[pvnew]

My husband and I were talking this weekend and were wondering if we had to bring a baby carriage with us. I reviewed our paperwork and it didn't mention anything about a baby carriage. It seems a bit much to bring, but if we are going to have the child for 7-10 days it doesn't seem realist not to have one. Does anyone have any thoughts or could anyone tell me what they did.

Thanks,

Patty

[Sean&Shan]

Some people bring umbrella strollers which fold up and are light weight. This was our orig. plan, but after talking with some moms from my FCC group we are deciding against it.
1) A lot of babies aren't use to it and would rather be held by you or at least be able to see you (we are bringing a carrier).
2) Like many countries outside the US, Chinese streets. etc. were not deigned to be wheelchair/ stroller friendly.
3) Many of the hotels we will be staying out offer strollers either free or for a small rental charge should we decide we want one, or we could buy one there.

So in our opinion, we decided that the extra bulk and inevitable wear and tear the airline will submit the stroller to is not worth it.

[SofiasMom]

I brought a Baby Bjorn to carry my daughter and loved it. I really felt it helped the bonding process (and she was only 14 lbs at that time). I did rent an umbrella stroller from the hotel for a day. You can easily buy a stroller when you're there. There are pros and cons to having a stroller (somewhere for baby to sit while eating as not many places have highchairs but the streets are uneven and crowded..

[crg]

We Were Planning On Bringing Strollers.... We Are Bringing Our 2 Boys Who Will Be About 2 . Do You Think It Would Be Wise To Bring 2 Or Three Umbrella Strollers... Even For The Airport I Would Think We Would Need Them.... We Are Also Bringing Our Older Childern Who Could Help Carry The Toddlers.
Interesting I Have Not Thought About This.
Carolyn

[Tsmom]

We are going to bring a small umbella stroller. I have heard good and bad on this issue. If you rent while you are there, you won't have it for the long walks at the airport and between your carry on luggage and a 15 - 20+ pound child (depends on the age you get) you will be carrying a lot of wait. Do not assume that just because you are getting an older baby that she will be walking. I met several couples who adopted 16 month old babies who were not yet walking. Also, the snuggli idea is good if it's not summer. Summers in China are very hot! Imagine it being hot and being pressed up against a hot body, that's how your baby would feel.

[Byrnes]

HI There,
When we went the first time we purchased an umbrella stroller in china and it ended up being a life line and our daughter loved it, she was 9 months old. It was such a success that we went to bring it the second time but it got lost somewere in our travel....Anyway we purchased a second stoller but our daughter hated it, 8 months old at the time, she wouldn't let anyone but me hold her and even thought she didn't weigh that much about 14lb I never would have made it without the baby sling...That being said we traveled in mid June and Guangzhou was so hot I thought I'de die..After about two days of being carried outside in the sling even she was ready to try the stroller. It was very helpful in resturants. One of the people in our group had a backpack that could also convert to a stoller or a short high chair. It was a pretty cool thing. Anyway good luck and have fun....
Byrnes

[mnkygrrrl]

We are bringing a sling or backpack for the baby and buying an umbrella stroller while we are there. We will then donate it to the orphanage or an orphanage (if we leave the area we adopt from) when we leave! Several people told me that is what they did.

[caseymunn]

I had read about backpack/stroller combos and I definitely think that's the way we're going to go ! I found an online store that carries them if you want to have a look. The web address is comfortchannel.com/prod.itml/icOid/2157. It's kind of pricey at $75, but it's two great products in one. If anyone finds a cheaper one, please post!

[Lissa]

"Santa" brought us a Baby Bjorn for Christmas and that is what we plan on using in China for Liddy. They are kind of expensive, but you can occassionally find them (or similar products) on e-bay for not as much. I like the idea because of bonding.

Oh also...for those of you that came in the economy size like me... (more product for less money )

They do make Bjorn extension straps for a resonable price.

[soontobethree]

I was advised to just buy a stroller in China, which I did. I picked up a good quality umbrella stroller for less than $10. When we arrived home, I was so eager to get through Immigration and to our wiating family that I didn't even wait for the stroller to get off the plane, I just left it at the airport.