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

[Disneyliscious]

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??

I don't know how to say this without coming off as mean, but I really don't mean it that way. For the record, I'm sure momto2js is a great person and a great mom. Im only using her quote as an example of how we have become conditioned to entitlement.

You don't have to deal with cranky tired kids. No one does. There are options. You can leave them with family or friends, you can hire Disney baby sitting, or when they get tired you can simply go back to your hotel/resort/home and take a break.

Yes, you are on vacation but when thousands of parents think like the poster's comment above, do you realize how many large strollers are in Disney that don't need to be there? You being on vacation does not entitle you (speaking in general) to disrupt the flow of traffic, which is the case in peak months.

I firmly believe parents should bring strollers for age appropriate children or if a handicap requires it. However, children 5, 6, 7+ do not need a stroller. They just don't. sure they will get tired. As adults, we get tired. But you take breaks when needed so that it teaches them that everything isn't handed to them in life, even at Disney.

For me, its not really about traffic flow (although I have seen many posters mention it) because we go in less crowded months. Its about what you kids are learning from being given the "easy way out". "If mommy coddles me now so I dont have to walk, then maybe she will coddle me on a school field trip, or when Im 16 and don't want to get up to an alarm, or when Im 20 and don't want to go to work. Why? Because mommy has always made it easy on me and taught me that there are easier ways to do things."

Walking is the best form of exercise there is and we could all do a little more of it I'm sure. I know its easier to use a stroller, but you are only cheating your child at your expense because you "don't want to deal with it". If the kids are that much to "deal with", maybe Disney isn't right for you just yet.

I'm not picking on the poster at all. I have made these same mistakes. As a nation we have become conditioned to think its all about ME. Well, it's not.

We all could probably use a little re-wiring in our thinking these days and stop doing what TV or society tells us to do, along with stopping the act of "ME at all costs", especially when it infringes upon others (including your children's behavior years down the road). You don't take a stroller so a 6 year old can have a break. They can sit on a bench like the rest of the folks. Saying that is trying to disguise the fact that you are taking it for your 6 year old to ride in but you don't want to admit it. If that's how you feel, maybe you should ask yourself why.

There is nothing wrong with making your 5+ year old kids walk. Some even do it younger. The age of 5 is really only my opinion which is of the basis that if you are old enough to go to school, you should have no problems walking. Maybe the age is 4, I don't know....but it certainely isn't 6.

Please do your part to stop raising unhealthy, lazy kids. Someday, they will be our leaders. Putting a school aged child in a stroller is a personal choice that has no medical, physical, or emotional benefit. In fact, it has quite the opposite effect. Why do we turn our children into rolling luggage? Parents are sacrificing their children’s opportunity to develop self-reliance.

Psychologist John Rosemond writes "Here's what's demeaning: Wheeling a four-plus year-old child through a public place in a stroller as he's drinking from a sippy-cup. Those kids have no idea how demeaned they are, not to mention how absolutely ridiculous that looks, especially to someone my age who remembers the day when strollers were dispensed with by age 3 and children -- the intelligent creatures that they are -- were taught to walk next to their parents and keep their hands off the merchandise. Ah, but that takes patience, tolerance, and effort."

Again, not picking on anyone. We've all been there, done that. I just wanted to give another reason as to why older children shouldn't be in strollers. besides the "its hard to get around Disney with so many strollers" scenario. It really does hinder them.

You can't say "oh we are only doing this at Disney. They walk at home" because being at Disney would be THE time to make a child walk. Otherwise they are taught that when a hard days work comes along, its easier to let someone else do it. When adults, they wont keep jobs very long that way.

My apologies for the post being so long. I hope it enlightened at least one person.

 

[starshine514]

Wow! I was not at all intending to make this one of THOSE threads... I'm not going to defend myself here (all that will cause is more attacks on me, which I have already had my fill of). I just wanted to say that I came here asking for opinions from other moms about strollers, not to have a discussion about the whether I'm a bad mother or whether my child is lazy (neither of which I believe is true, but you are entitled to your own opinion).

 

[Toy1908]

What about a sit n stand stroller? This is what I'm using for my 4month old and 6yo.
It's $125 at target and I got an extra 10% off for putting on my baby registry.
My son LOOOOVES it. I can even use the car seat if I want to.

 

[*Seanaci*]

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

FWIW, Sit and Stand will be worthless. Your 4 year old is too tall for the front seat...especially if she falls asleep...she won't be able to keep her feet on the foot bar and her feet will drag.

If I were you, I would consider just renting one from the park or from an offsite rental company.

 

[*Seanaci*]

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

I don't know how to say this without coming off as mean, but I really don't mean it that way. For the record, I'm sure momto2js is a great person and a great mom. Im only using her quote as an example of how we have become conditioned to entitlement.

You don't have to deal with cranky tired kids. No one does. There are options. You can leave them with family or friends, you can hire Disney baby sitting, or when they get tired you can simply go back to your hotel/resort/home and take a break.

Yes, you are on vacation but when thousands of parents think like the poster's comment above, do you realize how many large strollers are in Disney that don't need to be there? You being on vacation does not entitle you (speaking in general) to disrupt the flow of traffic, which is the case in peak months.

The bolded...strictly YOUR opinion. Which is fine. But, get over it. If you don't want to vacation and see tons of large strollers, try Vegas or Hawaii.

I firmly believe parents should bring strollers for age appropriate children or if a handicap requires it. However, children 5, 6, 7+ do not need a stroller. They just don't. sure they will get tired. As adults, we get tired. But you take breaks when needed so that it teaches them that everything isn't handed to them in life, even at Disney.

Again, your opinion.

For me, its not really about traffic flow (although I have seen many posters mention it) because we go in less crowded months. Its about what you kids are learning from being given the "easy way out". "If mommy coddles me now so I dont have to walk, then maybe she will coddle me on a school field trip, or when Im 16 and don't want to get up to an alarm, or when Im 20 and don't want to go to work. Why? Because mommy has always made it easy on me and taught me that there are easier ways to do things."

Wow. From your mention of the sea of large strollers that really don't need to be there, the bolded is questionable in my eyes.

Walking is the best form of exercise there is and we could all do a little more of it I'm sure. I know its easier to use a stroller, but you are only cheating your child at your expense because you "don't want to deal with it". If the kids are that much to "deal with", maybe Disney isn't right for you just yet.

Gosh. There's more of that opinion of yours.

I'm not picking on the poster at all. I have made these same mistakes. As a nation we have become conditioned to think its all about ME. Well, it's not.

Seems to me, you are in the same boat...as I've seen you post your opinion on a few threads now regarding age and stroller usage. And then continuing to...defend your stance on stroller usage.

Great. We get it. You have an opinion. But, it's time for you to move along and quit shoving your links and opinions down everyones throat. Thanks.

We all could probably use a little re-wiring in our thinking these days and stop doing what TV or society tells us to do, along with stopping the act of "ME at all costs", especially when it infringes upon others (including your children's behavior years down the road). You don't take a stroller so a 6 year old can have a break. They can sit on a bench like the rest of the folks. Saying that is trying to disguise the fact that you are taking it for your 6 year old to ride in but you don't want to admit it. If that's how you feel, maybe you should ask yourself why.

There is nothing wrong with making your 5+ year old kids walk. Some even do it younger. The age of 5 is really only my opinion which is of the basis that if you are old enough to go to school, you should have no problems walking. Maybe the age is 4, I don't know....but it certainely isn't 6.

Bolded...more opinion.

Again, not picking on anyone. We've all been there, done that. I just wanted to give another reason as to why older children shouldn't be in strollers. besides the "its hard to get around Disney with so many strollers" scenario. It really does hinder them.

THe more you say "I'm not picking on anyone" the more it makes me think you're trying to convince yourself that you really AREN'T picking on anyone.

You can't say "oh we are only doing this at Disney. They walk at home" because being at Disney would be THE time to make a child walk. Otherwise they are taught that when a hard days work comes along, its easier to let someone else do it. When adults, they wont keep jobs very long that way.

My apologies for the post being so long. I hope it enlightened at least one person.

Bolded...why do you think taking a school aged child to Disney is THE time to make them walk...versus letting them use the stroller if they want to? And I don't want links to articles/blogs whatever. That bolded statement is purely YOUR opinion.

 

[Disneychix]

Please do your part to stop raising unhealthy, lazy kids. Someday, they will be our leaders. Putting a school aged child in a stroller is a personal choice that has no medical, physical, or emotional benefit. In fact, it has quite the opposite effect. Why do we turn our children into rolling luggage? Parents are sacrificing their children’s opportunity to develop self-reliance.

Psychologist John Rosemond writes "Here's what's demeaning: Wheeling a four-plus year-old child through a public place in a stroller as he's drinking from a sippy-cup. Those kids have no idea how demeaned they are, not to mention how absolutely ridiculous that looks, especially to someone my age who remembers the day when strollers were dispensed with by age 3 and children -- the intelligent creatures that they are -- were taught to walk next to their parents and keep their hands off the merchandise. Ah, but that takes patience, tolerance, and effort."

Again, not picking on anyone. We've all been there, done that. I just wanted to give another reason as to why older children shouldn't be in strollers. besides the "its hard to get around Disney with so many strollers" scenario. It really does hinder them.

You can't say "oh we are only doing this at Disney. They walk at home" because being at Disney would be THE time to make a child walk. Otherwise they are taught that when a hard days work comes along, its easier to let someone else do it. When adults, they wont keep jobs very long that way.

My apologies for the post being so long. I hope it enlightened at least one person.

I don't normally comment on posts such as the one quoted above but I am feeling the need today.
My 4+ old child does walk everywhere at 'home'. He does participate in sports multiple times per week. He is not 'unhealthy' or 'lazy' and I do not believe I am causing him emotional longlasting damage by providing a stroller for him for 4 days at a time at WDW or any other overly crowded-widespread location we take him.
I personally like to have a stroller available for him because there are SO many people around. When you are only 40" tall it's pretty intimidating to be in a crowd of people all rushing around you. Heck, I'm only just over 5' and sometimes I feel unsafe in a WDW crowd.
We don't push our stroller from location to location, ride to ride. Once in FantasyLand the stroller usually gets parked and left until we move on to the next Land.

I don't see a problem with providing a 'safe' place for my child when he chooses to use it. Believe me, my 4+yr old will tell me when he doesn't want to be in the stroller! I can't force him in there. But many parents know there are few precious minutes between happy, awake normal child and full-meltdown mode-especially at Disney where it's not just a 5 min walk to the car or hotel room. So if I can have a stroller there to aide in the effort of getting my child to the room/through the crowd/across an airport safely, I will choose that everytime.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

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.

I agree. There is no reason a healthy six year old should be riding in a stroller. When he/she gets tired, take a break. Just my opinion.

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!

As someone already noted, you can't bring wagons into the parks.

 

[starshine514]

So, I think I've figured out what we're going to do.

• Keep our current hotels. We have a slightly closer one for the off-season trip and can't really justify paying twice as much for a hotel during the peak time. So, still going to have a long walk to/from the park.
• Get glares from other people and let DD6 ride with DH on the ECV to/from the park. I know I'd get flamed about that on the disABILITIES board, but its our ECV and I feel this would be ok.
• Do like we did last time IN the park. DD4 gets the stroller in general and when she isn't using it DD6 can hop in for a break if she wants. This time prepare DD6 better for the fact that she is expected to walk.
• Try to stop starting controversial threads on the DISboards...

 

[Jaime4004]

Wow! I was not at all intending to make this one of THOSE threads... I'm not going to defend myself here (all that will cause is more attacks on me, which I have already had my fill of). I just wanted to say that I came here asking for opinions from other moms about strollers, not to have a discussion about the whether I'm a bad mother or whether my child is lazy (neither of which I believe is true, but you are entitled to your own opinion).

There will always be a few posts that just become ridiculous, no matter what the topic is...
IMO, I do not like the sit and stands for older children. To DH and I, they are harder to push and steer with more weight. We had a double jogging stroller (some cheap walmart brand, probably about $150 at walmart.com). We bought it about 5 yrs ago and it was invaluable! Must say, it absolutely did not fold down well though, so that would not be helpful to you. The last time we went with kids 2,5 and 7. Mostly, it is for the 5 y.o. He loves his sleep and will take a nap during the day and at night will fall asleep way earlier than the others (including the 2y.o.). It was very helpful to have a comfortable, reclining stroller for him to sleep in. It does not make sense for everyone to leave the park so he can sleep in a bed, rather than sleeping in a stroller and offending people. It also helps for the long walk back to the car at the end of the night. Sadly, we tossed the stroller a few months ago, as it was finally on it's last legs. We will be going next week, just bringing a single umbrella, so the now 3 and 6y.o. will be alternating, and probably fighting about it. And I fully expect the 6 y.o. to fall asleep as he always does. So, i'll be that horrible parent right next to you letting their 6y.o. go in a stroller when he wants.

 

[crisi]

I'd also encourage your six year old to walk and share the stroller as needed. Not that I'm judging your parenting, just that I think you'll find pushing 80 lbs + stroller worth of a six year old and a four year old through Anaheim sidewalks to the park is exhausting before you even get to the park! If your husband could help push, it would be a different story, but you are going to be wiped.

We have been longtime Boardwalk Villa owners - and we never brought our own stroller. Which means from the time my kids were two and three, they had to hoof it back to the resort at the end of a long day. We did have strollers in the parks, but stopped doing even that at about the age your oldest is.

 

[scrapquitler]

First, let me state for the record that when I went to WDW with a 9 month old and a 7 year old 55lb child, I sometimes let the 7 year old ride in the stroller while DH carried the baby.

Now, I think that if you take things fairly easy thru the day, there is probably no need to worry about a second stroller or even a double stroller for the second child. I'd talk to them ahead of time about how wonderful it is that they are both so good at sharing with one another, and how much they like to help Mom and Dad out. Then I'd expect them to take turns using the stroller at various times of the day. I know with my two kids, it seems that when one is wiped out, the other is full of energy. You can take advantage of any speck of this you see by letting the tired one ride in the stroller for a while while having the other one walk. I'd even involve incentives as needed. "Hey Maggie, can you 'lead' us to the Dumbo ride while Kelsey rides there? After we ride dumbo, Kelsey can lead us to Its a small world while you ride and have a juice box!" Then have them switch off. If you get into a situation where they are both very tired, then sit and rest a while while you watch the crowds go by, or have one of them ride in the ECV with Dad a little.

Going with one stroller doesn't mean that someone has to sit all day and the other has to walk the entire time. Heck, I sometimes wished I could sit in the stroller and have the kids push me!

 

[scootch]

Renting a stroller is the best money I spent in WDW. You leave it at the gate, no messing with it on the bus or monorail. Kept the kids shaded, confined and more refreshed, they could use it if they wanted, or not.... held our drinks, extra clothes and such we had packed. The ones at WDW are extremely easy to push. Do what works best for you.

 

[princessmom29]

I have clocked it with a pedometer. We average about 7 miles a day of walking on a full day at Disney. We do a full week so that is about 50 miles of walking in the week. I don't think not being able to do that without help makes a 6 year old lazy. I didn't go completely without the stroller untill last year when DD was 7. The year before, DD made it the firet 3 days before we had to break out the stroller. This is a child that runs a mile without stopping EVREY week at PE, and dances 5 hours a week along with 2 hours of cheer during football season. She is not out of shape or lazy. Little legs get tired sometimes, and there is nothing wrong iwth using a stroller when that happens. I can see the OP wanting a double stroller becuase when one child has pooped out, the other one likely will be pooping out too.

 

[Sunnywho]

You might also find that when they both can have a seat, there's nothing to fight over anymore, then only one will want it at a time.

I'd go for the double stroller, since you know what it was like last time without it.

We already own a sit & stand so that is what I'll be bringing in August for my 4 and 6 year-olds. My 4 year old doesn't really need it but my 6 year old does. All kids are different.

 

[*Seanaci*]

OP...what kind of stroller do you have now? Is a foot board an option for your stroller? Both kids could take turns sitting in the stroller or standing on the foot board.

 

[Suzanne74]

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 agree. If you think 1/2 mile is too long, start conditioning them before the trip. Do 1/2 mile nightly walks after dinner and make sure they have good worn in sneakers (no sandals, flips or crocs) while they are at Disney.

 

[Suzanne74]

I have clocked it with a pedometer. We average about 7 miles a day of walking on a full day at Disney. We do a full week so that is about 50 miles of walking in the week. I don't think not being able to do that without help makes a 6 year old lazy. I didn't go completely without the stroller untill last year when DD was 7. The year before, DD made it the firet 3 days before we had to break out the stroller. This is a child that runs a mile without stopping EVREY week at PE, and dances 5 hours a week along with 2 hours of cheer during football season. She is not out of shape or lazy. Little legs get tired sometimes, and there is nothing wrong iwth using a stroller when that happens. I can see the OP wanting a double stroller becuase when one child has pooped out, the other one likely will be pooping out too.

I disagree. You would never see kids over the age of 3 in strollers years. Not anywhere, even Disney. I went a lot as a kid and once we were old enough to listen/follow directions, we walked. Same with my oldest daughter. Once she was 4, no more stroller. We did still go back to the hotel for naps/swim daily, eat sit-down dinners and relax more - and she did just fine. I don't believe little kids legs give out and I don't believe that each kid is different (in terms of walking.) I think parents just want to push push push all day long, to get their money's worth and if it means keeping overtired kids content in a stroller, they do. I see so many parents yelling at overtired kids on vacation because they want THEM to keep up with their schedule as opposed to sitting back, relaxing and enjoying their child's speed.

Since the OP has an AP, I think going at the kid's pace and taking frequent breaks is a much better idea than buying a double stroller she may only use a handful of times. It will save her money and her back. If they are whining and tired, give them the option to go back to the hotel.

Plus Disneyland is no where near the size of Disney World. I just personally don't think it is worth the cost. What if no one sits in it? Then she is just going to push or carry a double stroller around half the day. No thanks.

 

[starshine514]

I agree. If you think 1/2 mile is too long, start conditioning them before the trip. Do 1/2 mile nightly walks after dinner and make sure they have good worn in sneakers (no sandals, flips or crocs) while they are at Disney.

1/2 mile isn't too long. 1/2 mile (actually, .66 mile) 4x a day in addition to all the walking (yes, we park hop) at Disney is a lot. Like I said in a later post, I think we're going to have her ride with DH on his ECV for the ride to/from (that is, assuming he joins us in the park. Last trip, he only started out with us 1 of the 4 mornings... and left the park earlier than us 3 of the 4 days as well). Dang it! each time I have myself convinced that we don't need a double, I think of something like me being the only one in the park with them, both getting tired and me having to get a tired kid to walk all the way back to the hotel again... I wish DH were healthy; with most dad's there wouldn't even be a question of whether he would be there to help, and there would always be an extra set of shoulders for a tired kid to rest on.

@ *Seanaci* - I have a Jeep Wrangler single stroller. I don't think they make footboards for those, but that would be an interesting option - save DD6 some of the steps to/from the hotel, while still not giving her the comfort of a regular stroller.

 

[crisi]

I have clocked it with a pedometer. We average about 7 miles a day of walking on a full day at Disney. We do a full week so that is about 50 miles of walking in the week. I don't think not being able to do that without help makes a 6 year old lazy. I didn't go completely without the stroller untill last year when DD was 7. The year before, DD made it the firet 3 days before we had to break out the stroller. This is a child that runs a mile without stopping EVREY week at PE, and dances 5 hours a week along with 2 hours of cheer during football season. She is not out of shape or lazy. Little legs get tired sometimes, and there is nothing wrong iwth using a stroller when that happens. I can see the OP wanting a double stroller becuase when one child has pooped out, the other one likely will be pooping out too.

But the six year old won't need to walk all seven miles - she can share a stroller with the four year old. If the six year old walks four miles and the four year old walks three, you'd be golden.

I don't have an issue with a six year old in a stroller, I just thing pushing 80 lbs of kid in a double stroller without help is going to harder than just having one stroller.

 

[Nanu57v]

So, I think I've figured out what we're going to do.

• Keep our current hotels. We have a slightly closer one for the off-season trip and can't really justify paying twice as much for a hotel during the peak time. So, still going to have a long walk to/from the park.
• Get glares from other people and let DD6 ride with DH on the ECV to/from the park. I know I'd get flamed about that on the disABILITIES board, but its our ECV and I feel this would be ok.
• Do like we did last time IN the park. DD4 gets the stroller in general and when she isn't using it DD6 can hop in for a break if she wants. This time prepare DD6 better for the fact that she is expected to walk.
• Try to stop starting controversial threads on the DISboards...

Sounds like a good solution! Now don't go ask about a refillable mug