Is 6 Too Old For a Stroller?

[ktbug103]

We used one last year when my daughter was five and it was definetely needed. She's a bit better with walking but I'd still like to take a lightweight umbrella stroller, they are really easy to handle on the busses. I'm a bit concerned about appearances though, is it completely unacceptable for a six year old to be in a stroller? My daughter is 34lbs and 42 inches tall, so she is small for her age.

Also any recommendations on strollers would be great. We used an Evenflo X Sport last year and it was great, but I sold it at a yard sale this summer like a dummy! A 40 lbs weight limit will work on it. I really would like to find one with a shoulder strap.

 

[all4fun]

No, really no one will even look sideways at you for using a stroller. Especially since she's so small for her age I would think people would be even less likely to notice but i've seen much bigger kids in strollers at WDW. Oh, that was my ds! LOL He's 48" and about 42lbs and we used a stroller every day last December at DW (5yrs 8mos at the time of that trip). We are at DL now and using the rental stroller in the park. I really don't care what people think to be honest. It is what works for us, keeps ds happy, and us sane... Do what works for you. As far as recommendations, I've seen the Maclaren Volo mentioned a lot for older kids here. It's nice and light weight, doesn't recline, but at her age, she doesn't really need that feature any more anyway. I think it has a 55lb weight limit but that's nice if you're also hooking a bag on the back while pushing her around in it.

hth

 

[RMulieri]

Do what works for you. In my case my 4 yr old BALKED at the idea of being in a stroller so i didn't bring it, and she outpaced and outlasted us every day at the parks. You know your kid best.

 

[brymolmom]

I think everyone needs to figure out what their own cutoff is - dependant on kids, parents, time of year to travel, etc. I have decided that my cutoff is 6, after the kids turn 6 - NO MORE STROLLER. THis past Nov was our first time with only a single stroller as ds was 6 and dd still 5. He did get tired at EPCOT so we rested, and did give him one 10 minute turn in the stroller while dd walked, but overall - it was fine.

Now, with dd, it'll be different - she is NOT much of a walker and I will definitely be doing some 'warm up walks' around the neighborhood before we go for the first time completely stroller-less. Luckily, going in Sept, we get one more trip in while she's still 5. And I plan on using it partially as a 'training' trip. We have one half day planned at MK and I'm not going to bring the stroller at all on that day. And often at other parks - I plan on parking it for a couple of hours at a time to get her more used to walking from ride to ride.

We have friends whose kids haven't used one at WDW ever. But their little one is tiny and they did carry her a bunch when she was younger- something I have no desire to do with my own kids in 90 degree heat. So everyone is different, but I think everyone needs to have a cutoff. I have cousins who sat in one of the rentals when they were 9 and 10 - and I have no desire for my kids to think they're going to get that kind of limo service when they're likely better able to walk farther than me!!! So - I think 6 is a good cutoff and I plan to stick to it.

 

[LUVDZNY2008]

You do what is best for your child--if she gets tired of walking, use the stroller. I wouldn't worry about how it might look to other people. Enjoy your trip

 

[mom_2a_sept_princess]

That isn't too old. You need to do what is best for your family. If other people don't like it, who really cares. You are there to have a great time with your family and not to impress stangers that you will never see again.

Have a great trip and don't stress about the stroller.

 

[Fabinva]

We were there this past January and my DD6 rode a stroller a couple of times. One day we even rented a double so DS8 could ride with her (and he did) for part of the day. It was the best choice to move around the park fast and to avoid having the kids complaining in the evening (it was a long day) no one gave us a weird look and my son is tall for his age.
Most of the days we had a more relaxed schedule and did without a stroller, we just walked at the kid's pace and they did fine.

 

[jrjones1990]

I never even considered what others would think! I just care about my sanity and my kids comfort. Even though we are seasoned Sea Worlder's (Texas) my DD just doesn't like to walk a lot - call it laziness if you will, but it's how she's always been. Heck I'd ride in the stroller if someone would push me.

I'll also be alone with both kids so the stroller will also be a good "containment" tool. I also think we can move much faster from attraction to attraction when needed if they just get in and I push!

Do what you want and don't worry what others will think. Even if someone thought it was weird or heaven forbid, made a comment, who really cares?

Have fun!!

 

[bentleygirl22]

my son used a stroller at disney at the age 6 ..

If you think your 6 year old will need a stroller bring one... its your trip let your 6 yr old rest in a stroller if she needs to ... I know i did

 

[ready to relax]

you absolutely do whatever is going to make YOUR vacation magical and enjoyable! We are doing the stroller swap for our 6 y/o...and any crazy stares...I figure i will not see them again anyway, and if they want to start paying my bills, then I will consider their opinions! It is all about you and your family...focus on them and not on maybe a couple of rude peeps!

 

[rosanafamily]

was about 8 last time she went in a stroller. She was small for 8 but now at 11 she would still go in one if she fit!!

 

[Mommy2ArmyBrat]

I will be using a double stroller for our trip in June. My DD is 1 and DS is 6. He will mostly be walking but the double stroller is going to be a back up. We are going to have a good time and I don't want to deal with a 6 year olds melt down. I want him to have the option to ride in the stroller if he gets exhausted.

 

[Disney Bound Mommy]

Just do whatever works best for your family. Last summer my kids were 5 and 7. We brought one (after a lot of debate about it). Didn't use it a lot, but were really glad we had it when our 5 year old was up past midnight on Splash Mountain and our 7 year old had a place to sleep. You know your own family, do what's best for you!

 

[princessmom29]

My DD5 will be six when we go back and I will be taking a stroller. We go wide open all day and would not have that option if she had to walk. If we take the stroller for when she gets tired we can go 9am-9pm in the parks. If not we would have to go back to the hotel for a rest. She is on the small side. She only just made the 40" cutoff for rides at thanksgiving and is 41.5" now. Only about 40 lbs.

 

[indigodisney]

I agree with everyone else, I don't judge or even notice what ages are in a stroller....my DD is 5 going on 6 and we will be bringing our stroller in May.

Have a great vacation!!

 

[NHMom4]

We always rent one. Our kids this time were 11, 9, 7 and 4. It never fails, there is always a day where someones tummy is upset or they are tired. One time my oldest got stung on his foot and we had the stroller so we could push him around for a day. If anyone looks at you funny then they are missing the point of being on vacation. I never noticed or considered what other people thought. The first time I ever heard of anyone caring was reading it on this board.

 

[Goofey Drool]

Seriously I would not worry about appearances at all. Because you don't know these people from Adam and there is going to be something you do that will annoy someone. If you don't believe me just take a minute and reade through various posts.

If you are like my family this is an expensive vacation that you may have been saving for. You want wonderful memories to take home. When kids get tired they get cranky and when they get cranky everyone pays. We rented a stroller for our 3 year old and at times our 6 year old ended up bunked right in there with him (The Disney Strollers are big) The boys were able to see more, and they got in and out when they were tired. It made for a much more relaxing trip.

If your instincts are saying stroller than follow them!

 

[Colleen27]

Personally, I wouldn't hassle with bringing a stroller for a 6yo, but I don't think there's any reason not to if you think it'll make the trip easier. We've never actually taken a stroller to WDW. My kids were 4 and 7 on our first trip, and since the younger didn't like using a stroller at home we figured we'd just rent one if she decided she was too tired to walk in the parks. We never did need one. She really surprised me with her ability to keep up with her big brother, and on our one really commando morning, she was with my mom at the princess tea while DH, DS & I did the highlights at DHS. We "train" for Disney at home, though, walking more to the store and to school and such to get the kids used to logging a couple miles per day, so she was somewhat prepared.

 

[avamadison]

I don't think that 6 yrs old is too old at all. I think she will be fine and completely comfortable which is important!!

 

[3babyws]

I am sure that my 6 yo DS will be spotted more than once taking a ride in either of his sisters' BRIGHT PINK mac triumphs !!