[blparent] sharing possible solutions on commuting issues

[Lisamaria Martinez]

Hi All,

Last weekend, my husband and I did some investigating. I really need a
viable solution for carrying Erik for four hours a day--five days a
week.

I found and had the chance to test out the Kelty TC 2.0. I really like
it and Erik loved hanging out up above mommy's head. It wasn't as
heavy as I thought it would be, but I can see how adding an extra five
pounds to Erik's weight can potentially get exhausting. But, the great
thing was how light erik felt.
Even though I use a waist belt and padded shoulder straps with the
Beco, the Kelty really had a great waist strap, lumbar support and
comfy shoulder straps. The only down side I found was taking Erik off
gracefulloy. I only did it twice and it felt awkward. I'm confident
though that with practice it would get easier. and, it was only about
$100.

Did I buy it? No. But what I am contemplating buying is ...

The Maclairen Volo stroller. Amazing. I think it will be a great
solution for commuting. I really shouldn't have to always carry my
son. I think my joints are just gonna give out on me if I keep
carrying him. And, I agree that to have a happy baby mommy needs to be
happy and comfy too.

The Maclairen is one of those umbrella strollers. (uh oh, right?)
Nope. It is about 9.5 pounds and is made quite well. Makes me think of
a City Mini sort of. But, the best part are the handles. They are
reversed compared to other umbrella stroller handles which tend to
hook downward. These are hooked up and slightly inward. so, I can
actually use my cane over the stroller (when the sun shade is up), and
put my cane arm just inside one handle and my left hand on the other
handle. It allows for a pretty easy cane/stroller commute. When the
sunshade is down, I can actually step in between the handles and keep
one hand on one handle and put my cane arm out a little further. The
stroller doesn't go all lopsided because when I step in between the
handles my body keeps the stroller going straight.

Complicated I know.

Anyhow, we're thinking of purchasing it. The nice thing is the
stroller collapses easily enough and I can pop Erik in and out of a
ring sling so we can go up the escalators and not way, way out of our
way to find the dirty elevators.

So, just wanted to share what I found out.

LM