strollers with 4 kids

[caligirl06]

When we go on our trip in July our youngest will be 13 months so he will definitely need a stroller. The other kids will be 7, 5, and 3. Do you think I will be fine with just one stroller for the baby, or will the 3 year old need one too? 1 double or 2 singles? Also, my 7 and 5 year olds say they are completely fine with walking a lot and "dont want to be babies". But multiple people have told me they will end up complaining and not want to walk to whole time. We are planning to be at the parks from open to close each day with one break day in the middle of our trip. Do you think they'll be fine without a stroller? Should I rent or do you have recommendations of a stroller to buy? Thanks!

 

[Lilliputian]

You will be happier if the 3 year old has a stroller. I'd do a double. In fact, we've gone with 4 kids almost exactly those ages (now we have 5 ages 11 and under). We always take a double. We kick them out of the stroller when they're 4, and it works very well.

If you ever wear the baby in an Ergo or other similar carrier, I would take that. First of all, it will just be easier in lines since you can't take strollers in lines. Holding a 13 month old in lines can be a pain because they squirm and want to get down, plus they get heavy. Secondly, it can be nice to have an extra stroller seat if you leave the parks after the fireworks when everyone else is leaving. It's really crowded, and being able to keep more of your children contained makes things easier. I don't think most 5 year olds will need a stroller to be able to make it, but it is easier not to lose them when it's wall-to-wall people.

 

[tloveswdw]

I'd say the exact same. Our 5 kiddos are now 12,10,8,5,3... And a double and a good carrier has always worked well for us. We like our Phil and Ted inline double, easier to get around with them stacked up then side by side

 

[MSSANDRA]

I agree to take a double and a carrier. Our little guy refused to ride by age 5 but we never went opening to close at that age. By 7 he could walk open to close. Most 5's do need a stroller for at least part of a long day and some 7's will need a bit of a rest but a seat to share as needed should be more than enough.

 

[Hannathy]

I would take either a double or 2 singles for the baby and the 3 yr old. The older two will be fine. Mine always walked at 5 and never had a problem.
And we did go from open to close, in fact it was Easter week, so the parks were open very early to very late, when my DS was 5.

Kids have way more energy than adults and if I can walk it they can. I would bet the 3 yr old is out of the stroller a lot to, but in the morning getting into the park or getting out of it at night it is helpful to have a stroller for them.

 

[kohlby]

Definitely have a stroller for the 3 year old. What we did was to bring a comfy stroller with full recline that the baby technically could use - but it ended up it was just the 3 year old of the moment. We've had three trips with a 3 year old and a baby under a year. The baby was in the sling the entire time on most of the trips. (One year, we had a baby who wanted to nap in the stroller - so that's where the full recline capabilities come in handy!) At 5, it could go either way for a child needing a stroller. My eldest didn't have a trip at that age but we pushed him hard with all the walking and longer days at 6 and did well. I'm sure he would have done well without at 5 or even before. My middle child did have a trip at that age. The plan was no stroller and she was fine with it. (And she has amazing endurance). However, the youngest refused the stroller so we let her use it after we realized we were pushing an empty stroller around. Then there's my youngest, who is now 5. He needs a stroller due to his sensory issues.

At 3, my eldest didn't use the stroller at all the first day - but was in it most of the time by the 6th day. At 3, my middle child loved the stroller. She could have walked, but she was overwhelmed by the sights and sounds and liked having a safe place where she knew we were right there. At 3, my youngest had to be bribed with food to sit in the stroller - since wanted to be held otherwise and refused to walk.

 

[wallawallakids]

I would take a double as well. For the younger two. The older two should be fine. My twins walked at 5 and at 6 all day and never complained. Once they hit 4, they were fine walking. It was the same with my older two. Have a great trip!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

I guess I am the odd one but I would do 2 singles. that way someone could take younger one by self and 3 year old could still stroller. this helps if younger is sleeping and older getting out to ride will not wake littleone

 

[tanyaandallie]

I say double and a baby carrier with an option for a single for the 5 year old if he gets worn out. I think at 5 you could go either way with the stroller. My older rode in the stroller at 5 because we had the double. Younger walked at 5 and was totally fine.

I prefer the double because then both kids can be pushed by one parent. If one parent has to run to the restroom or to get dinner or something, then the other parent can still handle both little kids in the stroller.

 

[caligirl06]

I say double and a baby carrier with an option for a single for the 5 year old if he gets worn out. I think at 5 you could go either way with the stroller. My older rode in the stroller at 5 because we had the double. Younger walked at 5 and was totally fine.

I prefer the double because then both kids can be pushed by one parent. If one parent has to run to the restroom or to get dinner or something, then the other parent can still handle both little kids in the stroller.

Is a side by side or inline double better? We cant decide whats best of their ages and for convenience getting around easily.

 

[annainohio]

Is a side by side or inline double better? We cant decide whats best of their ages and for convenience getting around easily.

Side by side, easily. Bobs or city mini are awesome.

 

[3Gsandme]

I have a 7 and 4 year old and we needed a stroller most days. It's a TON of walking. A TON. I would have liked a stroller a couple of days.

I think inline would probably be easier to navigate.