Would you take a stroller abroad for a newly turned five year old

I wouldn’t have at that age but then my nearly 7 year old lazy toad daughter would happily be pushed around still now given half a chance.

We found holiday resorts and sightseeing trips quite tricky with a buggy anyway with lots of uneven pavements and tricky terrain. That’s only going to be tougher with a bigger child.

When you say she still naps abroad is that from recent experience? She may not still need one this time.

Overall take one if you think it’s going to really help you out but she is getting to the age where you’ve just got to get her used to walking and plan your trips and days around what is possible on little legs.

Basically came to write a similar comment. My very tall just turned 6 year old jumps in my out n about double any chance he gets. I’m quite firm with him usually that he needs to walk as the double is for younger siblings not for him these days.

However when he was just five I used to take it for very long days out in crowded places and would have the youngest in the sling instead and generally let him get in and out as he wanted. Or would swap and change the baby in and out of the sling/double pram.

If it was super crowded and I was worried about losing him I would tell him to jump in for a short while. Keeping multiple small children safe when out alone with them trumped any worrying about what people thought.

As all my kids are extremely tall for their age I’m used to people assuming they were way “too old” for the pram anyway. I have had snotty comments from people since my eldest was about 18 months old so it’s water off a ducks back by now.

OP- if you think it will make your life easier just take it. Useful for just carting stuff around. If you find you don’t need it, just leave at the accommodation and then you will know for next time!

I did for just turned 4 year old and they napped every day. But 5 is quite big, unless there’s a particular reason.

Absolutely no way!! I wouldn’t be taking one for any child older than 3. That’s bonkers.

and I have 3 kids

I wouldn't even consider it, i mean it wouldn't even occur to me. It depends on the type of disability your child has so hard to advise.

I’m not taking one for my three year old this year. But I did take one last year when he was two and his older brother was five, and the older one wanted to use it more than his brother. So I can see why you would be tempted especially if they’re still prone to napping.

Where does the OP mention her child has a disability?

That's true! I said to my husband that I felt that dd would be safer in the buggy in the big city because managing 3 kids in the hustle and bustle was a risk in itself. I wouldn't have cared if anyone judged me either

Didn't read every single message but skim read some. Why else would a 4 or a 5 year old need a stroller?

Not in a million years. You need to take the 5YOs needs and stamina into account when planning the holiday. If they’re likely to be tired from late nights, which is totally fair enough, plan for some chill time in the shade on a lounger or in the hotel room.

No 5 is too old

Our eldest was out of her pushchair at 17 months and that was the end of it. Middle and third when they were 2. They didn’t like them and preferred walking.
I mean do whatever works for you all best, we took quite chill holidays when the dc were that age, a bit of wandering about during the day if we weren’t at the pool or the beach and then dinner out somewhere near enough to walk there and back from so we managed. But we are not you!

No but I took my dtds to New York age 5 and we walked miles so I’m guessing we parent differently. Didn’t occur to me to take a stroller. There was one day when jet lag and walking caught up with them and they slept most of the day so dh and I took turns to go out alone and shop 😆

Agree with this. i regret not taking one with me for my then 4 year old dc, as would have meant a more comfortable trip all round. Dc got very tired due to all the walking and we had to keep coming back to hotel room during the day for naps. I feel we could have been more spontaneous with a buggy, as dc could have napped in there.

The point of a holiday is for everyone to get the most enjoyment.
If the stroller means that your child can sleep and the adults can enjoy the day/evening more then why not.
You might get some judgy looks but who cares. You'll never see these people again.

Enjoy your hols.
X

I wouldn’t take a stroller for my four year old because we don’t have one any more. However, I would and will be taking a scooter when we go on holiday. I might also take one of those kart things for when we go to the beach and I’m sure she’ll sit in there any chance she gets.

No. My view is if your child is that tiered take them to bed. Does it mean missing out on some night time entertainment...yes but I would rather he was sleeping soundly in bed than me watching a show.
but I suppose if you have other children then that might complicate it more if there isn't enough adults to supervise them all.

No. You need to plan around your child’s need for rest / sleep rather than stick them in a stroller. They’re 5, not a toddler.

If it makes the holiday easier sure why not. They're so handy for evening time especially if there's entertainment on. Saves having to go to bed or sit in the room at 7pm

I’d be tempted if they still fit, mine definitely still struggled by evening at 5

I took one on last holiday when DC1 was just turned 5 but partly because DC2 was just turned 3. Both used it but I'm not sure if I would take just for 5.

I remember bringing one for DC2 who was four and a half at the time. We were visiting a few different cities and it was just easier to have the buggy with us.

When we stayed near a beach, DC2 refused to sit in it but I remember feeling very embarrassed when DC1 happily and lazily sat in it until I refused to push it!

Why? If mine are happy I let them go until they drop on holidays and rather enjoy having a snoozing 3/4/5 year old on me at the odd dinner or entertainment! No one is rushing up in the morning and everyone enjoys the evenings.

A five year old that needs sleep after a long day needs to be in a bed, not a stroller.

Yes if you think it will be used.

I used one when youngest was 4 1/2 as we had an extremely long day out in hot weather and in some busier places it was easier and safer knowing they were strapped in 1 place!

It meant we didn’t need to rush back for bedtime as for a one off it was ok they slept in the pushchair early evening.

We also got from one place to another much quicker going at a faster pace.

When everything got too much and overwhelming, they could almost ‘zone out’ in the safety of the pushchair.

So long as they are comfortable in it and you think they would need it then take it.