Slingers pls reassure me :)

[Theochris]

I have a 2.5 yr old and a baby due in next 2 weeks or so. Toddler is a good walker and we have a Maclaren Techno XT. I have decided not to get a double buggy and have ordered a Moby wrap for the early days (on your advice!) and have another carrier for a bit later. We also have a buggy board, but I haven't fitted this yet, seems v awkward to push.

Now a good friend has just got a Phil and Teds (similar age gap), and all the talk on these boards about doubles makes me think 'am I making life really hard?'. We could afford a double, I just think they look a pain if I could manage without.

Please reassure me that, I'm not doing something silly and I won't look like the only lentil weaver at the park

good lordy no you are not making your life difficult. With dc no.2 I NEVER used a double pushchair not that I had one, in fact I never used a pushchair full stop for him. dd walked everywhere and ds was carried/still is carried if he wants it at 3.5yrs old. No you are not making life difficult. On the contrary your life will be alot easier.

you;ll be fine!
and you can always buy a double later if you decide you do need one. but I bet you won't

Thanks, will stop worrying, must pack my hospital bag

O no. I have the Kari Me whch is like the Moby and we are still using it at 7 mo and my ds is a porker. I was wearing ds in it for full days out at 5 days old, and the weight distribution is so good it honestly feels like nothing. I have people all the time saying oo isn't that uncomfortable, but honestly, it beats pregnancy Good luck x

I virtually never use a pushchair with my 2.8 yr old - he either walks, or goes in the sling.

Much nicer for the baby to be snuggled with you, rather than underneath its brother too

Did you use a sling with your first? I take my hat off to those women that can carry their babies for long periods. My DD was a large baby and I'm only 5ft and slim although very fit and I really struggled carrying her in a sling for more than a quick trip to the shops. I had a c-section and found a sling very uncomfortable for the first 3 months as I got kicked in the scar but I have a very short body.

DD will be nearly 2.5 when no.2 arrives and I've ordered a Phil and Ted plus I've got a Karime and Ergo. I would see how you go to be honest, P&T have very good resale value so even if I don't use it for that long I can sell it on.

You can order a pram within a couple of days if you do decide you would find life easier with a double once baby is born.
I knew I'd need a double as my 2.4 yr old wouldnt walk anywhere! but if I had been unsure then I would have waited and seen how t went before spending the money. Best way!

iwantitnow - which sling did you use ? With a ring sling or wrap, their feet are tucked up with them when tiny, so no chance of getting kicked, and they are up on your chest, so well out of the way of the scar

I love my slings. Also love my phil & teds. It's great to have a choice, in particular when my back is aching. I use both the sling and the p&t nearly every day.

Thanks for your responses. I think I will try to relax a bit after all as you say if I don't like it I can order something PDQ.

I did carry my first quite a lot, mostly in a baby bjorn (not v comfy) and then in a Pikkolo. I was carrying her until 20 months on my back. So I reckon it might be alright. I am reasonably fit (or I was until the end of this pregnancy!) though if this snow doesn't clear soon we won't be out walking much

Thanks again for all your help. One of my main reasons for hoping to avoid another push chair esp a biggy is space in our home, we hardly have enough already without a new double buggy to find space for!