Stroller vs Backpack?

[BiniB]

We are planning our first trip to WDW for Nov 30th - Dec 5th 2005. DS#1 will be 3.5 & DS#2 will be 6 mos...

We have a double stroller that we are bringing - I plan on using that most of the time, especially for the airport & days where we might spend more time in the parks. Has anyone used a backpack for a younger child? A friend of mine suggested it - and I thought it might be a good option, too, for night shows or times when we only want to do a couple of things. I know DS#1 will want to walk most of the time, but I have a feeling once he's tired he'll want a ride. Am I crazy to think he could do a 1/2 day at a park without it? Is that too much walking for a 3 yr old? I don't really want to be "stuck" - especially with a tired child...

Thoughts??

Thanks,
Robin

 

[Msslaydbug]

Bump ...I would like to hear the answer to this one too

 

[SuzieQMomof3]

Just my opinion (after 4 kids and 4 or 5 trips with them)-I would not use a backpack carrier. I think it will get too heavy and hot. They are not that easy to get in and out of, or take on and off!

You won't be able to wear it at any show or take it on any ride, and then you'll have to find a spot to store it or hold it. Now you're manuevering a double stroller, a backpack carrier, 2 kids and your own stuff.

With each trip we've taken, we get a little smarter in terms of how to handle the kids and all the gear. Sometimes we leave our own stroller in the hotel room and rent a double stroller at the park. That lets us get on and off the bus easier. One trip, after using our stroller constantly, every day, to every location, I couldn't stand to look at it anymore, I was so sick of it! That may not be a good idea for you for this trip, since a 1 year old will get heavy walking to the bus stop and into the park, but maybe next time. And I'm sure there will be a next time!

We'll be there December 3-10. Have a great trip!
Susan

 

[beattyfamily]

With kids your age, I'd definitely take the double stroller and that's it. WDW is A LOT of walking and the sun and excitement and all really makes it tiring for the little ones; more so then when they are at home.

With a stroller, you'll be able to stay in the parks longer if you want to. My kids nap in the stroller and we take advantage of that time to parent swap on some rides.

 

[becca011906]

I live by my baby carrier, and think it would be easier to take a carrier! But not a framed back back style of carrier, b/c as said above they are bulky, hot and won't be comfy for every long, and can't be used while riding. Although i have on that will work great for us and my dd. We are taking a doulbe stroller also with my 3 kids, expecting my 5y/o to walk most of the time but if by chance he wants to sit in the stroller i will be putting my 12 month old in a baby carrier there are tons and tons of WAHM (work-at-home-moms) that make carriers and sell them online for a living. I love suporting them vs big companies that produce these big bulky (ugly) carriers! The carriers i use are call Mei Tia (chiniees) they are very virsaltial and can be used on back or front or even as a hip carrier. http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/becca011906/detail?.dir=448a&.dnm=fc79.jpg&.src=ph

there a lot of differant carriers in that photo file of mine! Feel free to look through. Also PM me if you would like links to stores online that sell them!

 

[rt2dz]

We took one trip when our older two boys were 3.5 and 7 months. At home DS#1 rarely used the stroller, only for long days at the zoo or Sea World (and then not even that much) and on long walks (3.5 miles). So, instead of taking the sit-n-stand we took the single stroller and the front pack. DS#2 ended up spending A LOT of time in the front pack because DS#1 was much more exhausted at WDW than on any of our other long day excursions. DS#1 also doesn't nap at home, but certainly does at WDW (even still). SO, I would think that you would want the stroller with you DAILY.

I'm not sure if I (just me) would bring a back pack carrier for your DS#2. They're bulky, hard to store & carry when not in use, take some work to get into and out of, etc. I am glad we took our front pack, but I would like to have used it just a little less.

I hope that all makes sense.

 

[kizmac]

I personally wouldn't do the framed backpack type carrier at Disney for the reasons the other poster mentioned. I have taken my Maya sling since it's easy to pack in the diaper bag and I used it a lot. Especailly for nursing in the park. You would definitely want to have the stroller though. At 3.5, your DS is most likely gonna need it. Plus strollers are great for carrying all your stuff in! I would get some sort of cloth, non padded, easy to pack, baby sling for the 6 mth old though in case you have to do a lot of carrying. It will ease your back.

 

[BiniB]

Thanks for all the great replies!!!

I have an over-the-shoulder-baby-holder (sling) that we use a lot - especially when we are out. DS went to sleep in that at a family birthday party Sat. night. He was cuddled with Mommy & people stopped "oogling" him and let him sleep! He loves it & gets all excited when I put him in it - by the time we are at WDW, he will be able to sit up on my side and ride that way. I thought about borrowing a Baby Bjorn from a friend, since you can wear them outward & they can see everything - but I'm most comfortable w/ the sling so I should probably just stick with that. The best part about it is that it's lightweight & I can roll it up and keep it in one of the baskets.

I didn't really think about the nap thing - my older DS still takes a nap 2-3x's a week, so I'm sure with all the excitement & power walking he will take advantage of the stroller!

Thanks again,
Robin

 

[fitzperry]

For a 6mo, I tend to agree with others that a sling or Baby Bjorn would probably work better. But for an older baby or small toddler, a backpack can be a great way to get around. My younger dd hated strollers, wouldn't stay in one, cried for me to carry her, etc. But she was quite happy riding in the backpack (loved the Baby Bjorn before that). It makes sense - she was close to dh or me and had a much better view than in the stroller. She would nap in the backpack too. Just make sure you get a good one with a sturdy hip belt and chest clip that help take the pressure off your back. We usually had a stroller with us too (for our older dd or the baby), and when we weren't using the backpack, we'd just hang it off the back of the stroller.

 

[TwinkieMama]

... who will be almost 4 for our next trip and the baby will be 6 mo...
I own a graco duo glider and two umbrella type strollers... we are hoping to fly (with a layover).... and stay in a resort with a bus... so do I need three umbrella type stollers (and adults to push them)? or what? the possiblities of choices are overwhelming... will the voice of experience please help me? thanks so much

 

[lovesdumbo]

... who will be almost 4 for our next trip and the baby will be 6 mo...
I own a graco duo glider and two umbrella type strollers... we are hoping to fly (with a layover).... and stay in a resort with a bus... so do I need three umbrella type stollers (and adults to push them)? or what? the possiblities of choices are overwhelming... will the voice of experience please help me? thanks so much

I would bring a stroller for your 6 month old and rent a double in the parks for the twins. Sure it will cost more to rent than bring your own but I think you'll find its worth the convenience to only have to deal with 1 stroller on the bus. On my last trip my kids were 5 1/2, almost 4 and 21 months and that is what worked for us.

 

[rt2dz]

... who will be almost 4 for our next trip and the baby will be 6 mo...
I own a graco duo glider and two umbrella type strollers... we are hoping to fly (with a layover).... and stay in a resort with a bus... so do I need three umbrella type stollers (and adults to push them)? or what? the possiblities of choices are overwhelming... will the voice of experience please help me? thanks so much

Just an idea; saw it at WDW on our Sept. 2004 trip... They had a tandem double stroller (I think it was a duo glider, could have been the Eddie Bauer) with two little ones were in it. Then to the side of the stroller, tied on with bungie cord thingy's (exact name is slipping my mind right now & I feel like an idiot for it) was an umbrella for a child around the age of 4 or 5.

If your 4yo twins walk a lot at home, they may be able to take turns riding and then just break out the umbrella when you need it. Bonus--you already have the strollers so no extra investment is need. And you would have the strollers you need at places where they aren't rented--airport, hotel, DtD. Not to mention a heck of a lot more comfortable than those rentals.

Also--You could always just attach a buggy board to the double also if needed. That would cost more $$ though.

 

[tracilicious]

I live by my baby carrier, and think it would be easier to take a carrier! But not a framed back back style of carrier, b/c as said above they are bulky, hot and won't be comfy for every long, and can't be used while riding. Although i have on that will work great for us and my dd. We are taking a doulbe stroller also with my 3 kids, expecting my 5y/o to walk most of the time but if by chance he wants to sit in the stroller i will be putting my 12 month old in a baby carrier there are tons and tons of WAHM (work-at-home-moms) that make carriers and sell them online for a living. I love suporting them vs big companies that produce these big bulky (ugly) carriers! The carriers i use are call Mei Tia (chiniees) they are very virsaltial and can be used on back or front or even as a hip carrier. http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/becca011906/detail?.dir=448a&.dnm=fc79.jpg&.src=ph

there a lot of differant carriers in that photo file of mine! Feel free to look through. Also PM me if you would like links to stores online that sell them!

You have a million carriers! I've thought about a mei tai before, but it looks sort of complicated. How much of a learning curve does it have? I have a maya, but I'm not very good at using it and it hurts my back. Have you nursed in a mei tai? I have a sutemi right now, but we've never used it. Ds hated it and the new baby is still too little. I'll probably return it and get an ergo instead. I get such AP guilt by never wearing my little one, but I haven't been able to make any carrier work for my back.

 

[Rowlf]

I took an Ergo Baby Carrier last time we went - it folds up small, could be used for either of your kids, and is more comfortable than a sling. We mainly used it in ride lines. They are pretty expensive, but worth looking into.

 

[becca011906]

You have a million carriers! I've thought about a mei tai before, but it looks sort of complicated. How much of a learning curve does it have? I have a maya, but I'm not very good at using it and it hurts my back. Have you nursed in a mei tai? I have a sutemi right now, but we've never used it. Ds hated it and the new baby is still too little. I'll probably return it and get an ergo instead. I get such AP guilt by never wearing my little one, but I haven't been able to make any carrier work for my back.

I definatly think a MT is worth a try!!! It so so so great on my back, not pain at all, i never could get the hang of a ring sling, tried many many but just can't get them to work. I have 5 MT carriers, and 4 pouches right now and 1 beautiful ringsling i just can't get myself to sell... you can usally find some on ebaby or my fav site thebabywearer.com had a FSOT board.