Stroller vs. Slinger: Who Wins the War?

During the first few months of daddyhood, I could be seen carrying my “nugget” in my arms like a football or strolling him around the streets in our Snap n’ Go stroller. As my son’s neck muscles improved and he packed on a little weight, I moved him into the Baby Bjorn carrier for local walks and for riding on buses & subway trains. I enjoyed having my little guy close to me with the carrier. That said, my daily selection for mode of transport (stroller vs. carrier) was strictly based on our destination – whichever made it easier for dad to get to point B.

Not once, did I care, stereotype, or view other parents based on which mode of transport they prefer use. Well, maybe sometimes, when I see a mom carrying around a 30 pound child in a sling, and I am amazed (and envious?) at their strength. Either way, I had a good chuckle this weekend reading about the New York Mama War – Slingers vs. Stroller Mommies. This entertaining trash could only be published in the NY Post. The article mentions that there are major parenting debates taking place – breast vs. bottle, public vs. private school, working vs. at-home parents, and now…slings vs. strollers. Classic!

Sure, I can understand that some parents want to keep their child in a sling or carrier to keep them close to them – a bonding thing – or use a carrier to keep both hands free to eat or do chores. But, if you choose to stroll, are you really “pushing your child away from you in a heartless stroller?” This light fare article did a nice job of pitting the stroller vs. the baby carrier. What corner do you stand in? Do you even care?