strollers

[EvanMaddieMouse]

The stroller debate will probably never end!
We have finally graduated from strollers! However, my DS (now 10) was in one some of the trip when he was 7. He has no handicaps, issues, etc... It was simply that it is very hard for little legs to keep up all day. A stroller lets them rest, saves mom & dad's arms and backs!
Moving in a crowd is hard no matter what!!! ITA that a little courtesy goes a LONG way!! I just find it funny that so many people (not everyone) automatically blame the stroller, WC or ECV driver - as if they have singlehandedly orchestrated the downfall of society!

The first time we went, EvanMouse had just turned 6 (about 4 weeks prior). He walked, and walked, and walked, and then about the 4th day we noticed he was really dragging. So we rented a stroller for him. It's a huge place, and so much walking, and if you think of the size of their little legs vs. adult legs, they are probably taking twice as many steps.

We used our own stroller this last trip for our 3 and a half year old MaddieMouse. Not only because we knew she'd get too tired too quickly, but because it's a wonderful thing to not have to carry bags, and backpacks, and bottled water!

 

[declansdad]

I agree.

People who need them and use them considerately shouldn't have to defend themselves or get too upset as I don't believe posters against abusive stroller use are talking about you.

Keep an open mind about both sides and be considerate of others.

You see the problem is many of the posters who are against strollers don't seperate the considerate from the inconsiderate. Everyone just gets lumped together. If your child is over 6, they should be ready for the ironman triathlon.

 

[Aristomommy]

If I only had one child, I may have done WDW without a stroller. BUt with 3 children, all closely spaced, it is just not worth it.

I can totally understand your point. If I had 3 young children, it would be more challenging to keep everyone together and safe. I have 2 and will go without a stroller one DS turns 3 as DD is 8 and I don't have to worry about her safety or stamina. A PP asked if it could be done in theory, and it can, it just depends on your kids and the pace you intend to have.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I just wonder why parents can't slow down to their kids' pace? Why do the kids have to take two steps for every one the parent takes? Why can't the parent pace the kid instead? Slow down, parents, so the whole family can enjoy the trip.

 

[Idroveallnight]

I just wonder why parents can't slow down to their kids' pace? Why do the kids have to take two steps for every one the parent takes? Why can't the parent pace the kid instead? Slow down, parents, so the whole family can enjoy the trip.

Even if you walk in slow motion your childr/ren still have to take more steps because your legs are longer, therefore your steps longer.

 

[Principessa Alba]

We didn't use strollers very much and thought it was good for the kids to walk but I can see how as a safety measure in those crowds it would be better to have them in a stroller to keep an eye on them.

Do those of you who use strollers for a 4 or 5 year old at WDW use them at other places? Probably not. WDW is probably a special circumstance, right?

 

[Idroveallnight]

I agree.

I don't think anyone on here believes they should completely ban strollers and I don't think anyone on here really feels that if one is truely needed that you shouldn't use one.

The problem is those who use them as a battering ram or use them when it really isn't necessary and I think alot of people use them to "carry" their extra stuff (like a shopping cart). Those people know who they are.

People who need them and use them considerately shouldn't have to defend themselves or get too upset as I don't believe posters against abusive stroller use are talking about you.

Keep an open mind about both sides and be considerate of others.

I think the majority of stroller users posting here are saying they are polite in their stroller usage. I think the upset comes when you say "when one is truly needed..." I think (and I could be wrong it does happen ) that what the stroller users are saying is that it is their decision about when their child "truly needs one" - not anyone elses. Many of the posts in this thread (not meaning any one poster in particular!)have been so judgemental and implied that some people are bad parents, tourists, etc... because they choose to use a stroller for their child.