With the massive crowds when my kids were younger (babies and toddlers) I liked to keep them in the stroller for the parades. I didn't want to hold them on shoulders and block others' views, but I didn't want them not to be able to see, either, so I'd make sure to line up and grab a spot an hour before the parade so we could have "front row" and I could keep them secure. No issues - once we did have someone push the stroller back and plop right in front of them (two adults) but they could still see so no harm no foul (though I did learn that apparently 2" constitutes as space enough for someone to sit in front of you lol). They put ropes up so just stay behind them.