Will I really need a stroller/pram at first?

[aikigypsy]

I'm pregnant with my first, due in November, and I'm trying to get organized, but want to keep gear to a minimum as we'll probably be moving across the Atlantic a couple of months after the baby arrives. I am pretty much planning on carrying the baby everywhere in the early weeks, but my mother says that I MUST get a stroller/pram type thing.

By the way, when the baby is born I'll be living in a house half a mile up a dirt road, and about 8 miles from the nearest set of sidewalks, so the stroller (if I had one) would be strictly for trips into town. We do plan on getting a car seat, though. So do I really need to buy something before the birth, or can it wait?

Another vote for just a sling here. I did own a buggy just because everyone said I should have one (esp Grandparents who I think just wanted to push baby around!) but I never used until he was about 5 months old and then only, as UniSarah said, with rucksack in buggy and baby in sling. I use the Close baby carrier constantly with him and just have the buggy in the car for shopping trips to placate DH!

If you get a Mclarren Techno, it will fit in any car, you will easlily be able to take it with you when you travel abroad, and if for any reason you can't use a sling (Cesarian - I'm just guessing here, as I've never had one) a puschair will be useful. Personally I would get one, but I was never a sling person. If you're desperate after the baby is born, I'm sure you could get one delivered within a couple of days.

Why didn't I put a post to this effect 3 years ago... would have saved the travel system, small single buggy, double buggy that we have worked our way through. But I have learned at last and I am waiting in today for delivery of a Maclaren that I've got from the lovely Mumsnet Classifieds. Better late than never!

I used a sling for about 3 months with both of mine (a wilkinet) but don't do it if your back is weak, the last thing you want is to be doubled over with back pain. After 3 months I couldn't carry them anymore without straining my back (both mine were close to 9lb at birth). I agree with others, bear in mind you may end up having a c-section, also there are times you just may not feel like wearing your baby.

I couldn't manage a sling. I carried htem all for 9 months, no way was I carrying them another minute longer! I found them heavy and uncomfortable in a sling, and then you have to carry all your shopping and baby stuff around too. Nooo, buggies rock!