Arthur in the ErgoBaby carrier
Looking comfy!
Ok, all you experienced moms out there- I need your help! Here is the dilemma:
Arthur is now 2 years old and the Jeep jogging stroller that we love and have been using for the last year and a half is on its very last leg. It has apparently seen one too many Airplane cargo holds and been thrown onto one too many buses- it is rapidly falling apart. Since we will continue using only public transport and our own two legs to take us from place to place for the rest of the year we need a way to get Arthur along with us. Unfortunately due to his toddler sized leg (and attention) span, we can only move about ten feet per hour when he is doing his own walking. So, here is the question...do we buy a new stroller at this point? Are we really going to use it enough to justify the expense of a new stroller for a two year old? Will it just get damaged with more upcoming plane rides anyway? Is a stroller really that indispensable for much longer?
Another option: our friends have an Ergobaby carrier that they let us try out the other day at the park and Arthur fit well and seemed to enjoy being strapped to my back. It was comfortable to carry him and although I felt like a backpacking mountain climber, it was certainly do-able. It seems like this would be easier in some cases (ie on and off of trains and buses, walking to the grocery store so I can actually use a cart to shop instead of stuffing things in the stroller, or walks in the country side) than having a bulky stroller. But, is he too old for that kind of thing? How much longer can we hope to use a carrier for him? I am intrigued by the idea of not having to travel with the stroller anymore! But will we miss having the ease of pushing him around instead of carrying him and the large basket space underneath for stowing essentials?
So essentially, I am excited to not be weighed down with a stroller, but worried that we will be giving up the closest thing that we have to a car at this point for getting Arthur and our things from place to place.
What do you think? What would you do?
6 comments:
I got a backpack last Christmas that we carry him in ALL the time. Granted, he is only 15 months, but he loves being up higher, being able to see all around, and it is so much easier than lugging a stroller around. (I love our stroller, but I mostly just use it for jogging.) Our backpack is called kokopax, and like I said Elijah is only 15 months and weighs about 23 pounds, but I really think he could weigh a lot more and it still be comfy. So I vote backpack! (Although I have never even had a 2 1/2 yr old and am NOT an experienced Mom so I won't be offended if you disregard me!)
Get a stroller. If you don't want to buy a new one, see if you can find one used on Craigslist (or whatever equivalent) or at thrift stores. You could even just get a cheap umbrella style stroller--they're $10 at Wal-Mart. Once he gets to be 30+ pounds, you'll be hating life with just a backpack. And he'll hate getting in and out constantly once he's more mobile. Just my opinion, but I've been there. In fact, our double stroller just broke, and I decided to grab a new one, even though I'm not sure how long we'll need it for. It's good to have that option.
I would go with a stroller. I use our strollers (single and double) all the time - it's so much easier for Tyler to get in and out when he wants. I can't imagine trying to constantly get him in and out of a carrier or of tricky situations like the bathroom (where I'd rather he be strapped in the stroller while at public places!) Of course Tyler is a giant so it would never be an option for us anyway! Good luck with your search! :)
Not sure I could really weigh in on this decision but I remember still carrying two year olds and even up to three year olds that you needed to be carried or contained for travel. I was younger and stronger then....
Mom
I totally agree with Chelsey and Anna: actually a cheap umbrella stroller would be easier to use on public transport. Eve is 4 and a half and we still use it for her when we go on long walks or need to use the bus. The backpack is nice for younger kids, I think and is a must for a second child...I put Sophie in a kangaroo carrier while shopping so I don't have to carry her carseat and I have the cart's seat free for Eve. Good luck!
I don't know, both have benefits. I have the ergo carrier and Mya is now 25 months weighing 29 pounds and fits fine in it. However her attention span keeps her wanting up, down, up, down. Also I have found that when a child is in the backpack carrier from a young age they are more used to it. Trying to adjust when they are older is more difficult. An umbrella stroller is a great option as well, it is light weight and easier to carry around. You really are having adventures, how fun to travel all over, you are so lucky!
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