I was wondering if I should bring a stroller for my 2 1/2 year old to Mexico next week? She hasn't been in one since last summer and I'm not sure if we'll use it. Also wondering if I should buy her a little suitcase to pull around with her things in it. Thanks, S.
I would say an umbrella stroller
As for the little suitcase, I would say look for a backpack that can be pulled or worn.. We got my daughter one (she was 20 months) before we went to Florida and she loved it, still uses it to this day and talks about taking it to Florida in June (and she is now 3). We used it as a carry on for her books, crayons, a few snacks and blanket for the plane.
Since you will be on vacation.... I would bring a stroller. Vacations usually entail LOTS of time walking around, sight seeing, standing in lines, or in the hot sun, and a young child will get tired, and their legs will get tired too. And they will be in a different time-zone.
Their stamina is different from an adult.
Her own suitcase to pull-around herself- do you mean a carry-on bag type thing? Or to pull around while you are there sight-seeing or whatnot? All I know is, when a toddler is tired, and there is a lot of people/crowds or whatnot, they get tired/fussy of pulling their own bag. AND her pulling her own bag around, will slow her down as she will have to navigate herself & the bag around the people/obstacles/crowds. So you might end up having to pull it around, for her.
At this age... they are not fully able to manage carrying a load of stuff... maybe just a small back-pack (nothing heavy) to put around their shoulders.
I would, bring an umbrella stroller type stroller for her, just in case. When my kids are tired, and even just all day running errands and walking around a lot or in a crowded area or sight-seeing, they even like to be in a stroller. Or, we just have to stop, and rest, or they nap.
Your toddler, may even end up falling asleep/napping in the stroller too... especially when you are all out all day (which is typical when on vacation) going here and there.
All the best,
Susan
I would say deffinitely yes to the stroller ... it will come in handy at the airport...you can use it all the way up to boarding, then they'll have it for you when you land. As for the suitcase, I agree with the others, just a small backpack with a few things in it to keep her occupied. You probably have a layover, so the stroller & small items will come in handy then, too.
have fun!
D.
I think you should get her a little backpack to carry around some things. That way it won't be very large and not a big deal if you end up carrying. She can put some books, paper, crayons, small toys, etc. in it for the plane ride.
As for the stroller...I would suggest taking a cheap umbrella stroller. The kind you can get for $19.99 at babies r us. It is light and compact and not a huge deal to carry, if it gets beat up on the plane it won't be the end of the world, and then you have it as an option for the airport and when you are walking a long distance to get to your hotel, car, etc. We just recently went to Disney and it was nice to have the stroller for when we did need to walk a long distance, late at night, etc. Also, if you then decide you didn't really use and don't even want to bring it home with you it isn't a big loss.
Stroller YES!
Pull bag for her- NO!
Just use a small backpack that you can hang on the stroller for when you are out and about. At 2 1/2 she does not need nor will she want to be in charge of her own suitcase.....no matter how little with wheels.
I would recommend taking a small umbrella stroller for her. If you are doing any kind of walking around it will be a lifesaver. We even had used one for my daughters up until age 5 and they sure didn't mind when they got tired. Good luck and have fun.
suitcase yes stroller no when you get there you guys go somewhere they should have something to rent I wouldn't take it.
S., If you have a small umbrella type stroller, I would take it with you. We had to go to Florida twice last year and the stroller was most helpful in the airport (and at Disney World, but that's another story). The other time we went, we only used it at the airports, but it was definitely worth it. And, the airline will tag it and store it on the plane, you can wheel it right up to the plane and they'll have it waiting for you when you get off! Some sort of small bag might be nice for her to be able to put her books/toys, etc for the plane ride (we did the same and my daughter loved it). Good luck, have a great trip!
I would take an umbrella stroller...it's small enough to not take up to much space in your hotel room, but still serves the purpose. And it's great for airline travel. We took ours and it's great for getting your little one to the gate and then you can check it at the gate when you board.
My son is 3 1/2 and we never use a stroller anymore, EXCEPT on vacations. It is definitely worthwhile in the airport and when sightseeing, and even if your daughter wants to walk it's not a big deal to push the stroller empty. Or you can put your purse in it, etc. We only bring an umbrella stroller which is easy on planes, etc. - we just give it to the flight attendants as we get on the plane, so we can have it all the way through the airport. My son has never given us trouble about riding in it, in fact it is kind of fun for him to be pushed. Or sometimes he pushes it.
Suitcase... I agree with others about the little backpack for odds and ends, but if you want to get her a little suitcase, she would probably LOVE it. I got one for my son last summer and he uses it to go to Grandma's house in addition to the plane trip we took. He loved having one like the rest of us, and since he had his own airplane seat, he was entitled to have his own carry on and a personal item (his backpack) just like we were. It meant we didn't have to stuff our bags so full - his suitcase held a couple changes of clothes in case of accidents or sickness (weren't sure how he would do on the plane), a couple diapers for a nap, extra books, a blanket so we wouldn't have to use the airplane one, and snacks. Yes, it is another item to handle in the airport, so depending on what you are doing for car seats... my husband just used a backpack for his carry on, strapped the car seat over it, and pulled our son's suitcase if necessary. Or I could strap his suitcase onto my carry on. SO think about how often she might use it, if it might help her be excited about the trip, how you will want to organize your stuff on the vacation... but it worked great for us.
I say bring it even if just for the airport they will let you take it to the gate and have it waiting when you deplane also forget a rolling suitcase get her a backpack it will be easier to handle when she does not want to pull something
My daughter bought a sturdy, folding stroller and took her little one to Europe when she was 2 1/2 then again at 3 1/2. So much walking and she also napped in it at museums etc. They took it on buses and trains. Was a Godsend!
It may be better to bring an umbrella stroller, since her little legs may not want to walk everywhere; especially if you plan on doing a lot of it.
Stroller, definetly! My son had a small elmo backpack that he used at that age with a few small toys, a book, and a water bottle. Also, another tip.....Everytime we vacation as a family, I use a backpack. It's hand free, bigger than a purse and holds our drinks, snacks, etc. If mommy is prepared, then everyone is happy!!!!
Definitely bring a stroller, as others have said it will be nice in the airport. I would also say no to the a luggage that pulls...just a small bag with handles that you can put on the stroller while in the airport. Much easier!
