Another stroller question....

[jfranklyn]

OK - the great stroller debate continues.

I'm considering getting a simple umbrella stroller for our trip, and bringing our regular stroller (that reclines) for the baby when he needs to sleep, and switching off with the 5 year old if she needs a place to rest.

So......

What can you guys recommend regarding umbrella strollers. I don't have one - I've never had one. What should I look for? Are they really hard to push with a large child in them?

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Personally I hate pushing an umbrella stroller. You have to bend over too far. I could not see doing that for long periods of time. I think you can buy handle extenders though!. I would DEFINITELY get some of those if you get an umbrella stroller.

 

[jel0511]

It depends on what type of umbrella stroller you're thinking of purchasing. If its going to be one of the $10 - $20 models, don't waste your money. They'll DEFINATELY be too small for a 5 YO to sit in and push easily. There are better umbrella strollers out there and they go up in price to $300. The more expensive ones are more steady, better made and will hold a 5 YO. My Pliko holds my DD 5, she rides sometimes when my DS 2 wants to walk. I'd suggest you take the 5 YO to Babies R Us and try out all the strollers and see which would work for you.

 

[kadaten]

Personally, I'd skip it. I've never liked how the umbrella strollers handle. With the smaller/harder wheels they have trouble gripping different kinds of surfaces....like it's nearly impossible to push or steer on carpet....or any type of slick floor. They don't roll very smoothly, and there's not much room for your little one to be comfortable. And I agree with the earlier poster....they are very short! I'm only 5'2" but even I have to bend over to push them! If you get one anyway, I'd definitely spring for the extenders to save you the back pain!

I know a few others have written about the "buggy boards" that hook on the back of a regular stroller to provide a place to stand for the older one. Check the other stroller thread for more info.
Katie

 

[lovesdumbo]

I've never had any trouble pushing my Maclaren Daytripper. I'm tall and so is my DH. In fact I find it much easier to push than the big stroller. DD 4 1/2 finds it very comfortable. BUT...it is over $100. My DD 8 months now finds it comfortable too but didn't when she was smaller. It is a pain to recline but Maclaren makes better ones now that recline easier and there are other nice umbrella strollers if you're willing to pay the price. I'm sure you'd get lots of use out of it as the baby grows.

 

[ahutton]

If it were me, I would just take one stroller. If the 5 yo needs a break it is much easier to carry the baby for a bit (or use a Snugli carrier) for the break time than it is to find a stroller that is comfortable for an older child. And if they won't ride, you have an extra stroller to keep track of.

We went to the Renaissance Festival last weekend - our older DD is 3 1/2. She walked from one side of the place to the other, danced and played from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., with one 20 minute break in a stroller. I was surprised at her stamina, but she insisted she was having too much fun to ride.

Our plan for WDW this year will be to bring our two regular, ultra lightweight stroller. We'll go into the parks in the morning with one stroller, and if one needs a break we'll carry the little one or they can switch places (little one is 18 months). After our early evening break we'll head into EPCOT most nights from Boardwalk, and we'll use both strollers for that part of the day.

 

[HopeCU]

When we decided to go to WDW I did all the research to find out what was the best bet regarding strollers; renting, swapping, bringing you own. I decided on bringing our own umbrella stroller. I did a lot of research on them too. A few months ago we bought a Jeep umbrella stroller, it cost about $60. The handles are longer than normal umbrella strollers and it actually has a type of shock on the wheels, it does well on any terrain (including grass). I also bought a bag that attaches to the back of the stroller for storage. I guess it all comes down to how much you want to pay. If you want a better umbrella stroller you'll have to pay a little more for it. I've already gotten my money's worth from mine.

 

[Cindymere]

I also HATE umbrella strollers and refuse to use one. My cousin said if you do get one make sure it has a foot rest for the older child (if the child doesn't exceed weight.height limits) because it is a royal pain if there is no where for them to put their feet.

HTH

 

[2MuchOhana]

We have the Jeep Umbrella stroller, too. It wasn't bad; but dd (2) hardly used it while we were there in July. She wanted to walk or be carried. Strollers are a bit of a pain on the buses, too. We plan to rent a stroller at the park if we really need one.