Being out with 2 children is sometimes difficult to manage when you’re alone.  This is often the case on Sundays, when my helper is off and my husband is away on business.  How does a sole mother juggle two kids - both of whom can walk, but sometimes chooses not to.  The option of letting one cry-it-out has been tried, but sometimes, I sympathize with wee ones because their legs are indeed shorter and they do walk “further” than adults. 

The solution?  A “Buggy Board“.  More specifcally, a buggy board maxi.  The cost is a smoking $750 HKD (can be purchased at Bumps to Babes in Hong Kong), but over the duration of 2 days usage, I can say that I do not regret this expensive buy.

Pros

• Both children are within secure range of the parent or stroller pusher (especially if you’re going at it alone)
• Both children won’t be tired out
• The older one really enjoys riding the buggy board - it’s actually fun
• I hear less complaints that my child is too tired to walk and needs to be carried
• It’s an easily adjustable device that mounts on MOST strollers/prams
• It’s foldable and can be flipped “out of the way” when not in use
• It’s perfect for flat surfaces such as malls and paved sidewalks
• It adapts well to moving escalators (both up and down - with the child off it obviously)
• Extremely sturdy and safe

Cons

• The instructions on how to mount the thing aren’t completely clear, but luckily there is youTube
• If you’re using the extension, you’ll have to have extra long arms to reach your handle bars
• You have to detach it before collapsing the stroller (for models that reduce its width when folding)
• It’s a toe stubber
• You can’t walk in maximum stride because it’s a physical restriction (especially if you’re in a rush)
• It’s not cheap (because it’s imported goods)
• You need flat surfaces in order for it to function properly and therefore in some areas of Hong Kong (particularly CWB or Central), it’s more impractical than helpful
• It’s an added weight to carry when you’re doing stairs

In general though, I’d say it’s been more handy than not.  Initially, I was feeling regret in the purchase because it wasn’t as easy to walk as I’d thought - but after setting the length to almost the shortest setting (where my arms can properly reach the handle bars), it’s much better.  Plus, my older daughter (who at times hates to walk) loves riding it and has reduced her requests to be carried.

Sometimes, we head over to the mall with two strollers.  But what happens when they both abandon the strollers so that they can walk around?  The buggy board is helpful in this area, but it’s not a substitute for a napping device.  If I’m to do an all day trip, that’s not the solution.  The buggy board is only a temporary and short-term fix.  How did our parents do it back in the days eh?  I mean, was I forced to walk?  Did I ever throw a tantrum?  Probably and my parents just ignored me.  The tools that parents have at their disposal today is incredible.  What’s worse is that the industry for children and baby consumer goods is so large that it’s a good business to be (given that your product is worthy).  I can’t imagine what my children will have as aids when they become parents - maybe artificial intelligence in robots and voice activated flying machines?