Before 0 months
I decided that I would use a backpack to ferry my little girl because it would be more convenient. None of the strollers in stores attracted me because they were all bulky or flimsy. Seasoned mothers told me that I definitely need a stroller but I didn't believe but they couldn't convince me.
First 2 months
Both mother and baby will need lots of rest so an infant carrier is more convenient. I used infantino sling that has a back support until my baby turned 5 kg and 55 cm long at 2 months.
3 to 6 months
Those 4 months were the most difficult because the baby was too big to fit a sling and too small for standard upright carriers. I know many people still use upright carriers but carrying babies upright would compress their spine which would deprive them of the growth spurts at 3 months and 6 months, so I went to get a stroller. These were my consideration factors:
- Back rest that can be lowered to be flat (160 or 170 degrees is the usual amount advertised);
- Reversible handle to make baby face you when you are pushing the stroller;
- Removable seat cover for ease of washing in case of puke or drips;
- Wheels must be rubber to withstand travelling (I had to push it for 1 hour everyday to and fro home and infant care centre)
- Stability of the frame should be good enough to withstand shakes because of bumpy roads and train vibration when I am travelling.
- If outdoor travel is expected, rain cover would be required.
- Weight wasn't as important because I would not be taking the bus with it.
6 to 8 months
This was another difficult period because the baby is required to be able to sit up for a long period to be able to use the backpack (spine sufficiently developed). I ended up buying the baby carriers that were carried in front of the body. This was just to address my requirement of folding the pram when I take the bus or taxi. I couldn't fold with 1 hand. An essential requirement if you travel alone frequent or not, is to have one-hand operation of the stroller to open and close.
9 months to 36 months
These months were suitable for the backpack carrier. The backpack carrier could take up to 22 kg of load - baby weight + additional things you load into the 20L compartment below the seat. As I really value the mobility factor, I felt that the backpack carrier was worth every cent. The most benefit was derived from being able to board and alight from buses easily, not having to look for escalators or lifts when there were stairs, trekking, and finally travelling up the snow mountain (train, ropeway, bus, walk). For the not so adventurous, a stroller would meet all travelling requirements.
Essential requirements of a stroller at this age was the maximum weight it can take and 5 point harnest seat belt. I eventually bought the second stroller (because the first stroller's frame broke apart after 1.5 years) that could take a maximum load of 25 kg. Stroller weight was 6 kg. I haven't found a lighter frame for a maximum load of at least 20 kg. Load means baby, basket, and any additional bags you would definitely need to hang on the stroller to free your hands to push.
For added mobility, I use a 25L backpack for my daily travelling with the stroller to free my hands to hold on to the more important toddler who wants to walk but can't walk long enough for you to ditch the stroller. The 5 point hardest seat belt is required because with a bigger body that has more energy and had a tendency to fight with you to sit on the stroller (happens a lot when she refuses to go home), the kicking and struggling is very dangerous. By the age of 24 months, mine was smart enough to wiggle out of 3 point seat belts on hair chairs (move 1 leg out and put the leg in the other hole and a slide out). We the 5-point harnest, by the time she wiggled out of the shoulders straps, she would have realised that she was still trapped and couldn't lift her legs out.
