Stroller or baby carrier?

Today a friend asked whether the use of stroller in Singapore is better or using a baby carrier to get around is a better choice. She asked these questions as it arises from a petition going on the internet about allowing unfolded stroller up into buses. In Singapore, a lot of people take the public transports so at times, it can be really crowded. Of course, the bus company rules that stroller (except wheelchair) must be folded before getting on the bus. Now, when a mother hands are full with shopping bags, carrying the baby, tap the ezlink card, etc etc - the stroller better be a one-hand easy fold version.

When Stacy was born, we used a baby carrier more than the stroller. Singapore has become very crowded with people and pushing a stroller around, especially in a shopping mall is never easy. You got to wait for the lift to go to another floor and the mall could be 4, 5 level high, which means waiting time could be long and when the lift door open, it is crowded with people.  And when Stacy grew too heavy for the baby carrier, husband and I will take turn to carry her - once in awhile use the stroller. So that's why our first stroller was still very new looking.

After Erica was born, we bought a 2nd baby carrier and another easy one-hand fold stroller (we decided to give away the first stroller). Getting around Singapore, in the car, taxi, bus or train - baby carrier still seem to be the easiest for us but not our back and shoulder. Haha.

Until we come to France, every parents seem to be using the strollers. Baby carriers, only seen on foreigners like me. Lol. Everyone or most people have a car, getting around from one point to another with kids were easier. Just pack the stroller in your own car and go. As buses are not as crowded like Singapore, unfolded strollers are welcome on the bus and even trains. I see that it make sense too, especially during Autumn/winter, you will be wearing thick padded winter coat, it is abit uncomfortable to strap babies in the baby carriers.

So I started investing in a double stroller - baby sits infront and toddler sits behind with the option to stand too. Very sturdy stroller, very easy to maneuver the children around. Bad side, is that it is a little bulky to fit in the car. Now another problem comes, Baby Erica has grown and wants to walk on her own and wants to do what Stacy does. Both fight for the seat behind because she can stand on it too. So my grocery time or going to the park with them can take ages to reach....

I use the baby carrier to carry Erica when I take the bus and Stacy will walk. Sometimes, Stacy is really tired and wanted to fall asleep as the bus journey is long but I have to force her to walk home. I felt sorry for her and regret not bring the stroller. But the bus that I usually take, need to climb a flight of stairs, cross the bridge and then reach the bus stop. There is simply no ramp for the stroller. Seriously, it's for the fit and able people or you find an alternate route.

So stroller or baby carrier for me? I simply have no idea which is better