Stroller for older child?

[laurafergie]

I am seriously considering getting a used stroller off craigslist for my 6 year old to be able to rest in for our upcoming Disney trip.

The last time we took the kids was in 2008 and one DD was 4 yrs and in a stroller and the other DD was 8 years and not in a stroller. We had major meltdowns from fatigue from the DD8 - I am hoping to avoid the same mistake this year.

The problem is: she is just at 50lbs and I do not even know the names of strollers that would accommodate her to even look. Anyone help me out?

PS - PLEASE do not turn this into a debate about kids that should be walking in the parks or not at a certain age. Thank you.

 

[msmayor]

I guess my point would be if a child at age 6 is having a meltdown because they are tired, why would you continue to push through a day in the park? That makes everyone miserable.

Touring at a pace that makes it enjoyable for your children may mean you don't get to see everything, but that means you get to think about making another trip.

 

[At World's End]

I would suggest going to a store that has lots of styles and trying her out in them. There are some brands that have a 55 lb weight limit, but you may run into problems with her shoulders fitting comfortably and her head being too tall for the canopy. This was the issue I had with my son. And make sure you push her around a bit. My son is only 35 lbs, but trying to push him in some strollers with a 40 lb weight limit was a challenge!

I would look into the Maclaren and Britax models and find out which ones have the 55 lb weight limit and which ones are widest. That will give you something to keep an eye out for on Craigslist. You might find one at a garage sale, like I did.

If you have the space, the jogging strollers have higher weight limits and are much roomier. Just look for one with a rotating front wheel.

 

[OhioMom23]

I would look at one of the baby jogger series- either the classic or elite. She may even fit in the baby jogger city mini or city micro. We love our baby jogger city mini- folds easy, and fits all four of our kids from 3 months to age 6.

 

[gandycat]

My dd is 7 and around 50 lbs. We used our umbrella stroller for our tirp in January. Yes, she could walk, and yes we did short days but she is just tires out very easily. Everyone was way happier having her in her 'thrown' being pushed around, lol (my ds was fine w/o a stroller at 4). I'll have to double check the brand. I know it had a higher weight limit and we did try it out at the store. I got it a Toys R Us if I'm remembering correctly. It might be a McClaran. I'll check when I get in the car the next time and let you know. I know my dd was just much happier having it available even though she walked quite a bit.

If you need to buy a new one and might not use it after this, it might be cheaper just to rent one?

 

[laurafergie]

My dd is 7 and around 50 lbs. We used our umbrella stroller for our tirp in January. Yes, she could walk, and yes we did short days but she is just tires out very easily. Everyone was way happier having her in her 'thrown' being pushed around, lol (my ds was fine w/o a stroller at 4). I'll have to double check the brand. I know it had a higher weight limit and we did try it out at the store. I got it a Toys R Us if I'm remembering correctly. It might be a McClaran. I'll check when I get in the car the next time and let you know. I know my dd was just much happier having it available even though she walked quite a bit.

If you need to buy a new one and might not use it after this, it might be cheaper just to rent one?

Awesome - That would be great if you could check and thank you for your helpful post.

In fact, thanks to everyone who posted "helpful" posts - it has given me a direction. I really had no idea of where to start.

We actually have a few big excursions in the next few months - Disney, Washington DC and Baltimore - so I'm okay with buying used, but not new. KWIM?

 

[PinkJade]

I purchased a Maclaren Volo for our 4 year old daughter to take to Disney. It has a weight limit up to 55 pounds. It doesn't recline, but I think it would be great for your situation. My daughter found it very comfortable, it is very light and easy to steer. The handles are comfortable and a little bit higher than some other umbrella strollers. It is a little on the more expensive side, I was able to find one on ebay for $75 including shipping; I didn't have any luck on Craigslist, just a lot of spam.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[sritter78]

I have a Maclaren Volo that my 45 lb. 4 yo used at Disney. The only thing I don't like is the top the cover gets dirty when folded.

 

[sydneysmom]

I can't help w/ stroller advice, but I wanted to just say that if you feel it's right for your child, bring one. there's NOTHING worse than an unhappy child, and sometimes, you can't just get back to your resort so they can nap. A stroller is very handy for little legs to take a break and have a little nap. I don't know about your DD, but sometimes just a 30 min nap will do the trick....and sometimes it's not worth trekking back to the hotel for just that.

We're bringing our stroller and our DD will be almost 5. At first I didn't consider bringing it. After talking to people who have been, I think it's going to be a life saver. Personally, and I might get flamed for this...but I don't believe in "commando Disney days" or making our DD walk for the whole day. It's not like walking around the mall. So if the stroller helps, better for everyone. Our DD never uses her stroller...we've got a Jeep umbrella stroller. But we saved it because we knew this trip was coming. The last thing we want is for her not to have a good time or get over tired. Think how many steps they take for every one of ours.

Anyway, I just wanted to throw in my support !

 

[fakereadhed]

McClaren will accomodate a larger child. And they fold easily for Disney transportation.

 

[laurafergie]

I can't help w/ stroller advice, but I wanted to just say that if you feel it's right for your child, bring one. there's NOTHING worse than an unhappy child, and sometimes, you can't just get back to your resort so they can nap. A stroller is very handy for little legs to take a break and have a little nap. I don't know about your DD, but sometimes just a 30 min nap will do the trick....and sometimes it's not worth trekking back to the hotel for just that.

We're bringing our stroller and our DD will be almost 5. At first I didn't consider bringing it. After talking to people who have been, I think it's going to be a life saver. Personally, and I might get flamed for this...but I don't believe in "commando Disney days" or making our DD walk for the whole day. It's not like walking around the mall. So if the stroller helps, better for everyone. Our DD never uses her stroller...we've got a Jeep umbrella stroller. But we saved it because we knew this trip was coming. The last thing we want is for her not to have a good time or get over tired. Think how many steps they take for every one of ours.

Anyway, I just wanted to throw in my support !

You rock! Thanks so much!

It looks like the McClaren Volo is a good possibility and there's one on my craigslist. I knew you guys would be a great source of information. Thanks everybody!!

 

[ceecee]

DD started doing walks with us (she usually rode the bike) before WDW so at 6 she was easily able to keep up and we comando'ed in those days! We did use an Umbrella stroller when she was 4 and 5.

 

[mollybug2]

I am seriously considering getting a used stroller off craigslist for my 6 year old to be able to rest in for our upcoming Disney trip.

The last time we took the kids was in 2008 and one DD was 4 yrs and in a stroller and the other DD was 8 years and not in a stroller. We had major meltdowns from fatigue from the DD8 - I am hoping to avoid the same mistake this year.

The problem is: she is just at 50lbs and I do not even know the names of strollers that would accommodate her to even look. Anyone help me out?

PS - PLEASE do not turn this into a debate about kids that should be walking in the parks or not at a certain age. Thank you.

I am in the same position. Taking my 6 year old for her first ever trip in the fall. She hasn't been in a stroller for ages at home, but I want her to be able to rest her feet a bit if she wants to keep going.

I bought a used Maclaren Volo on ebay and she fits into it and it works just fine. Folds easily, well-made, etc.

 

[pandora174]

Don't worry. I'll confess DS is 7 & we go regularly to SW & BG & I rent him a double stroller Flame away !! But it makes for a more enjoyable trip. We're going to WDW in Feb & I'll be renting a stroller there too.

Yes he can walk but these parks like WDW involve a lot of walking & it's great to hold my bag, backpack with snacks & whatever I buy along the way..oop's I think I rent the stroller more for my convenience

But still after a long day or running around it makes it so much easier. After doing a few rides, hitting a water splash area he gets tired. The stroller lets hm recharge his batteries since we usually go out at night on vacation (without stroller) Whatever makes your trip better for your family is my rule of thumb

 

[KayW]

When we went in Feb. my DD5 was in a stroller that we rented at the parks. We only did it on the days we were at MK and EPCOT. She was fine at HS and AK because it didn't seems as big for her to walk around.

 

[sunlover13]

Yep, Maclarens are great for an older child.

However, my suggestion would be to go to Babies R Us or somewhere that carries them and have your DD sit in it and try it out.

We chose the Maclaren Triumph over the Volo b/c the seat was deeper so DD had more room for her legs.

Once you pick the stroller, you can search online for a used one or even a discounted one. We ended up buying a new one, but an older model so it was discounted. I figured when we are finished with it, we could probably sell it for almost as much as we paid for it.

Good luck!

 

[nicki.momof3]

My kids used a stroller until age 5.

After that point if they were to tired to walk it was time to head back to the hotel for a rest / swim.

I would never push a 6/7+ year through the parks.

My suggestion is start "practicing" now and walk every day as a family.

 

[TSUalum93]

A HUGE thank you to the original poster and to all who commented. I am in a similar situation. Our son is 5 . . . Per his doctor he is in the 98th percentile for both height and weight so . . . almost the size of a 7 year old. About 50 pounds . . . Maybe 52.

This will be our first family vacation where we actually really go away somewhere. I am planning on going back in the afternoons for a nap/rest. The thing is I know PJ will be tired and cranky. Carrying a child that size is NOT easy. I was debating if we should bring a stroller but now I feel much more confident in doing so. We will also be landing back home around 9 PM so he will be sleepy when we get off the plane and the stroller will make it easier to get back to our car.

Last year I brought a bunch of his clothing from the previous year to a consignment shop. Unfortunately, I have learned that while they love the sizes I bring in, it is because they don't really have a lot of stuff in the pre-school size . . . So there was very little for me to use my store credit on. I opted to use my $45 credit towards a McClaren. I still spent $30 or so out of pocket. It is still in the basement. I am not sure which model it is but I will make sure he still "fits". I toyed with the idea of getting a new umbrella stroller but I just know it won't work for him and I also like the way the McClaren folds up. Even if we just use it for this trip it will have been worth it and then I will probably sell it on Craigslist.

From what I read on the Jet Blue web site (the carrier we will be flying) we can take that and his booster seat with us for no charge. I have no problem doing a gate check for the stroller and/or the seat (it has no back). We will be renting a car so having the seat is very important to me.

Again, many thanks for feeling more confident about going with my gut.

Maddy

 

[iluvdiscruises]

We just went in late June and it was HOT...my 2 kids (7 1/2 and 5) normally are not in a stroller and are good walkers...HOWEVER, the 2 strollers we brought (Maclaren and Jeep) were lifesavers...and we used them throughout the day...more to preempt the tired crankiness that would have come up if they had attempted to walk all day in that oppressive heat. I had so many moms telling me they wished they had brought theirs...even as we waited for the buses, it gave the kids a place to sit and have a drink or snack. We also used them as a "home" for our fans, drinks, etc. which was helpful.

Hope you find one that works for you...I had thought I would sell mine after the trips, but decided to hold onto them until we plan another trip...in case one or both can still fit in!

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[TJA]

Baby Jogger city series fits our 6-yr-old twins. It also folds easily. We haven't used a stroller/jogger here at home since the twins were about 3-4 yrs old, but in disney it's a must-bring mainly for nights when they are tired out. They LOVE packing up some stuffed animals and light-up toys in the jogger for our venture back to a park at night!