Stroller Alternatives
Alternatives to Strollers for Hiking, Travel and Off-Pavement Fun
Aug 31, 2008
It's often surprising just how often you do need a stroller alternative. Even something as simple as shopping in a cute historic downtown can be a nightmare as you try to navigate step and narrow aisles.
When you get into things like visiting attractions with an outdoor component, hiking, hitting city subway systems with escalators, and so on, it can become a major issue. Shoot, just navigating an airport or train station is a pain with a stroller, but it is doable.
You can find yourself spending more time hunting for elevators and pavement than you do actually enjoying your travel and recreation.
Sling as Stroller Alternative
The sling makes a nice alternative to a stroller, particularly for newborns and small babies. Before you go this route for something like travel or an outing, get used to the sling by practicing at home. Slings are wonderful options, but there is a subtle knack to using them.
Front Baby Carrier as Stroller Alternative
A baby carrier is another nice way to move around with a younger baby. Many times, once babies are past the newborn stage, they can be forward facing so they can see what's going on.
Backpack Carrier as Stroller Alternative
If you have a large baby or a younger toddler, a backpack carrier is probably the only choice (be sure to check weight limits closely, and remember that those limits include both child and anything packed into the backpack). If you want a little of the convenience of a stroller with the ability to go wheel-free, Kelty Kids makes a nice backpack/stroller combo.
Toddler Tethers as Stroller Alternative
A great option for little walkers that combines the convenience of stroller-free movement but still retains some security is a tether of some sort. Yes, you might get some looks from people who think it's cruel to leash a child. (These people don't have children of their own). No, it isn't cruel to keep a child from harm's way with a tether.
Better yet, there are some wonderful new options, such as adorable teddy bear backpacks the toddler wears that are attached by tether to the parent. The only real downside is what to do if your toddler gets tired during your walk. If you don't have an umbrella stroller handy, you will be carrying your toddler.
Less Stroller-Like Strollers
It probably sounds really odd to recommend strollers as alternatives to strollers, but there are some options that provide advantages over a standard stroller. In fact, you might consider at least having an umbrella stroller with a strap for when either you (the carrier of baby or toddler) or your child gets to tired for the alternative listed above.
An umbrella stroller is a nice option for instances like hopping onto buses where strollers aren't allowed, or even to have a place to put your sleepy child. They still are a nuisance to lug around, but you can find umbrella strollers with carry straps and even carrying cases.
A jogging stroller is nice if you only need an alternative for off-roading with your stroller, so to speak. Jogging strollers work nicely in instances such as hiking where you are off pavement.
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