when do you stop needing a stroller?

[jayandstacey]

Gosh, I only find myself posting about passionate issues. Let the flames begin - If your kid is older than three, they should WALK unless physically unable!

What other advice do you have for MY kids on OUR vacation, spending OUR money?

 

[YodaGirl]

Gosh, I only find myself posting about passionate issues. Let the flames begin - If your kid is older than three, they should WALK unless physically unable!

In your opinion.

In my opinion, it's no one's business if my 4 yr old is in a stroller.

Maybe you're only posting in passionate threads to stir the pot?

Remember, folks...

 

[DaisyMaisie]

When I was a child, during the summers, we left the house in the morning and we came home that night. we were our feet most of the day (or on our bicycles). The rare "fat" kid from those days would barely be considered husky today.

In the 90's I took a 5 and 6 year old to Disney. I never even thought about a stroller, and no way would they have gotten in one.

This thread just really saddens me, since it makes me realize how SOME kids are really unhealthy and their parents don't even realize it. In other cases it sounds like the parents are just trying to accomplish more than necessary.

With the horrible rates of childhood obesity and diabetes, the fact that otherwise healthy 8 year olds need to be in strollers to go to Disney makes me wonder if they will be in scooters by the time they are 12. I know it doesn't apply in all cases but maybe some of these families should start being more active with their kids before they go to Disney.'

(edited to add) I know there are exceptions, certain disabilities and injuries come to mind. However, I would hope that most people would not put an older disabled child in a too small baby stroller. Anyone who can afford to go to Disney should be able to afford to transport their 8 year old disabled child in something besides a baby stroller. Disabled children have enough self esteem issues to deal with, that they don't need to be in a too small baby stroller.

 

[Finally08]

Before someone responds with what if they are disabled? Here is my answer. Anyone who can afford to go to Disney should be able to afford to transport their 8 year old disabled child in something besides a baby stroller. Disabled children have enough self esteem issues to deal with, that they don't need to be in a baby stroller. Obviously a kid might get tired for a second or get a sudden injury and use the stroller that is there, but that is not what I am talking about.

Ehhh ok. My child's issues don't officially qualify her as "disabled" (since she has never been diagnosed as MD but has similar traits) but she is definitely not that of an average 7 year old. She weighs a hefty 39 lbs....which, funny how it works out, means she is more than small enough to ride in a "baby" stroller. She still rides in a 5 point harness carseat too since she's small (yeah, the only 1st grader doing so).
And you can bet when she and I are at WDW alone, my 5'2" self isn't going to be able to carry her little butt all the way out to the car when she's too exhausted to go on (along with every other thing I will be carrying as a lone person juggling all the cameras and other goods needed to tour the world). Not to mention the many ways her stroller protects her....from all the rude people who would trample her in a hot minute because they really need to grab a fastpass to something and obviously need it so much more than everyone else.

I think people need to consider that the health (or disabilities) of others can be many shades of gray. There aren't just wheelchair bound disabled children, and completely healthy and sound children. And there aren't always adults healthy enough to deal with lugging around those same children once they poop out.

 

[las3888]

I think my best advice is to 'know your kids.' Some kids struggle to get out of their strollers at an early age, and others (like my DS) are perfectly happy and content in a stroller with no qualms whatsoever. If your DC is like my son, then you might want to consider it. We have a Mac Volo that we never ever use at home anymore but will probably bring it on our trip this coming June (another added benefit is hauling smaller luggage through the airport). I think if it were a cooler time of year we would try to go without, but given that it's steamy hot during this time of year, we will stick with the stroller just in case. Our plan is to go in Oct sans stroller ... DS will be 6 1/2. Don't let ANYBODY guilt you into not using a stroller - you are spending a TON of money - do what you need to do (within reason) to make your kids and yourselves happy and well-rested.

 

[DaisyMaisie]

I apologize and will edit the comment about disabilities to point out that there are exceptions, and that I am referring to not putting disabled children in a stroller that is too small.

In person I would never make a conclusion about any one specific situation. Frankly I have never even noticed the age of kids in strollers. That is why I actually found this topic shocking. My husband was shocked as well. We just never even thought about putting kids as old as ten in a stroller.

I understand that there can be individual circumstances that make it a reasonable choice. What saddens me is that it seems to becoming a general consensus that it is perfectly normal to put able bodied children as old as ten in a stroller. It just did not use to be that way.

It seem related to the fact that so many children are no longer able to get a healthy amount of exercise on a regular basis, partly because it is no longer safe for them to play outside and because schools no longer have phys ed.

 

[Finally08]

Daisy, I think most of the able bodied children actually prefer to walk, and hop out of their strollers if they truly don't need them! My dd will spend hours without her stroller, but after those hours when it comes time to make the mile hike to the car, she just can't do it. My ds at even 3 or 4 was a total firecracker and would have not wanted to be in a stroller unless he was sitting to have a snack or something.

 

[DaisyMaisie]

Finally,

I hope this thread has not caused you any stress. Your situation is not and should not ever be an issue, and really I would think most people would neither notice nor judge.

What has me so shocked is some of the comments on this thread saying it is just a good strategy to put able bodied childrean as old as ten in a stroller.

I always assumed just what you said, that able bodied children would not stay in a stroller. The idea that it has somehow become a strategy and that older children are actually asking for strollers has me thrown.

 

[jayandstacey]

In other cases it sounds like the parents are just trying to accomplish more than necessary.

Exactly how much is "necessary"?

We found that with a stroller, our two kids can go infinitely in the park in a pleasant manner. Most guides recommend a midday trip back to the hotel, instead, we found the stroller can match the effect of this...without the additional 'trek' for the parents to get in and out of the park.

It has meant, for us, days that approach 16 hours without leaving, yet being relatively fresh and happy the whole day. Basically, as one kid begins to tire, they take a turn in the stroller for a quick nap. Then the other. The rest of the time, they're walking and the stroller holds my wife's purse and maybe a snack.

Bottom line, it is a strategy. We're only trying to accomplish a full, fun day in the park, just like virtually everyone else on this board. The stroller is a tool that actually lessens EVERYONES steps as it is an alternative to leaving the park, and that in turn means we last longer and get more for our money.

Is that more than necessary?

 

[jayandstacey]

I always assumed just what you said, that able bodied children would not stay in a stroller. The idea that it has somehow become a strategy and that older children are actually asking for strollers has me thrown.

It may throw you, but I can tell you firsthand that the difference in quality park time is huge. Some people think going to rope drop is crazy and getting up that early would ruin their vacation - and they may be right - but that doesn't mean it is a wrong strategy for those that do it.

 

[Dorisk3]

I would do a stroller for the 5 year, but if you have an average 7 year, there is no need for a stroller by that age. If a 7 year old gets tired of walking, then maybe it is time to take a break. I coddled my older one and let her ride in a stroller at age 6, but it was silly looking back on it, and for her, she was just being lazy. My youngest was walking on her own at 5.

 

[I-Bike]

I can't see telling my 9 year old, who still fits into size 7's, that she has to ride in a stroller. We did do the stroller at age 4 but it was primarily to make it easier on us, the parents. We walked most of the time even with the stroller.

If your child walks everywhere else, they are probably too big or old for a stroller. If your child rides Rock n' Roller Coaster, they are probably too big or old for a stroller. Kids are resilient and have lots of energy so if they get tired, just take a break. Wouldn't a 7 year old or 2nd grader be embarassed to ride around in a stroller anyway?

 

[Bonnie151]

We were there for 2 weeks last August with DD(5) & DS(8) and didn't bring a stroller. Strollers are a PAIN! What with pushing them about with a heavy child, folding them, unfolding them, carrying them, leaving them in the designated area at rides just to find they've been moved about 3 miles away when you get off the ride...

Having said that, we're not commandos and we take the parks at the pace of our children. We get there early and stay for 2-3 hours then head off for a break. They walk an awful lot at home and even with the heat they've been fine at WDW. DD needed (wanted?) carried a few times, but when she was tired we usually just took a break - or made sure she wasn't just bored from walking! It's amazing how much energy a 5 year old can muster up seconds after moaning about being tired when she spots a favourite character!

I don't think most children *need* a stroller after 4 or so, IF you are happy to go at their pace. If your style is to do the parks from the crack of dawn until closing and hit every single ride, a stroller will probably make everyone happy.

 

[The 6 J's]

This pic is from March. I also have a 2yo not in the picture. We have a double stroller we bring. On our next vacation this fall he will be 3 and <gasp> not only will we let him ride in the stroller we will probably let the 5yo ride for part of the time <the horror!>. Could everyone please judge our parenting choices so we can try to do the right thing by your standards? I mean, we let our daughter ride in the stroller when she was 4 and look at her now! And no matter what we do we just can't get the blue one to shed the extra weight. It's embarrassing. We never should have let him ride in the stroller for so long. (p.s. he also tries to bring his refillable mug to the parks!)

 

[finedice]

In your opinion.

In my opinion, it's no one's business if my 4 yr old is in a stroller.

Maybe you're only posting in passionate threads to stir the pot?

Remember, folks...

Not at all, that's the LAST thing I want to do. I just feel strongly that many kids are almost too coddled these days. It's a product of our society. I teach college; many kids that come to school these days have little independence, they want everything done for them.

No one in particular is to blame.

But in reality, strollers make the parks harder to navigate for everyone. I understand the need for them with small kids, but really - I get my achilles rammed by strollers and have to dodge around them (not always easy). Besides... the kids need to work off all the extra calories they enjoy while at Disney.

I just really believe that kids that are big enough to walk, should walk. Sorry if you don't think I'M allowed my own opinion. But when I see a 5,6,7 yo kid in a stroller, slurping a 600 calorie frozen lemonade or worse, a soda pop, it just touches a nerve...

I would never say anything to a person on vacation - by all means do whatever you want with your cash, and raise your child any way you see fit... Just remember that all these experiences add up to shape your children as adults.

As a teenager or an adult, I would be ashamed to look at vacation photos from my chidhood that had me in a stroller as a 6 or 7 yo child.

 

[mill4023]

Not at all, that's the LAST thing I want to do. I just feel strongly that many kids are almost too coddled these days. It's a product of our society. I teach college; many kids that come to school these days have little independence, they want everything done for them.

No one in particular is to blame.

But in reality, strollers make the parks harder to navigate for everyone. I understand the need for them with small kids, but really - I get my achilles rammed by strollers and have to dodge around them (not always easy). Besides... the kids need to work off all the extra calories they enjoy while at Disney.

I just really believe that kids that are big enough to walk, should walk. Sorry if you don't think I'M allowed my own opinion. But when I see a 5,6,7 yo kid in a stroller, slurping a 600 calorie frozen lemonade or worse, a soda pop, it just touches a nerve...

I would never say anything to a person on vacation - by all means do whatever you want with your cash, and raise your child any way you see fit... Just remember that all these experiences add up to shape your children as adults.

As a teenager or an adult, I would be ashamed to look at vacation photos from my chidhood that had me in a stroller as a 6 or 7 yo child.

You are making huge assumptions and we all know the saying.

Do you really think you can accurately judge how a person raises their child and how much they "coddle" them, based on whether they let them sit in a stroller on vacation at WDW?
If the answer is yes, you should probably be more worried about your own children and what you will do to help them overcome the IQ that they have inherited from you.

 

[mchhp]

*i have not read all the responses*

My kids are 4 and 2 and for our last trip (last month), they would have walked the whole time, if we let them. I didn't want the 2 year old to walk and the 4 year old had to ride during certain areas (like getting to the park), and when we had to get somewhere quick (for a reservation) or had to get through bad crowds.

So, for us, when they are 7 and 5, i doubt we will be using a stroller. I couldn't probably bribe them with disney junk to stay in it, or that is what im guessing will happen.

It boils down to what is best for your family. I would probably still bring an umbrella stroller in the car, and maybe keep in folded in the hotel closet just in case (for the younger one). and make sure you plans include resting for the little legs so the can get use to the disney hustle.

good luck and hope you have a wonderful trip

 

[drew-in-KY]

I'm renting a double - not from Disney - for our trip. My DD is 9 and DS is 6. No idea how much they'll use it, but when they do, I'm sure it's going to look funny. And you know what? I don't care. As a matter of fact, I almost hope that when they use it, we get the ole stink-eye from some people. I'll look right back, smile the biggest, goofiest smile I can muster and give a little wave. Then we'll keep on keepin' on, having a wonderful time.

 

[21hearts]

I haven't read through all of the posts but this is what our experience has been.

In February we brought our double stroller for our girls ( 2 y/o & 3 month old). We did not bring a stroller for our 3 y/o thinking he would be okay. We aim for at least one 15 minute break every hour to hour an hour so we figured he would do well with that and if needed we could adjust. He walked all day at AK and did okay. He did say a few times that he need to stop and we did. The next day we went to Epcot and around lunch time he was saying his feet hurt and he didn't want to walk anymore. Even taking breaks wasn't doing it. I had a carrier for our 3 month old so I carried her and he rode in the stroller for a bit. For the rest of the day we switched off. He would ride when needed and walk when he felt like it. That night my DH went to wal-mart and got him a little umbrella stroller that thankfully fits in the basket of our double stroller. So the next day at Hollywood Studios he would walk when he was able to and be able to sit in the stroller and we wouldn't have to move DD2 if she was sleeping or eating. Plus she didn't like the carrier at all.

We are going in December for DS 4th birthday and we will bring the umbrella stroller back & use it the same way. Although I'm not sure if it will be able to fit under the double stroller again since DD1 will have more medical equipment this time but we'll figure something out as our trip gets closer.

Again this was just OUR experience.

So after saying all of that I will say that I personally do not care how old your child is in the stroller. If you feel that you need the stroller for whatever reason then I say go for it & who cares what people on the internet will say? Nobody knows your child better then you do.

 

[YodaGirl]

Not at all, that's the LAST thing I want to do. I just feel strongly that many kids are almost too coddled these days. It's a product of our society. I teach college; many kids that come to school these days have little independence, they want everything done for them.

No one in particular is to blame.

Kids are coddled far too often. I'm just not so quick to blame the downfall of society on stroller usage at Disney.

But in reality, strollers make the parks harder to navigate for everyone. I understand the need for them with small kids, but really - I get my achilles rammed by strollers and have to dodge around them (not always easy). Besides... the kids need to work off all the extra calories they enjoy while at Disney.

Even pre-kids, I never had an issue of navigating the parks due to strollers. We always went during peak times, as well.

I just really believe that kids that are big enough to walk, should walk. Sorry if you don't think I'M allowed my own opinion. But when I see a 5,6,7 yo kid in a stroller, slurping a 600 calorie frozen lemonade or worse, a soda pop, it just touches a nerve...

An opinion ceases to be an opinion when it is given as fact, which is why I took issue with your post. My 4 yr old in a stroller is truly none of your concern. To say that no one over 3 should ever be in a stroller (barring medical issues) is really no longer voicing an opinion, but a fact.

I would never say anything to a person on vacation - by all means do whatever you want with your cash, and raise your child any way you see fit... Just remember that all these experiences add up to shape your children as adults.

Yes, all childhood experiences shape children. For some who use strollers as a "strategy", however, they aren't necessarily demonstrating life choices. It's an exception that they make for Disney. Experiencing all four parks provides more walking in one week than most active children are used to.

As a teenager or an adult, I would be ashamed to look at vacation photos from my chidhood that had me in a stroller as a 6 or 7 yo child.

Personally,I wouldn't put a 6 yr old in a stroller. At 5, I walked Disney commando-style. My dad may have carried my sleeping self back to the campsite, but I walked...and it was summer.

When we go back next year, we'll probably take a sit-n-stand (that we already have - I wouldn't buy one special for Disney). Would I rent a double if we didn't have it? I highly doubt it. In fact, DD probably won't use it very often. She may not even want to use it, since she refuses to ride in our jogging stroller anymore. She'd much rather be on her bike. We plan on taking an umbrella stroller for DS in the event that the sit n stand isn't being used. Heck, when time gets closer, we might not even bring it at all. A lot can change in 19 months.

That being said, it's not my place to tell a parent that they're spoiling their 6 or 7 yr old by using a stroller. Personally, I think it's more acceptable to use a Disney stroller for that age since they seem to be made to allow for older children as opposed to your average stroller. But again, it's none of my business.