Everyone thought that our car free life style would end with the birth of Theo nearly three years ago. Grandparents thought it was irresponsible, unsafe, or something or other to not have a car as parents. Car seat lugging parents couldn't fathom it and predicted we would give in. Frankly, we were pretty sure our car free life might end with the birth of Theo. But when you are car free you adjust your travel patterns and you equip yourself differently. This starts with the most basic piece of baby equipment - the stroller.In preparation for Theo's birth we knew we needed a stroller that could be walked comfortably up to a mile+ and that had storage space for a work bag, groceries, or produce from the Midtown Farmers Market. So many American strollers are designed around the car - folding compact to fit into a car, designed to carry a carseat, and equiped with little storage space. These designs make sense if you have a car, but little sense if you don't. Having seen many pedestrian-oriented prams in Europe, we sought out a European pram. Hillary trolled Craigslist and found a Swedish Emmaljunga for sale. These prams are pricey new and not easily available in the US. We bought the Craigslist one and many accessories from a Minnesota family that had lived in Sweden. An excellent find it was with large wheels, a suspension system, a bassinet and a toddler seat.
Theo loved the Emma. He would just nap away in its roomy bassinet, which also served as a crib when we traveled. At just ten days old we strolled him to the Farmer's Market and used it like a shopping cart, filling the large bottom rack to the brim. On the way home we foraged for berries in a community garden, surrounding Theo with cherries, b
erries, and flowers.
Now the Emma is serving us well for the addition of Henry to the family just last week (3/4/09). On Monday we seized a relatively warm Minnesota day and took Henry for his first walk in the neighborhood. The Emma comes with a cozy sleeping bag which Henry nestled into. With the addition of the scarf, hat, and mittens hand-knitted by Aunt Meg he was ready for the elements. For Theo we pulled out the "Froggie" side car that came with the Emma. He absolutely loved it. It was like a little skateboard for him. He giggled with delight, peering over his new baby brother as we took our first walk as a family of four.
I can't tell you how many times I've seen babies in strollers just like this here in Holland in the grocery store surrounded by veggies and fruit with the lower rack piled with the heavy stuff. Looks like it works great!
ReplyDeleteNow the question is have the rigged up the buses in the Twin Cities to easily get you on. In Finland it seems like moms and dads just roll on the middle doors. And when you are with a pram, you don't have to pay. How's that for pragmatism! I guess they figured it was just too complicated to get the payment or the bus card up to the front and since the public transportation is heavily subsidized anyways... I miss Norden! so civilized! I'm so impressed with you guys! -Sarah Lloyd
ReplyDeleteJenny - thanks for confirming that we are not the only ones stuffing veggies around sleeping babies. Today we lugged a heavy box of maternity clothes on top to the post office!
ReplyDeleteSarah - as for the buses - we have a long ways to go here. Metro Transit rules require you to fold the stroller up before entering the bus - virtually ridiculous for something like the Emmaljunga with a bassinet. Hillary did find a bus driver who lifted her and baby Theo up using the handicap lift. What service! But she was told that she shouldn't expect that service with other drivers. Indeed we have not found it.
I like your stories about being car-free! Very impressive throughout the winter - not sure if I could brave it up here in Canada! Way to go! Sue
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