Anonymous wrote:We put our 5 yo in an umbrella stroller when visiting NYC. Yup, got a few looks, but didn't care one bit. We had a good holiday, we're not crazy 8-9 mile a day, full agenda tourists, but we like to wander and browse. The stroller just saved us from having to carry dc, especially when you factor in jet lag.

There’s absolutely no reason for tourists visiting New York to try to look any particular way, especially about anything related to babies and small children.

Whatever makes you and your child happy is the right thing to do.

Lots of kids are on scooters in London. I'd do that. Maybe go without and buy one there if needed.

We put our 5 yo in an umbrella stroller when visiting NYC. Yup, got a few looks, but didn't care one bit. We had a good holiday, we're not crazy 8-9 mile a day, full agenda tourists, but we like to wander and browse. The stroller just saved us from having to carry dc, especially when you factor in jet lag.

I’ve been on dcum a long time and this discussion has come up quite a bit. People feel very passionately about their positions.

It comes down to a fundamental difference in how you view the 5 year old vis a vis the trip.

Some people want to do London the way they want to do it as they would without a child, having long days and covering long walking distances. The child is expected to go along with the adult pace and scope and the traveler needs the stroller to accomplish this goal.

Others adjust their scope, pace and activities and modify the trip considerably to account for the child member of the party. They slow down or end earlier or whatnot to match the stamina of the child and don’t need a stroller.

I was always in the second camp because I have twins and the idea of dragging a double stroller up and down subway steps or through spaces or whatnot was unappealing. My kids were always fine to walk but we didn’t push them for like 30,000 steps a day or anything.

But this age and question and stage is short. Just pick a path and whatever you pick will be fine. This will not even be an issue or question for a 6 or 7 year old.

Utterly ridiculous.

I go to London every year with my DS to see family. We definitely didn't use a stroller for him at that age, but at that time we'd lived in DC for a few years, and he was used to walking long distances.

If your kid is not used to walking as much, I say bring the stroller just in case. Who cares what other people think?

Imagine going to the Washington Mall, do you think you could see more with a stroller? Do you want to hit a couple of spots.

I bought a light fold up stroller for my 5 year old girl and it was handy, despite the naysayers. I also brought it with me when we went to Paris. Keep in mind that your child body may still adjust to the time difference. What if she's tired and need to rest? Got a lot of sightseeing done if that's the goal.

Anonymous wrote:Obese Americans. They start 'em early.

😂

No. Your kid is not a baby. It i great for him/her to walk. They have more energy than you probably.

Just respect t the mixed nature of your group. If someone is tired or hungry, let them rest/eat.

Anonymous wrote:It's ridiculous and screams AMERICAN here. As long as a child is not able to walk normal distances (and the tubes and platforms are defenitely walkable for a 5 year old) you should stay home. Our 4year old DD was capable to do a city trip without stroller, but of course we adapted at the pace of our child and we visited a lot of childfriendly spots.

You are a bad person. You should go away to Thailand and not come back.

Just got back from Paris and my 5yo did about eight miles a day. Idk what it was bc it’s not like he’s some miracle child. But something about so much to see and take in and playgrounds to explore and treats around every corner—he didn’t blink about the walking. We made it a kid friendly trip (which was so easy in Paris. It’s like a grown up trip but less 10 course meals and more tartes.) and he did SO great. Don’t bring the stroller. Uber sometimes. Walk most times.

It's ridiculous and screams AMERICAN here. As long as a child is not able to walk normal distances (and the tubes and platforms are defenitely walkable for a 5 year old) you should stay home. Our 4year old DD was capable to do a city trip without stroller, but of course we adapted at the pace of our child and we visited a lot of childfriendly spots.