Stroller dilemma

[jack'smom]

We're traveling next month with our 3 kiddos: ages 7.5, 4.5,and 1. We have the following strollers that we could bring (in any combination): Britax b-agile, Maclaren quest, and Maclaren twin triumph (double).

My 7 year old will not be riding in a stroller and my 4.5 year old says he doesn't need one. I agree that he won't need one in most situations; however, we will be going to the Halloween party one night. We wend to Disneyland a few months ago and he walked a ton there. We did not bring the double stroller. My 1 year old rides really well in the Britax and sleeps in it great. It also has a large and wonderful sun shade for her, so I'm leaning on bringing that stroller for her. However, should I bring the double Maclaren instead or bring the single Maclaren for my 4.5 year old along with the Britax and use it only a few selected times?

 

[Woodmnky]

We love our Britax B-Agile, but we only have 1 child. Could you bring that one and a baby carrier for the 1 yo. If the 4.5 yo needs the stroller, you could wear the 1 yo?

 

[Lilliputian]

How many days is your trip? How many park days and how many rest days? Are you going to stay full days in the parks, or are you going to return to your hotel for naps? All of these things make a difference in whether a 4 year old will need a stroller or not.

On a related note, how small is your 1 year old? Is he used to riding in a carrier or sling of some sort?

We don't provide stroller seats for children ages 4 or older in our family. We have 5 children ages 10 and under, and we always take a double stroller for the youngest two (who are always under 4), plus I take an Ergo for the baby. Throughout the day, the baby switches between the Ergo and the stroller, but everyone 4 or over walks. When the baby is being worn, his stroller seat just remains empty. But when it comes time to leave the park at night and everyone is tired, the baby always go in the Ergo, and the two youngest remaining children ride in the stroller. We also take afternoon breaks, and every once in a while a 4 or 5 year old will ride in the stroller as we leave the park then. For some reason, they have a lot of energy when you're walking toward a fun ride, but when it's time to leave, they're completely exhausted.

We haven't ever tried to stay late for any of the parties. I would have a stroller seat for him then, whether it's your own stroller or you just rent a park stroller.

If you do want to take a double but don't think it's comfortable enough for the baby, consider renting a good double stroller.

 

[jack'smom]

How many days is your trip? How many park days and how many rest days? Are you going to stay full days in the parks, or are you going to return to your hotel for naps? All of these things make a difference in whether a 4 year old will need a stroller or not.

On a related note, how small is your 1 year old? Is he used to riding in a carrier or sling of some sort?

We don't provide stroller seats for children ages 4 or older in our family. We have 5 children ages 10 and under, and we always take a double stroller for the youngest two (who are always under 4), plus I take an Ergo for the baby. Throughout the day, the baby switches between the Ergo and the stroller, but everyone 4 or over walks. When the baby is being worn, his stroller seat just remains empty. But when it comes time to leave the park at night and everyone is tired, the baby always go in the Ergo, and the two youngest remaining children ride in the stroller. We also take afternoon breaks, and every once in a while a 4 or 5 year old will ride in the stroller as we leave the park then. For some reason, they have a lot of energy when you're walking toward a fun ride, but when it's time to leave, they're completely exhausted.

We haven't ever tried to stay late for any of the parties. I would have a stroller seat for him then, whether it's your own stroller or you just rent a park stroller.

If you do want to take a double but don't think it's comfortable enough for the baby, consider renting a good double stroller.

We are going for 7 days (7 park days). We will probably rest at some point in the afternoons (at least pool time) and really don't plan on late nights beside the Halloween party. (We go every year and don't really feel the need to see all the nighttime shows.)

My 1 year old will be 16 months and about 23-24 pounds. I do have an Ergo but she hasn't been in it since the trip to Disneyland about 4 months ago. I don't know how she'd like it since she is ACTIVE. Plus, I'm not sure how comfy I would be with her on me. I figure she will fall asleep in the stroller anyway during the party so my 4.5 year old really won't have a chance to use that stroller that night.

 

[tms295psu]

Take your britax and invest in the stroller board that attaches to it for a standing rider. Pack the ergo just incase.

 

[lazer]

We are going for 7 days (7 park days). We will probably rest at some point in the afternoons (at least pool time) and really don't plan on late nights beside the Halloween party. (We go every year and don't really feel the need to see all the nighttime shows.)

My 1 year old will be 16 months and about 23-24 pounds. I do have an Ergo but she hasn't been in it since the trip to Disneyland about 4 months ago. I don't know how she'd like it since she is ACTIVE. Plus, I'm not sure how comfy I would be with her on me. I figure she will fall asleep in the stroller anyway during the party so my 4.5 year old really won't have a chance to use that stroller that night.

We have the same stroller, a 4.5 year old and a 16 month old. Last year we went and took the britax. The older one didn't need the stroller once. Worse case scenario...rent a stroller if the 4.5 year old really needs one. We're going for 10 days (in 15 days!!!) and will only be bringing the britax. I love the way it folds and has a strap.

 

[lazer]

Also, you'll be surprised how much the 4 year old so energized by the party and won't want to be in it anyway...my son was wired the last two years and we didn't leave until park close. And...the then 5 month old didn't sleep until the bus ride back. (He's an awful sleeper anyway. There's a lot going on!

 

[jack'smom]

So I think I'm going to take the Britax for the baby and bring along the Maclaren for the older one just in case. I'm trying to figure out how to get it through the airport though, since he won't be riding in it. In fact, he'll be in charge of a suitcase and a backpack. Any ideas? I would like for it to have a strap, but it doesn't.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

So I think I'm going to take the Britax for the baby and bring along the Maclaren for the older one just in case. I'm trying to figure out how to get it through the airport though, since he won't be riding in it. In fact, he'll be in charge of a suitcase and a backpack. Any ideas? I would like for it to have a strap, but it doesn't.

Check it no charge. Do you have a bag? If not they usually have them to protect it at the oversize check n.

 

[messybug]

Check it no charge. Do you have a bag? If not they usually have them to protect it at the oversize check n.

Where do you check it?

 

[jack'smom]

Check it no charge. Do you have a bag? If not they usually have them to protect it at the oversize check n.

I do not have a bag. The Britax does, but we'll be using it to gate check that one.

Maybe I can use a bungee cord to tether it to one of the suitcases until we get to check in.

 

[MsMagical]

Amazon has an inexpensive bag with a handle. It is the one on amazon that is red and says Gate Check. We have it and have used it for several trips with good results. It should easily.fit the Mac stroller.

 

[MScott1851]

I bought one of the JL Childress bags with padding in the end for protecting my MacLaren when I gate check it. I heard too many horror stories. It might be overkill, but I use it to get 3 yr old dd to the gate, then I put it in the black padded bag & check it there.