When Do You Give Up Your Stroller?

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

08 Feb 2008 09:19 AM

I'm always intrigued by parents' answers to this and their justifications for keeping the stroller. Not at all that I necessarily think it's bad to keep the stroller around. I just find that it's different for each family--and that some parents have very strong opinions about what to do. So I offer up the question for you to answer. When do you give up your stroller and insist that junior walk?

My Answer:

None of my children have ridden in a stroller past 18 months. As soon as they are walking, we insist (within reason) that they do so although we can still be seen toting a stroller for at least another year after that. Why would we do that to our children you might ask?

1. Most of you who regularly read my blogs, know that we live in New York City. New Yorkers walk. I generally walk several blocks, all kids in tow, to just get to my vehicle. That's IF I'm driving somewhere. If I'm not, and we're taking the train. . .well, then there's more walking. Not to mention the fact that you can't even get on a bus with a stroller (well that's only partially true. . .) and it's not that easy to get on and off the subway with a stroller either. Walking is a lifestyle here and I've found that my kids do just fine walking all over town if need be.

2. We are not big stroller fans. Have you ever tried pushing a stroller in wall to wall people? It's not that easy. We learned quickly that it's much easier to sling the baby to go out and about. . .and so that's what we do. The lighter we travel, the more we're able to see.

The Benefits

I have to say that our unintentional practice of giving up a stroller early, has a serious side benefit. My children probably walk at least 2 miles every day; weather permitting. In a nation that is struggling with obesity as an epidemic, the idea that they can and are happy to walk wherever makes me think that maybe we're setting a foundation for enjoying fitness.

So when do you give up your stroller?

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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Kara (21325) 08 Feb 2008 02:59 PM

We still have our stroller but we haven't really used it (except to go to the zoo) since Katelyn was 12 months old. She was barely walking then but I was excited about it so I made her walk and just carried her when she got too tired. Now she's a pro so we don't really need it, especially since she doesn't want to be in it!! We're keeping it for the future though (hoping it holds up)

miraclebaby06 (17132) 08 Feb 2008 03:50 PM

aiyana is almost 19mos and we still use the stroller on occation, like if im by myself and need to get somewhere in a hurry walking or walking somewhere its not toddler friendly(most streets where we are dont have sidewalks) or shopping since its hard to hold bags and a toddlers hand. aiyana is very small still so sometimes the stroller is safer since she hates to hold our hand plus shes to short to do so comforably but we did recently get a harness so that she can walk with us and be safe. i agree with u about if they can walk they should and i get so mad when i see 4 and 5yro in strollers... can u say LAZY PARENTS!

Valorie Delp (49340) 08 Feb 2008 08:05 PM

We are officially stroller free. . .but we've totally brought our stroller places before just to carry stuff. ;-)

Kara (21325) 09 Feb 2008 05:44 PM

LOL I use ours to bring in the groceries when I am alone with Katelyn So that I can do it in one trip and be able to hold her hand and not worry about her running wild while I am bringing in stuff