We're looking at a range of transportation options for our baby. We're going through the various strollers, frontpacks, backpacks, carseats, etc. So far we've concluded:
- We will be taking public transport most of the time, or at least while we remain in Vancouver. A carseat would be a luxury that we might use if we catch a taxi. Not really a necessity.
- We would like a stroller that can fold up to something fairly compact and light. Everywhere we go, travelling or at home, we're short on space. Even when in use, a compact stroller is probably better for us. We not forced to fold up a stroller on Vancouver buses, but you don't want it to take up heaps of space either.
- We'd like a stroller where the baby can lie completely flat. This is necessary for newborns. Even if we don't put a newborn in the stroller, it can be an advantage for older children who want to nap.
- We'd like a stroller where the baby can face whoever is pushing it. Some studies show that having your baby facing towards you is better for their development. I don't think that either Emily or I will be staying home indefinitely so, even if the studies are wrong, it would be nice to have as much interaction as possible.
- We'd like it to be cheap. Our plan right now is to find a nice stroller by shopping in stores or online, then look for good deals on Craigslist or eBay. That means looking for stroller models which are a few years older.
- We're also considering non-stroller options like the little baby carriers or slings you wear on the front. Apparently the slings are better for really small babies, and the midwife looked at the two of us and said "you two are probably not going to have a really big baby". :) We looked at the baby backpack things from MEC, but I don't think we're active enough to use that.
If anyone has opinions on stroller choices, feel free to comment. :) Emily has probably done the most research so far - I'm just getting started. A few of my favourites so far (most are way too expensive to buy new, but second-hand...):
2 comments:
I know you know that this is just my opinion...
I most definitely would NOT buy a second hand stroller. There are so many safety issues that you need to consider. For example:
- Has the stroller maintained any impact damage? If so, how?
- Can you REALLY trust someone who is trying to get rid of a stroller to tell you everything? (I know that sounds really paranoid, but we are talking about the safety of your BABY!)
- A second hand stroller will no longer be covered by a warranty.
Perhaps, if money for a stroller is really tight, you could consider getting a model that is about to be superseded? There are heaps of brands that will cost a fortune just because of the brand - it's far more important to look at safety and reliability.
I had a look at the article you posted and I think that it's a good point... IF you're someone who can't have a conversation with your child while they're facing away from you. Olivia always faced away (I prefer to think of it as she looked ahead) and she's not anxious or stressed. In fact, she's very interested in the world around her and she talks to us about it because that's what we've always done.
As for the baby carriers, we had a Baby Bjorn and it was awesome. We paid more to have the better version of it and it was really worth every cent. It had upper and lower back support for the parent and could be inward or outward facing for the baby. Seriously, put them on in the baby shops, don't just look at them. Same with the pram - use it, fold it up, put it up, try and stuff it up (I'm serious - better now than when it's pouring with rain and you have a screaming baby and no other mode of transportation!).
Hope that's some help!
Hi Peter,
I've never met you before, but I know Emily from Edmonton. We moved out to Halifax 4 years ago... Anyway, we have two young boys with a third one coming in less than two months....
A infant carrier is fantastic when they're little up till I'd say 6-7 months. Works great with public transportation too. We lived in England for 5 months (when my oldest was 2-7 months old) and we we found that the carrier is the safest because you can keep your baby close to you and facing you...without too many strangers touching them or alarming them. We've heard that the baby bjorn is the best, but it's pricey. We have the evenflo snugli and at around $40 new, it works pretty good. Anything will be uncomfortable once they get too heavy (ie around 20-25lbs.) At that point, you really don't want to be carrying them around like that!!
We bought two used peg perego pliko 3s (we bought the second one because we trashed the first one in England using it so much, but we were still able to sell it to someone else) and we swear by it! It folds to nearly flat so an infant and older child can definitely sleep in it. The best thing is if you'll be traveling lots, it's the lightest, compactest and more versatile stroller out there. The best thing about it is that there is the ride-on option for a second older child. We still use ours all the time.
The only con about the peg perego is that it's not great on snow or really rough terrain (if you go for a lot of walks) but we never bothered to buy a jogging stroller, so I wouldn't know any better! I still go walking in the parks on trails with the kids and we get through fine!
You should be able to find lots of plikos used in Vancouver!
Blessings on your journey of becoming parents!
Sharon and Cal
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