Photo by Heather_F
There are many battles in the stroller wars — sling vs. stroller being the biggie (for people who are passionate about that kind of thing), but here's another that Ems629 (mom of a 28-month-old daughter) brought to my attention. Some people think that pushing a toddler in a stroller makes a mom lazy when a tot is of a certain age. She asked me if I was one of them.
Nope.
1. Pushing a stroller can be a workout even if it's carrying nothing but your kid (though we all know that's rarely the case). There are even fitness routines designed around strollers such as Stroller Strides and StrollerFit. Most moms have shopping bags, a purse, and a diaper bag to juggle. Maybe even a latte and a dog leash. How are you supposed to hold your toddler's hand or keep him within safe reach on top of all that?
2. Toddlers get tired. And cranky. And tired! MAMAAAAA! PICK. ME. UP! If you've got a big day of walking ahead of you, a stroller will not only help you keep your sanity, but the sanity of those around you (the people who are calling you lazy, for example). If you don't bring the stroller, you know you'll either have to carry your kid at some point, which can be tricky (see all the stuff you're carrying in #1) or subject the entire world to his meltdown and then listen to people whisper about what a bad mom you are for dragging your kid down the street while he screams bloody murder. (Note that these would likely be the same people who would call you lazy if you used a stroller.)
3. Some moms have more than one kid. Is a mom of twins, triplets, several toddlers or even kids of different ages supposed to walk down the street with them all lined up behind her like obedient little ducklings? Yeah, that's realistic. Not to mention, not exactly safe.
I hope that answers your question Ems629. Keep strolling, and if anyone give you a hard time, mow 'em over.
By the way, I actually use a sling to tote my tot around—but that's just because I'm too darn lazy to use a stroller!
Do you think there's a certain age at which toddlers should stop using strollers? Does using one make a mom lazy?
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Comments 28
Seriously people have to much time on their hands if they are going to judge people on using a stroller. My son is almost a year old if he wants to walk i hold his hand if he wants to ride i push the stroller. If we are in a parking lot i carry or push him. granted he's only going to be one but, i see no issue with it. People should be commending moms on being good moms not picking them apart for stupid things.After getting a few glares about oh he pulled his hat off for the hundredth time so im running into the store with no hat on, my mentality is If they stare oh well you know what kind of mom you are brush them off and keep going.
Where I live in Ottawa there is a debate going on about whether or not to allow strollers on our city buses. This is the ONLY time you will ever see me on the side of the 'no to the stroller' debate. I use my sit and stand 50% of the time we go out and my sling the other 50% it really just depends on the situation and if I think my 3 yr old can handle the walk. I can't even remember the last time I brought my single stroller out because I'd much rather use my sling and not push around an empty stroller!
I think it depends on how big a child is. My son is almost four yrs old and i would never dream of pushing him in a stroller. His legs are to long he cant sit in it comfortly. I think kids who dont fit in the stroller any more, cuz there legs are to long, or they weigh to much, or there 3 or older need to walk. I hate seeing parents pushing around kids that cant fit a stroller any more, like go to disney you see it every where. And im talking talking about toddlers, these kids are 5,6,7 and 8 yrs old. I have an 8 yr and she had to walk while we where there. Kids need to use those leg muscle, and i think the longer you keep themin the stroller the more we are going to have a problem with over weight kids. Do i think parents are lazy, no its hard work to push a stroller with a toddler in it. I think the parents are letting the kids be lazy, make them walk it wont kill them, sure they will get tired but they will live. If they can run around for hours with out getting tired they can walk a lil. Kids make excuses and know when to use them cuz parents let them be lazy.
I have fallen with my DD when she was a toddler and I wasn't chancing that again-- so my DD and DS were is strollers alot, I felt so bad when I tripped and she hit her head and I landed on her---bad mommy moment!!
I love my stroller its a bumbleride indy 2010 and I had to work my butt off to afford it so how's that for lazy! I think moms who don't use a stroller are Cheap! J/K but really some times kids need to sit and rest they don't need the stroller all the time. I guess if you active a stroller is a must because at an active adults level a toddler could never keep up!
I live in a major city and don't own a car. At 4'10" and 85lbs, I can't possibly carry around an ever growing toddler (who's in the 75th percentile), his beloved stuffed friend, a diaper bag (with all the distracting toys and goodies needed), plus groceries or whatever else. In total, all of it outweighs me. Lazy? NO. Thinking people need to mind their own business? YES!