Anyone not used a buggy and had carrier instead?

[Olivexo]

Hi, so I'm 23 weeks pregnant and have a little boy who will be almost 3 when this new baby comes. I don't want to purchase a double buggy because I don't think older one will get much use out of it.
But I'm thinking when we go out to town or wherever if I have a buggy and a 3 year old it might be hard to control a wondering toddler with a huge buggy.

So has anyone not got a buggy and just used carriers instead? So I have both hands free. Not exactly baby wearing as I'd not be carrying the baby around with me at home everywhere, I'm just thinking of out and about.

We have a lightweight stroller so I'm planning on moving baby to that when he's about 6 months old. By that time older child may not be as disobedient .

Just wondering if this works or is there somthing that wouldn't work I'm missing. I'd be grateful for any comments :).

I think you might have some practical difficulties:
1 - how will you carry the stuff / shopping / etc? Buggies are great for that
2 - what will you do when the toddler is tired or whatever - you would have not option but to carry both DC?
3 - your back may not be thanking you, especially if you have ANY back issues during the pregnancy
4 - and when you are tired and fed up yourself, you'll have no respite option

I'd go for either a double buggy, or a buggy board on a single - the latter might suit you as gives option for toddler on board, toddler walking, or toddler in buggy + baby in sling.

(You should also be able to find a second hand double - particularly if you don't think it will get heavy use. IME charity shops are cheaper than ebay, as long as you go for functional and aren't too fussy)

DD1 was 3.5 when DD2 was born. I used a pram most days. I sometimes took the carrier and put the baby in that so DD1 could use the pram (bit tights but she just about fitted - a loola up). We had a buggy board for a bit too.

Having a pram also made it easier for carrying things - otherwise you have to carry everything: changing bag, shopping, baby, toddler if toddler falls over etc.

We did 90% of the time.

Ds1 was 15 months when ds2 was born. At first we kept eldest in buggy and sling youngest. Then by 2 years eldest walked virtually everywhere but we were happy carrying youngest so carried on.

I never carried half the house out with us so just threw nappies ( reusable) in shoulder bag or rucksack.

I wanted to use a carrier instead of a buggy and loved the KariMe for the first couple of weeks but after that just found DD was too heavy to have on me while doing chores. They can put quite a strain on your back, especially while trying to restrain an enthusiastic toddler/dog.

Horses for course and all that - I have solely used a manduca sling to carry my 3 year olds 8 month old baby brother. The baby hasn't been in the buggy once and its working out dandy. Put it this way I don't need gym membership!

No problems with back pain as my strength has grown as DS has got bigger - incrementally.

I use a lightweight stroller for DD however Im trying to wean her off it with her scooter.

I am not a buggy lover! Try a sling and get down to your nearest sling library.

DD was 2.4yo when DS was born and we've got by absolutely fine with a lightweight stroller for her and a carrier for him. I have a Connecta and I can't reccomend it enough. He's 9mo now and still easy to carry in it - the weight increase has felt v gradual and therefore manageable and I think I've got fitter too! Now, DD (3.1) mostly walks everywhere and it's great to be totally buggy free! Only downside is if/ when other people take the little one out - would your DH/ any grandparents be happy with using a carrier?

You might have a baby who just won't go in a sling! This happened to me with both of mine. DC1 was just 3 when DC2 was born but happy to walk almost anywhere so we used a buggy for DC2, sometimes with a Littlelife Backpack (the one with the detachable rein) for DC1 if we were going anywhere busy and very occasionally we used a buggy board. We were given a double buggy but have never used it.

Me. I am using a sling and a buggy board (only used the board twice so far though 7weeks in). 3 year old can walk fine now anyway. Think it does depend exactly how much walking you do though.

Me. I am using a sling and a buggy board (only used the board twice so far though 7weeks in). 3 year old can walk fine now anyway. Think it does depend exactly how much walking you do though.

These replies are great. Thank you everyone. It seems I need to put some more thought into it yet, some good points came up re other people taking baby out and shopping!! Didn't think of that. Thank you everyone

Try it! You can always get a cheapy double off ebay if you find you need one. I use a single and a sling for my 2 and it's generally fine. I also have a buggy board option. I hardly used my double at all.

Give it a go! Like Shetland says, you can always buy a buggy when you need one. I carry my eleven week old twins exclusively at the moment and figure if I start to need a pram, I'll just pick one up.