Strollers on Trains and Buses

[MBTAV]

I'm moving to Singapore in December with my wife and a newborn (15 days old and an absolute delight when she isn't screaming, and even then she's still pretty cute). I'm trying to get an idea of what my wife (and I, when I'm not working) should expect as far as getting around town.

I know already that she should do her best to avoid rush hour, but is that everywhere or just a few main buslines and train junctures? And how is access at MRT stations for strollers? Will she be forced to carry the stroller and baby up and down stairs?! Is attempting to ride the bus with a stroller a major inconvenience or is it doable? I know taxis are relatively inexpensive, but it can add up if she takes them every day and our budget isn't all THAT flexible.

I appreciate any responses on any of my questions. Your answers of course will influence the areas I look at once I start apartment hunting. Speaking of which, when a condo has shuttles to the nearest MRT station, are those accessible for strollers?

I'm just worried about my wife feeling trapped at home in a fascinating city that she's not able to experience. So many questions... Someone please tell me it's all possible... thanks!

[queenie-me]

I'm moving to Singapore in December with my wife and a newborn (15 days old and an absolute delight when she isn't screaming, and even then she's still pretty cute). I'm trying to get an idea of what my wife (and I, when I'm not working) should expect as far as getting around town.

I know already that she should do her best to avoid rush hour, but is that everywhere or just a few main buslines and train junctures? And how is access at MRT stations for strollers? Will she be forced to carry the stroller and baby up and down stairs?! Is attempting to ride the bus with a stroller a major inconvenience or is it doable? I know taxis are relatively inexpensive, but it can add up if she takes them every day and our budget isn't all THAT flexible.

I appreciate any responses on any of my questions. Your answers of course will influence the areas I look at once I start apartment hunting. Speaking of which, when a condo has shuttles to the nearest MRT station, are those accessible for strollers?

I'm just worried about my wife feeling trapped at home in a fascinating city that she's not able to experience. So many questions... Someone please tell me it's all possible... thanks!

WELCOME TO SINGAPORE

Let me answer your questions for you.

Buses might be out of questions plus if you live in the city area it's not advisable for you to use the buses to get places cause it's most of the time pack.

MRT[Train] stations are fix with lifts for strollers, wheelchair and passengers with big baggage. These are the advantage in Singapore cause' most of the roads and places are build for easy access for all kinds of people. So, you need not worry too much.

If you pick a condo which is near the mrt station, there will be path-ways in leading to the Mrt stations and like I said, the roads/path-ways in Singapore are very well maintain.

So, you need not worry to much.

[jochick]

I live in the East Coast with three young boys. My youngest is 14 months old so I often take a stroller on the bus. Some of the buses have wheelchair access so you can just walk straight on, but others require you to put the pushchair down. My advice would be to buy a narrow, lightweight stroller with a bar at the front, that can be put down with one hand. Mothercare do a good one (used to be called a citilite, but that was a few years ago). Alternatively, whilst the baby is young you can use a front/back carrier which makes the process a whole lot easier! Buy an ez link card so you don't have to fiddle about with change when getting on and off.

The MRT is fine as there are lifts, but I have never travelled at rush hour. Taxis are very cheap, although from about a year you end up with the baby sat on your lap, which isn't ideal.

Hope that helps

[MBTAV]

First of all, thank you for your replies—very, very helpful!

As for buses, I’m specifically looking at condos on the West Coast as those would be most convenient for me. I’m not really sure yet whether that is considered “the city area”

[viajera]

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during the first few months, she might want to use a baby carrier or a sling. by the time the baby gets bigger and heavier, she'll hopefully know her way around and be able to decide when and how to go.

don't worry too much. there are lots of moms with kids here and somehow one manages!

[batgirl_cdn]

I was happy to find this thread because we are moving to Singapore soon and our son will be 10 months old. I still wear him in a sling most of the time, but we really need to reconsider the buggy since ours is too big for public transport and he is getting quite heavy for the sling.

Is anyone on this forum using a Phil&Teds SmartBuggy? (http://www.philandteds.com/nz/smartbuggy_07_1.htm) How do you like it? Did you find yours in Singapore or did you have to order it from elsewhere?

[cbavasi]

We have the Phil & Ted's Sport Double and I've found it extremely easy to use here in Singapore (having changed from the Bugaboo). We bought ours at First Few Years in Paragon.(http://www.firstfewyears.com.sg/warehouse/index.htm) You can give them a call and see what stock they carry and how much it is - maybe it's cheaper to buy where you live? Also, the stock varies in re: to accessories (I had to wait a couple of months for my rain cover) - so might want to check that out too. Phil & Teds is also carried at Mother's Work in Tanglin Mall but in limited quantity.

[batgirl_cdn]

Thanks for your reply Currently we have a three-wheel buggy (Urban Detour) but it really does take up a lot of space and there aren't two children riding in it (at least that is worthy of more space ) I'm pretty keen on the Phil&Teds Smartbuggy but can't find it sold at those stores you mentioned, as well as Mothercare which also sells in Singapore (according to Phil&Teds stockists web page). I think I'm going to need to buy online and get it shipped. I'll be sure to find out about the sun and wind shields, because it is best to try to get those at the same time. Hopefully it won't take months.

[durain]

the best super lightweight pushchair i find is the maclaren volo. it is easy to fold and i can sling it over my shoulder. it's only about 4kg in weight!!!

used it everywhere, on the bus, MRT, airport, etc.

[batgirl_cdn]

I can seem to get my hands on a Smartbuggy so I think we'll go for an Xplory. http://www.xplory.com/ Our babe is used to being in a sling most of the time, so he likes to be up high to see everything. The Xplory is still space saving, can go on two wheels for stairs and escalators, and it can turn well for tight spaces. The height is good because then we don't need to use a highchair, we can just pull him up to the table with us in his buggy. I called some shops in Singapore and the Xplory is very expensive compared to getting online from the US or UK. Only one store here in Dubai stocks it and and it is a whopping $544 USD more to buy here than online (including shipping fees!). Unbelievable!

I've seen the really light strollers but to me those look better for an older child. Our little guy is 9 months so still needs some support and room to lay back for naps while we are out and about.

[in8mom]

I'll tell ya, being that we're still making our way around and getting familiarized, the Maclaren Volo has been an AWESOME investment for us.

I agree with previous posters in that a sling/soft structured carrer/mei tai would come in VERY handy not to mention more desirable when using the transit systems. When I've had to travel alone with my daughter, I have found that I've had to collapse the stroller to get on the buses. I've yet to get on a handicap bus. The MRT's are fine (so make note of the nearest station when looking at housing!) and the only issue is when it's jam packed and I can't get on the train due to the stroller taking up space.

Never thought I'd love strollers as much-- am a babywearing proponent-- but they've been so handy here with all the shopping, etc. It's a huge adjustment but we're getting into the groove of things. I've found myself using the stroller as a battering ram sometimes when people ahead are walking in their own little world causing a "jam"..

[durain]

nothing beats the maclaren volo for mobility and portability.

during peak period on the MRT, i would sling the volo over the shoulder and baby in arms. 99.9% i will get a seat inside the train