Is 6 Too Old For a Stroller?

[Mama Steph]

We went last year for one day and were at MK for 16 hours and the only real breaks we had were the parades and once for ice cream. We rented 2 double strollers that day. Our kids were 13, 9, 8, 6 and 4.5. The littlest 2 rode most of the day while the 8 and 9 year olds took breaks as needed. Most of the time we had one in each stroller with lots of bags of food, extra clothes and a couple of towels. The 3 oldest had not ridden in strollers at home for years but we knew it would be a long tiring day and wanted them to fully enjoy MK without getting too tired. It worked great!! Not a single meltdown from the kids all day (grandma had a little one, lol). I never noticed strange looks from people, but I wasn't really looking for it either. I knew what would work best for our family and it worked fabulously. This year we are going for a week and taking a Maclaren Twin Triumph. The 7 year old does not fit in it very well but will be fine if she needs a break. We won't be doing 16 hour days this year either!!

 

[Donnask8pro]

I brought one for my son when he was 6. Not worth hearing them when they get cranky and tired..

 

[JeMarie6]

Our kids will be (just turned 5) and 6, but we're set up on a Stroller Swap so that they can keep up with all the running Daddy will want to do. He likes to do things Commando style and the kids wouldn't be able to keep up with all of his go go go without the stroller option. I wouldn't think of a stroller for them otherwise, haven't used one at home for more than a year.

 

[surfgirl]

Guess I'm in the very small minority here.

yes.

We just took our 5yo (and just turned) and he walked everywhere. It actually was liberating not dealing with parking it, finding it, getting them in and out. Honestly, I was appalled at the size of some children in strollers. And by size, it wasn't exclusively age... many very large children. Some more exercise is a good thing for all of us, but even more critical for those heading down unhealthy paths at an early age.

 

[Connorsmom0]

I agree with everyone else. We are going in Aug and I bought a McClarian at a great price on clearance for my DS who will be 6 at the time. He is skinny (about 43 lbs) but tall. I don't really care what anyone thinks because I know how he is and it will be misrable if we need to make him walk all that way. My dd on the other hand will be almost 3 and will probably not be in her umbrella stroller more then him. LOL

 

[hardhead]

Who cares as long as your child is comfortable!!!

 

[dsnymomof4]

I have to agree with the majority here - besides I think you'll find a lot of kids that age riding in strollers. You need to do what's best for your family. Sure, there are benefits to not having a stroller, but if you think your vacation will be better if you have it, then definitely bring it. There is so much walking to do, little legs just can't keep up sometimes. Plus, I personally love having somewhere to put all our stuff!

 

[Sacha_L]

I say Go for the Stroller! We rent them for our 4 & 7 year olds all the time (Sea World, Zoo's) and did 2 years ago at Disneyland. I find it much easier to "train" them to hop into the stroller as soon as we exit an attraction and MUCH easier to make our way through the crowds to the next! It also alows little legs to keep going longer. I fully intend to rent a double at our trip this fall for ds5 and ds8. Will they need it as much? probably not, but it will get used quite a bit still I am sure!

 

[bubbamomma]

It depends on the kid I suppose. My 6 yo dd will be going with stroller in December. If we were just doing DL I would consider without one but since we are doing WDW I'm taking a stroller. Simply because I dont want to have to pack her and our stuff at the end of the day. She may not use it the whole time but its there if I/she needs it.

 

[mom2meiko]

i definitely would bring a stroller for a 6 year old. it is a lot of walking if you are out and about for the whole day. that, combined with a lot of standing around in lines, etc. can be exhausting for anyone, especially a child. why take the risk of having an exhausted kid who may end up getting cranky if you can avoid it by letting him/her use a stroller for some rest periodically?

 

[Frankiesmom]

My almost 8 yo DS and my DS 4 will both be in a double stroller next month and in Sept.- it's too much walking for little legs.