Stroller/snugli ?

[pixie1115]

We have a dd that will be almost 2 when we travel. We plan to bring a stroller with us (umbrella type) I think. I know dd won't want to be in it all the time and also I heard they are hard on the trails in AK which we really want to walk. Should we invest in some sort of backpack thingy for her to sit is and DH to wear Or just stick with the stroller...and do they even make those for 2 yr olds?

 

[TwoTigersMom]

We have a dd that will be almost 2 when we travel. We plan to bring a stroller with us (umbrella type) I think. I know dd won't want to be in it all the time and also I heard they are hard on the trails in AK which we really want to walk. Should we invest in some sort of backpack thingy for her to sit is and DH to wear Or just stick with the stroller...and do they even make those for 2 yr olds?

I have a Kelty Kid's stroller/backpack combo and it was great when our youngest was 18 months or less. When he started getting older than 18 months it wasn't very comfortable for him. I would reccommend using your stroller where you can or want to then just letting her walk some too. I know I'll probably get slammed for saying this, but oh well.... I am a big believer in using a leash. I have a plain dog leash that my kids love. I snap it around their waist and off we go. That way I don't have to worry about them getting it loose or someone else or them getting away from me. They love it because they don't have to walk around with their hand in the air all day and they can move around and explore wherever they want.

If you really want something too carry her in I'd reccomend a Maya Wrap. I bought one for my oldest when he was a baby and I've been hooked since. They really help your back when you wear your child on your hip. I still use mine for my 2 year old sometimes when he's sick. He's a very clingy child so in order to get things done I just wear him on my hip. You can also use them as a leash, or a quick fix for securing children in shopping carts or restraunt high chairs that have broken straps. :lol:

 

[ErickainPA]

Backpack carriers are good for up to 40 lbs.

We have a backpack leash for our son (he doesn't use it yet, as he is only 4 1/2 months) but it looks like this:

Nice because it's a backpack for small items your child may want (cup, snacks or little toy) but also will allow you to keep your DD close to you while she walks around. Besides it's cute

 

[Highland_Holly]

Yes, take and use a stroller... a 2yo gets VERY heavy very quickly, even piggy-back! Umbrella strollers are nice for their compact travel size, but consider a lightweight stroller that reclines for napping. A sunshade is a great thing too, as is a storage bin... one of the better strollers I've seen (and wish I had) is the McLaren. DITTOS on the use of a leash! People who give you dirty looks for using one have obviously never had a child disappear in a store! They also make wrist-to-wrist type straps which are nice... (that would be CHILD's wrist to YOUR wrist - not strapping child's wrists together... LOL!)

Holly

 

[tigsmom]

Take the stroller if you want, but encourage your child to walk too because there is so much to explore...I think a 2 y/o would get very heavy on the paths if you had to carry them.

I'm another who used a leash (wrist ones were around when my kids were little) because mine always ran ahead and got into things. Don't feel bad about it, they were around in the 50's and 60's too and my mom used them on us (harness/leash combo)...they were very popular. Do what you have to to keep your child safe and forget about what others may think.

 

[Nemo14]

I used the wrist ones on my kids too and don't regret it a bit. My daughter loved hers - it gave her just enough freedom to explore without escaping. In fact at her high school graduation, when the valedictorian mentioned having been a leash baby too, a very audible sigh of agreement went up throughout the auditorium!:lol:

 

[coltow]

Yes, take and use a stroller... a 2yo gets VERY heavy very quickly, even piggy-back! Umbrella strollers are nice for their compact travel size, but consider a lightweight stroller that reclines for napping. A sunshade is a great thing too, as is a storage bin... one of the better strollers I've seen (and wish I had) is the McLaren. DITTOS on the use of a leash! People who give you dirty looks for using one have obviously never had a child disappear in a store! They also make wrist-to-wrist type straps which are nice... (that would be CHILD's wrist to YOUR wrist - not strapping child's wrists together... LOL!)

I have both the McLaren stroller and the wrist leash. My now 3 yr old can only take hand holding for so long before he wants some freedom. We used the leash while country touring in Epcot as well as waiting for Wishes and hte parades. That way he could sit by himself and I didn't have to worry about him running away.

The stroller had been worth every penny we spent. It works fine on the trails at AK and it reclines, which was a plus. It also has a basket and came with a shade and rain cover, what more could you ask for when going to WDW during July?

 

[ELopez]

It also depends on the size/weight of the child. We had an awesome backpack that we often carried our toddlers in at WDW until they became too big (sooner for some than others!). But it needs to be a really quality backpack that won't have you in physical therapy for the next 6 months. It also helped taking turns wearing it w/ my husband (ok, so he probably put in a lot more time than me.).

The major advantage was not having to "park it" every time we got in line for something. Also, if we had to wait, I didn't want my toddler stepping all over those around us in line.

For those with younger ones, it works even better. We could just take the backpack off and set it next to us in the ride without even taking the baby out! Worked especially great on rides like Small World, Pirates, etc. Just tried baby #4 in it this past September.

 

[tink68]

We are going in Dec with our 2 year old and I have every intention of using one of those leashes. It is way too crowded and I would be scared my son would run off. I think they are good because it gives you both the freedom to walk and look. I know I often miss things because I am so busy chasing after him. I love that backpack/leash thing too. That is really cute!

 

[raremerebear]

Just got back today, and I cannot live without my 2 year old DS's Monkey harness. The pic is in an earlier post. I couldn't agree more with the poster that said the people who give dirty looks to a leash haven't misplaced a baby :lol: It happened at Sea World for 2 minutes and I have never been more scared & self loathing at the same time and swore that would never ever happen again! I find I get more positive comments about the monkey harness, maybe b/c it's not so typical. My DS is in the "has to walk everywhere, refuses to sit in a stroller" phase even when exhausted, so this is really the best alternative for us. Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[smk]

Backpack carriers are good for up to 40 lbs.

We have a backpack leash for our son (he doesn't use it yet, as he is only 4 1/2 months) but it looks like this:

Nice because it's a backpack for small items your child may want (cup, snacks or little toy) but also will allow you to keep your DD close to you while she walks around. Besides it's cute

What a great idea! If I had young ones at the parks I would use this!

 

[smk]

I can relate to loosing your kids at a park, turn around and they are gone! So scary for them and us. My daughter who is now 24, got off a ride and ran to where she thought we were and got lost for a few minutes, she was 3 then and she still has a memory of it. When kids loose sight of their parents they tend to run, until they get old enough to understand to stand in one place and yell for you then a lease, stoller, snugli, harness etc...is the only way to have peace of mind.

 

[ErickainPA]

Don't worry about what anyone says if it's negative that you use a harness or leash. It's your child and you are watching out for their best welfare, if he/she was their child they would do the same thing.

 

[sarajo]

We use a MacLaren umbrella stroller for the parks and it is wonderful. As far as the trails at AK being too rough, we haven't had a problem with the MacLaren. With one of the $20 umbrella strollers, you will probably have a problem... but the extra cost of the MacLaren is well worth the more stable ride. Our 2 kids have been able to nap in the reclining seat and there is a sunshade and ample basket. With a cheaper version, you don't have those amenities. And... when you're back home from Disney, you'll have a nice umbrella stroller for everyday usage. It is generally our primary stroller.

Have a great trip!