[boater]

Originally Posted by MamaKickyPants 

I live in Toronto - great access to transit (buses, trams and subways) and most everything we need is in walking distance. We have a car, but DH takes it to work, and we try to minimize our driving. With DS, we didn't buy a stroller until he was 5 mos. Then he hated it and refused to go in it. So I babywore exclusively for the first year. It was totally fine, wonderful, easy! I LOVE carriers for transit. Now that we use the stroller sometimes (McLaren umbrella stroller, so it's small), I miss the ease of babywearing.

We have one of those grocery carts - it is great. Get one with good sized, sturdy wheels. I used to bump it down the stairs in front of me to get to the subway platform.

As far as bags - I've tried LOTS of different options. I like a backpack. For the first 6 mos when DS was on my front mostly, any backpack would work, but for back carries, the Ergo backpack is genius! The other option I came up with for back carries (I usually used a woven wrap) was a nice hip or waist pouch. They make some really nice ones these days that are much less like the dorky 'fanny packs' my ILs use when travelling . Because DS wasn't an infant at that point, I tended to keep things minimal - one diaper, a few wipes, my wallet and keys. I clipped a toy to the carrier for him to play with while we wal

Thank you so much for mentioning the waist pouch. A mama I used to babysit for used one while wearing her woven wrap and I always thought it was such a good idea. I had totally forgotten about that. i plan to use woven wraps a lot so I will be looking for a good pouch. Do you think EMS or REI would be a good place to start?

[boater]

Originally Posted by happysmileylady 

I use ring slings as my carrier.  One thing I have found really great with the weather being colder is a little hooded cape.  I made it for my dd for Christmas and it's actually been REALLY useful with the ring sling.  I can put it on her and when I put her in the sling, I can hang the cape over the top rail of the sling, so that it's still keeping her warm, but it's not getting twisted up and all bulky in the sling.  And when I take her back out, she's still got it on to keep her warm. 

Now, I didn't use it much when it was really cold, but when it's above freezing, into the 40s, where you still need a coat and hat on them, but not something too heavy, it's been great.  It's made out of fleece so it's nice and warm.

I don't know anything about grocery carts, as I drive to the grocery store. 

Good Idea about the hooded cape. I think I actually got a nice wool one in a bag of hand me downs.

[Sharlla]

I used a pouch mostly when she was really little but not use a babyhawk.  My 5 year old does not fit in the babyhawk but does fit in the Kozy.  we are thinking about getting a bike trailer since she's only 13 months and way too small for the bike seat (and we can't find a baby sized bike helmet)

[TiffanyToo]

I did not get a traditional or trendy diaper bag. I bought a Sherpani http://sherpani.com/sherpani-vida.aspx?bO3FscouH=1&GQd0EjaqX=1&pmdoXJC4W=310 

the strap are long enough to fit over my back wrapped little guy. Not matter what the carrier you buy having a bag with straps long enough is a big help.

[TiffanyToo]

Reading your signature. A wrap/rebozo is also awesome for your birth bag.

[FelixMom]

I am the mother to 3 kids, living in an urban setting with reliable public transportation. Going stroller-free? It can absolutely be done!

We have ONE stroller that has lasted us since our firstborn arrived in 2002, and it is still in good condition because it is hardly ever used. I refuse to use a stroller in the snow, the rain, where there are stairs, on the sand, on large grassy fields, on hiking trails with uneven terrain, when the stores have narrow aisles, and if I need to take public transit.

Here are a few accessories I have used to survive Canadian winters and rainy spring/fall weather

Peekaru babwearing vest - handy for fall or spring days, or as a layering item inside a BWing coat

Felix Pera babywearing coat - you can always DIY or get a friend who is a seamstress to create one too

Suse Kinder rain poncho - when you have more than one kid, it's nice to have one hand free for the other kid, and the other for an umbrella with heavy downpours!

A few pointers: in cold weather, it is actually easier and warmer for everyone if baby is worn directly against you, with a coat or sweater (or both on really cold chilly days!) around both of you. I did NOT have a snowsuit for my two youngest when they were babies, as they were always worn on me. They eventually got snowsuits for playing outside in the snow once they were 18 months old or so. I can happily say it saved a lot of time and hassle in wrestling them in and out of those things. Not to mention the fact that the baby would not overheat, since I could quickly whip off the coat from both of us when entering stores.

We had carseats and used a car-sharing program or car rental for longer distances. Baby was simply tucked inside my coat in a pre-tied carry of some sort between car and house, and plunked into the carseat only for the duration of the car ride. The carseat always stayed in the car, and baby would be whisked back into my wrap in a pre-tied front cross carry inside my coat once we got to my destination.

If you are truly looking into a long-term investment into alternative ways to transport yourself and baby, plus a ton of groceries (or later additions to the family), take a look at cargo bikes from Europe. Parents in Denmark, with its variable climate and cold winters, covet this item. If it weren't for the fact that we had our 3rd and last kid by the time I learned about this, I would have plunked down the $$$ to get one too!

Good luck!

[MamaKickyPants]

Originally Posted by boater 

Thank you so much for mentioning the waist pouch. A mama I used to babysit for used one while wearing her woven wrap and I always thought it was such a good idea. I had totally forgotten about that. i plan to use woven wraps a lot so I will be looking for a good pouch. Do you think EMS or REI would be a good place to start?

Those are camping/outdoor sporting stores? We don't have them here - Our equivalent is Mountain Eqiupment Co-op, and that's where I'd go, so any camping store should have something to suit. Also, I've actually seen 'diaper bag' waist pouches that come with a mini wipes container to fit inside. A friend of mine got a beautiful waist pouch from Coach (!) and it's nice because it lies relatively flat and is pretty! You could check accessory and luggage stores too.
 

[happysmileylady]

 

A few pointers: in cold weather, it is actually easier and warmer for everyone if baby is worn directly against you, with a coat or sweater (or both on really cold chilly days!) around both of you. I did NOT have a snowsuit for my two youngest when they were babies, as they were always worn on me. They eventually got snowsuits for playing outside in the snow once they were 18 months old or so. I can happily say it saved a lot of time and hassle in wrestling them in and out of those things. Not to mention the fact that the baby would not overheat, since I could quickly whip off the coat from both of us when entering stores.

This is exactly what I do in cold weather when I am not carrying her in the (warmer) carseat that has the warm wool cover that zips up.   I put the sling on, set baby up in it in front, then put my coat on.  Baby has her little hooded cape on hanging over the rail of the sling, and then I just hold my coat as closed as I can.  It's not big enough to zip up around the two of us, so I don't bother trying. 

[t2009]

Hi OP, I also live around Boston. And have done lots of baby wearing in all sorts of weather. DS was born in April & it was really warm the following summer, but we still walked A LOT ... sometimes miles at a time. Uncomfortable at times? Yes. But also totally doable. I think I was more uncomfortable than he was too as he would usually just sleep & sleep. Planning our clothing was the most important piece. (And I was also using a moby wrap which I would not suggest in the humid summer... a woven wrap would be much better).

And I'll just add that strollers are the biggest PITA on the T & buses! Baby wearing on the public transportation around Boston is so much better.

As for how to lug your stuff. I found a regular ole' backpack works just fine. But a side satchel has been my favorite -- much easier to get into if I need something while still wearing DS or as a way to balance (sling on one side, bag on the other). I also just started using a cart for groceries. Very useful.

Hmm. Bike path is awesome & there are many low-traffic arteries that are safe with a bike + kid. You should check out this blog for inspiration. We waited until DS was 1 year, so you have some time yet! Also, we opted for a trailer so that we could easily hitch it to both bikes & lug groceries etc (which is just about impossible with a regular bike seat). But each has its pros & cons.

Oh, also wanted to mention that there are usually great, cheap strollers on craigslist, should you find that one would be useful for you at some point. I found a lightweight graco in great condition on there when my back started hurting & I was unable to carry little guy around all the time.

Good luck!

[TiffanyToo]

I googled up this group. I know there to be other MA. groups as well.  I would suggest you go and talk to those who are experienced with your local area. See what they are using and how they use their stuff. This might be the best use of your money and time. :O)

 

 

Boston Babywearers

NEWS Our next meeting is Wednesday, March 16th, from 10 am to 12 pm at the MIT Student Center. Please see below for more details. Who Are We? Want to soothe your crying baby? Want to cuddle your child but still have your hands free to take care of dishes and laundry? Want to run after your toddler without worrying about your newborn? Want to hop on the T without lugging your stroller up and down the stairs? If any of these describe you, then Boston Babywearers is here for you! We can help you bond with your baby while relieving your aching back and arms. We can help you find a carrier that's right for you and then—just as important—we can teach you how to use it. Want to try a carrier before buying? Check one out from our lending library—it's free! (Please bring cash or check for a 100% deposit, refunded upon return of carrier.) Weekday Meetings All weekday meetings run from 10-12pm. We will start at 10am with a BW101 demo and safety talk. If you have not attended one of our meetings in the past, please plan to come for this important information. If you've heard the talk before, feel free to join us at 10:30 am. Due to prior commitments, the BBW leaders need to leave the meeting by 12. Feel free to stay and socialize, but if you need help or would like to borrow a carrier please join us by 11:00 so we may have enough time to help you. Our next monthly meeting is Wednesday, March 16th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, at MIT, Stratton Student Center, Room 302 (Dining Room #2) Building W20, located at 84 Mass Ave. For a map of the MIT campus, go here: http://whereis.mit.edu/?go=W20. Metered parking is available on Mass Ave, and around the corner on Vassar Street. We are having another social hour!!! If you would like to stay and socialize after the March MIT meeting, please feel free to bring or buy lunch (selections available in the student center). We have our meeting room until 1:30pm so bring your stashes for a show and tell or just hang out and chat! We hope you can make it. The 2011 dates are listed below (locations will be added as scheduled): January 19th at Somerville library February 16th at MIT March 16th at MIT April 20th May 18th June 15th July 20th August 17th September 21st October 19th November 16th December 21st Weekend Meetings Our next weekend meeting is in April. Weekend meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of every other month (even months) from 2-4 pm. The 2011 dates are listed below (locations will be added as scheduled): February 13th at the Watertown Public Library April 10th June 12th August 14th October 9th December 11th For more information and to access our member listserv, please join our Yahoo Group. If you have any questions, please contact [e-mail].

 

[waiting2bemommy]

We also share a car and whoever is at work often has the car, so that leaves the at-home parent with many hours to fill going places on foot. I find, personally, that the ring sling is wonderful for newborns. I had dd in it days after birth and she practically lived in it (and was worn to sleep in it) for the first 3 months. I likes the adjustability of it and the fact that I could wear her to sleep and then pass the whole sling, with baby still in it, to daddy to give me a break, or just lay her on the bed and ease her out of it gently.

I also have a wrap (well, actually its  just several yards of remnant fabric haha) and once they have head control it's a freaking lifesaver. Put it on snug and tight and I can go HOURS in that thing with no discomfort whatsoever....after a couple hours the ring sling tends to wear on my back a bit. I've gone all over the place in that and I prefer it to the stroller for several reasons.....in bad weather I feel it offers more protection. Baby's torso and upper legs are covered by the wrap. I will tie a jacket or blanket around my waist to cover her legs and feet if it's raining heavily. I put my own jacket on over the baby and myself, and put the hood over her head. Then I pop open an umbrella and we're good to go. I walked about 4 miles like this once during a torrential rain.....DP, ds and myself were all soaked when we got home but dd was dry as a bone! In a stroller she would have been cold/wet and subject to the wind.

Strollers are nice for places like amusement parks and maybe the mall (although we babywear there too, or just rent a shopping cart with a seat). But we don't currently own a stroller and when we did have them (we had an umbrella stroller and a sit n stand) we didn't use them. I think the sit n stand got used 3 or 4 times, total and 2 of those times were for ds' amiusement because he thought it was a riding toy.

[CBEmomma]

I never use my stroller. Got it for ds1, used it twice, and it's been in the garage since. We do own a car though. I just always make sure I have 2 carriers on me.

[isabchi]

I used an stroller with my oldest for the first 6 mo, After that we give away our stroller, have another baby that never been seating in a stroller. Although we're not car free ad live in area with terrible public transportation and semi rural. My only tip to ad if a good sun hat for you and you little one, and a nice gaze wrap for very hot days.Also, I second the idea of the waist pouch, we ECed and used to just carry my wallet, cell and a diaper/pant.