2 Mar

Stroller & Babycarrier

at March 2nd, 2011 by Lala |

Posted in Indonesia, parenthood

I was one of those moms who did not rush to buy baby stuffs until late in my pregnancy. I did browse a lot though but I took my time when actually buying things. It was a surprise for me as well that I actually didn’t go shopping baby stuffs like crazy. Trust me, my sister told me that she was surprised with my shopping habit when it comes to buy stuff for Raissa because for once my spending brake is actually working!

The items which I bought and have been very satisfied are my: stroller and baby carrier.

Stroller

My sister-in-law lent me the stroller that was used by her now 8yo son. The brand was Good Baby and amazingly, it was still working very well, just the fabrics have worn off a little. The seat could be reclined to a flat position, detached from the wheels and used as baby carrier looking like a basket. The problem with this stroller was the size. It was very big that it would take up half a space in our car trunk so we used it just for short-distance walk around the neighborhood. I always knew that I need another one that is sturdy, lightweight, compact and of course affordable. Until now, I still can not understand parents who buy stroller that costs the same as a motorcycle. I mean, with motorcycle at least you can use it as motor-taxi (ojek) and actually earn money, but with a stroller??

I browsed the net and read tens or hundreds reviews before finally made a decision to get a Maclaren. So I asked Kris to bring back Maclaren Volo when he went on a business trip to London. He did buy a Maclaren but not a Volo. The store he went to did not have Volo in stock, so he opted for a Triumph instead.

So far, my Maclaren Triumph has been serving me so well. I’m very happy with it. Like Maclaren tagline “designed by aircraft engineer”, this stroller looks like it can fly. Okay, I’m a self-confessed drama-queen However, this stroller is really light (total weight is 5kg), with hood, 2 easy steps to open and close, smooth maneuver even on slightly off-road condition, and proven a tough cookie after over 1-year of abuse. We have taken the stroller travelling far, put it as baggage in planes, and dragged it up-and-downs stairs in subway stations. It should be comfy as well as Raissa seems quite happy to sit on it.

baby, me and Maclaren Triumph

The disadvantage of this stroller according to reviews are the fact that 1) the seat cannot recline to almost flat level so it can only be used after the baby can sit on its own (about 5-6 mo) and 2) the storage pocket is small (which it has not been felt as a major handicap by me actually).

Now, another best buy for me is my fun chic baby carrier. Read through, the brand would be revealed below with picture!

Baby carrier (sling, pouch, wrap, etc.)

I received many kinds of baby carrier as gift. From the traditional Indonesian long fabric (jarik), sling to kangaroo pouch, I tried them all. And although I’m grateful for the gifts, *thank you! really thank you but next time shopping voucher is better *, but my fave one is the one I bought myself.

I fell in love with Mei Tai-style carrier since I came across it browsing as a pregger. The more I read, the more I wanted it. And I wanted the one from Babyhawk because I could customize it so no one would have the same one (unless you’re my big fan and want to have the exact same one as mine). Plus, you can have different motifs on the two sides so it’s reversible. The only problem was it’s a California-based company and international shipping to Indonesia would be expensive. Fortunately, a bestfriend happened to be on a vacation to the US and she happily carried back my oh-so-awesome one-of-a-kind Babyhawk. Yeaay!! *thank you, Nelden!*

The Babyhawk Mei Tai-style carrier is very versatile that you can use it with your baby at the back, at front facing outward, or at front facing you. It’s not bulky as I can fold it and put it in my diaper bag. I love.. love my Babyhawk. No regrets buying it even after having a pile of other carriers. It’s been my best buddy when I want to travel light (meaning no stroller).