Two kids (4 &6), one stroller dilemma. Suggestions?

starshine514

DIS Veteran
Joined
Nov 21, 2010
Messages
3,164
Sorry for the long post... :)
We bought APs for our family of 4 to Disneyland. My DH will be using a travel ECV, so I'm on my own with the girls (two strollers is not an option). My 4-yr-old is 40" tall and weighs about 35 lbs and my 6-yr-old is 45" tall and weighs about 45 lbs.

We went to DL in May (when we upgraded to APs) and I took our single Jeep stroller b/c my parents were going with and my dad assured me that if both girls wanted to ride, one could ride on my mom's lap in her wheelchair. Well, mom didn't feel well and spent most of her time in the hotel room. So, my girls spent a lot of time arguing over who got to ride in the stroller. For that trip, we were staying right across the street at one of the closest walking-distance hotels.

We have a few more trips scheduled (want to take advantage of our APs - and it's only an 8-hour drive); however, in an effort to save money (and sneak in an extra trip), we'll be staying at a cheaper hotel, about a half-mile away. So, I don't think I want to attempt to go without a stroller for the 6-yr-old. Renting at Disneyland is also not an option, because they only rent single strollers.

We have an old double stroller, a Graco Duoglider. It has a few problems. A weight limit that my oldest has already exceeded, a bulky fold (which causes it and the ECV to not fit into our car trunk together), and a ripped under-the seat basket (I believe one of the girls stood on it and ripped it at some point).

So, I'm looking for suggestions for a stroller that will accommodate both my children:
  • I would like at least a 45 or 50 lb weight limit in at least one of the seats
  • Has to fold pretty small

The last requirement is very variable - I'm going to need to find it for less than $100. However, I'm open to ALL suggestions, as I will be looking mostly on craigslist (and of course clearance, eBay, etc), so the original purchase price isn't always reflective of the used price that I might find somewhere else.

Thanks in advance! :goodvibes
 
how about a double umbrella strollers? thats what I would use light weight easy to fold up. graco makes a nice one that holds 50lbs each seat. Its a little pricy but worth it if your going to make a few trips with it!
 

$100 limit and no option for 2 strollers cuz only one stroller pusher....


I would just go on Craigslist and keep looking until you find one that meets your requirements for a used variety - that will help with your dollar limit.
 
Unless you buy used, you will never find a double stroller for 2 bigger kids under $100 that folds up small.

Honestly, I would just have the two kids alternate between who rides. If they fight over it, then no one rides. They are old enough to walk a good portion of the park. It seems like a waste to buy a 6yr old a stroller just to get through Disney. Start conditioning at home to prepare for a lot of walking. If little legs get tired, take a break.
 
Unless you buy used, you will never find a double stroller for 2 bigger kids under $100 that folds up small.

Honestly, I would just have the two kids alternate between who rides. If they fight over it, then no one rides. They are old enough to walk a good portion of the park. It seems like a waste to buy a 6yr old a stroller just to get through Disney. Start conditioning at home to prepare for a lot of walking. If little legs get tired, take a break.

:thumbsup2
TO THE OP: The kids should be able to 'share' a stroller. I understand the half mile walk from the hotel is a long way. What about taking the Anaheim Resort Transit (or whatever the bus system is called) bus. I know it is a few extra dollars but seems more reasonable than a stroller for a 6 and 4 year old. All kids are different though, but it seems a 6 year old should be able to walk. Get out each day and walk a little farther...once in the park sit in the shade if you get tired, go watch a show for a break. But in the end do what is best for YOUR family! You are the one who knows your children's limitations and how far they can walk.....spend some time walking before hand to condition the kids and talk about all the exciting things you will do. Buy the pedometers and make it a goal to increase steps daily (there is an article on this in USA TODAY this morning).
 
/
$100 limit and no option for 2 strollers cuz only one stroller pusher....


I would just go on Craigslist and keep looking until you find one that meets your requirements for a used variety - that will help with your dollar limit.

Yeah. I'm planning on craigslisting it. For some of the stroller models, it's really difficult to find the weight limit online. I just found one a hundred miles away that I think might do the trick, and even with gas prices, I think it might come in under $100. Just waiting for them to reply with the exact model name. All I know right now is that it's a Maclaren, side-by-side umbrella stroller, and most of those appear to have higher weight limits... Crossing my fingers...

I really would like a stroller for both girls, otherwise, I'm gonna end up having to carry someone back in the evening...
 
I would definitely suggest keeping an eye out for one of the Maclaren double strollers as I think they all have a 55 pound weight limit for each side and fold up pretty small. Unfortunately, they are a little pricey new, but they do show up fairly regularly on Craigslist and eBay used for around $100-150.

Good luck!
 
double maclarens with that much weight for each kid to push will be a hard push (not impossible but hard work)...I'd go for a used double jogging stroller - won't be a small fold but you will be so much happier than trying to push over 70 pounds of weight on small plastic wheels.
 
how about a double umbrella strollers? thats what I would use light weight easy to fold up. graco makes a nice one that holds 50lbs each seat. Its a little pricy but worth it if your going to make a few trips with it!

Ditto this. Graco has the Twin Ipo stroller...side-by side just like the McClaren. Holds up to 50 pounds each side.

$100 limit and no option for 2 strollers cuz only one stroller pusher....


I would just go on Craigslist and keep looking until you find one that meets your requirements for a used variety - that will help with your dollar limit.

Also ditto this. Staying within a budget for a double stroller, Craigslist is a great option. Also might try a gently used baby/kids stuff store (we have them here, they're Once Upon a Child).


Also, I have to agree with other posters who said start conditioning the children for lots of walking. The 6 year old is big enough to be able to walk without fussing/whining.
 
You said you were open to all suggestions so here is mine (and in no way am I trying to sound rude)...

Let the 6 year old kid walk.

Its so easy to want to put them in a stroller because they are tired, etc. If they are that tired, go back and take a break or leave the child with Grandma. When you allow a 6 year old to be pushed in a stroller, what message are you sending them? Laziness. Thats just the harsh truth.

You are conditioning them to take the "easy way out" which will affect their choices throughout their entire life. I can't imagine any child age 5+ having to use a stroller unless they have some kind of disability. If a 6 year old can't do Disney with adequate breaks, then Disney may not be right for your child.

If you are concerned about having to carry one out of the park in the evening, leave earlier. If your kids are so tired that they pass out in the park, then you are just staying for your own reasons and not the benefit of the child. While there is nothing wrong with this, its often better to leave the kids with family or a sitter when doing trips for 'you'.

I am amazed by the kids who are pushed in strollers in the parks who are plenty big/old enough to walk on their own. If they throw a fit, so be it. ANY kid would pitch a tantrum if it meant they could be pushed around on wheels all day.

Stop giving in and teach your kids that walking is good and healthy for them.
 
I have a Maclaren Twin Triumph that I love! Seat capacity is 110 pounds total (55 per seat) and it folds up relatively small. It's easy to push, easy to turn, fits through door ways, and is easy for my 4 year old to get in and out of. My 7 year old no longer rides in it at all, but sometimes we still take it so that if we stop for a show or parade it provides him a place to sit and take a break on long/hot days. It's not the best for my 5 month old, but it will be great for him once he hits about 10-12 months. It was more than $100, but you might be able to find a used one on craigslist, ebay or a consignment shop.
 
I think you have one more issue to consider. You are going to be totally worn out pushing that much weight in one stroller. I would consider perhaps moving to the closer hotel and cutting cost somewhere else or as someone suggested using the transpotation from the hotel. Maybe rent one stroller inside the park if necessary and even though they only have singles if it is anything like WDW strollers, two kids can fit for a short ride if they really need to. Good LUCK!
 
if you wanna go the stroller route get a sit and stand. a side by side for children that big is going to be a nightmare to push (i have a 6 and 4 year old and i couldn't do it) I have the Mia Moda sit and stand and we love it for trips like this because it its a full double but it does have a space for my 6 year old to hang out for a bit if she needs a break.

for the record i make her walk almost everywhere and i'm starting to make my almost 4 year old walk everywhere too
 
The wagon is not an option for WDW and I'd bet the same rules apply for disneyland. I just sprung for the city-mini for my 2 and 4 year olds and I figure I'll get at least 3 years out of it. Im on vacation at disney and I don't want to deal with cranky tired kids if I don't have too. Call me lazy but did I mention we are on vacation??
 
You said you were open to all suggestions so here is mine (and in no way am I trying to sound rude)...

Let the 6 year old kid walk.

Its so easy to want to put them in a stroller because they are tired, etc. If they are that tired, go back and take a break or leave the child with Grandma. When you allow a 6 year old to be pushed in a stroller, what message are you sending them? Laziness. Thats just the harsh truth.

You are conditioning them to take the "easy way out" which will affect their choices throughout their entire life. I can't imagine any child age 5+ having to use a stroller unless they have some kind of disability. If a 6 year old can't do Disney with adequate breaks, then Disney may not be right for your child.

If you are concerned about having to carry one out of the park in the evening, leave earlier. If your kids are so tired that they pass out in the park, then you are just staying for your own reasons and not the benefit of the child. While there is nothing wrong with this, its often better to leave the kids with family or a sitter when doing trips for 'you'.

I am amazed by the kids who are pushed in strollers in the parks who are plenty big/old enough to walk on their own. If they throw a fit, so be it. ANY kid would pitch a tantrum if it meant they could be pushed around on wheels all day.

Stop giving in and teach your kids that walking is good and healthy for them.

My DD stopped riding in one at 3, but that was her choice. However, we "practiced for Disney" by going for walks around the block. (Once around our block is 1 mile conveniently). Maybe that would be an idea? Get the 6 year old in "Disney" shape? Tell her up front that's the way its going to be. Alternately, what about a jump board?


http://www.amazon.com/Lascal-BuggyBoard-Maxi-2d-Black/dp/B000R85BKY/ref=pd_cp_ba_1
 
We have 4 kids under 7.

We are taking a stroller for my 2 year old, and then we bought a collapsible wagon (looks similar to this) from Costco for $50 to hold 2 of our kids. Folds up nice and tight, lightweight - and seats 2. JUST in case my older 3 kids need a break or we need to haul purchases, LOL!

The one we bought holds 150 lbs.
http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=2FP7TauvMeeu0AGBt-G6Aw&ved=0CGIQ8wIwAA#


Yikes - looks like you are headed to wdw in two weeks and plaaning to use your wagon. Wagons are not allowed in the parks. Sorry for the bad news so close to your trip but better to find this out before you go so you can make another plan!
 
Sorry for the long post... :)
We bought APs for our family of 4 to Disneyland. My DH will be using a travel ECV, so I'm on my own with the girls (two strollers is not an option). My 4-yr-old is 40" tall and weighs about 35 lbs and my 6-yr-old is 45" tall and weighs about 45 lbs.

We went to DL in May (when we upgraded to APs) and I took our single Jeep stroller b/c my parents were going with and my dad assured me that if both girls wanted to ride, one could ride on my mom's lap in her wheelchair. Well, mom didn't feel well and spent most of her time in the hotel room. So, my girls spent a lot of time arguing over who got to ride in the stroller. For that trip, we were staying right across the street at one of the closest walking-distance hotels.

We have a few more trips scheduled (want to take advantage of our APs - and it's only an 8-hour drive); however, in an effort to save money (and sneak in an extra trip), we'll be staying at a cheaper hotel, about a half-mile away. So, I don't think I want to attempt to go without a stroller for the 6-yr-old. Renting at Disneyland is also not an option, because they only rent single strollers.

We have an old double stroller, a Graco Duoglider. It has a few problems. A weight limit that my oldest has already exceeded, a bulky fold (which causes it and the ECV to not fit into our car trunk together), and a ripped under-the seat basket (I believe one of the girls stood on it and ripped it at some point).

So, I'm looking for suggestions for a stroller that will accommodate both my children:
  • I would like at least a 45 or 50 lb weight limit in at least one of the seats
  • Has to fold pretty small

The last requirement is very variable - I'm going to need to find it for less than $100. However, I'm open to ALL suggestions, as I will be looking mostly on craigslist (and of course clearance, eBay, etc), so the original purchase price isn't always reflective of the used price that I might find somewhere else.

Thanks in advance! :goodvibes

you might be better off having both of them walk. I have a 4 year old that made 2 weeks at DW with no stroller or if not just get them to share
 

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