when did you ditch the stroller?

[waitingforsomething]

DS is 16.5 months. My DH hates the stroller (we live overseas at the moment and don't have a car so rely on buses - the rules are that you fold them up in all circumstances). He finds it cumbersome and DS actually cries a lot in it. DD hated her pushchair and wouldn't get in it from 15 months so DH thinks that all little toddlers don't need buggies - he therefore wishes to not put DS in a pushchair anymore....

Now, DS only started walking at 14 months and not confidently until 15 months. I think it's a bit early to ditch it altogether, but DH thinks he will only build his stamina for walking if he does it a lot.

What does mumsnet think - we are at (friendly) loggerheads about it!

[Yika]

I didn't ditch mine until age 4 (Slow, reluctant walker yet also a bolter!). I could actually go for a brisk walk in those days (sigh). Only ditched it because I thought it was getting embarrassing for her ... but she liked going in it. So I'd take the cue from your child.

[bloodydrama]

No way at that age! Their legs get tired. They can run off. You may need to carry bags as well. It all depends on what you're doing.
I still take one for DS who's nearly 3 if it's a long walk or I know he'll be tired or I have other stuff to carry.

[icklekid]

It depends how far you've got to walk and what dh suggests you do if ds refuses to walk. Most of my friends whose 2 year olds don't use pushchairs anymore drive everywhere and are carried if they don't want to walk. Ds can walk about 20mins but I tend to use double with dd as couldn't carry him. He also still naps so wouldn't walk if getting towards nap time. I would suggest to your dh he doesn't have to use pushchair if he is taking him out/happy to carry him but you will use when convenient for you!

[Getnakedorgohome]

My ds always hated the pushchair from being tiny. He started walking at 6 months, confidently at 7mo and running by 9 mo. We ditched the pushchair at about 7 mo because he used to fight so much. Instead I have a toddler tula which goes in my bag. If he gets tired while we're out he goes up on my back. He naps up their and everything and I can get things done without having to shove the pushchair about!

[bloodydrama]

Your baby walked at 6 months???

[Getnakedorgohome]

Yep. It was crazy. He hasn't stopped since either. Almost never sits down!

[bloodydrama]

Good lord. My nearly 6mo can't sit unaided yet but she does roll all over the place
The sling is great too, was going to suggest a toddler sling (connecta/Tula/beco) for the OP. Her OH might like to try that?

[Bubbinsmakesthree]

Depends massively on stamina and behaviour of the individual toddler, although I would say my need for the stroller has actually increased rather than decreased between 18mo to 2.5yo as on trips out without the buggy he will either:

-walk so slowly that a 5 minute trip takes 20mins

-insist on being carried (he's 95th centile weight and I'm pregnant!)

-refuse to be carried

-run off in the middle of a shop shouting "can't get me!"

-make a bee-line for anything he shouldn't have his hands on

-refuse to stand still when required

-insist on standing still (or indeed laying in the middle of the street) when required to move.

So basically it's largely a mobile restraint device rather than a mode of transport!

[Heratnumber7]

Have you thought of using a back pack instead of a buggy? It's much easier.

[confusedandemployed]

DD was 2 but we hadn't used it in ages. Did lots of walking as we're dog owners so (a) she was used to it and (b) I took a toddler soft structure sling for when she tired. Tbh if you do much walking I'd always favoufavour a sling / backpack. So much easier.

[ChipIn]

Try a baby carrier. Something like a ring sling is easy to put in a bag or a structured (beco/ Tula/ connecta) are pretty easy to put on. I never take the push chair because it's a pain in the arse. DD never kicks off in the carrier.

[Jeffjefftyjeff]

DS was about 20 months. Hated his pushchair and I used to do a 20-30 min walk to my parents with him daily. After a while I realised he could walk the whole way and I was pushing an empty pushchair so we both just walked.

It was hard when we were out and about and he needed an afternoon nap though (one famous-in-our-family occasion overseas he slept on a restaurant table- at the suggestion of staff I hasten to add!)

[Xmasbaby11]

Dd2 is 2 10 and we still use the buggy. She loves it! She is capable of walking and is obviously out of it a lot but we use it because:

Dd1 is nearly 5 but only recently off the buggy board. I sill need to keep an eye on her and can't handle two of them running off!

It's just quicker

Carries all shopping etc

We live near lots of busy main roads

She naps in it

At this stage it would be ok if dd2 decided she didn't want to use the buggy anymore, but for now it's so handy. I don't feel any pressure to stop using it.

[Ilovenannyplum]

My 2.4 month old still uses the buggy, he only started walking at 22 months so he still gets tired.
He usually walks in the opposite direction of where I need him, stops to have a chat to random objects, occasional tantrum.

I'm not ready to part with it yet!

[MedicMama]

We've never used a stroller/buggy etc. I've always used slings as they just seem so much more practical -maybe give one a go?

[RoseDog]

My DD was about 2 when we ditched stroller, she'd was a good walker, well behaved and seemed to enjoy walking.

DS was about 4 and a half when I completely gave up the stroller, he was like the Tasmanian devil, if I dared blink he was up to no good, it just safer for everyone he was strapped in!

[Soubriquet]

That's way too young

Dd used to get in and out of the buggy from around the age of 2. Then at 2.5 she point blank refused to get in it anymore.

I got rid of it then

Wish I hadn't as a few months down the line she started to whinge about her legs hurting.

Luckily my ds's buggy (her younger brother) is strong enough to support her to sit on the hood so she sits on there when she gets tired

Ds is 22 months. I wouldn't dream of giving it up yet.

[GettingitwrongHauntingatnight]

So what happens when the baby is too tired to walk or wants to nap. You will also need to carry nappies etc?

[GettingitwrongHauntingatnight]

Unless you use a sling?

[waitingforsomething]

Thanks everyone. He is MASSIVE so there's no way I can use a sling anymore. I have done what someone upthread suggested and said DH is welcome to go buggy free whenever he wants, which is he is fine with as he doesn't mind carrying him when he gets fed up. I do mind carrying him, and I also look after him all week so I will be continuing to use the buggy if I think I need to! DH has read the thread and understands my/your points of view now!
I think because DD was an exception, she was a willing and confident early walker and a buggy hater, he thinks all children are like this. DS is doing very well with his walking but tires quicker than DD did.

And also, walking at 6 months, wow! I thought DD was an early walker at 10.5 months!

[neversleepagain]

We stopped using our double buggy for our twins when they turned 3.