Stroller vs. a Carrier???

[mom2redheadgirls]

Okay, here is my dilemma.
I have 3 girls(yes all redheads) going to WDW in one month. YAY! Ages will be 5yo, 3.5yo and 7 months. I have a Graco DuoGlider already and will be staying at AKL. My fear is having the big bulky DuoGlider and the bus systems. I have never used an infant carrier. I am afraid it will hurt my back with an 18lbs baby on me all day. I also will be trying to take her on rides and wonder if it will be easier with a carrier. What if my girls never use the front of the stroller? I am just torn! I know the stroller is better storage as well. We went 18 months ago when the kids were 2 and 3.5 and did a umbrella stroller and carried all our stuff in backpacks. I am leaning towards the stroller...maybe a new lightweight one. Would we be able to leave our diaper bag in the stoller and it not get stolen??? Sorry for all the questions! Thanks for any advice.
Steph

 

[Barbday62]

Bring both!! You can always leave the stroller if you decide it isnt worth toting but I'll bet you find times you want it over the pack. Also the pack should be better if you use it properly with the starps around the waist. It makes a world of difference how the babys weight is distributed when you have the waist strap on. Also a plus for the stroller. besides shopping in Downtown you can gate check it and use it in the airport too.

 

[BevS97]

I think you need both - the stroller is great for most of the time, but there are places you can't take the stroller and that's when the sling will become invaluable.

 

[JennsBabySky]

Will you only be using the double stroller at WDW? My 4 yo would not ride in a stroller at all, until I bought a new stroller for our baby. Now she won't walk (or at least fusses the entire time). In all honesty, it is easier for me to have her sitting in the stroller then trying to make sure she does not wander away. Since you mention possibly purchasing a new double stroller, I would strongly recommend a smaller folding stroller if you will be using it often (or if you frequently go to amusement parks, zoos, etc). I used to have a Maclaren double stroller and it had the best fold and steering. I would often fold it by myself with my baby in the carrier. It was fairly lightweight and easy to manuever even when folded. If it would get enough use, I can not say enough great things about this stroller. My son is about 18-19 pounds and I have him in the front carrier all the time. Since he is getting heavy, I do put him in the stroller when we are walking longer distances. With a double stroller and a front carrier, you would have the option of carrying the baby and pushing the two older siblings. When tired of carrying the baby (or during naptime) the oldest child can walk and your back can be free of child!

As far as which carrier to use, I would try to borrow someone's carrier before the trip to see if you like it. Or try local consignment stores. I have the Bjorn and love it. I know others who swear by slings (I just can't figure out how to wear them comfortably). If you will be using it mainly for this trip, I would try to find a used one and just rewash it. I would be leary of the less expensive new ones unless someone with a similar build/body type recommended it to you. I used a carrier almost daily for my daughter's first year. My first carrier (a Snugli off the shelf at Target) was completely uncomfortable. I never would have made it through a day at WDW. I would also consider whether you have back problems. I've been lucky enough to never have them. My two close friends both borrowed my Bjorn for their children. Both of them found it aggravated their backs, but they already had periodic problems with their backs.

Good luck and I hope I didn't make the decision even more difficult!!

Jennifer