[blparent] my delemma and why i need suggestions on commuting

[Lisamaria Martinez, NOMC]

Hi,

I'd love to hear what other parents are doing who work and commute with their kids.

Erik and I commute into the city and back for approximately 4 hours a day. It's putting a lot of wear on my body though--especially as he gets heavier. He's five and a half months old and about 19 pounds. He's also pretty long at somewhere over 26 inches--and, ahhh, he's do for one of those major growth spurts since six months is around the corner. Yikes!

Anyways, I use a Beco Butterfly carrier and I love it. Anyone know if there is a suggested height limit for front carriers? I carry him in the front because I sit for about 45 minutes each way and the whole process of switching him from back to front would be really combersome--especially during crowded commuting hours. plus, he's a major drooler and I can't have him drooling all down the back of my work clothes every day.

As he gets heavier, I find myself tripping more or stumbling more on the terrible streets of San Francisco. The sidewalks are awful, and I twist my ankles frequently on the cracks and objects lying in wait.

I've got a City Mini stroller, but the elavators in the BART systems often break down and they are pretty gross and dirty to begin with. I've got an umbrella stroller I'm consdidering using along with a ring sling. So, I have a super light weight stroller to use when I walk and a carrier to pop him in and out of while on the train. But, using an umbrella stroller and a cane is a bit challenging. I gfigured out how to hold my cane and one of the handles in my hand, but ouch whenever the tip gets in a crack!

Any suggestions for how I can keep my body bfrom breaking? I'm home today from work because my shoulder has just had enough and is protesting greatly. Also, I get so many headaches that originate in my nexk and shoulders and when I wear him, it makes things hurt worse.

So, I know I sound like a crybaby, ha ha, but I'm open for some ideas from those who are living it too.

Thanks,
LM