Looking for a stroller to push 55lbs plus kids?

[MarilIncredible]

I was beginning to think my parents were evil - I wasn't pushed around in a stroller when I was 5, not even at DL or WDW (both of which we went to when I was that little). In fact, by the time I was 3, I was walking around on my own, and my little sister was in the stroller.

 

[luvmy3]

I agree.

Our very first trip, DD has just turned 5 the month before, and taking a stroller never even crossed my mind.

My ds was a few months shy of 5 when we went, I didn't even realize that people actually used strollers for kids that old (and older) until I came to the DIS. My kids, even my almost 5 year old would never even want to be in a stroller, but than again we wouldn't spend 15 hours a day in the parks. If we did who knows, they may not have cared as long as they didn't have to walk anymore

OP, I had a MaClaren something or other that I thought held over 50lbs. It was a nice sturdy stroller and folded and had a strap to carry when folded.

 

[jenseib]

Sorry, at age 5, I would be ditching the stroller entirely, and having the child walk. Certainly, I wouldn't be looking to spend a couple hundred dollars on one to last a few more years!

What we found helpful was to do "Disney conditioning" for a few months prior to vacation. We took our kids on walks--we went to the local HS and did the track. My younger DD could walk 3 miles when she was 3yo. Obviously, we worked up to that, but it was very easy. And at 3, she still used a stroller for Epcot (but nothing else).

We go to WDW again next summer, and our youngest will be 5. We are looking forward to having a stroller-free trip. It's amazing how much time, money, and space they take up!

You are seriously NOT doing your child any favors by pushing her around all day. Frankly, I'm stunned that you don't already encourage walking. No kindergartener I know wants to ride in a stroller--they're for babies.

Everyone is different. And I'm not asking for opinions, but for strollers that hold bigger chidren.

But my DD walks PLENTY! But I don't want to give up the stroller. For 1 the space issue of holding a bag, I love this feature with a stroller and I will be sad when I have to go stroller free, but thats me. I have taken my other children (and this one) to Disney before, so I know how my family works. I went stroller free when I took my two older kids (now 18 and 21,) and I had to carry my youngest at the end of each day because of blisters or too tired. She was 5 and 7 on those trips.
This stroller will be used for trips with long days. We go to the parks when we wake up, sometimes not till noon, but we stay till closing with alot of walking, and I personally have found it easier to put my child in a stroller than to hear moaning and crying about feet. We can stay longer because she is refreshed from a rest.
Also I live in the country with NO sidewalks at ALL. I go for walks for exercise. My DD, 1, can't keep up with my exercise pace, and 2, I wouldn't let her walk on the road anyways. We are on side country roads, but still I don't want to have her walking by herself in case some wild driver comes by and she takes a wrong step. We do sometimes go to the park and sshe walks the trails, but it's not close to home.
Another reason is for day trips, like the Zoo, which we went to yesterday. We also went with her 5 Year old friend. This friend told me last year that strollers were for babies when I pulled it out, then about 5 minutes later asked for a ride. Yesterday this friend asked NONSTOP if she could ride in the stroller,...her feet hurt, her legs hurt...she was tired...Etc. Her mother had a stroller too, but her baby brother was in it.
In years past I wouldn't dream of a kid at the age of 5 being in one. But now that I have learned how much more enjoyable a trip can be when using one, I don't want to give it up just yet. And you will see at Disney some kids as old as 10+ are jumping in strollers as the day wears on.

So I ask, don't judge, that wasn't the question I asked..whether I thought it was Ok to use one for a child that age...because I really don't care if you think it's not OK. My child is very active and can run circles around me everyday, but for my peice of mind, this works when I need it. And it's not an everyday thing. But neither is Disney for us.

 

[Schachteles]

Everyone is differnt. And I'm not askingfor opinions, but for for strollers that hold bigger chidren.

But my DD walks PLENTY! But I don't want o give up the stroller, for 1 the space issue of hold a bag, I love this feature with a stroller and I weil lbe sad whe nI have to go stroller free, but thats me. I have taken my other children (and this one) to Disney before, so I know how my family works. I went stroller free when I took my two older kids (now 18 and 21, and I had to carry my youngest at the end of each day because of blisters or too tired. She was 5 and 7 on those trips.
This stroller wil lbe used for trips with long days. We go to the parks when we wake up, sometimes not till noon, but we stay till closing with alot of walking, and I personally have found it easier to put my child in a stroller than to hear moaning and crying about feet. We can stay longer because she is refreshed from a rest.
Also I live in the country with NO sidewalks at ALL. I go for walks for exercise. My DD, 1 can't keep up with my exercise pace, and 2, I wouldn't let her walk on the road anyways. We are on side country roads, but still I don't want to have her walking by herself in case some wild driver comes by and she takes a wrong step.
Anotehr reason is for day trips,like the Zoo, which we went to yesterday. We also went with her 5 Year old friend. This friend told me last year that strollers were for babies when I pulled it out, then about 5 minutes later asked for a ride. Yesterday this frined asked NONSTOP if she could ride in the stroller,...her feet hurt, her legs hurt...she was tired...Etc. Her mother had a stroller too, but her baby brother was in it.
In years past I wouldn't dream of a kid at the age of 5 being in one. But now that I have learned how much more enjoyable a trip can be when using one, I don't want to give it up just yeat. And you will see at Disney some kids as old as 10+ are jumping in strollers as the day wears on.

So I ask, don't judge, that wasn't the question I asked..whether I thought it was Ok to use one for a child that age...because I really don't care if you think it's not OK. My child is very active and can run circles around me everyday, but for my peice of mind this works when I need it. And it's not an everyday thing. But neither is Disney for us.

AMEN, I was going to say a LOT of the same things!!

 

[sunshine74]

OP - We use the Maclaren XLR for my DD 6 who has special needs. Much, much less expensive than a true special needs stroller, and so far is fitting her just fine. I think they publish it goes to 65 lbs, my DD is around 50ish, and it pushes like a breeze, not at all difficult. I ordered it online, and saved a lot over what it was buying at Babies R Us or simliar.

On another topic based on the rest of this thread... I also think that people should be careful to judge. Upon looking at my DD sitting in a stroller, she looks like a completely typical 6 year old. However, if anyone were to see her walk, they would be able to see that she has severe hypotonia and motor planning issues. She is unable to run at all, and walking long distances is out of the question. I'm sure while she is in this "in between" age, we will get countless comments and dirty looks from people who think she should be walking. And, maybe later in life she will be the subject of some of these oh so terrible ECV rants I see on these boards. I have honestly considered making her wear her knee brace (which she really does not need) at Disney just to keep from having to deal with the judgement. How terrible is that??

I ask any one of you who has never had to deal with raising a child with any kind of special need (however major or minor it may be), to show just a small bit of empathy and stop judging.

 

[SaraJayne]

OP - We use the Maclaren XLR for my DD 6 who has special needs. Much, much less expensive than a true special needs stroller, and so far is fitting her just fine. I think they publish it goes to 65 lbs, my DD is around 50ish, and it pushes like a breeze, not at all difficult. I ordered it online, and saved a lot over what it was buying at Babies R Us or simliar.

On another topic based on the rest of this thread... I also think that people should be careful to judge. Upon looking at my DD sitting in a stroller, she looks like a completely typical 6 year old. However, if anyone were to see her walk, they would be able to see that she has severe hypotonia and motor planning issues. She is unable to run at all, and walking long distances is out of the question. I'm sure while she is in this "in between" age, we will get countless comments and dirty looks from people who think she should be walking. And, maybe later in life she will be the subject of some of these oh so terrible ECV rants I see on these boards. I have honestly considered making her wear her knee brace (which she really does not need) at Disney just to keep from having to deal with the judgement. How terrible is that??

I ask any one of you who has never had to deal with raising a child with any kind of special need (however major or minor it may be), to show just a small bit of empathy and stop judging.

The OP's DD doesn't have special needs.

 

[sunshine74]

The OP's DD doesn't have special needs.

I know you're teasing but.... She's being judged all the same. And did anyone really know that when she posted the question, and the comments started?

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

To each his own about kids in strollers. Disney is a lot of walking and if it makes your trip easier for your kid to ride in a stroller then go for it. DS3 walks some and rides some. On our trip to NYC for Spring Break, DSS8 started whining about his feet hurting after walking less than 2 blocks and he would gladly have crawled into a stroller if we had one available for him to use. I'm also with you about loving the stroller to store "stuff".

OP - have you looked into renting a stroller from one of the local companies? You can get the City Mini from Magic Strollers (the Owner's Locker people). It pushes like a dream and has plenty of underneath storage. They will deliver it to the hotel for you and it comes with a rain cover. You could always rent it and try it out to see how you like it before buying one. Once you see how it folds you will be hooked!

Good luck!

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

To each his own about kids in strollers. Disney is a lot of walking and if it makes your trip easier for your kid to ride in a stroller then go for it. DS3 walks some and rides some. On our trip to NYC for Spring Break, DSS8 started whining about his feet hurting after walking less than 2 blocks and he would gladly have crawled into a stroller if we had one available for him to use. I'm also with you about loving the stroller to store "stuff".

Right there with ya! DD has the endurance of the energizer bunny, but her batteries eventually wear out! The other day I took her to Wrentham Premium Outlets (to buy stuff for WDW of course) and I was shocked that she started complaining that I didn't bring a stroller. It was humid out and that did her in pretty quickly!

DD is turning 5 in a few months and I am bringing my Volo on our next 3 trips, and my friend is borrowing it for her 5 year old in October. I would much carry an 8 pound stroller through the ariport and on a WDW tram than a 40+ pound child at the end of a long day at Disney!

 

[jenseib]

The OP's DD doesn't have special needs.

True, but I did state my reasons for using one. And none seem "weird' to me. She may not be special needs, and I am thankful to God for that, as I have a special needs nephew, and we aren't going to use it daily. I feel like people think my child is lazy and she is far from it. We live on a dairy farm and this little girl has been "working" with Dad ever since she could walk. (8 1/2 months old by the way). We do alot of walking around the farm. This is just something I want for vacations/ day trips and when I exercise off the property. She is tall and slim. Not an ounce of fat on her.
Also I like it on trips when places are busy. I will put DD in it, even if she doesn't want to then, so I can keep track of her, like leaving a Disney park with the crowds.

Again I didn't ask for snide remarks, just an answer to the question I posted. My feeling is, if it boithers you, then stop reading this thread and go on to something that you like to read about.

And to each his own. Several years ago, I never thought I would be a mom still using a stroller. But since it is easier for us as a family to do so, I'm sticking with it for a few more years.

To each his own about kids in strollers. Disney is a lot of walking and if it makes your trip easier for your kid to ride in a stroller then go for it. DS3 walks some and rides some. On our trip to NYC for Spring Break, DSS8 started whining about his feet hurting after walking less than 2 blocks and he would gladly have crawled into a stroller if we had one available for him to use. I'm also with you about loving the stroller to store "stuff".

OP - have you looked into renting a stroller from one of the local companies? You can get the City Mini from Magic Strollers (the Owner's Locker people). It pushes like a dream and has plenty of underneath storage. They will deliver it to the hotel for you and it comes with a rain cover. You could always rent it and try it out to see how you like it before buying one. Once you see how it folds you will be hooked!

Good luck!

Thanks so much for that info.

 

[Tiger926]

Sorry, at age 5, I would be ditching the stroller entirely, and having the child walk. Certainly, I wouldn't be looking to spend a couple hundred dollars on one to last a few more years!

What we found helpful was to do "Disney conditioning" for a few months prior to vacation. We took our kids on walks--we went to the local HS and did the track. My younger DD could walk 3 miles when she was 3yo. Obviously, we worked up to that, but it was very easy. And at 3, she still used a stroller for Epcot (but nothing else).

We go to WDW again next summer, and our youngest will be 5. We are looking forward to having a stroller-free trip. It's amazing how much time, money, and space they take up!

You are seriously NOT doing your child any favors by pushing her around all day. Frankly, I'm stunned that you don't already encourage walking. No kindergartener I know wants to ride in a stroller--they're for babies.

Seriously, what is your purpose here? The OP didn't ask for your opinion on whether her child should use a stroller or not. Strollers go up to 80lbs for a reason, so they are not for 'babies.' What a ridiculous statement to make!

Goodness gracious! Good luck to OP in making her stroller decision - you have received lots of good tips and info on here! Tiger

 

[NewmanFamily6]

My twins are just now 55lbs at 7. They weighed a lot less last time we went and were able to walk all day just fine

 

[ccgirl]

I know you're teasing but.... She's being judged all the same. And did anyone really know that when she posted the question, and the comments started?

Maybe they do and she just doesn't want to tell. What business is it of yours anyway? Doesn't hurt you; does it?

True, but I did state my reasons for using one. And none seem "weird' to me. She may not be special needs, and I am thankful to God for that, as I have a special needs nephew, and we aren't going to use it daily. I feel like people think my child is lazy and she is far from it. We live on a dairy farm and this little girl has been "working" with Dad ever since she could walk. (8 1/2 months old by the way). We do alot of walking around the farm. This is just something I want for vacations/ day trips and when I exercise off the property. She is tall and slim. Not an ounce of fat on her.
Also I like it on trips when places are busy. I will put DD in it, even if she doesn't want to then, so I can keep track of her, like leaving a Disney park with the crowds.

Again I didn't ask for snide remarks, just an answer to the question I posted. My feeling is, if it boithers you, then stop reading this thread and go on to something that you like to read about.

And to each his own. Several years ago, I never thought I would be a mom still using a stroller. But since it is easier for us as a family to do so, I'm sticking with it for a few more years.



Thanks so much for that info.

No reason to explain yourself. I have the Maclaren Volo and love it. Heck...we did the parks commando and I allowed my DD7 to sit in it for a bit and she is over 60 pounds. I should be jailed I guess. Gotta love the snowflake parents on here who think their way is the only way.

The way I look at it is what business is it of mine what you or your family do as long as nobody is getting hurt?

Good luck with your decision.

People...stop being so judgemental.

 

[Mama Steph]

Just speaking out in support of your choice (not that you need it). When we went to the parks last year, we used a Maclaren double as part of a stroller swap. Our kids were 5.5, 7, 9, 10 and 14. We always used 1 side for storing our cooler bag and souvenirs and the other side was for kids. The 2 youngest used it the most but the 9 year old was having some bladder issues and sitting was easier for her and even the 10yo used it for a bit! I think we almost always had someone in the stroller and dh and I were 100% ok with that. We wanted to do long days at the parks and the kids were fine as long as they had breaks. We stayed offsite and there were 9 of us so heading back was not an easy option for 1 tired kid. Heck the year before, we rented 2 of the Disney strollers so we had a spot for all of them since it was a short trip and we knew we wanted to do parks open to close!! Other than Disney, my kids haven't ridden in strollers in years. Even the youngest never really rode in a stroller, she was in a backpack or walking so I really don't think using a stroller for convenience while on a trip will do permanant damage to your child.

 

[sunshine74]

Maybe they do and she just doesn't want to tell. What business is it of yours anyway? Doesn't hurt you; does it?

To clarify, I was not intending my note to mean that only kids with special needs should be in strollers. In fact, just the opposite, that people have different needs and things they do for different reasons. I was trying to make the point that every situation is different, and people shouldn't judge that situation without an understanding of the full picture (and ideally not even then). I only used my DD as an example of how very often things aren't what they appear.

Want to make sure it's clear that I'm all for the needs of the kid/family, whatever it is that may drive those needs! And it's really not anyone's place to judge someone else's decisions, especially when it wasn't requested.

 

[mercydisney]

OP did you realize that the people that love to judge are the ones w/"Perfect Kids" who do no wrong?

I didn't realize your post read, "Should I take a stroller for my 5 year old child".
Getting back to your official topic. I bought the Maclarren when DD was 5yrs old since I live 45 min from Disney an had AP's. I also am a fast walker. This stroller is now almost 6yrs old and still looks brand new. I use it for my DGC that I care for. Get many coments on what a nice stroller I have,
DD would have been left behind many a times if I didn't have my stroller. I wish she would fit in one now because the kids love to daydream. She will see something interesting and just stop in her tracks while we are walking.

Now that my girls are 15 and 10 yrs old, I need the stroller because they can stay all day in the parks without a break.

 

[TJA]

OP ~ I have not read this entire thread, but since you asked for stroller suggestions, I wanted to mention the Baby Jogger City Series. It's not cheap, but well worth the investment. My kids weigh in the 40's and they fit easily in it (I have twins, so a double jogger). It turns and pushes very easily, also folds up easily. We only use it for nights when we go back to a park and the girls LOVE it! They pack it up with glow-up toys and they love to get cozy in it and watch fireworks at night. So fun!

 

[reagan75]

Wow! If you don't have something nice to say, say nothing at all. If you don't like a post or disagree-whoopty doo, don't post a reply! You are not obligated.

OP-GL in finding what you need. I have read all the posts for my benefit as well and I have a 4 year old.

 

[jenseib]

OP did you realize that the people that love to judge are the ones w/"Perfect Kids" who do no wrong?

I didn't realize your post read, "Should I take a stroller for my 5 year old child".
Getting back to your official topic. I bought the Maclarren when DD was 5yrs old since I live 45 min from Disney an had AP's. I also am a fast walker. This stroller is now almost 6yrs old and still looks brand new. I use it for my DGC that I care for. Get many coments on what a nice stroller I have,
DD would have been left behind many a times if I didn't have my stroller. I wish she would fit in one now because the kids love to daydream. She will see something interesting and just stop in her tracks while we are walking.

Now that my girls are 15 and 10 yrs old, I need the stroller because they can stay all day in the parks without a break.

Thanks. That cracked me up. Great info as well. Thanks you


Thank you everyone who gave me some good opinions on strollers.
I went to Babies R us again to test drive some strollers. We liked the Volo, then tried the Triumph, as some suggested, it was about the same, but with a nicer seat. The we tried the Quest and we loved it. It was a comfy seat, and pushed like an infant was sitting in it. The price of the quest is also the same price as the Aprica Presto I was looking at online, but that one has a higher lb limit. I talked to the girl working the area, and she told me if I was torn, and since I couldn't test drive the other one, to just order and see if I like it. If I didn't, they would gladly refund me (take it back to that store) and then I could go ahead and get the Quest. DD wanted the Quest today. She said it was really comfy. We won't actually need to use it for a few weeks, so I decided I might as well try the other one first. This other one also says it has a higher seat, so that might make it even more comfy for DD. I figure it doesn't hurt to try it and if we don't like it we won't be out anything.

 

[Tiger926]

Thanks. That cracked me up. Great info as well. Thanks you


Thank you everyone who gave me some good opinions on strollers.
I went to Babies R us again to test drive some strollers. We liked the Volo, then tried the Triumph, as some suggested, it was about the same, but with a nicer seat. The we tried the Quest and we loved it. It was a comfy seat, and pushed like an infant was sitting in it. The price of the quest is also the same price as the Aprica Presto I was looking at online, but that one has a higher lb limit. I talked to the girl working the area, and she told me if I was torn, and since I couldn't test drive the other one, to just order and see if I like it. If I didn't, they would gladly refund me (take it back to that store) and then I could go ahead and get the Quest. DD wanted the Quest today. She said it was really comfy. We won't actually need to use it for a few weeks, so I decided I might as well try the other one first. This other one also says it has a higher seat, so that might make it even more comfy for DD. I figure it doesn't hurt to try it and if we don't like it we won't be out anything.

That's great! I hope you find the best stroller to suit your needs, Tiger