Cashman: Baby buggies blocked by barriers of snow

Why is Boston so stroller unfriendly?

Any parent living in the city can tell you what a nightmare it has been trying to get around on foot with little ones. My stroller has been folded up for weeks.

There’s been a lot of talk about digging out cars, annoying space savers and treacherous road conditions. But what about making room forstrollers?

They are the forgotten victim of the storms. Strollers are essential. Parents with multiple kids need them to act as an extra set of hands. Plus, the stroller is usually the safest way to transport toddlers since they are strapped in and can’t run into oncoming traffic.

As of today, Boston is stroller restricted!

The sidewalks are not shoveled wide enough to allow for a stroller to get down the street, and even if your neighbors have been kind enough to make a wide path, you are unable to cross the street. The handicap ramps at crosswalks are about as wide as a boot, needing two people to carry the stroller through the valley of snow. Sometimes you can find a helpful hand, but not always. I’ve given up taking my stroller out alone.

I have a 2-year-old only willing to walk a few blocks before looking to me to lug him across the city. And being pregnant means I’m not supposed to carry him around — doctor’s orders. So like so many moms, I am snowbound.

The trend for young families has been to prolong the move to a home with a big backyard in the ‘burbs. But the shorter commute to work and the conveniences of city life are looking less appealing after spending weeks inside.

What do parents need to do? Put snowblower attachments on our carriages?

The South End in particular is made up of many parents with small children. Since their wheels won’t work many people are opting to eat in hurting local restaurants. And forget about trying to snag some last-minute winter shopping deals.

Most Bostonians are willing to widen their sidewalks if there was a place to put the snow. The city needs to do its part by picking up what Mother Nature has left behind.

Moms — and dads — in this city need their stroller freedom back. You try being holed up in the house for weeks with a toddler.

Jaclyn Cashman co-hosts “Morning Meeting” from 9 a.m. to noon on Boston Herald Radio. Follow her on twitter at @JaclynCashman.