1st trip with no stroller - or not???

[MoonFaerie]

We didn't use one when we went a couple of weeks ago. If we hadn't been okay with following the kids pace, we're planning longer days or no breaks, and/or were going when it was hot, I probably would have used one for the 4 year old.

We haven't used a stroller at all for a good 3+ years though. IIRC, the youngest was 2.5 when we quit using one. If they were used to still having one, I would have brought one.

We also did have the money budgeted to rent one, just in case we needed it. DD did fall asleep waiting for Wishes and Illuminations, but we were sitting waiting, so even with a stroller she would have been in one of our laps anyway.

 

[way2muchtodo]

Anyone have any experience taking a stroller on the plane?

 

[jenseib]

I will take a stroller till DD refuses. She is 5 now. Our trip in 2007, she mostly walked and she was 2, but in 2008 and 2009 she rode in it alot! The most valuable thing about it too, second to not carrying a tired child is the storage. We pack a bag with sweatshirts, a few snacks and juiceboxes each day, and I have a spot to keep it. I don't know what I will do when we no longer take a stroller with that stuff. Lockers are kind of a pain. I did those back when my older 2 were little, and when you need something you have to trek all the way to the front to get your stuff.
Also the first time I took my oder 2 they were almost 5 and 8. I no longer even owned a stroller. Never even occured to me to bring one. But my DD has horrid feet, and we changed shoes daily and each day she would have new blisters on different parts of her feet and someone was carrying her on their shoulders each evening. Same thing happend when we went when she was almost 7.

 

[jenseib]

Anyone have any experience taking a stroller on the plane?

Yes, very easy. When you check in, they will give you a tag to put on your stroller so you cna gate check it. then you wheel it right up when you board, and jsut before you get on there is a spot to leave it. They take it there and put it under the plane. When you get off, it's waiting in the little hallways for you.

 

[JUJU814]

Do what is best for you.

Personally, we would rent a stroller. I can't be bothered with bringing it from home. I budget my stroller rental into my trip and I buy a weeks worth at the beginning. Then, as I get to a park, I get my thing stamped, grab my stroller and we're on our way. We went in August and my daughter was 5 and son was 7. I rented a double. It was mostly for my 5 year old. Occasionally, my 7 year old took a rest in it.

I saw two year olds running around, and kids much older than mine in a stroller.

It's really nobody's business but your own..you gotta do what works for your kids and will make them the most comfortable.

Julie