experienced mums of two...can I avoid the double?

[mamaesi]

We will have a 20 month age gap... can i get away with carrying/sling the baby...and when can a child successfully be ok with a buggy board, what age?

or do i have to give in and get a double?

what are your experiences? did you love your double or wish you made do without?

by the way I dont really drive and need to go on London buses all the time.

I hate doubles. Actually tho I hate pushchairs (yes, I did use one!) so I am coming at this from that angle, FWIW. I was glad (delighted!) finally to get rid of the pushchair when DS2 (DC no 3) was 2.5 yrs. Lots of people on MN would be of the other opinion, just so you know where I am coming from.

IMO very much possible to have no double with 20 mo gap. DD was 2.5 mo off 2 (ie 21 and a bit months old) when DS2 was born. We used sling and buggy, then buggy board and maclaren (and when that broke, a Nipper) and it was totally fine. I had loads of dodges to get her to walk, tho admittedly I didn't get everywhere as fast as I might've with a double.

But then when you have small children, the pace of your life will change, won't it?

I would try i buggy board - have you seen he revelo kid sit? www.2became4.com/415/Revelo-KID-SIT-buggy-board.html

I have one its FAB!

yes baby is due in winter...so you are right...wont be out that much in the beginning...good point

that buggy board looks interesting..one question..don't you trip over it? sems like it sticks out a bit in the back

i mainly carry my ds (4months old) in a wrap sling, and dd4 (2,5yrs old) goes in the stroller. however i also have a big old coach built pram with a toddler seat. its a good compromise, because i always take a sling even when ds is in the pram asleep. because if dd4 wants a sleep as well she can have a snooze on my back.

the other day, dd4 wanted to walk everywhere. until it was the final walk home. this is the end result as i didnt take a sling for dd4 as well.

I bought a double because I couldn't work out a way to keep everyone out of the rain with the sling/single combo, I can't carry an umbrella and push the buggy at the same time. Since I got it it's only rained twice but I'm sure it will come in useful eventually.

i have a coat that fits over ds in the sling. and he has a good collection of hats building up now.