Strollers vs. Carriers

[Tikicampers]

We are going to WDW in one week . We will have DS3 and DD2mo. We will definately take a front carrier for DD for at least part of the time we are in the parks. DH is thinking we should take the backpack carrier for DS and then we don't have to worry about a stroller, and DS will be up high where he can see. DS weighs just under 30 pounds so he will still fit. We are only going for two days and we usually go back to the hotel each afternoon to rest. Of course DS will walk some of the time too. Has anyone else done this?

 

[design_mom]

We are going to WDW in one week . We will have DS3 and DD2mo. We will definately take a front carrier for DD for at least part of the time we are in the parks. DH is thinking we should take the backpack carrier for DS and then we don't have to worry about a stroller, and DS will be up high where he can see. DS weighs just under 30 pounds so he will still fit. We are only going for two days and we usually go back to the hotel each afternoon to rest. Of course DS will walk some of the time too. Has anyone else done this?

We did it last year with our DD. She was 2, but 27 lbs. I actually took both the stroller and the carrier (Ergo Baby Carrier) into the park on the first day, but the stroller was nothing but a hassle. Parking it, finding it after you get off, schlepping it aboard the buses, etc. It was crowded and DD seemed to get nervous being down low and only being able to see people's legs. She was much more confident up high and close to mom! We took the stroller back to hotel after lunch and left it there for the rest of the trip.

My Ergo is a soft backpack carrier though so I could wear it into the line, then ball it up and stuff it in my bag when we got to the front of the line. If yours is one of those big rigid-frame hiking backpacks, I'm not sure what you'd do with it when you get in line? (Leave it with the strollers?)

Good luck!

 

[tanyaandallie]

Well, I love my carriers, but I would probably take the stroller for the 3 year old. When we took my ds (7 mos at the time) and my dd (2.5 at the time) to DL we took a single stroller. I carried ds in our mei tai the entire trip and dd rode in the stroller. Worked for us.

My only other concern about the baby this time of year is the heat. If you are taking a snuggli/baby bjorn type carrier you might find both you and your baby getting overheated. We just got home and while we were there the weather was great but in the afternoons it got very very hot. Not as much of an issue if you are going back for naps and will miss the hottest part of the day, though.

The stroller is also nice for carrying the bag. You can always take the carrier and back pack and see how it goes. Go back and rent a stroller if you need it.

 

[blessedby3]

I love having a stroller. Some people think they are a hassle. I like having somewhere to put our backpack or other junk when my child is not riding in it. I wouldnt want to have to carry any kid over a year all day.

 

[Tikicampers]

Thanks for the advice. I think we may go ahead and try the carriers the first morning, and if it's awful we can rent a stroller. Then we'll know to bring one for the next day. We'll have it with us as we are spending a few days at our friends' house before Disney.
The point about the heat was good too. I'll have to check the forecast.

 

[ehrn]

saturday we went to the zoo w/stroller, ergo carrier and 27.5lb ds. carrier was sooo much easier even though it was hot. all that in and out of the stroller is for the birds. and when he's in the stroller we can't really hear what he's saying and such. at least i think the carrier is better for the ride parts--there are the times when the stroller is nice--like for getting in and out of the parks and jaunts across parks. we will bring the stroller w/us in sept, but also the carrier. my parents are coming w/us so they can push the stroller.
being that you will have a diaper bag and such, maybe it's not a bad idea to have a stroller.
keep in mind my son is used to the backpack(ergo) and really likes being in it--also likes steering mommy around, lol. "go dat way..."