Struggling with the school run

[whatsthepointthen]

I live quite far from my childrens school, it means getting the bus. Every morning the bus is packed! It means frequently missing it if I have the pram this means getting to school late. I have tried other alternatives. Like a sling, but dont know why they are raved about so much as I find it extremely heavy. Could be because dd is 20 months now, but as the bus is always packed it means standing then walking to the school and because I have 3 children at the school I have to walk all the way round the building, (very big school 700 pupiles) and back again. There is no way to drop them
off without doing this. Im just finding the sling to heavy and a struggle.

Ive tried taking a pram that can be folded but again its the same thing, bus very packed, having to stand holding a pram and a baby which is pretty impossible. So we are always ending up late getting the later bus.

Obviously dd can walk but I think thats abit far off for now as its such a lot of walking that she will struggle for now as shes still pretty tiny, and tbh will take just as long.

Aibu to be struggling this much? 😩 Are there any alternative carriers for older babies or something im not thinking about?

Also check the eligibility criteria of your local authority as some may differ.
I would definitely get some independent advice first before you contact them as although you may technically be eligible it can still be hard to get allocated.

Speakout when someone asks you directions to somewhere, do you generally begin by saying "I wouldn't start from here"?

Would you be able to get something along these lines? www.vanraam.com/en-gb/advice-inspiration/news/gocab-bicycle-taxi-for-children

For carrying at that age I would suggest a structured buckle carrier that you can back carry with - you can buy a cheap retractable mirror that you can hook to the carrier to keep an eye on baby.

Front carrying and hip carrying in a sling is hard on your body once the child is over about 10kg. Back carrying means you barely notice them there. Make sure that if you get one though that it is a good quality carrier that keeps your child in the 'M' position for good hip alignment.

I reckon a cargo bike would be the answer if you live somewhere flat

As it’s over two miles and the LEA allocated the school to you then they are obliged to provide school transport. It is your LEA that do this not your school. When I moved once they offered a schoo to my then 7 year old that wasn’t local. They offered a taxi to take him there and bring him home daily. ( I didn’t as I appealed at my local school and for a place. )
Contact them and see what they offer.

I see someone upthread has already mentioned it but I second the back pack child carrier suggestion - they are infinitely more comfortable to carry toddlers in than a sling! I’d also look into the bike trailer options - would the oldest child be able to ride their own bike just behind you if the trailer doesn’t accommodate 3? If not howabout walk it with your normal pushchair and put a cheap buggy board on the back and the older kids can take it in turns to ride on it?

If the LA allocated this school,it is their responsibility to provide transportation if it is over 2 miles.

Also to those suggesting cargo bikes, do you have the slightest shred or awareness? Even second hand ones cost more than cars I have owned.

Also please do not use a stretchy wrap for back carrying, it is easy to google a video as to why you shouldn't, they are not safe and if you have a wiggly baby they can very easily tip themselves backwards out of it, loved my moby for cold weather front carrying but they are not for back carrying.

www.babboe.co.uk/cargo-bikes/big-electric - this might work for you?

Lots of people where I live cycle with up to 4 kids on one bike!!!
Can either of your older ones cycle on their own?

You need to carry your 20mo on your back in a sling, not on your front. I’m an experienced sling user, and I still struggle to carry my 21mo on my front for any distance (sometimes front carry so I can feed her and get her to sleep).

You need something like a Mei dai or a toddler size Connecta, a sling library is a really good shout so you can try different ones out. Then you can barge your way into the bus with everyone else and ask for a seat so you’re not standing carrying the baby. My two have always loved back carries, they are at adult height and can see everything that’s going on.

The other sling option is a ring sling; you can get the child in and out really easily and they sit on your hip. That means they can walk (on reins) for some of the journey and when they start to get tired you can scoop them up onto your hip and keep moving.

We own a buggy but I’ve barely used it for DD2, we use slings on days out and it makes life so much easier not dragging the buggy everywhere, especially with a toddler who wants to walk half the time.

Sorry if someone has already mentioned this. I haven't read the full thread.

Could you go to a bus stop a few before the one you usually get on? I sometimes do this with a pram because the bus is less busy. More people get on later.

Also, find out who your local MP is and go and speak to them when they have their clinic. If there is overcrowding on the buses they can use cases like yours to add extra buses.
If the two suitable buses weren't already crowded, this wouldn't be that much of an issue.

@Snog

That's over £2000. Do you seriously think that's a suitable suggestion for someone who has just said they can't even afford driving lessons?

You want a back carrier - Beco Butterfly or Tula. It's a preschool one and I use it now with my 3 year old, it's a life saver when she has appointments and I need to get the bus (I drive but don't own my own car) she's on my back and isn't that heavy when there despite weighing 33lb now.

DD has SN so we have a lot of appointments and it's a life saver.

Do either of your children with SEN have a statement or EHCP? If so they would get priority at a closer school. Even if it's already oversubscribed. Not sure how that would effect the others though.

speakout what an utterly vile thing to say. You don’t know anything about OP’s circumstances, how dare you judge her? For all you know the SN may only recently have come to light. She came on here to ask for advice and you were really bitchy. Hope you’re proud of yourself.

Love yura’s idea of the padlocked buggies.

I had a back carrier suggested by someone on MN years ago - lasted till that child was nearly 2 and very big for their age.

Would scooters, or ride ons/buggy boards help - so you could walk it and bus it back when hopefully busses less busy at end of school day.

We found ours would often walk further when they had option of rest in pushchair - so even in year 1 older children would occasionally get in pushcair as it was there for youngest child.

You're using the wrong carrier / sling if it's hurting you. You need an ergonomic carrier. Can you go to a sling library / baby wearing meet and try a few types out?

Nasty, @speaking. Nasty.

@speakout

Op I have a lille baby carrier I'm not using anymore, it's baby to toddler. You can use it as a back carrier. Sorry don't know how to post a link to see it online. If you want it I can post it to you.

Here's a picture of it.

I agree with pps that a decent sling like a Tula or toddler connecta and/or a mini micro scooter are a potential solution. Toddler can go on your back in the sling, or you can pull on the scooter. And neither will be too big to squeeze on the bus.