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Original poster

Do you need a buggy?

41 replies

Skinnywhippet · 08/05/2013 18:46

Just a thought, but with a newborn up to say 3 months can you get away with just having a really good sling? I was thinking it might be easiest for someone like me who doesn't drive to have a sling (babybjorn or similar) instead of a pushchair and then buy the pushchair after the baby is born to see what type would suit us best to save wasting lots of money. Is this an unwise move?

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delilah88 · 09/05/2013 21:51

That sounds very wise, you'll want the baby close to you. Get a Moby (unstructured) and something like an Ergo for when they get bigger /longer walks. Ergo also good as when they're used to sling they want it all the time and DH finds Ergo easy whereas Moby was way too tricky for him.

You will want a pram, when baby gets heavy (I don't drive and do use mine sometimes, though I really prefer the sling and DD does too). Sometimes pram is good for when you're dressed nicely and don't want to be super-sweaty, or if baby might want a good nap and you're out to lunch or something.

delilah88 · 09/05/2013 21:52

But on the whole pram is a nuisance, and you end up taking around lots of kit you don't need!

Startail · 09/05/2013 21:56

Yes, slings are the devils work.

Totally unworkable with a baby who's petrified of being swaddled and always too hot.

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YoniBottsBumgina · 09/05/2013 22:14

I don't know, DS hated being swaddled but loved the sling.

knitted which sling do you have? It seems unusual that it would still be uncomfortable by 6 weeks.

Yes facing outwards hurts your back more, but probably isn't an issue with a very little baby.

OP I think you'll be fine but definitely get a decent sling, not a Bjorn. Stretchy wrap, close carrier, (now called caboo) or a manduca or a mei tai. Ring slings can be good but IMO they are tricky to figure out from videos or written instructions, you need someone to show you. I find then very unintuitive TBH. But they are great if you learn to use then properly.

mrsbugsywugsy · 09/05/2013 22:14

dd hates slings so I would have been stuck without a buggy

bonzo77 · 09/05/2013 22:30

Both are useful. Both require some thought as choice is personal preference. I could do without the sling, though the stretchy was a godsend with a prem DS2 at tea times. The buggy however has been indispensable. My bugaboo bee has been used daily for over 3 years now, takes lots of shopping and now a buggy board too.

elQuintoConyo · 09/05/2013 22:51

DS liked the sling until 5mo when he started crawling, then that was all he wanted to do. He was a terrible sleeper, so if he fell asleep in the sling he'd wake uup when you took him out, whereas with his pram he'd sleep another hour or so.

We had an ergo and while it was great, comfy for us and DS, he just wasn't interested!

Limelight · 09/05/2013 22:54

Yes you can manage without. I didn't use a buggy at all with my younger DC until she was 1yo.

But for god's sake don't get a babybjorn. They're rubbish. Get a wrap sling and/or something a bit more structured (like an ergo). It'll last much longer and you won't get backache!

valiumredhead · 10/05/2013 11:44

If you don't drive remember you will need to carry a changing bag etc - buggies are very useful for hanging things on especially if you don't drive.

Coristarz · 10/05/2013 13:27

I live in London, we don't have a car, so we use the pram daily. Our baby is 13 weeks. Ive used the baby carrier a couple of times, but i didnt find it too practical. Maybe we have the wrong baby carrier (baby bjorn)
Every day I take the baby out for a walk... then i do some shopping, sometimes stop for a coffee or something to eat... if he falls asleep then i find it easier to use the pram. Plus, the basket under the pram is quite handy to carry bags, etc.

Knittingnovice · 10/05/2013 16:06

Yonibotts I've got a close & a stretchy wrap (actually a home made one made from jersey fabric). I have carried DS & DD1 in them, but I had a lot of back problems during pregnancy, and they haven't resolved themselves yet (I am awaiting a physio date) and have found carrying tiny (6lb2oz) DD2 for more than 10 minutes leaves me craving pain killers and doubled over in pain.

If I could afford a private osteopath/chiropractor I would but funds are tight.

CrackleMauve · 10/05/2013 16:41

I liked having the option of both. I used my sling more, a stretchy to start with and then a buckle carrier and a woven depending on my mood. I like being able to just jump on a bus when using a sling and not having to worry about if there'll be space for the buggy. I also found it great when meeting other mum friends for coffee/lunch as it was one less buggy to try and fit in the cafe/restaurant.

Never had a problem carrying what I needed. Breastfed so no bottles. Mostly did finger food so could just buy food when out. A couple of nappies, some wipes and a sleepsuit don't take up much space in a bag. What else is there to carry? Just chucked those in a backpack and good to go.

I did like having a buggy though for if I was walking to the local shops, or some days I would just be so tired I couldn't really face carrying the baby, or wanted a bit more personal space, or it was really hot.

I carried my daughter until she was at least 18 months. Stopped due to being pregnant and knackered. Just waiting on a bigger buckle carrier for her so I can start putting her on my back again. She mostly walks these days, but it would be useful to be able to carry her when she gets a bit tired. Sticking her on my shoulders kills my back and you can't push a buggy with a baby in at the same time!

CrackleMauve · 10/05/2013 16:42

Oh yes, and I didn't drive when I had my first - which is why I found the sling so useful.

JenaiMorris · 10/05/2013 16:51

I didn't have a car and so did all my shopping on foot - for this a pram was priceless. I would say that it was car owners who could get by without a pushchair, not vice versa!

Also I hated slings. I found it really difficult to control ds's temperature in one - if it was cold, then the poor thing would be roasting when we went into shops (as would I) but in a pram, it was easy to add/remove blankets as needed.

Other people seem to get by OK with them though.

Piemother · 10/05/2013 17:43

Well....
With dd1 I had a big fuck off Quinny buzz. It's currently blocking the back bathroom. I also have a hideous changing bag the size of a suitcase.
With dd2 (now 6 months) I am down to an ergo (soft structured buckle carrier) and a v small cotton messenger bag in which I can carry wipes, 3 nappies and a spare vest and romper. There is a huge zip pocket on the ergo I use for wallet, keys and phone. I am totally liberated!
Now I am a mum of two I can see through all the marketing aimed at new parents for what it is.....
I use a rucksack for longer days out with both kids but even then I can manage fine.

smearedinfood · 10/05/2013 20:16

I think it totally depends on your physical state after birth. I had the intention of using a sling, but I had a very long labour and had terrible back pain afterwards, so be kind to yourself on your ideals compared to the reality. - wait and see...

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