“Do we really need to travel with a stroller? I was thinking about leaving it at home, it’s so big and bulky!”
This is a common question for traveling families (most common for dads to ask- as they picture the big bulky stroller added to the pile of luggage).
The answer? There is no hesitation when I answer this one.
Yes. Even if you do not have children - bring the stroller! (just kidding)
Why? You may feel comfortable envisioning your 3, 4 or 5 year old walking alongside you enjoying the travel delights of the much anticipated vacation and think it is unnecessary to haul the stroller along.
But reality is that little feet get tired, nap times are often missed or delayed, overstimulated senses start to short circuit and by the middle of the afternoon – even you wish you could sit in the stroller!
And let’s talk about late dinners after a full day of travel! My husband and I appreciate the stroller for the late sitting dinners on cruise ships. Since we are on California time, my son stays up late on many trips due to the time change. By the end of the evening, he is ready to watch a favorite show on our iPod or iPhone. So the stroller is a “theater” to watch shows, read books, and clean out his nose in private (see photo) or a quiet zone where he eventually would fall asleep. This allowed my husband and I to have some quality dinners and late night walks on the moonlit decks of the ship while our son slept peacefully in his stroller.
Do not assume a child will patiently wait in line, and lines are everywhere when traveling. The line at the ticket counter in Milan, Italy was only 1 person deep.
45 MINUTES later we were helped. 45 Minutes standing still is NOT going to happen for a 3 year old. (I wished I had a stroller for myself to relax in during that long wait!)
Recently, our good friends flew to China with their 4 year old daughter to welcome their adopted 2 year old son into the family. When packing, they told me their plan to leave the stroller at home.
Having traveled to 15 countries with my son who is now 4 1/2, I said to them, “The stroller is probably one of the most undervalued items to pack. In fact, if you had to leave all else at home, it may be the one thing I would recommend taking.”
But isn’t a stroller heavy and just something extra to lug around? Oh my friend – do not make this mistake. The stroller is like having an extra pair of hands, a shoulder to lean on and extra strong arms to carry your most precious cargo. The stroller is the place that all bags, jackets, toys, drinks, and tired little bodies call home. Even when an older child wants to walk, you will find the stroller to be invaluable for carrying souvenirs, diapers, snacks, the camera, umbrellas, extra clothes, the day pack, and of course beverages that keep the family hydrated. Yes, I know sometimes I look like a bag lady – but reality is that if the stroller didn’t carry all our souvenir bags and stuff, my shoulder would be. I also have found the stroller rain covers great for covering wet park benches!
This past weekend, we visited with our friends after their recent return from China. A neighbor and good friend had accompanied them (increasing the ratio) on their 3 week journey. My friends introduced me to her saying, “This is Anya – the one who gave us the stroller”. The friend instantly smiled and with her arms extended rushed over to me, profusely thanking me. “Anya, I cannot thank you ENOUGH! The stroller was fantastic and a life-saver!”
In fact, Mary (the mom) just sent me this email (and gave me permission to post this as well as these beautiful photos of two little siblings becoming acquainted with each other and China).
Anya,
As you know this stroller was a lifesaver for us on our China trip. We used it everywhere- the airport, sight-seeing, shopping, and for strolling to restaurants for dinner. Despite the fact that our daughter is now 4 1/2, she loved sitting in it. It was easy to open and close and was not overly cumbersome. The baskets in the rear of each seat came in very handy and it was easy to adjust the seat even while the kids were still in it. Neither of my children fell asleep in it while in China; however, during a recent jaunt around the neighborhood my daughter fell asleep in it and slept and slept soundly for over an hour. Thanks again for insisting that we take it with us.
Warm Regards,
Mary
Travel means increased activity, lots of stimulants for all senses, unusual foods and eating patterns, and a tendency to want to see all and do all. Naps are undervalued and many times ignored in travel environments. However, a mid-afternoon nap or down time even for the normal non-napper can mean pleasant late afternoon and dinner memories for the entire family.
Strollers can also keep children warm in cold climates. Blankets, rain covers (against wind), and leg muffs work great to keep kids warm in the cold climates. In hot climates, portable mini fans and sun shades can keep the heat from overwhelming kids.
Overtired children in unfamiliar environments can quickly increase tension and stress for all! A stroller is a mobile child station: allowing a child to rest, eat a snack, read a book, play with a toy, and offers the parent a clean place to change diapers. This sanitary, familiar area provides comfort to the child and parent in unfamiliar ever-changing environments.
Strollers also allow children to be protected by the onslaught of sensory stimulation. My son tends to be on the shy side until he feels comfortable in a situation. This gelato shop in Italy was near our apartment and the workers LOVED my son. They would drop everything and come see him when we came in the shop. His stroller allowed him to feel “safe” without being in my arms.
Strollers also allow adults to keep going when little ones have other ideas. And with so many distractions, little ones often do not want to walk at the pace or in the direction we prefer.
It also is a great way to keep sightseeing even in the rain!
So does it mean packing up the big, bulky stroller? Well, this really does depend on each family’s situation.
-Taking a trip to big, open parks or rural terrain? Consider the ruggedness of the stroller – especially the wheels!
-Will you have room in your trunk (rental car or personal car) for the dependable jogging stroller or the wonderfully sturdy European stroller (those babies cruise in comfort!)?
-Lots of stairs at your destination? Consider durable lightweight! Some itineraries have stairs PLUS cobblestones (Italy)!
-Traveling with multiple little ones?
-Trains or buses part of the itinerary?
If traveling with multiple children, a double stroller may be the right decision. But if getting on and off subways and trains is part of the plan, two single strollers may be better. Lightweight, quality strollers are definitely the way to go for international travel. Even lightweight double strollers are available now.
I discourage travelers from being tempted to pack the $20 umbrella stroller. You will have $20 of a junk pile, a frustrated, tired child, and stress when the wheels b
reak on the first lap. Broken wheels and handles defeat the purpose of traveling with a stroller – consider the ruggedness and quality required to make the journey (and surviving storage in the cargo section of the plane after being gate-checked).
Do not leave the stroller at home or check it as baggage.
Gate check the stroller to the connecting city rather than the final destination. Through long airport corridors (even if just for hauling your stuff so you can hold the hand of your ambulating child), waiting for rental cars, standing in airport security or amusement park lines – so many times a stroller will save the day.
Do you have a special needs child or one who struggles with asthma, fatigue, or other medical condition? A stroller can provide respite from environmental stimulants helping to calm any child. My son takes heart medication that tires him out after a lot of activity. We will travel with a stroller until he literally cannot fit in one. But even if fatigue wasn’t an issue, the stroller is my assistant as I journey around the world with necessary resources while away from home.
Trust me on this one.
Like a traveling companion – pick your stroller wisely.
Durable, low maintenance, and a sanity saver – the stroller is a top Jet With Kids pick for packing peace of mind!
For those times that strollers are not ideal, a strong baby carrier can save the day AND your back. It also may be a good choice if traveling with multiple kids or for varied activities at your destination!
Click here to read about how our ERGObaby carrier carried my 35lb. child all over London and Vienna!
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