[blparent] Carriers vs. strollers

[Bernadetta Pracon]

Bridget,
Strollers and carriers are one thing, but did you ever consider using a 
front pack?
It's, for lack of a better discription, a bag with sholder straps into 
which you strap your child so that he can face you. It's basically a 
seat--It's not a wrap or a sling, where your child is fastened to you 
without any additional support on his bottom.   I use one from 
EvenFlow. They make three kinds, each depending on the child's weight. 
I know this may seem like it's tough on a person's back or sholders, 
but it's actually quite unabrasive in my view. Of course, that's not to 
rule out the stroller. You mentioned in one of your posts that you feel 
comfortable having baby face away from you while in a stroller only 
when someone else is walking behind the stroller as well. Well, the 
front pack can be a solution for the times during which you are out 
with the baby on your own. An additional pro factor is that both your 
hands are free so that you can maneuver the cane, some other bags, etc.
Just my thoughts.

P.S:
As for strollers, I have a jogging stroller which I don't much use. I 
find it's too heavy and clunky.  I also have a traditional 
stroller--don't know what exactly those are called, but mine is a 
stroller/carrier combo from even flow. It's sleek and very 
light-weight, but very durable at the same time.  The carrier also 
doubles as a carseat.

HTH

Bernadetta