hypatia: get _very_ good baby-carrier slings. i use the "sleepy-wrap", get the high-quality material; marie uses the "hippy chick rider", it's a side- sling. the one she uses outside is just a seat: the "scoota baby hip carrier". these two can't be used with a new-born: only the "sleepy-wrap" can. you can literally swaddle baby in it (you have to wrap it pretty tight).

also, carry on breast-feeding; get clothes where you have easy-access (even when baby is in the sling), and get a car- seat.

you then have the best of all worlds. you get to keep to your principles, and you get to make use of your friends andn family who own cars.