During the first few months of daddyhood, I could be seen carrying my “nugget” in my arms like a football or strolling him around the streets in our Snap n’ Go stroller. As my son’s neck muscles improved and he packed on a little weight, I moved him into the Baby Bjorn carrier for local walks and for riding on buses & subway trains. I enjoyed having my little guy close to me with the carrier. That said, my daily selection for mode of transport (stroller vs. carrier) was strictly based on our destination – whichever made it easier for dad to get to point B.
Not once, did I care, stereotype, or view other parents based on which mode of transport they prefer use. Well, maybe sometimes, when I see a mom carrying around a 30 pound child in a sling, and I am amazed (and envious?) at their strength. Either way, I had a good chuckle this weekend reading about the New York Mama War – Slingers vs. Stroller Mommies. This entertaining trash could only be published in the NY Post. The article mentions that there are major parenting debates taking place – breast vs. bottle, public vs. private school, working vs. at-home parents, and now…slings vs. strollers. Classic!
Sure, I can understand that some parents want to keep their child in a sling or carrier to keep them close to them – a bonding thing – or use a carrier to keep both hands free to eat or do chores. But, if you choose to stroll, are you really “pushing your child away from you in a heartless stroller?” This light fare article did a nice job of pitting the stroller vs. the baby carrier. What corner do you stand in? Do you even care?
I never really cared what other people use as it’s really what best suits their needs, but overall I’d have to say that in Manhattan, a sling is the way to go. Fold up a stroller and carry your baby to board a bus? That sounds convenient. Ever bring your child home on a stroller during rush hour? I haven’t but have heard that people have literally cursed out other dads for doing so. 5 floor walkup? No comment.
I do have a stroller, and it’s stored away almost all the time. It’s useful for when I’m bringing my son to an event that’s close to his nap time, and I know he’ll pass out. I then bring my stroller so I can grab a quiet bite to eat/drink while he naps. When he was younger, my wife and I would bring the stroller out so he could sleep while we went out to dinner. My wife uses the stroller when she takes him out by herself because he’s too heavy for her. When our parents visit, and they take him out they also use it. But they all never use public transporation or go far when doing so.
For all the day to day activities, the sling is ideal for the dad who lives in a walkup, uses public transportation and doesn’t want to get stuck behind all the slow tourists because you can’t maneuver around them.
Not to mention the benefits of not having to go to the gym because you’re constantly carrying around 20-some odd pounds. For those of you who think it’s too hard to do, think of the moms you see in the street carrying two kids and bringing home groceries.
looks like the NYTimes is getting in on the fun today – http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/11/fashion/11BABY.html