Any suggestions regarding the make/model of lightweight strollers designed to fit bigger kids? My very-soon-to-be six-year-old son (probably around 45" and 45 pounds, small for his age) has outgrown the cheapie $20 stroller I bought at Target for our last DL trip this past May. (He BARELY fit in it back then.)

We'll be going again in December and I want to find a stroller to fit him. Most strollers are for smaller kids. Ideally, the stroller would be lightweight, inexpensive (no $200 Rolls Royce models), have a canopy shade, and have storage capacity behind the seat.

Any suggestions? I've been Googling, but had no luck yet. I'd rather not rent the Park strollers and just have my own. He loves to ride in his special 'mobile'.

Thank you for the assistance.

Wanda Woman

I can't offer any advice for a stroller to fit your needs. I'm just wondering why you don't want to rent the park strollers.

Oh, I just don't like the hassle of waiting in the stroller line as soon as I enter the park. We go for six days when we take a DL trip and we go to both parks. That's a lot of waiting for a stroller. Also, you can't take the rental strollers across the Esplanade, so you have to wait in the stroller line again if you Park hop.

Another reason: it's soooooo nice to have the stroller for the walk back to the hotel (we're staying at HoJo's) when the pumpkin is a little too pooped to walk (and Mom is too pooped to carry the not-so-little pumpkin).

Wanda Woman

Ah...I see. Been there...done that. It is awfully convenient not to have to empty the stroller when leaving the gates of the park. Plus, carrying a sleeping kid to the hotel is quite difficult.

Have you tried visiting Toys R Us, Walmart, or Target and seeing what fits?

Yes, I've tried the local megastores. I can't find a 'big kid' stroller that doesn't cost less than $100. The 'jogging' strollers will fit big kids, but they cost so much!

I only use the stroller for Dland trips, so I hate to spend lots of $$$ on it.

I might have to rethink that strategy, though.

Wanda Woman

I came across this one at Babiesrus.com
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005QXQ8/qid=1059572440/br=1-14/ref=br_lf_ba_14//103-5598720-9667015?v=glance&s=baby&n=542444

One of the reviewers took their son to Disney using this stroller (Chicco Caddy Stroller). The downside is that it doesn't have storage. You'd need a bag for that. Just loop your bag over the handles of the stroller (I've seen other parents do this).

Good luck on your search. Hope you find something your son.

Crystal

Thanks, Mommy! I saw that Chicco stroller at Wal-Mart, but the max weight listed was 40 pounds, so I didn't really consider it.

However, in looking at the photo it does seem a little wider in the seat area (hey, aren't we all?) than your average lightweight stroller and the price is certainly right.

I may have to see if the little pumpkin can squeeze into it.

Thanks for the info, Mommy2! Any other suggestions would also be appreciated.

Wanda Woman

Have you considered a wagon instead of a stoller? It's just a thought since he's a big kid and maybe you have one already or have a friend who does?

I'm pretty sure that they don't allow wagons in the park. It's something to do with whatever you are toting your kids in must be pushed and not pulled.

Wagons are great to tote the bigger kids in though. We use ours when we go to the zoos and places that allow them.:)

I know I've seen them there. They aren't quite the rage they were. Is it a 911 policy not to allow them?

No, I think it's that, if you're pushing something, it's second-nature to watch what's around it and make sure that it's not bumping into things, people, etc. If you're pulling something, it's behind you and you're more likely not going to notice that you're running over people's feet, bumping into curbs, not noticing if your kid climbs out, etc. At least that's how I heard it explained once.

The official word is that wagons are not allowed in the park. From what I figure, I've seen them rarely, I'm guessing those that have come in, got in despite the rule.

I have seen CMs tell people with wagons that they can't bring them into the park and tell them to take them back to their cars.

Adrienne

Hi!
My 4 year old daughter is about the same size as your son and we bought this stroller for our last trip:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005OONS/qid=1059615994/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/103-7205299-4949422?v=glance&s=baby&n=507846
It was AWESOME! And inexpensive! She loved the tray and cup holder. There is a huge basket below. We just bought it at the local Toys R Us.
Good luck and have fun!

Do not rent a stroller at the park!! It is much too small to hold a child your son's size, and there is very little storage area.

We found out the hard way on our last visit when we left our stroller in the car at the hotel. The little wedge-shaped seat was a tight fit for our 4-year old (42 inches & 40 lbs.) and there was no protection from the sun and the storage area wasn't big enough for our back pack. We ended up trading it in for a wheel chair which was kind of appropriate since my little one had his appendix removed back in June and it had only been 3 weeks since his operation. It still didn't provide any shade or storage but gave him the rest he needed.

I'm glad to see we aren't the only parents of 'older' little ones who still use a stroller. It's really used more as a stuff holder that anything else though because when my son is 100% he prefers to walk.

The Perfect Stroller is Perfect Match by Combi. Awesome!!!!! check it out a babystyle.com The feature that really sold me is its fully reclineable. the footrest comes up!!! I bought it for my trip to DL last March my daughter was 17 months old. it has so many features. and I only paid $88!!!! it just glides when you push it, and you can really feel the shock absorbers working when you go over bumps. It can hold your discman or walkman, it has a special pocket for it and comes with speaks that fit in the canopy!!!!;)

Many thanks for all of your replies!

I checked out the Cat & Dog stroller recommended by QueenofHearts. My son was too tall for it.

However, the Perfect Match stroller by Combi recommended by GeminiAngel was a great fit! The $88 price (which ends up being $100 with tax, free shipping, and large item surcharge) is a bit pricey (but the best price I've found on that particular stroller), but I will probably end up buying it because of the lack of any cheaper alternative.

Again, thank you to all who replied and especially to QueenofHearts and GeminiAngel!

Wanda Woman