[chaibaby]

Hi! Just a couple of questions for moms re: when they choose to use a stroller and/or a sling...if you dont mind, thanks!<br><br>
How often do you use a stroller instead of a sling?<br><br>
Is it location or time dependant (ie If you know you're going to be walking around in a specific place or for a specific time)?<br><br>
What stroller do you recommend? I've heard stories of some families having five or more strollers and I just can't imagine that! We're really active so I thought about one regular stroller and a "running" stroller...but for a regular one, which would you recommend?<br><br>
Thanks so much in advance!

 

[whoamama]

Holy smokes, thatsa lotta questions! I am on dc#4. I have an umbrella stroller for going on public transit and quick trips to the mall (Inglesina swift) and a big wheeled perego for long walks around the 'hood. I used my sling a ton when babe is new, alot when on transit at the mall, market etc. When I know they will have a long nap, older baby, I'll put them in the stroller right away. Although I use the sling very little with a 3 yr old, the other day I did for the bus, I couldn't face taking a stroller up and down stairs. Hope this helps. PS: I really like the look of those new Australian stroller, and if you want to learn one thing from an older mama it is this: Buy a good one, if it is cheap, it is cheap.

 

[littleteapot]

We didn't even have a stroller until we moved when DD was 5.5 months old, and then we used it as a grocery cart because we had no car and it was the dead of winter (-30 to -40 degrees).<br><br>
I really didn't use a stroller with any sort of regularity for a CHILD until I got pregnant with my son. By about 5 months in I couldn't carry her in the sling anymore. At 33lbs and with my back, hip and joint problems it was too much with all those muscle-relaxing pregnancy hormones.<br><br>
We have a jogging stroller with reversible seat, and I like that idea.<br>
Then this last summer I picked up a $25 umbrella stroller when I travelled so that I could carry it with me. We use the jogger for 'fall/winter' and the lighter one for 'summer/spring'.<br>
I don't see the point in using a stroller at all until they're over a year old. Unless you have multiples or many children (makes them easier to keep track of). They make good grocery carts, though! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol">

 

[Tori Gollihugh]

When my DD was a tiny baby I didn't ever use the stroller we had. She was always in a sling. We went to New Orleans (before Katrina) and I wore her each and every time we went walking, which was often and ALL over the city! When she got older the hip problem I got as a result of a car accident caused me to be unable to carry her in her sling as much. Still, she was basically walking by that time, so I usually let her walk with me when we had somewhere to go. I have used the stroller for exercise walking, but that's really about all. I, personally, REALLY don't like to see babies in strollers *all* the time and I want my girl (and future children) to be able to use their bodies. IYKWIM. She doesn't mind the stroller at all and even asks to sit in the cart at the grocery store or when we're shopping somewhere that they have them. If I know or think we'll be there a good while, I'll totally let her ride in a cart (since I'm probably going to need to space for stuff anyway!). But when she was still small and light, I wore her for grocery shopping and exercise walking... everything! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><br><br>
HTH. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[starlein26]

I would have used my sling more if I'd gotten a better one and if ds hadn't weighed 19 lbs by 3 months old...It's HARD on the back and I can't afford regular chriropractic adjustments...<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink"> When ds was an infant and still in his infant car seat I used the <a href="http://www.kolcraft.com/product.aspx?id=85&&shopby=category" target="_blank">Kolcraft Infant Seat Carrier.</a> It's around 50$ and you'll get a good 4-6 months use out of it. We then bought a Peg Perego Aria...a fairly good lightweight stroller. I wouldn't buy it again though. This <a href="http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_7/602-5935601-3199051?_encoding=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B000BZ6BBG" target="_blank">model</a> is recommended by consumer reviewers but I haven't owned it so I don't know...<br>
Hope this helps a little...

 

[jule924]

I think when and where you use a sling or stroller has to do with what you're comfortable with. When I traveled by plane with my son at age 4 months I switched between a stroller and snuggly carrier when walking throught the airport for layovers. etc. and that worked out well.<br><br>
I didn't use a sling with #1, but I did have the snuggly I used for the early months before he liked a stroller. With this baby I plan to try a borrowed sling and I have a feeling I will use it often.<br><br>
As far a strollers go . . . I have 2 that I use and I use them often. I have a Jeep umbrella stroller that I keep in the trunk of my car for mall trips and short walks. I also use a jogger stroller a few times a week for walks (they can go over dirt paths well and are much more comfortable for pushing than traditional strollers IMO). I also had a frame that the infant car seat fit on and used that in the early months - I think they're farily expensive new, but I found this one at Goodwill.<br><br>
I think your baby will probably tell you what's best, though. When my son was a newborn he hated the jogger stroller because the ride was too smooth <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"> You'll figure it out and you can always get more gear after baby is born once you get a better feel for things.

 

[lizabird]

We go for daily walks around out neighborhood and always use a stroller for that (ds walks for a bit then refuses to go any farther and the stroller comes in handy!) I haVEN't put him in a sling for probably about 5 months now. He just wiggles out of it now and he's so heavy, the sling is not comfy anymore. I still use my Ergo and carry him on my back once/week on a hike thru the woods.

 

[chaibaby]

Thanks ladies! There just seem to be so many options on strollers, its overwhelming. Although I guess that will be the same with everything, LOL. Thanks for all of your help!

 

[boscopup]

When DS was itty bitty, I used the sling for most everything, including grocery shopping. Once he was old enough to sit in the cart on his own, I started letting him do that. The sling was great for when he was tiny and slept alot, but now that he was sitting up and looking around and staying awake, I needed to allow him to do that. There were occasions when he didn't want to sit in the cart, but most of the time, he really liked it (and now he still does at almost 2 years old).<br><br>
I haven't used my sling in AGES. There was a time when he started to straighten his body while in the hip carry, and that was dangerous - he could slip out when he did that. So I made a Mei Tai and used that around the house (on my back) when he needed to be carried, but mostly he's been a pretty independent kid, so really didn't need to be carried around the house TOO much by that age. And he was starting to crawl and all that, so he wanted to be on the floor moving around!<br><br>
Now he's walking, so I make him walk if we're going short distances. If it's long enough that I know he'll get too tired, I'll use the stroller.<br><br>
I have two strollers. One is a $40 Safety 1st stroller from Target. It's cheap, but works pretty well. The only real complaint about it is that it doesn't have adjustable handles, and I'm tall (5'9"), so I'm a bit uncomfortable driving this stroller. But hey, it was a gift, so I didn't even pay for it. Can't complain too much, right? I mostly used this stroller for trips to the mall, going to the zoo and other such places, and going to dog obedience class (he'd sit in his stroller and eat Cheerios until sit/down stay time, then he got to roam the floor and be a distraction <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin">).<br><br>
The second stroller I have is the Instep 5K Jogger (~$100). I needed this because I live on 10 acres, have no sidewalks, etc. So if I go walking for exercise or if I need to tend to animals without DS getting into things while I'm not looking, I need a stroller that can handle offroad stuff really well. This one does great. I had one problem with the foot plate rubbing on the front wheel, but I contacted the company (they respond about 1 week after you send an e-mail), and they sent me out a new foot plate that doesn't rub. So now I really love the stroller. It wouldn't work well for a young baby, but one that is sitting up well is great. And I figure with baby #2, I'll use the sling until he/she can sit well in the jogger, and then DS will move out of the jogger when baby #2 needs it. By then, DS can just walk and should stay out of TOO much trouble. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"> He's actually pretty good now that he is steady on his feet and listens to commands better.

 

[Finding Serenity]

When my baby was a newborn up till maybe 5 months old, I did exclusive babywearing. I never put her in the stroller for walks, she was always carried. Now I'd say it's more 50/50 when we go for walks--I always babywear when I'm pushing my 2 & 4 yr old in the stroller. Sometimes I just don't feel like walking with a sling, my back needs a break. I always carry my pouch with me just in case she ends up hating being in the stroller. I really like wearing my baby in crowded places and when shopping in the grocery--it gives her a little privacy from touchy/feely strangers. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink">

 

[AppleOrangePear]

We own a Peg Perego ( UGH Expensive) and maybe used it 2x total .One time for a walk when we were figuring out how to use our OTSBH sling and one time in Target. After that we never used it cause we got used to the sling. We have used an exercise stroller at times for long walks on the beach.<br><br>
I havent sold the stroller yet however plan on it because I cant imagine using a stroller having 2 kids. DS 2.5 will either walk along side of me or I carry/sling him at times. I rather sling 2 if i had to then lug a stroller. JMO<br><br>
I see so many with one in stores that dont have aisles wide enough, crowded art fares etc. PLus I can walk quicker carrying a baby then i can trying to push a stroller. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"><br><br>
Im STILL trying to also sell a brand new solid maple crib that we never used and couldnt return to the store when we decided about the whole co sleeping thing with DS1. However, we are planning on having a garage sale next weekend.<br><br>
However if you decide on a stroller I would say if you are active go for the jogging type. I think these days they make them more compact that you could use it universally.<br><br>
Michele

 

[erikaa]

A good resource for picking out a stroller is the book Baby Bargains....they give pointers on what's good for a suburban mall mom vs. a city mom...plus they rate the quality of the different brands of strollers.<br>
For the most part they discourage you from getting any of the big heavy travel systems....just too much stuff and too heavy to lift and usually not very well made.<br>
I went for an Inglesina Zippy and have loved it! I was lucky enough that an aunt wanted to buy it for us, so I didn't have to shell out the big bucks....but I highly reccomend it. It folds like an umbrella using just one hand and weighs 17 lbs. Not light, but not unmanagable. It's also survived a few trips on the plane and is holding up well. the only thing that bugs me is it can be hard to steer with one hand.<br>
When I used to take DD shopping at the mall I would put her in the stroller first, but take the sling in with me too so that when she started to fuss I had the sling to soothe her.<br>
Now that I am pregnant, I am planning on making more use of out the slings when the little one arrives. I figure I will need to have my hands free to help out with my DD.<br>
have fun deciding! I was a little overwhelmed, but I used the book to write out pros and cons of the strollers I was interested in and it really helped me come to a decision.<br>
erika

 

[PuppyFluffer]

I didn't plan to use a stroller but "friends" who thought that I didn't know what I really needed bought me one. I did set dd in it when she was little while I did some gardening. It was a safe place to put her in the shade where the ants wouldn't crawl on her if I had put her on a blanket on the lawn.<br><br>
I never used it for a "stroll".<br><br>
I always used the sling or Ergo carrier. At 3.5 years old, I can still put her in the Ergo and she likes it sometimes.<br><br>
I did use a little umbrella stroller for a little bit when I pulled a muscle in my back. That was helpful! I also used to use the umbrella stroller as a high chair at the little bakery that didn't have any high chairs.

 

[ladybugchild77]

We didn't even register for a stroller when I was pregnant because I had already been given a Bjorn and a Maya wrap. She was a sling baby 100% of the time until a month ago when she turned a year. Now that she is walking she will either do that on short trips or I put her on my back in the Kozy carrier. I was given an umbrella stroller from a neighbor and we use it for walks around the neighborhood these days since my back is sore due to the little one in my belly. I still do not regret buying a stroller though! HTH!<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink">

 

[Peony]

We walk alot, I slung dd until she was 2.5 years. For really long walks, Dh and I would take turns slinging her. I got an cheap Evenflo stroller for a trip last summer, sometimes dd wants us to bring it, but usually she just wants to push it. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol">

 

[Earthy~Mama]

I only use my stroller for my 3.5 yo and that is ONLY when he is sleeping when we are out. My youngest still rides on my back in my GM wrap. When I first had Dyl I would carry him on the front in my wrap and wear C on my back in a mei tei. I will do the same with Dyl and the new lil one.

 

[BCmamaof6]

Hmm...over the years I've had an average of one stroller per child...plus a twin stroller. My favorites are the Peg Peregos...they seem to be the best quality for the $. I had a Graco with my first & although it did get used every day over a huge distance (I walked several miles per day then...he LOVED the stroller) it gave up just over 12 months. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad"><br>
With my 2nd I bought a Peg Perego which only cost about $75 more than the Graco had. It also got used all the time., for long distances. It lasted until baby #4...then the fabric had faded so much from being left out in the sun a few times that I gave it to a friend, who used it for several more years.<br><br>
We also have a jogging stroller that we bought from a local 'running' store.<br><br>
It depends on what you'll use it for. If you live in a neighbourhood with flat terrain & mostly concrete- & will be using it just for walks around your home- then you could get one of those 'prams'. If you'll be using it mostly for the mall or something- in & out of the car- I'd get something that folds compactly & quickly...like the Peg Perego Pliko. If you'll be using it for running or jogging - then get a jogging stroller...but beware- most jogging strollers do not fold very flat...or if they do- you have to remove the wheels...it can be a huge PITA. (I wouldn't buy a jogging stroller if you need something to go in & out of the car) As far as jogging strolers go I've heard that the original "Baby Jogger" is really good.<br><br>
Since you'll probably be spending several hundred $$$ & want it to last for several years- I'd STRONGLY recommend searching Consumer Reports. Some of the reports are free...you may have to get a membership...it costs about $5 per month...but you don't have to renew it...so you could just pay for one month, do all your research & cancel. I, personally, find Consumer Reports super-helpful & research everything from washing machines to vehicles before I buy.<br><br>
Oh! How often... a personal decision really. My last baby HATED the stroller. If she was awake she wanted to be carried. So...we almost never used our stroller. I had a basket full of baby carriers by the front door instead. I used a sling, Baby Trekker, Ultimate Baby Wrap, Baby Bjorn, Ergo & a few others. Out of all of them I liked the Ergo the best... (my sling was an awful NoJo...if you have a good sling- then it can be ideal for a young baby)<br>
As far as slings/carriers go- I'd check out: <a href="http://www.thebabywearer.com/" target="_blank">The Baby Wearer</a> & <a href="http://www.attachedtobaby.com/" target="_blank">Attached To Baby</a> .<br>
Another great resource to help you decide on the right carrier for you (& then show you how to do all of the possible carries with that carrier) is the <a href="http://store.attachedtobaby.com/detail.aspx?ID=168&Name=Tummy-2-Tummy-DVD" target="_blank">Baby Wearing DVD</a> . I also really liked the <a href="http://store.attachedtobaby.com/detail.aspx?ID=117&Name=Babywearing-Book" target="_blank">Babywearing Book</a> too! It explains at the beginning about the benefits of babywearing & then explains about different carriers & how to use them. For me...I'm a visual person...and I found the DVD showed a lot more than the book...but both are good. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up">

 

[Kathryn]

We have an umbrella stroller and a jogging stroller. We very very rarely use either. When we go for walks we use the jogging one. She WANTS to be in the stroller for walks. She refuses to be held, walked, or in the sling. We use the umbrella one if we go to public places where we walk a lot and it's hot. I get very faint in the heat and I can't trust myself to sling her without fainting.

 

[deliarose]

I used the sling from 4 months on. That is when I found out about them. Before that I had a Baby Bjorn. I didn't use the stroller much. Too big and bulky. It took up most of the back of the station wagon. I would say that I use the sling more, but now that DD is walking, I don't use anything. I end up wearing an empty sling, or pushing an empty stroller. The jogger is great on long walks, or hikes, but for everyday it isn't used as much as she walks.

 

[pumpkinsmama]

We use the stroller for grocery trips, because we can walk to our store. We just put everything in a basket underneath. DS will either "help" push the stroller, walk with me, or sit in the stroller on these trips.<br><br>
Long days out we also used it, but brought a sling. Usually put all our crap in stroller and slung baby.