Is a Baby Stroller Necessary?

@Rainegurl (2156)
Philippines
July 30, 2010 10:02am CST
I am currently six months pregnant and hubby and I are planning (and budgeting!) the things we have to buy in preparation for the arrival of our first baby. We have decided to buy a crib, some baby clothes, mittens, booties and some diapers in advance so that they would not anymore add up to the things we need to spend for when I give birth. Now, what's bugging me is about baby stroller. Do you think it is really necessary? You see, I am not sure if all babies like staying in strollers. Was the a baby stroller helpful based on your experience?
5 people like this
20 responses
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
30 Jul 10
Oh yes, it is very necessary. Though there are times that babies don't want to ride, you will love when they do. I mean what baby wouldn't like a ride, looking around at all the different scenery you go past? Plus many times they fall asleep..I had three kids and used a stroller with all..When my youngest was 12 and I got pregnant again, I made sure that a stroller was in my house and ready to go.
• United States
30 Jul 10
Oh, and I don't know if you have something like freecycle in the Philippines, but I am sure you can get a good used stroller somewhere.
• United States
2 Aug 10
I had a deluxe one given to me for my last child and we used it up until he was about 4 or 5 because when we went to the fair or someplace where we did a lot of walking, he can take a break when he got tired..So I wouldn't have a baby or small child without one..:) I hope you can find a good one, maybe at a discount store or something..
@Rainegurl (2156)
• Philippines
2 Aug 10
Hi, carmelanirel I guess a stroller is still a good idea even if the baby makes a fuss when awake. At least we could put her in the stroller when she falls asleep, right? lol I do not think we have that freecycle thing here in our city. Although, family friends may offer their used stroller. Have a nice day!
1 person likes this
• United States
30 Jul 10
I found a baby stroller really helpful. I have 3 children and it is much easier to manuvuer with a sleeping baby in a stroller then trying to carry them in their car seat (which by the way is really heavy and bulky). The sling is really good too but I feel like it inhibits your movement to a point and I am always afraid of smothering my baby! When you are at a cookout or shopping, it is easier to have somewhere safe to lay your baby down to nap with a stroller. I would recommend one that you can recline all the way back so the baby is not laying at a strange or uncomfortable angle.
@Rainegurl (2156)
• Philippines
2 Aug 10
Hi, danandsam Yes, I saw a young father once, he was carrying a car seat with a baby on it. The baby looked happy, the father looked wasn't . Thanks, dan. We saw this stroller which has a sort of carrier that can be detached. I guess, it's for babies who are napping or who cannot sit up straight yet.
• United States
3 Aug 10
hi raine: Yes, I have that one. It is awesome for the first couple months when your baby falls asleep in the car seat and you don't want to wake him/her. You just move the car seat to the stroller. :-) When the baby is a couple months old, you just stop using the carseat with the stoller and buckle the baby in the seat. Its a win win situation. Once my kids were a couple months old, I would leave the car seat in the car and just move the baby to the stroller. Just get a car seat cover for the summer so the car seat doesn't get too hot. Good luck and enjoy your baby! :-)
@crazydaisy (3896)
• Canada
30 Jul 10
Yes they are very handy even after grow up and you don't need to use it for just baby but other things. I would get one that's not to "big" because they way to big and you be happy. I wish all the best with your baby!!!'s cd
@Rainegurl (2156)
• Philippines
2 Aug 10
Thanks, crazydaisy We are really excited. I will keep that in mind -- must not be too big. Or at least one that can be folded and stored in the car, right? Take care!
@Suke002 (311)
• United States
30 Jul 10
My mom used the same stroller for all of us and it does help a lot (unless your the kind of person who likes that bag kind of thing that holds your baby for you on your stomach)(I always thought those were cool by the way). Anyways, babies usually don't care about the stroller and will usually sleep in them really in the first few years. Now when they start learning to walk, THEN they get fussy. I know because I have 3 younger sisters and they all did the same thing. When they learned to wall, they never wanted to stay in a stroller for long until they were tired.
• United States
31 Jul 10
i loved my stroller doring the summer we always go to street fairs and all i had to do is put him in the stroller and go and it was so easy to do and when i went to the mall i would put him in it and i new he wouldn't go and run away from me and i new he was safe in it.
@Rainegurl (2156)
• Philippines
2 Aug 10
Hi, Suke It's nice to know that your stroller lasted that long. Hubby's thinking of buying a stroller that is a little pricey so that it would be comfortable for the baby and could be used by our future kids (hoping to have more). And oh, I don't think I would be the kind who likes that 'bag thing'. I always thought that babies look uncomfortable in there. Thanks for your response!
• United States
30 Jul 10
My son loved going for walks in his stroller. It all depends on the nature of the baby. Some are bored and will sleep. We had two strollers one of the big fancy ones that the carseat snaps on and a little umbrella stroller. I used the umbrella stroller more. It was easier for me to maneuver but the big one did have some handy features like a snack tray, some toys on it and cup holders.
@Rainegurl (2156)
• Philippines
2 Aug 10
I guess the one with the umbrella is for the walks in the park, right? It sounds like your son loved seeing the world. I hope our baby would be like that. There are so much to show her and I hope she would not be bore and sleep whenever we go out lol. Have a nice day, linda!
• Philippines
30 Jul 10
I've been studying as a nurse way back in college. Fortunately, i believe so that that's exactly very important. A stroller aid the child in his/her growth and development, i.e. learning to walk and strengthen the lower extremities.
@rejin_rob (394)
• India
30 Jul 10
It's true that baby slings are gaining popularity as more modern-day moms are "going marsupial", but strollers still have an unfortunately strong presence. Strollers are a repulsive icon of modern society. A human infant in the year 2007 can spend most of his early months being shuffled from one plastic contraption to the next. Sadly, many expectant parents consider strollers as one of the main necessities for raising a baby. As I encounter what seems to be nearly 98% of parents relying on strollers, I am left to wonder what is so repulsive about carrying your small baby or toddler. Babies thrive on close interaction and love to be in held in close proximity to their caregivers. Propping a baby up in a plastic device on wheels and pushing it around hardly qualifies as healthy human interaction. I've had adults stare at me like I just stepped out of a remote tribal village when they fail to locate a stroller within five feet of me. "What no stroller?" is their dumbfounded response, aghast that I would actually prefer to carry my own child. It makes me wonder why people with such harsh (and lazy) attitudes ever bothered to procreate at all. Parenting certainly is easier when you only spend thirty minutes of every day holding your child.
@Rainegurl (2156)
• Philippines
2 Aug 10
Hi, rejin I am sure my husband and I would love to have our baby in our arms all the time. Unfortunately, we do not have the luxury to do that since we do have to work and do things like buy groceries. Same with other parents. I am sure they would rather be at home and spend time with their kids than go to work, but they have things to do in order to survive. Further, I am sure sleeping babies would prefer to lie down plastic contraptions than be carried around and be disturbed. Have a happy day!
• India
5 Aug 10
Must Read Jeep Jogging Stroller Review It is recommended that before purchasing any stroller you must read Jeep jogging stroller review, which will be helpful to you and your family to take the decision whether you should buy this stroller or not. Jeep jogging stroller collapses easily for easy storage in a closet. It is made of aluminum. It is very comfortable for your children as it has the large and protective sun canopy. It also has a visor, weather shield and a padded seat. The measurement of the stroller is 24.5 X 39 X 43 inches (W x H x D) and it weighs approximately 29 pounds. Most importantly if you live on a street that has rough surface, then this stroller will allow you to push it with ease around all the curves and bends. You must note some very important points about the stroller. If anything is not included in the package, you must call the company immediately, but this never happens, as these companies always want to maintain their reputation, so they will never miss anything. But it is always advisable to check all things at the time of delivery. Talking about the quality, it will be up to your expectations and your son will not complain much, he will sleep in the stroller during your early morning jogging or night walks. Your baby and wife will be very happy after you purchase this stroller and after having it you can regularly go for long walks even in late nights as well as in the early mornings. This will real keep your family fit and fine. Earlier it might be difficult to figure out how to fold it and pick it up for the transport, but now they also provide user manual so that its easier for you to find thing related to this strollers. It is much better and quicker to carry it anywhere you go. You will have an awesome experience with it and your whole family will be happy. Talking about the price, it is not much as compared to the benefits you get from it so it is a must buy, your baby will definitely enjoy the moments spent in this stroller. You will have some wonderful moments with your baby, as every parents wants to see their baby happy. And he will always keep smiling when he sits in this lovely stroller. What else you can ask for? All your queries and confusions must have been cleared after going through this must read Jeep jogging stroller review.
@sminut13 (1783)
• Singapore
20 Aug 10
personally, in my opinion, i too feel that having a stroller would be really helpful to you. of course, like many said, there are times when a baby wouldn't want to sit in the stroller and you'd have to carry him/her instead and just push the stroller empty lol but at the same time, even though you are holding your baby, when you're out shopping, you're able to put your stuff in the stroller and push it, of course it's easier if someone accompanies you but i managed by myself too. in my case, when my children were maybe more than 6 months and able to understand a little, they didn't want to stay in the stroller and we had to hold them. but when they reached their toddler age after a year or 18 months, they wanted to sit in the stroller-_- my advice would be to yes, do budget and buy, a stroller that you can use till 3 years old as after that they're usually able to slowly start walking by themselves short distances. when they sleep, they should be flat back and not a little up too. i personally feel really uncomfortable like that. practically thinking, it would be nice too if below the stroller, there's a big space to store your things. mine's old fashioned now but, it's been 7 years now, and it still works! i didn't even have to buy, my second daughter used the old one and now, she's able to walk as well. and that stroller didn't even cost that much. i bought it for $100. so personally, i found it really helpful. i didn't buy carriers though i was tempted to, as i thought i'd only have a back ache. so that put me off. we'll already be weak enough after giving birth. i'm still using that stroller now, sometimes when going out for short distances to buy groceries. it's really convenient. also, i'm not sure how it is over there, but for me, i just bought maybe 3-4 pairs of baby clothes and mittens/booties and no crib. the baby slept with me. well, this is rather long, i hope it was helpful and congrats!
@dawnald (85129)
• Shingle Springs, California
30 Jul 10
Believe me, unless you want to stay inside your house 24/7, you will want a stroller. Even if you have a baby backpack you will want one. It gets heavy carrying a baby around all the time, not to mention all the things that go with a baby. Your back will thank you for getting one!
@Rainegurl (2156)
• Philippines
2 Aug 10
One of the reasons why we are thinking of buying a stroller -- we do not want to be cooped up in the house all the time lol. I do not think I would even try a baby backpack, dawnald. I swear babies look uncomfortable whenever I see one in it. Have a nice day!
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
16 Dec 11
Stroller - How useful is it?
To those who are tight on budget they omit a baby stroller from the list of must-haves. We are seven in the family and all of us grew up without a stroller. However I'd say that a stroller will make a parent's life easier. Because if you will carry the child for a walk it will be very tiring. A stroller will make this easier for you. Instead of carrying her you just have to push the stroller so your arms are spared. But always remember that a child almost always gets tired of stroller too soon. You will find him no longer happy if placed in the stroller, he will find a way to get out of it so be careful.
@jimmysun (401)
• China
4 Aug 10
sometimes it's necessary...esp. when you go out do something with baby, you have to put him in the stroller...so that it can be safe to baby...but if you have enough time with baby, try best not to use the baby stroller, just hold the baby or let him lie on the bed playing...
@much2say (53552)
• Los Angeles, California
30 Jul 10
For me, the baby stroller was a lifesaver. We picked out the kind where the infant car seat sits on top, and the stroller seat is underneath for when they are ready to stroll sitting down. The bottom seat can also be adjusted to fall back so they can lie down. It has cupholders and some extra plastic "pockets" with a basket area on the bottom (great for groceries). Ours is kinda big, but very sturdy - lasted very well for my first one and now our second. I use a kids backpack instead of a purse or diaper bag, and the side strap fits over the handle bar thing perfectly. Anyway, I'm not a big person . . . so I need all the help I can get in carrying bags or baby or even having a free arm for my oldest one on top of all that. Besides freeing up the arms - I have also saved my back! It's great for walks - and also as a place for them to "sit" in public when they're not of chair age yet. Sometimes they will nap in the stroller, which helps if you are out and about. A baby stroller was/is very essential for me, but I have a friend who did without one. She is very into attachment parenting . . . so she and her family have carried their daughter ALL the time, for a long, long time. I don't think I could have done it (like can you imagine what you would have to do if you had to go to the public bathroom and it's just you and your baby?). If money to buy one is an issue, you can always get a used one. There are second hand children stores (at least they know about strollers - not just donated regular thrift shop ones). Family/friends may have one that's been sitting around. Craigslist, you might find a cheap used one . . . or on Freecycle someone may offer it theirs (always free). Congrats with your baby when he/she comes!!
@Rainegurl (2156)
• Philippines
2 Aug 10
Thanks, much2say I am not a big person too, and I do not think I would enjoy walking around without a free arm. I guess the stroller we are interested in is the same with what you have. I did not know thought that the bottom seat can also be adjusted. And that it could carry a lot of other things.
• India
30 Jul 10
i think you are talking about the perumbulator, its too useful for one who feels comfortable with thier child's nature... for someone it may not suit bcoz the child was so private and it expects the comfortness from mother or parents or guardian. the perumbulator is need or not, that will not give you correct answer. i think
@Rainegurl (2156)
• Philippines
2 Aug 10
Hi, vi Do you mean a perambulator or a pram? Nope. I meant a baby stroller which can also be used when the baby gets a little older and could sit up.
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
31 Jul 10
I guess it depends on the situation, but it wasn't really necessary for me. Thinking it would be a necessity I did have one for my kids, but I hardly used it with either of them. If anything I used the baby carriers I had for them way more than I ever did their stroller. On the plus side the stroller was a 4-in-1 so at least I got plenty of use out of the car seat that came with it. LOL Congratulations to you and your husband! Happy mylotting!
@geniustiger (1694)
• Philippines
31 Jul 10
Buying in advance based in my experienced in my old relatives is not good. Because we o not yet know the baby what is her/his gender. It is necessary to save money for the delivering and nurturing but I guess it is too early to buy that stuffs. My parents during those years when I am pregnant advices not to buy things in advance to have safe. The baby is not yet there it is good to buy things near to to it like 9 months but not yet the stroller and diapers. You can have it actual when your baby is already delivered. Sometimes stroller is not necessary depending on how it is helping to you and need. But if you would like to have it , you can buy as the baby is already growing up. Very early now to buy might be it will stuck up and break. So for me it is better to buy if the baby is growing and you have a need much on it.
@ANIME123 (2466)
• United States
31 Jul 10
Baby strollers are necessary trust me on this one because you will get tired of carrying the baby around so very essential. My mom has always used a stroller for each one of us and it saved her a lot of hassle. Also my baby sister who is now like two we have to keep her in the stroller or she will run off somewhere. So trust me they always come in handy besides you can always buy them cheap on ebay or yard sales. You will save money like that.
• Philippines
31 Jul 10
i would recommend you buying one,and choose a quality that endures for long so you can use it again for youe next baby.a stroller is useful especially when your out at the mall or just simply walkin around,you dont have to carry her through.
@Luvers (170)
• United States
31 Jul 10
buy a baby stroller when your baby is 2 or 3 and babys like to sit ins strollers but you wont need one for a year after you have your baby becuse your to small and that why a lot of moms by thoses things that you strap to your chest around you back so you baby is in front of you.
• United States
31 Jul 10
Before my daughter was born, everyone went crazy with my baby shower! I ended up with a lightweight stroller and 2 big strollers. Honestly within 2yrs I've used strollers a couple dozen times or so. The times that we used them was on vacations and long outings and that was it. 6 months after she started walking I gave them away to people that needed them. -So is it necessary I would say yes. There is no way your going to wanna carry them on long outings and vacations, it's way to much. -Do you need 2 or 3 no way. -Do you need a expensive one no. Just look for a cheap/used one that will carry newborn to a toddler so you don't have to buy more then one. You can find them for $40-$50 or the all in one with the infant carseat for $75 at Walmart.com. Go to garage sales, you can find them for $20