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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Stroller or Walk?
Nickel 03:38 PM 10-10-2012
I know this topic has come up before about the best strollers, etc, but I have a slightly different question.

I want to get out and take the kids for a walk around the neighborhood. The only "sidewalk" is a gravel path next to the main road (in a subdivision). There are no sidewalks in front of the houses, every home has a driveway, and some cars do park in the street. Most streets are quiet except for two roads. One that has the gravel path, and another I woudn't walk on even With a stroller.

So I am caught between buying a double stroller and just pushing the younger children or buying a quad stroller and pushing ALL the children. The possible combinations of children is

2 3yr olds
1 almost 2 yr old
1 to 2 infants (newborn and 3 mnth old)

OR
2 3yr old
1 newborn

Or 1 3 yr old
1 almost 2yr old
1 almost 1 yr old
1 3mnth old

I was thinking when I have both infants I could just wear one and push the quad. OR I could push 2 infants in a double stroller and the other three could walk. But ideally how far could they walk? The school is only a few blocks away. I can walk there and back in less than 30 minutes at a quick pace. Walking slower, is this realistic to expect the older children to walk that far? Or should I just go with a quad, or a triple stroller and then the 3 yr olds could walk?

Really I don't want to fork out $400 if I don't use it much. The double stroller I could use for myself if we have another child. And it's also $150. A HUGE difference. So is it worth it to purchase the quad. Or could I get away with a double stroller and add one of those kickboard things? Then I could push some and carry another? idk, but I really would like to get the children outside more.

Also, another weird question. how do you take 2 babies outside at the same time? I have a stone walkway from my porch to the play area. So I would have to take one outside, put them down, then grab the other? So one child would be left alone inside or outside the house? Not something I am comfortable with.... What do you all do?
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EntropyControlSpecialist 03:50 PM 10-10-2012
I would not push a 3-year-old or 2-year-old. Our 2's and 3's walk very well!

I think wearing one and pushing one would be easiest, but if you would prefer a stroller or wagon then I would go that route!
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Nickel 03:58 PM 10-10-2012
Thank you for commenting! How far can your 2s and 3s walk? I am trying to see realistically how far/long we can go. My only thought was walking fast enough to actually get some exercise. That's why I was thinking of the quad stroller. BUT it would also be nice to have the older ones get some energy out as well.. I think I will opt for the double stroller. i do have a wagon, so on days that I have the older ones I could pull them in the wagon and wear the baby. Or even just take it the first few days to make sure they can walk to the school and back, just in case I pick up my dd at 3 and would LOVE to actually walk there since it is so close (and I REALLY need the exercise)
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EntropyControlSpecialist 04:05 PM 10-10-2012
Originally Posted by Nickel:
Thank you for commenting! How far can your 2s and 3s walk? I am trying to see realistically how far/long we can go. My only thought was walking fast enough to actually get some exercise. That's why I was thinking of the quad stroller. BUT it would also be nice to have the older ones get some energy out as well.. I think I will opt for the double stroller. i do have a wagon, so on days that I have the older ones I could pull them in the wagon and wear the baby. Or even just take it the first few days to make sure they can walk to the school and back, just in case I pick up my dd at 3 and would LOVE to actually walk there since it is so close (and I REALLY need the exercise)
We really don't walk too far since we walk to the park. But, they run without stop across the field and in the 2 parks for a solid 50 minutes and then we walk back. So, about 50-60 minutes worth of walking/running!
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Nickel 04:07 PM 10-10-2012
hmmmm. that would definitely work. There is a park across the street from the school as well, so it would be nice to play there for a little before walking back! Well, I can always try it!!! I might be able to ask a friend to bring me my wagon if the children absolutely coulnd't make it back!!!
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EchoMom 05:09 PM 10-10-2012
This is a post I can actually answer with some really relevant experience as I've figured out the exact dilema you're having!

I have NEVER pushed any child over 22months in a stroller. I haven't had any 18months, etc. so I don't know how young it can actually be done that they walk exlusively, but I'm in the middle of figuring that out now. My DS is 13 months and has been walking since 10months and is just now starting to transition out of the stroller and to begin WALKING on our walks. he loves it, but he gets distracted, and I gotta keep an eye on him so as not to leave him behind as he has a tendency to walk the wrong direction. But he is clearly learning and I think it won't be too long before he can actually walk and not be pushed at all. Right now he's doing some of both.

I push a double stroller and when my DS was younger, I would wear him on my back, or a younger baby in a Moby. I have now:

9 months
13 months
13 months
2 yrs
2.5yrs
2.5yrs
2.5yrs
4yrs
5yrs
The Dog.

(6 kids, combination depends on day of week)

The 5 year old pushes my DS in a single stroller (I trust him to push my DS, but just to be safe I wouldn't let him push anyone else's baby) and I push a double stroller. If the 5 year old isn't there that day, then I can't take a walk because the 4 year old can't push the stroller and the babies are all too old now for me to be willing to wear anymore. I was considering buying a triple or a wagon or something, not sure.

But to answer your question... NONE of the 2s and up have ever been pushed in a stroller by me and they all walk at least 30 minutes daily, or as often as we're able. They can walk 45 min. to the park, play, and then walk 45 min. back. We take water, snacks, take a break if needed.

Also, I've been through 2 double strollers now (really get used up fast!) both have been from CL. First one $40, this 2nd one $75 and in better condition, will last much longer.

I would say buy the double stroller and the others absolutely should walk. A walk makes them nap SOOOOOOOOOO much better. I also have the 2s wear safety bands attached to the stroller to keep everyone together and from running off (think I got that idea from NannyD's blog).

So I have a 5 year old pushing a single stroller with my 13month old DS and I push a double stroller with 2 babies while two older kids walk attached to safety bands and the dog on a leash too. We look like quite a sight!!!
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Lyss 05:43 PM 10-10-2012
My DCKs over 2 always walk. It takes us about 30mins to get to the park (its about 6-10 blocks depending on what one we go to). We also play for 30 to 45mins then walk back. No one ever complains its too much.

Usually I have:
2 infants (both 10months)
2 2.5yr olds
1 3.5yr old
Dog

The infants ride in the double, 2 year olds hold onto one side of stroller (one by each baby), 3 year old and dog on other side. Occasionally the 3 year old walks the dog in front.

The way my double is set up I can squeeze a 2 year old in if something happens (like in the event of an ouchie ).

The double I got on craigslist for 40 bucks! Best investment!
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sharlan 06:00 PM 10-10-2012
It all depends on where we are going. If it's just a little neighborhood walk, I let the walkers walk and just go slow. If we're at DL or the zoo, or somewhere like that, they go in strollers.
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Live and Learn 06:01 PM 10-10-2012
2's and 3's walk.
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canadiancare 06:08 PM 10-10-2012
I have this and I love it In the mornings I walk for about an hour with them and in the afternoons we go to the park. Mine is now 7 years old and is in wonderful condition since I don't use it in the winter. In the winter we only play at home in the yard.
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Crazy8 06:11 PM 10-10-2012
I was looking at triple or quad strollers this summer but couldn't afford them. I ended up getting the Joovy double sit n' stand - it has 2 regular stroller seats and then the jump seat on the back so that 3rd child can either sit strapped on the seat or they can push the seat forward and stand. I love it for my group - I have 3 children under 2 and my 2.5 year old walks holding onto the side bar of the stroller. works perfectly for us!

I also have a Peg Perego P3 which is a nice single stroller but an older can sit on the back, so if I have just one little one and a 2-3yr old and we want to move a little faster they can stand on the back.

DH wonders why I need so many strollers, so I finally got rid of my regular double when I got the Joovy.
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littlemissmuffet 10:49 PM 10-10-2012
My kiddos 2 and up can walk at least 60 minutes at a time. Usually more. I get them out of strollers and walking as far and often as possible (just carry the stroller with me) as early as 12 months. Walking is SUPER healthy and good for kids and adults alike. My husband and I barely drive anywhere!
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DBug 04:20 AM 10-11-2012
I encourage the kids to walk as much as possible (mine are all 13 mos to 3.5yrs), BUT I make sure I have a way to "contain" them all for safety reasons. For example, unless I can really trust a child (which I can't currently do), they ALL need to be strapped in at the bus stop. There have been times when I've had to get on the bus to physically get a reluctant child off, and I would not be able to safely leave 5 toddlers on the sidewalk to do that.

I also have tantrumers that could make a 5 minute walk take MUCH longer . I use a Choo-Choo Wagon.

We do 1 - 1.5 hour walks (in addition to bus runs) at least a few times a week.

Imo, I would just make sure you have containment for all of the less-than-predictable kiddos.
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Lianne 04:45 AM 10-11-2012
I have several assorted strollers and use whichever best fits my needs that day. I have a 21mos old that can do a walk around the block but thats about as far as she can manage. I also have two non-walkers and a 3yr old. I use these links and attach them to the stroller. The children then hold the other end of the chain. I like that I can make the chain as long or short as I need to so the children aren't tripping over the stroller wheels.

These are the links

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=3502433
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SquirrellyMama 05:16 AM 10-11-2012
For me, it depends on where we are going and how much time we have to get there. Sometimes the kids walk to the library, library, friends house and sometimes I push them in a stroller. Sometimes I hook it to the bike and we ride.

I go by how much time we have. If I were you I'd probably get a double off of CL or at a garage sale just so you have it on hand if you need it.

When I had 2 infants (a dcg and my own ds) I would wear one in a sling and push the other. It worked out well.

K
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Lilbutterflie 05:36 AM 10-11-2012
I have an almost 2 yr old who can walk 1 mile each way to one of the parks in the neighborhood. I've never timed it, but I think it takes us 30 min to walk each way at his pace. He does fabulous, and still has energy to play like crazy at the park!

I have a 15 mo that just started walking 2 months ago. I have just recently started taking short walks with her walking, and she can only last around the block, it's about 0.4 miles. By the end of this walk, she starts to let go of my hand and sit down! LOL So I know she gets tired just from that short walk around the block.

With the combo of ages you wrote down; I think a double stroller would be sufficient. I would say any child ages 22 mos and up would be fine walking, even the longer distances.

TIP: I have a mommy hook on my stroller; and I use that for the 23 mo to hold on to during our walks. It works so well! It creates a nice handle for him to hold onto, and it's flexible (moves in all directions on the bar) to allow him to adjust his pace or correct his walking without falling. He holds on the entire way. And when the stroller stops, he even stays there until I tell him he can go play.
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EchoMom 05:55 AM 10-11-2012
Do you all find that the links and types of things the children hold on to work well? I have use elastic safety bands that velcro around their wrist, but they are very uncomfortable. But it seems like if it were something they could hold on to, they would also just let go?
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Lilbutterflie 06:29 AM 10-11-2012
Originally Posted by glenechogirl:
Do you all find that the links and types of things the children hold on to work well? I have use elastic safety bands that velcro around their wrist, but they are very uncomfortable. But it seems like if it were something they could hold on to, they would also just let go?
I guess it would depend on the child; but all of the children I have had never let go until I tell them to. I've never had any issues at all.

I have a jogging stroller, so I could also easily hold on their hand myself and push the stroller with the other hand. Not sure if that would be easy on the gravel paths you have, though.
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Nickel 12:16 PM 10-11-2012
I went for a walk today with 3 kiddos. 1 2yr old 1 3yr old and 1 3mnth old. I wanted excercise, so I loaded the older 2 into the wagon and carried the infant in a baby carrier. It worked great! I got my exercise in and then let the older ones walk towards the end!! So I got my work out and the little ones got to walk! So I am going to go ahead and get the double stroller. If I want to walk when I have all of them, my 10 yr old dd can push the double stroller while I carry one and push a single stroller, or one of us can pull the wagon while the other pushes the double stroller! I am very excited that I found a way to save money and still get some exercise in!! Now I just have to decide where I want to order it from!!

Thank you ladies for the suggestions and ideas!!!
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