my baby kangaroo

My friend asked me if i used the stroller or sling when i bring baby Joel out. My answer would be preferably both (lesson learnt from our 1st attempt). But when i'm alone, the sling is a MUST. In fact, i've got 3 slings/pouches. Heehee... Cant stop buying them. ;p

The first one that i bought was online from MomsInMind. It was good and i've become quite apt at using it. My sis complains of muscle aches after carrying Joel for like 30mins (!!!). Haha! So you can imagine how heavy he is. Carrying Joel inside the sling is a BREEZE (pun intended), but i always feel kinda warm with the sling on. Unless we're in airconditioned places like shopping malls, i'll usually be wiping my perspiration.

There's also babyslings designed kinda like "pouches" - with no rings to meddle with. Some from the US are really nice with beautiful prints, but expensive. Also, their S-size seem big for me too. I bought my first grey pouch from a local brand Pupsik, then another red one from LittlePods. I've come to love these pouches esp carrying Joel the tummy-to-tummy style or hip carry. Just pop baby in & out. ;)

The only disadvantage is that pouches cannot be shared coz its length cant be adjusted. To get your right size, the measurement is from your shoulder-to-(opposite) hipbone. Daddies cant possibly be the same size as mommies...so cant share the load. Pouches also tend to have less fabric, so the cradle-carry is quite difficult for a "well-fed" baby like Joel. But it also means having a smaller bulk to carry around in the diaper bag when not in use. And (huge) diaper bags are a headache to bring around too. I've just switched to a normal haversack which is easier to manage while carrying the baby.

So far, i can manage (1) carrying Joel in the sling/pouch, (2) carrying the huge diaper bag, (3) pushing/carrying the 5kg stroller, (4 optional) carrying a few shopping bags. But going out alone with the stroller can be quite a challenge! I'll need a bit of strength when closing the stroller, and this is especially difficult when getting on a cab. You cannot expect the driver to carry your son for u OR that they'll know how to close your stroller properly. But at least most Spore cab drivers do offer their help. I wont expect Shanghai drivers to do the same! So getting around in the sling/pouch is still the best alternative.

When Joel gets bigger/heavier (and refuses to walk on his own or sit in the stroller), this is what i hope to get. Heehee... VERY NICE, huh?! But i cant imagine carrying a >10kg toddler around!!! Look, there's even the baby version for dolls! Sooo kawaii!!! ;p

Click here for sling/pouch wearing instructions.