How far can you ride with a baby?

[Crankin]

I really don't want to sound negative, etc., but ah, while it's understandable one couldn't ride with a child in a trailer because of all of the above things mentioned, what about just continuing riding alone, even if it's for short jaunts? While long rides and regular group stuff might be out for awhile, regular exercise is one thing that keeps away post partum depression and helps a mom keep her sanity and self-identity. Although I didn't ride when my kids were babies and young children, I did go to the gym 6 days a week. I was back there 3 weeks postpartum with both of them; it was my escape, if only for a little over an hour.
I know everyone's different, but I made a vow not to let having kids turn me into someone I wasn't. I know it sounds selfish to some, but I had a lot of experience taking care of babies and kids, as well as a few years of teaching experience when i had my first child, so I had a pretty clear idea of baby "stuff." DH and I made the decision that our relationship always came first in the family, and together, we would deal with the kid stuff. This worked for us, as we each maintained our lives apart from the family, but we had lots of fun while they grew up. I do sincerely regret that we didn't do the outdoor stuff with them, although all 4 of us developed these types of interests later. Both of my kids are awesome endurance type athletes as adults and enjoy hiking, camping, and swimming.
I just wish that I had strapped them into a backpack and gone hiking in AZ, instead of getting a sitter and going to the gym! Doing this kind of stuff just wasn't in my head, and I really wish it had been.
I just don't like it when prospective parents think that their life has to be over...

[velo]

I just don't like it when prospective parents think that their life has to be over...

Who said life has to be over? It's riding a bike. Life doesn't have to be over, but quite reasonably, expectations and activities may have to change. That's not "life over" and it sure isn't negative. It's just change. I don't like it when people tell prospective parents that life won't change when kids come along. It invariably will, but nobody can predict how it will or to what degree. Thinking of various scenarios is not negative, it's pragmatic.

[Kiwi Stoker]

[QUOTE=Crankin;668306]I really don't want to sound negative, etc., but ah, while it's understandable one couldn't ride with a child in a trailer because of all of the above things mentioned, what about just continuing riding alone, even if it's for short jaunts?

Unfortunately as I mentioned before, we don't have family or friends here able to care for our baby, we would have to find/pay for a babysitter which for early weekend mornings could be an issue. Also causual day care facilities are only avaibale during the week, so not much hope there. Just trying to find out all the options. Cycling is something I enjoy with my husband and going out by myself isn't fun.

[lph]

I hope you figure out good options! We found out that going out all of us together was great fun, but was often a logistics problem and many trips were cut short either in time or distance. Not a problem, unless you're counting on going on the same trips as before, consciously or subconsciously. Training efficiently we did best by ourselves.

I think this is really the thing I learned most about becoming a parent, how to structure my life and prioritize. Before we could just go out and maybe we did this, maybe we did that. Or I could just feel like a long run or ride and just go for it, without any planning. But we developed new habits and routines that worked for us, like most people. It was just a bit frustrating in the beginning until we worked it out.

One of my favourite memories of when my son was tiny is of us XC skiing in the woods where we lived, with baby in a soft baby carrier made for carrying in front, slung on my dh's back and covered with a jacket, as he set off down a hill. I refused to, because my skiing skills are poorer and I was afraid I'd fall, but he was convinced he would stay on his feet (and he did).

I wish you lots of luck. The feeling when they get a little bigger and start really enjoying the world around them is just amazing :-)

ETA: Forgive me if I'm being a bit sentimental here, but I just stumbled over a couple of old photos. For a small child a swing in the park is just as awesome as a climbing trip halfway across the country:

[malkin]

And beautiful mom in the moment with the kid, and someone behind the camera right there too!