[blparent] Pulling strollers

[Star Gazer]

I had a very scary experience at Target of all places, where a woman seemed
way too interested in my daughter. My daughter was a baby at the time, and I
had her strapped to me. 
I don't know what this woman's intentions were, odds are, she was just
lonely and perhaps wanted kids.  I do know that the memory still scares me. 
Melissa, kidnapping is very unlikely. That being said, it does happen. Pay
attention to what's going on around you, the things people say, that sort of
thing. Trust your instincts. If it doesn't feel right, it isn't. Know that
you don't need to use a stroller if you don't want to. There are all kinds
of carriers on the market, one of them will meet your needs. 
When you are eating out or whatever, have your body block access to the baby
so that people will have to go around you to get to the baby. 
I'm going to plug Gavin De Becker again, but I highly suggest you read his
book Protecting The Gift, which goes into some of your concerns. Very useful
info. 


-----Original Message-----
From: blparent [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridgit
Pollpeter
Sent: Saturday, July 20, 2013 3:43 PM
To: blparent at nfbnet.org
Subject: [blparent] Pulling strollers

While in motion, that would have to be an awfully dexterous kidnapper, grin.
And not to mention, the baby will be strapped in. I've pulled strollers
behind me with two kids, and not once has anyone ever approached us in a
threatening way, nor has anyone approached us I wasn't aware of, and not
that this truly matters, but I'm totally blind.

Some people use a much longer cane and manage to push the stroller ahead of
them. You can try this, but for me, I find it slows me down. When I'm not
moving, for whatever reason, I stand to the side of the stroller, while
still holding onto it, so I can check baby and also as a safety precaution.

I also recommend, if you haven't already, doing a ton of research on
strollers. I spent months researching various strollers. And try some out if
possible. My top two are the Bob jogging stroller and the Chicco, which is
the one we went with. They are pricier, especially the Bob's, but they are
dependable, have great shock absorbency and offer nice accessories. They do
make strollers that allow the handle to switch from the back to the front of
the stroller. This means when you pull, baby is still facing you. It
essentially turns the stroller into a pram. Not many brands make strollers
like this, but Graco is a brand offering a model with a flip handle.

And as for travel classes, I'm assuming you mean in terms of travel with a
baby. To my knowledge, there's nothing specific to this, but I'm sure your
local blind rehab agency can offer suggestions and tips. Ultimately though,
it's not that difficult. And once you actually do it, you will learn what
works for you and how best to maneuver a stroller.

Bridgit
Message: 1
Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2013 08:27:13 -0400
From: Melissa Treaster <tomelissa30 at hotmail.com>
To: blparent at nfbnet.org
Subject: [blparent] Pulling Strollers
Message-ID: <SNT401-EAS16259AE0D2B3B706C1A137CBB630 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hi,
As some of you know I have a baby on the way. My mother this morning told me
that she thinks that if I would to pull the stroller behind me would make my
baby at risk. Meaning I guess someone could come up and take them. It's
makes me feel like I am going to have to fear people come up to me. In some
ways question can I do this? My husband however has no problem with me doing
what I need to take are child to and from places on my own. Oh mom did ask
if there any training for O&M for blind parents. Sorry had to vent after
being upset this morning. 
Thanks guys!
Melissa 


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