@derbysquirrel for us the stroller was a lifesaver because my child always wanted to be moving, which usually meant walking/swaying and holding him. Let me tell you even tiny babies get heavy when you need to be constantly standing and moving. My back pain was crazy.
The stroller gave us a bit of a break from this. He was happy because he was moving, I was happy because it gave my back a break.
You can definitely wait to buy one, since not all babies are like this but I totally needed mine.
This thread has been very informative, so thank you ladies.
My husband informed me the other day there will be no strollers, "You have a baby, you carry it". Uh, okay, whatever. Then I guess it's his job to hold it while I shop.
It's hard to carry a kid and go shopping (in stores without carts), not to mention they do get heavy to hold after a while. And then there are the kids who always want to be moving, so even the gentle back and forth works. Like my neice at the lake, she was in the jogger a lot and everyone took a turn rolling it back and forth to keep her relaxed and chill. So I'll definitely be looking for a minimal, lightweight stroller that might hold the car seat and be able to be used as s/he gets older.
My stroller thoughts: think first about your lifestyle - there are tons of great strollers that suit different needs. How do you imagine using it? And realize that your child’s personality will be an X factor. my kids didn’t like the infant bucket seat - at all - so the baby seat clicked into the stroller was a no go. This isn’t common but it’s not unheard of either. I had a newborn attachment that I luckily was able to return.
For me, baby wearing is the way to go early on (esp since a newborn usually can’t ride in a stroller without the car seat that mine hated).
so here’s what I have and love and why:
i used tohave a coty select that that I sold bc I didn’t really need 2 $$ strollers and the cs was mainly for like, the malletc which just didn’t happen that much. And with 2 I REALLY didn’t like the front back set up. I found it very hard to ‘drive’ and my kids hated it.
What I have is a bob revolution single and a bob duallie. I’m terrible at the moment but through my life, im a runner and a stroller I could run with was a must. The push on them is awesome, they fit a really big kid. The negative for me is the undercarriage basket is awkward and small. Some complain about their size but it’s never been an issue for me. My duallie fits anywhere a wheelchair fits. It pops open and closed - I find it easier than the cs personally. Wheels come off if you need it to lay flat. I felt that I could use it for everything and we have.
My oldest was 21m when my second was born and he’s a runner so I used a stroller with him until my 3rd was big enough that I didn’t always want to wear - so like almost 5?! Lol. We don’t use the strollers a ton but when we need them they are indispensible. Mall, places like the zoo or big fairs. Nice having a spot to set all your crap too or let a kid nap.
@derbysquirrel I never use the stroller in the first 6m or so so you can certainly wait. The beauty of amazon prime is if you discover that you really think you need it sooner it can be on your doorstep in 2 days! I’m a big proponent of wait and see on big purchases you aren’t certain on.
@neeraja_k that’s what baby wearing is for!! Imo when they are tiny and weigh little, it’s much easier than pushing a stroller. Also keeps strangers away more, and the snuggles are good for you both.
Fwiw I wore my June baby alllll summer. Ct isn’t as hot as many places but we do get pretty muggy. It was never a problem.
I agree that strollers aren’t an absolute necessity, but they are incredibly convenient, especially if you like to go on a lot of outings. We go to the botanical gardens, zoo, fair, take the train and walk down town. Baby wearing is great, but you do get weighed down after a while. When they’re little and in the stroller it’s great for that, and then when they’re older and want to be able to see more, have a snack or drink with them.... Very convenient.
yes @neeraja_k you need a Tula then! I loved the Tula up until about a year when he got pretty heavy for me to carry for long distances (plus that's when I got pregnant)
@derbysquirrel I would get a nice carrier (I'm pro Tula) and wait to get a lighter weight stroller until the baby is 6M or so. For the first 6M, wearing them is a piece of cake cause they are really light. And for the first 3M they are mostly asleep all day so baby wearing helps keep them tucked in. I baby wore around the house even, just so I could get things done while he was sleeping on me.
I went for a lot of walks to get out of the house after LO was born. And in those first 3M I would always just tuck him in the Tula. I could walk 5 miles or so with him in there with no problem.
@derbysquirrel I'm team no stroller. I wore DS2 literally everywhere from birth until around 1.5-2 and I loved it. We had a stroller we rarely ever used because babywearing was just so much easier and convenient. I agree with the suggestion above, if you truly don't think you'll use it, wait to purchase. It's easy to run to Target and pick one up or order on Amazon Prime if you've discovered it's something you need but I personally had no problem transferring my sleeping infant from the car seat to the carrier.
It also depends on what your needs are. When would you be needing to transport baby early on (later a stroller is great for longer stretches) - when they can’t really walk.
For me it was places like preschool drop off and pickup (narrow halls and crowded - absolutely no strollers), grocery store (I baby wear bc I for sure fill a shopping cart and can’t push 2 things), playground (in theory a stroller sounds great but in practice I’m stalking my 2yo to make sure he doesn’t kill himself and avstroller won’t work for that), rare mall (stroller is way better there), walks (either works), helping in my elem kids school (babywearibg to keep kids away and not clog up the room).
But thats all just ME. Older kids def a stroller bc they get heavier much faster. I can easily wear an infant for hours.
consider how you’ll be living with a baby and use that to inform what stroller you get, and when. It’ll be different for everyone
The Tula looks great! Hopefully it's comfortable enough for our hot and humid summer/fall months, fortunately winter is up next so it'll be okay there. I'm already hot natured, so the comfort for both of us is a concern. heh
However I have a question for the larger chested moms. How well does it work, and is it comfortable having large breasts AND the baby in there without either being too squished and uncomfortable? Pre-pregnancy I'm a 40 DDD/E, and I've been wearing sports bras since about Week 5 because my normal bras were tight everywhere. So I shudder to think afterwards, plus a baby in there.
The Tula looks great! Hopefully it's comfortable enough for our hot and humid summer/fall months, fortunately winter is up next so it'll be okay there. I'm already hot natured, so the comfort for both of us is a concern. heh
However I have a question for the larger chested moms. How well does it work, and is it comfortable having large breasts AND the baby in there without either being too squished and uncomfortable? Pre-pregnancy I'm a 40 DDD/E, and I've been wearing sports bras since about Week 5 because my normal bras were tight everywhere. So I shudder to think afterwards, plus a baby in there.
Your boobs totally won't get in the way. I'm a 38DDD and the Tula was never a problem. If anything I think it's easier if you're breastfeeding; I was able to whip my boob out and get it into DS2's mouth in the Tula and nobody was ever the wiser. They do make a Tula with a mesh panel for airflow if that's something you're worried about but your baby won't even be in the Tula until around 4 months old (unless you get the free to grow or the infant insert) so it wouldn't be a problem anyways. I like ring slings for the first few months, they're so easy and convenient.
@neeraja_k I'm a 36G not bfing, even bigger bfing. The only thing I would say is DS got used to having those comfy cuddly pillows in there and he didn't love being in the Tula when DH would try to wear it. But who can blame him? I never did figure out that magic trick of BFing while in the carrier that @calimom2524 mentioned, but I also didn't really need to with just one kid.
I own two Tulas- the standard and the mesh coast. But I live on the sun. I wish I had never bought the standard and had only bought the mesh. You can always add a layer to keep the baby warmer, but cooling them off is tricky. I use those cooling towels in the summer and put it between my stomach and the kid (he was older) to keep me from heating him up.
@neeraja_k I have a larger chest. In the first few days when milk comes in they are tender but after that should be better. I’ve never had an issue, you want their head up high close enough to kiss so babys body is sort of nestled between them anyhow
@neeraja_k I'm a 36G not bfing, even bigger bfing. The only thing I would say is DS got used to having those comfy cuddly pillows in there and he didn't love being in the Tula when DH would try to wear it. But who can blame him? I never did figure out that magic trick of BFing while in the carrier that @calimom2524 mentioned, but I also didn't really need to with just one kid.
I own two Tulas- the standard and the mesh coast. But I live on the sun. I wish I had never bought the standard and had only bought the mesh. You can always add a layer to keep the baby warmer, but cooling them off is tricky. I use those cooling towels in the summer and put it between my stomach and the kid (he was older) to keep me from heating him up.
Omg yes this. DS2 still uses my boobs for comfort. Last week when he was sick he needed to keep pushing them (which felt GREAT with the soreness) just to like, know they were there. The babies really do get used to the big boobies in the carriers haha.
Thanks for the links @lalala2004! That stroller one was before my BFP so I had no idea they existed. Not that I really need the info for me but I like participating for FTMs. I wish I had the knowledge going into DS1 from STMs.
ETA: I guess I should put this on the old babywearing thread lol. I wasn't here when that was originally posted so I didn't know it existed!
Another team Tula here - I can't wait to try out the Free to Grow since you can use it with a baby who is 8lbs and up. I've heard great things from friends.
I also adore my woven ring sling for quick ups. It can get uncomfortable after a while when they get bigger, but it's nice for a quick Target trip or a short walk with the dog.
I bought a Solly when I was pregnant last time and I'm looking forward to using that when this baby is tiny. Stretchy wraps aren't fantastically supportive when they get bigger, but they're cozy for squishes.
I really want to get better with my woven wraps too. I'm a bit of a hoarder with babywearing stuff, so I have several wraps I've used like twice. I just need this little one so I can finally practice more
April Siggy Challenge: April Showers
About me:
29 y/o Married 6.26.11 BFP 12.23.13, EDD 9.2.14 - baby girl, born too soon at 22w6d due to a placental abruption on 5.5.14 BFP 8.4.14, EDD 4.15.15 - rainbow son, born at 30w4d due to a placental abruption on 2.8.15, healthy 3 y/o now! BFP 2.28.17, EDD 11.8.17 - baby girl, miscarried at 11 weeks on 4.21.17 BFP 11.28.17, EDD 8.8.18, delivering in July - another rainbow baby boy!
I started wearing DS in the Tula at about a month old (we had the insert). There is nothing more comfortable than the Tula for me and it’s so easy to wear the baby! I like the stroller basically just to carry all the things. Diaper bag can go in/on it, purse can be stored, bags if you go to the mall, water/snacks while out for a walk. However, I agree with waiting until you know you actually need or will use one—amazon prime is a lifesaver.
Okay I just wanted to pipe in because I’m team NOT TULA!! I wanted to be so bad but they’re really uncomfortable on me. I prefer the lillebaby style and support, much more comfy.
Carriers are super specific to every individual so i recommend finding a local babywearing group - most have clinics and even libraries where you can rent them to try out different styles before you invest in one.
August '18 March Siggy Challenge - You had ONE JOB
Okay I just wanted to pipe in because I’m team NOT TULA!! I wanted to be so bad but they’re really uncomfortable on me. I prefer the lillebaby style and support, much more comfy.
Carriers are super specific to every individual so i recommend finding a local babywearing group - most have clinics and even libraries where you can rent them to try out different styles before you invest in one.
Also team Not Tula. I compared one to a Beco Soleil and the Beco was sooo much softer and more comfortable. I also used a mei tai wrap and loved it.
I second looking up Baby Wearing International or something similar near you to try them out first.
Okay I just wanted to pipe in because I’m team NOT TULA!! I wanted to be so bad but they’re really uncomfortable on me. I prefer the lillebaby style and support, much more comfy.
Carriers are super specific to every individual so i recommend finding a local babywearing group - most have clinics and even libraries where you can rent them to try out different styles before you invest in one.
I love my Lillebaby carriers. They work from birth and are super comfy. I got the all seasons one with DD1 and then the mesh one came out so I got that for DD2. Highly recommend.
I love my benny lamb carrier. That and my Moby got us through back-to-school days with both littles.
For strollers, we had a used Graco. It was wonderful for 1, and until E was big enough to want her own space it worked for 2 littles. Now we have a jeep jogging, side-by-side. It is really nice for walking around out block, or to the play place. It folds in half top-to-bottom and doesn't take up as much room as you would think. It can be pushed one-handed or two, turns well, and does 'off road' really well.
Formerly known as Kate08young August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Me: 28 H: 24 Married: 7/22/14 Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017. Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
I love my peg perego book pop up. it was about 800 (comes with a bassinet too) i love the fabric, it’s super easy to maneuver- I got a peg perego car seat so it goes right in. I honestly have no complaints about it. It’s super easy to clean. The hood is huge.
A part of me wishes I got the uppa baby stroller that can convert into a double because now looking at double strollers they are pricey.
Would live to hear about double strollers on a thread sometime!
@satin_doll sorry, I'm super late reading this. The Graco Aire3 stroller has a pram option. The travel system (stroller and car seat together, no adapter needed) are on amazon for $180.
Me: 28, DH: 40 Married 9/28/13 DS born 11/12/15 EDD 8/13/18
Re: Product Spotlight 2/5: Strollers!
The stroller gave us a bit of a break from this. He was happy because he was moving, I was happy because it gave my back a break.
You can definitely wait to buy one, since not all babies are like this but I totally needed mine.
My husband informed me the other day there will be no strollers, "You have a baby, you carry it". Uh, okay, whatever. Then I guess it's his job to hold it while I shop.
It's hard to carry a kid and go shopping (in stores without carts), not to mention they do get heavy to hold after a while. And then there are the kids who always want to be moving, so even the gentle back and forth works. Like my neice at the lake, she was in the jogger a lot and everyone took a turn rolling it back and forth to keep her relaxed and chill. So I'll definitely be looking for a minimal, lightweight stroller that might hold the car seat and be able to be used as s/he gets older.
For me, baby wearing is the way to go early on (esp since a newborn usually can’t ride in a stroller without the car seat that mine hated).
so here’s what I have and love and why:
i used tohave a coty select that that I sold bc I didn’t really need 2 $$ strollers and the cs was mainly for like, the malletc which just didn’t happen that much. And with 2 I REALLY didn’t like the front back set up. I found it very hard to ‘drive’ and my kids hated it.
What I have is a bob revolution single and a bob duallie. I’m terrible at the moment but through my life, im a runner and a stroller I could run with was a must. The push on them is awesome, they fit a really big kid. The negative for me is the undercarriage basket is awkward and small. Some complain about their size but it’s never been an issue for me. My duallie fits anywhere a wheelchair fits. It pops open and closed - I find it easier than the cs personally. Wheels come off if you need it to lay flat. I felt that I could use it for everything and we have.
My oldest was 21m
when my second was born and he’s a runner so I used a stroller with him until my 3rd was big enough that I didn’t always want to wear - so like almost 5?! Lol. We don’t use the strollers a ton but when we need them they are indispensible. Mall, places like the zoo or big fairs. Nice having a spot to set all your crap too or let a kid nap.
11/18/16 missed m/c 9w1
08/03/17 no hb 8w
@neeraja_k that’s what baby wearing is for!! Imo when they are tiny and weigh little, it’s much easier than pushing a stroller. Also keeps strangers away more, and the snuggles are good for you both.
Fwiw I wore my June baby alllll summer. Ct isn’t as hot as many places but we do get pretty muggy. It was never a problem.
11/18/16 missed m/c 9w1
08/03/17 no hb 8w
I went for a lot of walks to get out of the house after LO was born. And in those first 3M I would always just tuck him in the Tula. I could walk 5 miles or so with him in there with no problem.
August 18 Siggy Challenge: April Showers
For me it was places like preschool drop off and pickup (narrow halls and crowded - absolutely no strollers), grocery store (I baby wear bc I for sure fill a shopping cart and can’t push 2 things), playground (in theory a stroller sounds great but in practice I’m stalking my 2yo to make sure he doesn’t kill himself and avstroller won’t work for that), rare mall (stroller is way better there), walks (either works), helping in my elem kids school (babywearibg to keep kids away and not clog up the room).
But thats all just ME. Older kids def a stroller bc they get heavier much faster. I can easily wear an infant for hours.
consider how you’ll be living with a baby and use that to inform what stroller you get, and when. It’ll be different for everyone
11/18/16 missed m/c 9w1
08/03/17 no hb 8w
However I have a question for the larger chested moms. How well does it work, and is it comfortable having large breasts AND the baby in there without either being too squished and uncomfortable? Pre-pregnancy I'm a 40 DDD/E, and I've been wearing sports bras since about Week 5 because my normal bras were tight everywhere. So I shudder to think afterwards, plus a baby in there.
August 18 Siggy Challenge: April Showers
I own two Tulas- the standard and the mesh coast. But I live on the sun. I wish I had never bought the standard and had only bought the mesh. You can always add a layer to keep the baby warmer, but cooling them off is tricky. I use those cooling towels in the summer and put it between my stomach and the kid (he was older) to keep me from heating him up.
11/18/16 missed m/c 9w1
08/03/17 no hb 8w
August 18 Siggy Challenge: April Showers
https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/comment/90372472#Comment_90372472
August 18 Siggy Challenge: April Showers
Another team Tula here - I can't wait to try out the Free to Grow since you can use it with a baby who is 8lbs and up. I've heard great things from friends.
I also adore my woven ring sling for quick ups. It can get uncomfortable after a while when they get bigger, but it's nice for a quick Target trip or a short walk with the dog.
I bought a Solly when I was pregnant last time and I'm looking forward to using that when this baby is tiny. Stretchy wraps aren't fantastically supportive when they get bigger, but they're cozy for squishes.
I really want to get better with my woven wraps too. I'm a bit of a hoarder with babywearing stuff, so I have several wraps I've used like twice. I just need this little one so I can finally practice more
About me:
Married 6.26.11
BFP 12.23.13, EDD 9.2.14 - baby girl, born too soon at 22w6d due to a placental abruption on 5.5.14
BFP 8.4.14, EDD 4.15.15 - rainbow son, born at 30w4d due to a placental abruption on 2.8.15, healthy 3 y/o now!
BFP 2.28.17, EDD 11.8.17 - baby girl, miscarried at 11 weeks on 4.21.17
BFP 11.28.17, EDD 8.8.18, delivering in July - another rainbow baby boy!
Carriers are super specific to every individual so i recommend finding a local babywearing group - most have clinics and even libraries where you can rent them to try out different styles before you invest in one.
August '18 March Siggy Challenge - You had ONE JOB
I second looking up Baby Wearing International or something similar near you to try them out first.
For strollers, we had a used Graco. It was wonderful for 1, and until E was big enough to want her own space it worked for 2 littles. Now we have a jeep jogging, side-by-side. It is really nice for walking around out block, or to the play place. It folds in half top-to-bottom and doesn't take up as much room as you would think. It can be pushed one-handed or two, turns well, and does 'off road' really well.
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
I love my peg perego book pop up.
it was about 800 (comes with a bassinet too)
i love the fabric, it’s super easy to maneuver- I got a peg perego car seat so it goes right in. I honestly have no complaints about it. It’s super easy to clean. The hood is huge.
A part of me wishes I got the uppa baby stroller that can convert into a double because now looking at double strollers they are pricey.
Would live to hear about double strollers on a thread sometime!
Married 9/28/13
DS born 11/12/15
EDD 8/13/18