Strollers

I have been thinking about this blog for strollers for awhile, then got asked about it and thought I’d better get it up.  I am also working on a trail guide, but my mapping software has crashed.  That will have to come later.  I would love to hear about trail adventures from you.

Getting the right stroller for your kid is essential.  Ideally, I wanted to get one that would last several years and be able to go everywhere I wanted.  That means off road and off trail for me.  And it had to convert from holding an infant car seat up to a five year old.  I have seen many different models and received information from my friends to help make this post useful.

If you plan to use the stroller on dirt trails, it must have shocks.  Otherwise you will have a bounced baby and sore wrists.  No fun.  Many models come with shocks.  I saw a few at Target in the under $100 range.  However, my friends have told me that these do not hold up.  The “Jeep” stroller looks aggressive, but plastic parts started getting loose and the tires did not hold up more than 1 year with regular use on a dirt trail.

Another friend had the In-Step and “it didn't last the distance.  The sunshade was also crap cover and eventually it no longer stays on.”

I invested in a BOB stroller based on the reputation and the sturdiness of the stroller.  There are several models of BOB strollers ranging from around $200 to $500.  You can see them at REI.com and at outdoor stores, but also many of last year’s models are available at online discount stores like Departmentofgoods.com and reioutlet.com, or used strollers on craigslist.com.  The main differences are in the tires, shocks, and number of children you want to haul.  I choose the off-road aggressive tires with the fixed front wheel.  The free or rotating front wheel is great for navigating in crowds and on paved trails, better than the fixed wheel if this is where you plan to use the stroller.  I live in an area of dirt trails and off trail hiking and the fixed front tire keeps the stroller on a straight course.  A friend had the free front tire and the tire bounced around every rock on a dirt trail.  I recently heard that there is a model that has a free tire that can also be locked, making it more versatile.  The car seat adapter kit can be purchased separately and comes in different models for the various brands of car seats.  Other accessories are also available, such as the handle bar drink holder so the parent has a place for water bottles (or beer bottles as my husband is proud to show).  Basically, I love my BOB stroller, have used it aggressively for 2 years, and do not have a single complaint.  The resale value averages about half of the original purchase price, so that is definitely something to consider.

Another friend has the Chariot stroller system which has different attachments so that you can convert the main carriage area from a stroller, to bike trailer, to ski trailer.  It is a great system and holds up well, even with two children in it.  This system is a bit pricier ($300-500), but has lasted over 6 years for her so far and will keep going for many more.  The resale value on these is amazing; you get most of your investment back if you decide to sell.

Basically, think about what you want to do with your stroller and realize that you will probably be using it for several years, perhaps even 5-6.  Get one that will last as long as you need it and get you out for adventures!

Carriers

The first thing I needed to get outside with my baby was a good carrier.  There are numerous models and brands available these days.  I was fortunate to receive a couple of loaners and a couple of hand-me-downs.  I used the Moby Wrap, Ergo, Baby Bjorn, and a Sherpani backpack. I liked each of these carriers for different reasons; however, not all of these were good for getting out in the woods.

 The Moby Wrap – I love the idea and the multiple ways this wrap can be used.  Unfortunately, the wrap I was generously loaned was black and after wrapping three layers of black fabric around me with an infant pressed against my chest, I did not enjoy going out to hike in the summer heat.  Of course it was 100 degrees where I live and the combination just didn’t work for me.  I did find this wrap useful at home and at the store, but I used the other carriers more often.

Ergo – My son is nearly two years old now and we still use the Ergo, or “hugs” as he calls it.  I found this carrier most useful around the house and at the store.  It didn’t work as well as I hoped for outdoor hiking with an infant.  My son’s legs were folded up under him and he could only handle about 30 minutes like that.  There is an infant insert you can purchase separately, but I did not get it since I had other carriers.  I do like that you can have the child on the front or back, but the view is rather limited in either hold.  

 

 Baby Bjorn – There are a lot of brands and models of this type of carrier.  We were given the “Air” model that is made of light weight breathable mesh.  This became our favorite carrier during the first 6 months.  It was comfortable in hot weather and we wrapped a blanket around it in cold weather.  My husband also liked it because it was easy to get on and adjust between us.  After my son could hold his head up (check manufacturer recommendations) he loved facing forward and investigating the world.  This carrier worked well until he weighed more than 20 pounds, then it started to get uncomfortable.

Sherpani Backpack – I purchased this for a friend who later handed it back down.  This became our favorite carrier after my son could sit up on his own (check manufacturer recommendations).  He loves the high view and we loved the wider range of activities we could take him out on (downhill skiing not recommended).  I know friends that have continued using these as their kids learned to hike on their own, well into 4 years old.  The factors that I looked for when picking this pack were low pack weight, a storage area for snacks and diapers, a camelback sleeve, and a sun shade/rain cover for my son.  I bought mine online at Backcountry.com’s outlet store now Departmentofgoods.com.  The REI outlet also often carries last year’s models at lower prices.  I have seen some really gadgety models these days, it all depends on what works best for you.

Any of my parent friends have recommendations from their experience?

Mountain Babies

I started this blog to start a community of mammas and pappas who are raising kids with an appreciation of the outdoors, inspired by a recent post by a dear friend.  Getting out to explore with children can often be a challenge of finding the right place or trail that kids can enjoy, having the right gear to make the experience go smoothly, and making the time to get out.  I am lucky to live in a beautiful mountain town surrounded by amazing wilderness.  However, the first summer with my baby I had no idea what gear I would need and how to pack less than a minivan full of gear for a 1 mile hike.  I thought maybe I could get my other mountain mammas and city mammas who love the mountians to join me in discussing great places to hike with kids and the best gear to take for adventures.  I often feel very isolated living in the woods, but my online community of friends keeps me connected and I value their advice.
Now I gotta go outside, its a beautiful day!
Jenn