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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Buggy for 5 year old?

167 replies

IShitGlitter · 22/08/2019 17:42

We have just booked our first abroad holiday with the kids to lanazrote. Weve been aboard loads but weve not taken the plunge with the kids yet......anyway

AIBU to want a double buggy to take for my DD3 DS5 (ages when we go) am thinking at the end of the day he will be shatterd after pool fun evening entertainment ect. Just to be clear he is a fantastic walker and walks everywhere normally.

so AIBU putting my 5 year old in a buggy

OP posts:
ItStartedWithAKiss241 · 22/08/2019 18:43

I have a just 5 year old and a 3 year old and I often wish I still had a buggy to pop the 5 year old in. X

MRex · 22/08/2019 18:43

Can you get a trike with parent steering? Then he can cycle it himself or you push if he's tired.

raspberryk · 22/08/2019 18:43

I wouldn't take a buggy for either of them!

Therarestone · 22/08/2019 18:43

I took one for my 4 year old. Saved a lot of complaining on evening walks. It's a pain to travel with but if it's going to make life a little easier and happier for everyone while you are away then go for it

00100001 · 22/08/2019 18:44

Buggy board or scooter!

Nixen · 22/08/2019 18:44

Bit embarrassing surely. Just go back to the hotel earlier if you think he’s going to be that knackered!

HettyStThomas · 22/08/2019 18:47

I bought a £22 buggy for DS4 during our trip to Disney. Even DS7 used it at times as he was shattered. It will be a life line, get one.

TrainspottingWelsh · 22/08/2019 18:48

walkers soy thanks. Dd was definitely too tall, but just used the foot rest and had high knees iyswim. Iirc she was a few kg over the weight limit but I just ignored it, she was old enough to tell me if it started ripping! Although she was incredibly skinny so you’re probably right that it might be difficult to find one for a normal slim child.

Pinkkahori · 22/08/2019 18:49

We went to Disneyland Paris when youngest dd was 6. On the second day we rented a buggy for dd. It was great. She hopped in and out as she needed, it carried the coats, bags etc and we were able to stay out as late as we wanted without worrying that she would be too tired to walk back to the hotel.
Based on that i'd say go for it.

plinkyblonk · 22/08/2019 18:50

YANBU it's a great idea if you are out that wee bit later and he wants to sleep. I understand what the others are saying about his age and not wanting to sit in a buggy but If it was. Me I'd take one as a just in case if he doesn't use it great but if he's tired and you don't have it you'll regret it.

Halo1234 · 22/08/2019 18:50

We went away when my ds was around 5 and had a buggy for my 2 year old dd. My ds was in it more than her and I wished I had an extra buggy for him. Dd was lighted to carry. Whilst he never used a buggy at home the heat, late nights etc. Mean that tired legs sometimes and it's the easiest way. Plus it is good to throw your beach stuff towels and everything on so u dont have to carry them. Do it and dont feel judged. Do what works for u. Have a lovely holiday.

ooooohbetty · 22/08/2019 18:50

Just been on holiday with a 5 year old who managed a 40 minute walk each evening after spending the whole day running around. Don't put him in a buggy because you want him to be in one.

SouthernLands · 22/08/2019 18:55

I used a buggy a lot as I didn't have a car, so all shopping, trips to town, school pick up etc I had my 4 year old in a buggy. There is no way she would have fitted at 5, I know that as I kept it in case I had to take her to the doctor.

When you say we I presume there will be two adults. In which case the easiest will be to expect him to walk and give a piggy back if absolutely necessary.

soloula · 22/08/2019 18:56

Get a taxi? My 5yo would be mortified if I tried to put her back in a buggy - she's been out one for years. Actually my 3yo would refuse too. Why do something that tires them out to the point of exhaustion? Where's the fun in that - for them or you?

NerrSnerr · 22/08/2019 18:57

It does seem like a huge waste of resources to buy a double buggy for just one trip that you're likely to never use again (you may not even use it on the holiday). I have a child going into year 1 and don't know any of her friends who have used a buggy since they were about 3.

WhyBirdStop · 22/08/2019 18:59

Surely get a taxi or the eldest goes on dad's bank/shoulders. DN just turned four and we went away with them last year and he didn't have a buggy then. Just don't keep them out to the point of exhaustion and let them have lie ins or an afternoon nap

Pointlessquestions · 22/08/2019 19:00

Baby jogger double. Our one year old and four year old use it on evenings when they are tired and it is easy fold and lightweight

RainOrSun · 22/08/2019 19:00

Will you have enough luggage allowance to take it on the plane? It wont be carried for free with the ages of your kids.
Personally, I wouldn't do it - but then I put the 4 year old in the buggy when he was ill once, and it was hard work pushing that. I dont fancy pushing a double with a 3 &5yr old in much!

CottonSock · 22/08/2019 19:03

I've been away loads with my kids and we used a buggy board aged 3 to 4 then walking. Struggling this holiday with my (just) 3yo as buggy didn't fit in car!

AmIRightOrAMeringue · 22/08/2019 19:06

Dont think I'd bother for a 10 min walk

We took my 4 year old on holiday and there was a 20 min walk to dinner and back. She isn't the greatest walker but managed a lot better than we thought (a couple of occasions on our shoulders or piggy back) along the front as it's a lot more interesting than at home, and could be bribed with promises of ice cream the next day. It's quite a long way to take a double buggy for just 10 - 20 min a day

Dippypippy1980 · 22/08/2019 19:10

If it work for you and you think he will sit on it, go for it.

We tool a buggy camping in Italy when my daughter was around five. Big campsite, and we only used it at night. It it was a god send when walking home from restaurants late at night. We were then able to lift her into bed without waking her.

We just used her buggy from when she was a toddler, she fit fine. No one batted an eyelid, and I wouldn’t have cared if they did😊.

I remember David Cameron getting ripped to shreds for having one of his kids in a buggy - never really understood why people cared so much.

Queenioqueenio · 22/08/2019 19:11

No way would any of mine got into a buggy at 5. You might be very surprised and find he’s leading the way at the kiddie disco and going home for a nap is the last thing he wants to do!!

Firstworddinosaur · 22/08/2019 19:15

Do what you think is best not what others think is acceptable. BUT I would warn you that buggy will be heavy! I pushed a 3yr old and 5 yr old around in one on holiday (5 yr old is autistic and prone to running off or refusing to move). It ruined my back, bad pavements, steering etc. It's be better to piggy back/ carry if they get tired imo. Have a great holiday whatever you decide x

DamnitCharlie · 22/08/2019 19:17

What about scooters so that they don't have to do as much walking in the evening? I've seen ones that double up as little suitcases so as a bonus they can carry it and carry some stuff in it!

Soubriquet · 22/08/2019 19:18

I would

I miss having my double buggy now with my 4 and 6 year old. Some days I wish I could shove them in one and just walk.

I would much rather have a buggy where my child could crash than have to go home early because they are whiny and tired