Strollers for older kids?

[ScarletFire]

I rented a double stroller when my kids were 6 and 8. They walked the first couple of days and did fine. But by day 3, they started to break down emotionally and physically. DH's pedometer averaged 10 miles per day. The stroller was the right decision for us. Happy children equal happy parents.

 

[Schmeck]

Yes, the stroller topic is always a heated one, mainly because it's an issue between what's good for the kids, what's easier for the parents, and the obesity epidemic in the United States.

My family is fortunate to be active and healthy. My kids have always been active in sports, we only used a stroller for one trip to WDW, when youngest DD was 2. My older DD was 5 then, and did fine, in May, for four days of walking around WDW. Next trip, no stroller for the then 5 and 8 yr olds. Again, they were fine, for 7 days. But they have always either been dancing, skating, playing soccer, or doing gymnastics. We also hike up mountains in the summer.

But not all families are this active, and some kids are more whiney than others, and some parents want to hurry around WDW and not rest as much as their kids need to rest. If those parents want to push their kids around in strollers at WDW, good, at least the parents are getting some exercise. I don't think they are doing their kids any favors, as it enforces a mentality that I don't agree with, but I do see how it makes their vacation easier. I don't think it makes the kid's life any better, and it saddens me how out of shape so many kids are. How can it be that the parents can walk so much, (and even push 50-80 lbs of kid and carriage around), but the child can't? Why are the parents is such great shape, but the kids aren't? My then 8 yr old could have walked/run circles around me the 7th day of our trip!

That's the only reason I feel that the OP should just bring a single stroller for the younger child, and see if/when the older one gets to the point of needing the stroller and then renting one. What kind of message are we sending our kids if we let them sit on their butts so much? Why not try to see how much walking the kids can do? Why assume that they can't?

 

[declansdad]

Yes, the stroller topic is always a heated one, mainly because it's an issue between what's good for the kids, what's easier for the parents, and the obesity epidemic in the United States.

My family is fortunate to be active and healthy. My kids have always been active in sports, we only used a stroller for one trip to WDW, when youngest DD was 2. My older DD was 5 then, and did fine, in May, for four days of walking around WDW. Next trip, no stroller for the then 5 and 8 yr olds. Again, they were fine, for 7 days. But they have always either been dancing, skating, playing soccer, or doing gymnastics. We also hike up mountains in the summer.

But not all families are this active, and some kids are more whiney than others, and some parents want to hurry around WDW and not rest as much as their kids need to rest. If those parents want to push their kids around in strollers at WDW, good, at least the parents are getting some exercise. I don't think they are doing their kids any favors, as it enforces a mentality that I don't agree with, but I do see how it makes their vacation easier. I don't think it makes the kid's life any better, and it saddens me how out of shape so many kids are. How can it be that the parents can walk so much, (and even push 50-80 lbs of kid and carriage around), but the child can't? Why are the parents is such great shape, but the kids aren't? My then 8 yr old could have walked/run circles around me the 7th day of our trip!

That's the only reason I feel that the OP should just bring a single stroller for the younger child, and see if/when the older one gets to the point of needing the stroller and then renting one. What kind of message are we sending our kids if we let them sit on their butts so much? Why not try to see how much walking the kids can do? Why assume that they can't?

Man I didn't realize that a vacation was to see how fit our kids are, or that my son is obese because I allow him to have a stroller to use while in the parks. Get off your high horse and stop being so judgemental! If it makes that vacation more enjoyable for everyone, go for it.

I have watched numerous people look at my son in the stroller and simply step in front of it or even step over top of it. It has taken all my will power and sometimes my dw gently reminding me to be polite to keep from hitting these people on purpose. I am proud to say that in the two trips I have yet to hit anyone with the strollers.

The person that posted about the safety provided by the stroler has made an excellent point. Most adults are not looking down when walking so they don't see these little 3 and 4 foot people. Many times I have had to stop my son because he was about to be stepped on or pushed out of the way by people not paying attention, or worse by those who feel that they always have the right of way.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Didn't I just have to play ref on another stroller thread?

This is strike one.

Three strikes, and this thread is OUT.

Keep it civil and remember that there's no need for name calling with those that don't share your opinion.

 

[Anjiebaby]

We love, love, love our Joovy Caboose. DD2 rides up front and DS6 rides in back when he needs a rest. Sometimes he would sit in the back with the shade pulled over him just for a bit of escape from the whole action of a crowded park. It was great for them to be able to sit and have a snack while we were still on the move, walking and eating is not the easiest thing for a 6 year old. We had no meltdowns because if they were really tired at the end of the day and we still had to do the trek to leave the park they could ride for a while. The backpack rode on the stroller handle and we had room for purchases in the bottom basket.
My SIL took her three girls on a plane trip and borrowed our Joovy and the twin 4 year olds and 2 year old all fit on the Joovy. She felt it was a lifesaver and actually hasn't returned it yet. We don't use a stroller at home but will need it for our summer trip to Europe.

 

[goofyernmost]

Most adults are not looking down when walking so they don't see these little 3 and 4 foot people. Many times I have had to stop my son because he was about to be stepped on or pushed out of the way by people not paying attention, or worse by those who feel that they always have the right of way.

Most of the time they can't see the 3 or 4 foot people because they are busy dodging the mega strollers while they still have ankles left.

 

[weirdpaintballr]

Most of the time they can't see the 3 or 4 foot people because they are busy dodging the mega strollers while they still have ankles left.

HAHAHAHA....that was a good one

 

[Lorelai]

We love, love, love our Joovy Caboose. DD2 rides up front and DS6 rides in back when he needs a rest. Sometimes he would sit in the back with the shade pulled over him just for a bit of escape from the whole action of a crowded park. It was great for them to be able to sit and have a snack while we were still on the move, walking and eating is not the easiest thing for a 6 year old. We had no meltdowns because if they were really tired at the end of the day and we still had to do the trek to leave the park they could ride for a while. The backpack rode on the stroller handle and we had room for purchases in the bottom basket.
My SIL took her three girls on a plane trip and borrowed our Joovy and the twin 4 year olds and 2 year old all fit on the Joovy. She felt it was a lifesaver and actually hasn't returned it yet. We don't use a stroller at home but will need it for our summer trip to Europe.

What is a Joovy Caboose? Got a picture?

 

[declansdad]

Most of the time they can't see the 3 or 4 foot people because they are busy dodging the mega strollers while they still have ankles left.

Yes that is funny.

 

[kizmac]

I just want to give my 2 cents to the OP's original questions. What I would do is take the umbrella stroller from home for the 4 yr old and wait and see how it goes for the seven year old. That's a lot of money that could be spent on some great souvies. If it were me, I wouldn't even hint to your 7 yr old that a stroller is an option because if he knows it is then of course he's likely going to whine to get one. Tell him there's an age limit

Anyhow, it's Disney and many kids are having so much fun that they don't get as tired as you'd think. Worse case scenerio is you decide you need to rent one then you just leave the umbrella back at the hotel. By taking it, you atleast can use it and save $ if possible. Maybe just rent a stroller at Epoct and AK, since these parks are really the ones with the most walking.

The rentals are pretty easy to push so I don't see it being a problem with a bigger child. I myself would try to avoid spending the money if possible though. My kids last year were 14,11,7,5,3,15 mths and only the two youngest rode in two strollers I brought from home. The 7 & 5 yr old did fine with no complaints.

Whatever you decide....have a great trip!

 

[Anjiebaby]

Lorelai:
The Joovy Caboose is a regular single stroller with a rear facing bench seat tucked over the cargo area and a foot board that the child can rest feet on when sitting backward or stand on facing forward. Tricia 1972 posted a picture of one on Page 1 Post 6 of this thread. The one she posted is the red one exclusive to Babies R Us. There is also a steel blue and an orange one.

 

[Tricia1972]

Lorelai:
The Joovy Caboose is a regular single stroller with a rear facing bench seat tucked over the cargo area and a foot board that the child can rest feet on when sitting backward or stand on facing forward. Tricia 1972 posted a picture of one on Page 1 Post 6 of this thread. The one she posted is the red one exclusive to Babies R Us. There is also a steel blue and an orange one.

LOL I was about to say that

I too love my Joovy Caboose and think that EVERYONE (Dodging strollers or plowing down 3 year olds ) needs to just be considerate of others. We'll all get along fine if we use common courtesy. My Joovy for my 2 and 4 year old may not be cool to you - but it works for me and that is OK because I have NOT hit you with it and I won't.

 

[Tricia1972]

HAHAHAHA....that was a good one

I feel sorry for you. I have been many places and have not once been hit by a stroller or hit anyone with my stroller. (Unless you count the person who stepped onto my wheel as she was trying to walk over the wheels of my stroller attempting to cut in front of us going between a wall and our stroller. Even though it was her fault she got hit I apologized to her and was sincerely glad that she hadn't fallen, wasn't bruised and certainly wasn't bleeding). Instead of taking your anger out on us, maybe you should talk to the people that are actually hitting you, not those of us who manage to push our strollers and not hit anyone.

Also, at what age, in your determination is it OK to have a stroller for a child and at what age shouldn't you have a stroller? Since you seem to be so angry I am wondering what you have to say in this.

 

[weirdpaintballr]

I feel sorry for you. I have been many places and have not once been hit by a stroller or hit anyone with my stroller. (Unless you count the person who stepped onto my wheel as she was trying to walk over the wheels of my stroller attempting to cut in front of us going between a wall and our stroller. Even though it was her fault she got hit I apologized to her and was sincerely glad that she hadn't fallen, wasn't bruised and certainly wasn't bleeding). Instead of taking your anger out on us, maybe you should talk to the people that are actually hitting you, not those of us who manage to push our strollers and not hit anyone.

Also, at what age, in your determination is it OK to have a stroller for a child and at what age shouldn't you have a stroller? Since you seem to be so angry I am wondering what you have to say in this.

Tricia, if you think that that was me being mad or angry...i dunno whats up with that...can't i laugh when someone says funny....YEs well, when you're like 6, and some one makes you bleed with their stroller, do you honestly think that a 6 year old really do anything about it? And my parents were a little busy trying to make my ankles stop bleeding....

 

[Tricia1972]

Tricia, if you think that that was me being mad or angry...i dunno whats up with that...can't i laugh when someone says funny....YEs well, when you're like 6, and some one makes you bleed with their stroller, do you honestly think that a 6 year old really do anything about it? And my parents were a little busy trying to make my ankles stop bleeding....

I perhaps shouldn't have quoted that post from you, I was still a bit hurt at the *few* people being considerate with their strollers.

I am probably being over sensitive myself, but I really do try my hardest to be considerate of everyone, and really did feel bad when the person who cut me off got caught up on our wheel.

To you I am sorry that someone rammed you - I just wish that it didn't color all strollers in your eyes and from your posts I got the feeling that it had. Perhaps I was mistaken, perhaps I was right on. I didn't realize that you were a little kid when this happened (probably because I didn't ask), but there is no call to hurt a child ever (either by pushing or running into them with the stroller).

I don't think that the age of the child in the stroller has anything to do with the stroller problems, it is the parents pushing the strollers who are or aren't the problem.

To you at present - sorry if I hurt your feelings with my post. I was perhaps just reading you wrong.

 

[mannasn]

Thanks for all the helpful replies from those who have chosen to offer advice rather than try and cause grief - on both sides of the "issue." I didn't mean to cause such a controversy. My apologies to the powers that be.

 

[tfiga]

I have 4 and 6 yr old boys and will be renting a double stroller. My thought is I much rather pay for the stroller and not need it, then spend the day with the boys fighting about whose turn it is to ride, which I can see happening already.... Quite honestly I would ride if I could. BTW, the strollers are not as heavy as they seem, we used them last year when we went.

 

[tlcintheberry]

We'll be visiting May 7-14 with my 2 kids - ages 7 and 4.

I'm trying to see whether or not I really need to shell out the $$ for the double rental strollers while we're there. Gulp!

7 year old is a puny kid who gets tired walking around the mall. I'm trying to talk him out of a stroller, but he says he'll get tired. *sigh*

4 year old is just generally easygoing. He walks VERY slow and I'm always encouraging him to speed up. Probably need a stroller for him, too.

I was hoping to get by with just bringing an umbrella stroller from home for DS-4. But it probably is worth it to rent the double stroller for them both?

How difficult it is to maneuver those things with 2 heavy kids? LOL

Just got back from a trip to WDW with kids 5 and 8. yes they needed the double stroller and after the first day they were asking for it. They both hate lots of walking and like to complain. This way we did all the work. I rented the double for 7 days and I would not have done it anyother way. At the end of the day I wish I could have rode in the stroller b/c my legs were numb. They felt like they were going to fall off.

 

[weirdpaintballr]

I perhaps shouldn't have quoted that post from you, I was still a bit hurt at the *few* people being considerate with their strollers.

I am probably being over sensitive myself, but I really do try my hardest to be considerate of everyone, and really did feel bad when the person who cut me off got caught up on our wheel.

To you I am sorry that someone rammed you - I just wish that it didn't color all strollers in your eyes and from your posts I got the feeling that it had. Perhaps I was mistaken, perhaps I was right on. I didn't realize that you were a little kid when this happened (probably because I didn't ask), but there is no call to hurt a child ever (either by pushing or running into them with the stroller).

I don't think that the age of the child in the stroller has anything to do with the stroller problems, it is the parents pushing the strollers who are or aren't the problem.

To you at present - sorry if I hurt your feelings with my post. I was perhaps just reading you wrong.

Its ok...you didn't really hurt my feelings...i just didn't get what you were trying to say...Yes there are many people who use strollers that are consideraste, but you tend to notice the rude people more...Sorry if I offended you with the *few* considerate stroller operators comment...

 

[mamalle]

wow I always thought my 36lb 6 year was petite and pretty darn healthy and active. I still bring my double stroller for her and her younger brother. I will be there this July with it and proud I am! I will stop when they want and we are not the type to stay all day, we always go back after lunch. I still do not expect her to walk everywhere to and from the bus, etc. its alot for them to do. to each is own I say. have a nice trip and do what you think will work for you family!

and btw- congrats on finishing nursing school! its a wonderful accomplishment and a great career!