Do I need a stroller that reclines

[jockey]

I have spent the last few days looking at various strollers for our forthcoming trip. As mentioned in my previous thread I have a Quinny Zapp that does not recline. My DS only naps for approx 1 hour per day and will be 14months old by the time we travel. We are staying on site at AKL and GF so plan to pop back there in the afternoon for naps.

Should I just bring the Quinny Zapp or should I go buy a maclaren. I will only use the maclaren whilst in Disney as we already have a Jane slalom at home. DH thinks it is a waste buying yet another stroller!

 

[monorailsilver]

I would say don't buy a new one just for a recline feature.

You are going to go back to your room for naps like I do & I think once one of my kids fell asleep in the stroller on the way back.

 

[NotUrsula]

I'd say it depends on how long you are staying. If you will be in the States for more than a week, I say yes.

The Zapp will be useful for short outings and mornings when a child that age is most active, but a 14 mo. old is almost guaranteed to fall asleep often whilst in the parks, especially in the evening after eating, which makes for a great time for parents to eat nice dinners, shop, and do baby-swap on the major rides without having to entertain a restless toddler. When that happens, you will be very glad to have the recline. (Hint: if you carry sleepwear and a toothbrush into the park in the evening, you can avoid having to wake baby to do it once you return to the resort.)

Never underestimate just how exhausting WDW is for toddlers. They tend to run themselves right into the ground and then go out like a light the moment you start rolling them in a buggy. Can you borrow a Mac or get a used one?
(Also, it needn't be a Mac; any buggy with a recline will do.)

 

[Hannathy]

I wouldn't buy a new stroller just for the recline. Of course I'm from the generation that didn't buy strollers that cost more and were bigger than my first car but I digress..... Toddlers are flexible if they want to fall asleep they will recline or not and it doesn't bother their necks like us. I took my 2 yr old for a week in a non reclining umbrella stroller and he slept just fine.

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

I would try to pick up a gently used maclaren. The recline is a nice feature to have. But more importantly, I find the fold on the Zapp a bit fiddly and time consuming. Macs are easier to quickly fold and unfold IMHO. Plus, most Macs are a bit lighter than your Zapp, so they're easier to carry. Tough question though.

 

[jockey]

Thanks for all the replies! I can get a cheap stroller from Mothercare for approx $50 or I can get the Maclaren triumph for $140. To be honest I don't mind spending the money as long as DS is comfortable! He does sleep in the Quinny but always looks so uncomfortable.

 

[stacy6552]

Yes, you need one that reclines. But unless you have been looking for a reason to buy a Mac, I would get something less expensive. Graco and Baby Trend make great lightweight strollers that have big baskets, cupholders and fully reclingin seats. Plus at less that $50, you wont worry every time you leave it unattanded.

 

[FourBoysMom]

We are big advocates of Disney strollers (especially needing the double - it pushes so easy). Unfortunately they do not recline, so we bring our backpack carrier....and pop the boys in there when each is ready for a nap.... I especially love it cause DH wears it

Good luck!

Trixie

 

[atisikitabasket]

If you are looking for a reclining stroller that is comfortable and still light weight and cheap I would go with the Baby Trend Avia I think is the name we bought it for our first trip to disney. It also has a parent try with 2 cup holders and a snack tray with a cup holder for baby and a nice size basket underneath for like $40.00 at walmart. It may not last you years and years but our son still wants us to push him in it instead of his more expensive strollers.

 

[bartleby1]

I would definitely find a stroller that reclines, especially since your little one will only be 14 mths old. I know you say that he only naps for about an hour a day, but it is sooooo easy for a little one to get thrown off their regular schedule. All kids are different, and handle the excitement of disney in different ways. Some get overstimulated easy and therefore decide to nap more to rest their little brains and process what they have seen. He may nap in the stroller, or he may not, but if you want him to be comfy he needs to recline.

Also, you may decide that going back to the room for a nap doesn't work for you. It works for some and not others. Personally, my kids would fall asleep on the way back to the room and they'd be bouncing off the walls by the time we actually arrived there! We quickly decided to let them stroller nap and thank goodness we had the recline! There is nothing worse than a cranky tired kid who can't get comfortable enough to sleep.

 

[NotUrsula]

Folks, please note the location the OP is posting from when making recommendations. Several of the recommended models are not available outside the US. (Macs are also a lot less expensive there than in the US, though still not dirt cheap.)

For the OP, I suspect you could get a Chicco or Britax for less than the Mac, but if you believe that you will be doing more overseas travelling that involves a lot of walking, perhaps the Mac is your best investment, because the suspension will remain good enough even when your child is much older. I can't answer for the Britax models, but my Mac has much better suspension than my Chicco. I think you should consider eBay if you just want it for the one trip.

 

[jockey]

Guys thanks for all the replies. I have enjoyed looking at the US models on the Walmart website as I would have considered just buying one when I arrive but I have decided to go with the Mac Triumph!

Thanks again for your valuable input