auNeed Umbrella Stroller for Tall Muscular 5 Year Old?

Updated on February 07, 2014
K.D. asks from Boston, MA
27 answers

Helping sister find new stroller for her daughter. Stats, niece is 5 years old and is on upper end of height/weight, being 50 inches tall and weighing 56 lbs( all muscle!!!) . She is super active, rotates yearly between dancing, soccer, gymnastics lessons, plus nonstop "normal" activity of little kids and school, hence the muscle and weight. Need a new stroller for her, but don't have a direction to go in. My sis mostly uses it for the mall or vacations, very busy outings, however I live in the city and they visit me a few times a year so it needs to fit that usage(i.e. urban living, curbs, uneven sidewalks, brick pavement, walking bridges, etc.). No joggers please!!! Needs to be somewhat lightweight, with tray, footrest, recline function, and decent under carriage storage! Please consider height/weight specifally and no joggers! Thanks.

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So What Happened?

Uh Laura, she does walk almost all the time. Don't understand your response from my post! Not intelligent or helpful! I live in an urban area, and sis lives in almost urban. Sis and rest of family does not cater their entire lives to a child's schedule and if you do I'm sorry for you.

Well very good, yes containment of a very active 5 year old in busy urban areas or malls are an absolute intelligent thought, but thinking that a very active 5 year old does not require a break in a stroller or stroller alt. when walking around a major city all day is a very naive response.

Thanks Persimmon for the idea. Thought of it but the confines of a city like Boston, make that choice a little difficult unless using only on the out skirts of the city.

So sad at the next responses. First off, not helpful to the question or website ideology in general. Those parents who think their own very active 5 year old child could walk on their own from 8 or 9 AM till 6 or 7 PM without a "stroller break" are delusional or not being honest. Sorry peeps.

Thanks Patty. Some of the amenities are just for convenience of course. But for the prices, those amenities are almost expected.
t
Maybe Boston is a more specific need. Yes it is a small city, but not one you want to walk around all day if not nec. when you are a kid. so many activities, kids get tired!!! The sidewalks are brick, uneven and all. There is much emphasis on history vs. updated. Buy a house and try to update it , good luck.

Still not helpful. Don't believe the hype. Kids get tired, need rest. Sorry, con't believe a break for a young child without respite or nap would survive on their own all day no matter where. Vacation or not. Needing respite for an hour in a stroller for the day is unbelievable, OK!

your missing my question? I get what your saying, and not insulting you or your children! My niece is always walking, but time restraints and activity level affect children. Every parent has different results and expectations. All kids require abilities to their status. my stance is that there is no set correct response since kids are all different. your answers and advice are not helping my inquiry?

young child, no help needed. No stroller, No nanny, all day no rest in stroller or "stroller sub", in city, happy mood all day, no nap nec. , happy by 7PM, yes I call that a fantasy and delusional.

Featured Answers

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

wow, nasty SWH!
umbrella strollers are small and light. small light strollers don't work for 'tall muscular' children.
since you are demanding very tightly specific answers that don't take reality into account, i suggest a small unicorn with a good pair of stirrups and a reclining saddle.
khairete
S.

17 moms found this helpful

C.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I really can't imagine a 5 year old in a stroller. My daughter was walking around with out one by the time she was 3 and my son refused to sit in one by the time he was 3. He would rather be the one to push the stroller because it was fun lol! At 5 years old, I think they would be so big that they would break a little umbrella stroller! The fabric would rib or the cheap metal frame would bend. 5 year olds are not meant to be in strollers, she isn't a baby anymore. Sorry

5 moms found this helpful
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A.M.

answers from Washington DC on

My kids were unwilling to be contained in a stroller at that age, but I often see families with grade schoolers in wagons. Some even have what I'd call buggy wheels. I don't know if this helps, but good luck!

3 moms found this helpful

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A.M.

answers from Detroit on

HEY GUYS, THIS IS PROBABLY A TROLL. It's a first time poster, and consider this. The average EIGHT year old is 45 in tall and weighs 57.2 lbs. This FIVE yr. old is 5 inches TALLER than an EIGHT year old and weighs one pound less, yet she is all muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat, AND she is A WHOPPING 5 inches TALLER than an average 8 yr. old, so she should actually weigh more than an 8 yr. old if she is the mass of athletic muscle her aunt describes and not a dangerously underweight beanpole proportionate to her height.

Also, if this aunt wants to know about strollers, why include ALL the details about muscles, soccer, gymnastics, etc, but asking for stroller advice? It has nothing to do with the question EXCEPT to make the point that the child is perfectly fit and NOT in need of a stroller so everyone will get their hackles raised. And even if the idea of a stroller for such a 5 yr. old were reasonable, seriously -- a TRAY and RECLINING function for a 5 year old? This aunt is pulling your chain!

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L.R.

answers from Washington DC on

"Those parents who think their own very active 5 year old child could walk on their own from 8 or 9 AM till 6 or 7 PM without a "stroller break" are delusional or not being honest."

"Thinking that a very active 5 year old does not require a break in a stroller or stroller alt. when walking around a major city all day is a very naive response."

Wow, thanks for informing me that I've been naive and deluded since my kid stopped using strollers at about four but we kept taking her and making her walk in DC, Chicago, New York, London, on all those
nasty "curbs, uneven sidewalks, brick pavement, walking bridges" without the benefit of a stroller! How foolish of us!

Oh--sorry. The stroller is for the adults' benefit, not the kid's! I get it now. It's so mom and dad can keep going and going without having to think about the idea that a five-year-old might not want to be dragged around from 8 a.m until 7 p.m. Gosh, we must really have let our kid rule the roost since we so naively took breaks and stopped to enjoy things more slowly. Thanks for pointing out our foolishness. The fact we had a great time and our kid knows how to behave herself safely in the "urban" settings you describe, well, that must have just happened by accident.

16 moms found this helpful

T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I've never seen a school aged child in a stroller. I know there are lightweight wheelchairs for special needs kids but that doesn't sound like the case here.
And um, yeah, I am not "delusional" when I say that my youngest easily navigated Disneyland, ALL DAY, on foot, at the age of 3.5. Sure we took breaks, sat down to rest and eat and hydrate of course, but she went all day. When you travel as much as we do (everything from the beach to the mountains to theme parks and major cities) your kids learn how to walk for extended periods at a young age, stay together, hold hands, all that stuff. Sorry your sister hasn't figured that out but that's why you're getting the "are you kidding me?" responses.

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S.F.

answers from Phoenix on

If she's "super active" then she should have no problem strolling around the city for a day. I'm sure you'll be stopping for snacks, lunch, activities, correct? If your area has curbs, uneven sidewalks, etc then your only option is a jogging stroller.
Your SWH makes no sense to me. No one here is "delusional" or "dishonest". The majority of 5 year olds do not use a stroller unless for a disability. I think either you are confused or leaving something out.

Edit-
Aaahhh, now I see what's going on. After reading Leigh's comment it's clear to me that the stroller will be used to contain the kid that's sick of an entire day of shopping, sight seeing etc. Under carriage storage is awesome for shopping! Recline function is perfect for getting a bored child to sleep. And jogging strollers are probably difficult to maneuver around a store. Poor kid.

14 moms found this helpful

S.G.

answers from Grand Forks on

I'm sorry, but to put a five year old child, who doesn't have a physical disability, into a stroller is not appropriate. That is why the strollers are too small for a five year old. My kids would have been mortified to be seen in a baby stroller at the age of three, never mind at five! If she is capable of participating in all of the activities you have listed than she is more than capable of walking.

ETA: Who is walking non-stop for 11 hours and why?

ETA: Making a five year old child sit in a stroller so as not to inconvenience the adults is humiliating for the child. It would be like making her wear a diaper so you don't have to stop for so many darned potty breaks.

14 moms found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

A normal active 5 yr old is capable of walking.

No need to flame other moms here ( Laura... Good answer) for not understanding why you would not allow a 5 yr old that is capable of understanding limits hold an adult hand if needed to walk.

It's another issue in its entirety if the need for some restraint is due to the child running away, no discipline or control by the parents. Hmmm... Parenting

There's no way my now 19 yr old would have been in a stroller at that age unless there were some disability.

Lighten up and try to understand where we come from on this post.

Good luck

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J.B.

answers from Boston on

If this is a real question, I agree with most of the replies. Your niece is the same size as my second grader (actually a bit bigger). There isn't an umbrella stroller that will fit a child that size, because children that size don't need them.

Plan your outings better and have her walk. She'll be fine.

...from a mom whose kids have been trapsing around Boston on their own two feet since they were 4 at the oldest...

12 moms found this helpful

L.U.

answers from Seattle on

She's 5?
She doesn't need a stroller. God gave her legs to use them. Your sister needs to let her daughter walk.
Never heard of such a thing.
L.
OH!!!! I am sorry. Once again, once of those questions that I misunderstood. You wanted me to NOT be honest. Next time I will blow smoke up your arse.
I am a mom to 3 kids. All VERY active. They were all out of their strollers by 3. My daughter, 3, has walked all over Seattle multiple times and done just fine. So....I guess my "unintelligent and non helpful" should go and find my wheelchair to sit in....even though I don't need one, it sure is nice to take a break!

12 moms found this helpful

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

K.,

Welcome to mamapedia!!

I don't know of ANY umbrella stroller for a 5 YEAR OLD CHILD. I'm sorry but no 5 year old should BE IN A STROLLER unless they have some disability that prohibits them from using the legs God gave 'em.

If your niece is as active as you say - she doesn't NEED a stroller.

Have you or your sister TRIED being the PARENT instead of the friend? Maybe taking control and telling the child - YOU WILL HOLD MY HAND when we are in public? If she's in dance and other activities...she does NOT need a stroller.

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D..

answers from Miami on

Good luck finding what you're looking for. Quite frankly, though you won't like this answer, if that child is out walking around from 8 or 9 to 6 or 7, as you say, then no wonder she's tired. What's up with those kind of hours on a regular basis, being out in an urban setting? Kids need to be at home some, not being dragged all over creation for mom's shopping expeditions. Sounds like she needs to hire a babysitter who will actually pay attention to the kid instead of ignoring her to shop...

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G.♣.

answers from Springfield on

I've never been to Boston, so I'm not entirely sure how it compares to Chicago, other than knowing Chicago has a bigger population. But we took our boys to Chicago a couple of summers ago. At the time they were 6 and 3 1/2. We stayed in a hotel downtown and spent 4 days doing to various museums and attractions. We did take the bus and subway (the "el"), but we walked a lot. We carried snacks and drinks and took breaks. They did great!

I totally understand your concern, but it really is doable. I was nervous that our youngest would take off running, but we just made sure one of us was always holding his hand when we were outside (walking around downtown). We were just really vigilant. Like I said, they did great!

I don't think you're going to find a stroller to fit your needs, so it really might be time to consider other options.

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K.F.

answers from Salinas on

There is a reason you can't find a suitable stroller for a five year old. She should be walking.

We are a huge walking family both urban and country (not sure what difference that makes) and the stroller was long gone by five. I honestly have never heard of a parent purchasing a stroller for their five year old unless they were disabled in some way.

9 moms found this helpful

J.S.

answers from Richland on

Have you considered no one can answer your question because sans special needs they don't make strollers for lazy kids from lazy adults!

No a five year old does not need a break! Does not need to sit down and rest! If they do then your sister is not allowing her to do enough and build up her endurance!

My kids did two mile vertical climbs without help by that age because I always made them walk when they could when they were younger.

If this is a real question, and I highly doubt it, your sister is handicapping that child with her laziness. She would rather stick her in a stroller than take the time to allow her to build up endurance and learn to obey the rules.

Oh and a bmi of 15.7 is skin and bones, no muscle, so hi troll, have a nice day. Perhaps next time research the norms instead of just making things up.

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P.K.

answers from New York on

Strollers for,handicapped children would be good for her. Of course, I still can't imagine why a five year old who is as active as your niece needs a stroller. It needs to recline, and have a tray and footrest? I really am at a loss for,words. My kids were three and able to go to mall and walk.

8 moms found this helpful

A.M.

answers from Kansas City on

We spent four days in D.C. last summer. WALKING with a very active five year old. No stroller, we took what was called bench breaks. If the kids get tired we find a bench, we stopped for lunch, we sat in the grass.

At the end of each day...they were so tired they went to bed. Guess if you really want something...the best option I can think of is a wagon.

I don't think five year olds should be pushed around in strollers.

8 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

At 50 inches she's over 4 feet tall.
Our son was done with a stroller since he was 3 yrs old.
He's always been tall for his age and his feet were dragging on the ground by then.
Did he get tired sometimes? Sure!
If we were going to be out all day we took a wagon with us and he could rest and even nap in it when he needed to.
Going to a fair or park it was great - but we'd never take it to the mall or use it in a city.
When we took our first vacation to the beach (he was 4 by then and there was no room to take the wagon with us) if he got tired we either sat on a bench for awhile or we gave him piggy back rides which was great exercise for us while he rested.
At some point you just have to kiss the stroller goodbye and child has to walk along with everyone else.
Of course everyone else should keep in mind that breaks/rests will be needed when the youngest family members need them.
It might seem inconvenient to those who can keep on going but it's less fuss than dragging a stroller around with you every where you go.
If 'child containment' is an issue - try leaving the kid at home with a baby sitter.
(Next thing you know you'll be seeing people pushing kids around in portable kennels on wheels.)
At some point it flips and the now young adults can keep going and the elderly then need the rests.

http://toobigforstroller.tumblr.com

(And we wonder if this trend has anything to do with the obesity crisis?!? (rhetorical))

Trolls don't need strollers.

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S.W.

answers from Amarillo on

A stroller for a five year old? Not happening unless there is a disability as they are not made for this size and weight limit described.

I recall an umbrella for my own child and it collapsed because it was only so sturdy. I know that is what you probably didn't want to hear but that way everyone would get a chance to have a break. "My sis mostly uses it for the mall or vacations, very busy outings, however I live in the city and they visit me a few times a year so it needs to fit that usage(i.e. urban living, curbs, uneven sidewalks, brick pavement, walking bridges, etc.)." There is not that much of anything I want to spend that many hours running around seeing with a small child in tow. Yes uneven sidewalks lurk in the country as well as the city so a child has to learn how to pick up their feet and not stumble. Also you train the child to stay close and listen to you and not run off. Consequences are what happen when you don't listen (good and bad).

Sorry we are all blithering idiots in your book for the way we responded back to your post.

the other S.

PS We don't all make our schedule around the child's but we do use common sense about what will work and be a happy balance.

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C.N.

answers from Baton Rouge on

A five year old in a stroller? At five, my daughter walked alongside me when we went anywhere.

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A.L.

answers from Seattle on

Wow...you got lots of good advice, apparently it's just not what you want to hear. Unless a child has a disability they should not be in a stroller at 5 years old.
And sorry again but you really want to tell me this child needs to be up on her feet walking non-stop morning to night? That does not sound reasonable or true either.

Anyways if you MUST get a stroller for a kindergartner you will probably not have any luck finding a regular umbrella type stroller. They do make special needs strollers for older children with disabilities. Check places like adaptivemall.com

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M.R.

answers from Seattle on

We ditched our stroller by that age and gave piggy back rides when the wee ones got tired.

Perhaps look into a used sit and stand stroller, so she can ride and you can use the seat for storage.

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F.B.

answers from New York on

K. D-

We are right there with you. Our DS is 3, and while not topping the charts, stands at 40"s tall. We live in NYC, and haven't used a stroller for over a year. We hold hands when walking, take the subway, go into the city, visit museums, zoos etc without a stroller on our home turf.

We'll be travelling to England this spring, and are considering a stroller for our trip. Having DS safe and contained while we navigate the airport, or having a stroller on hand to preserve his energy (walk through pall mall, but then too tired for buckingham palace, or vice versa) feels right to us.

We'll be taking the city mini. Its a bit bit, its a bit unweildy, but it is sturdy, has three large wheels, and will do the trick. It's got a gesture of a basket, not really big enough to hold much, but an ample shade and folds down really easily. If we didn't already have it, I don't think we'd opt to take this. There are better options for this purpose.

Since she is five, would you consider getting a bike or a scooter? We did well with a radio flyer with a push handle for a while. DS was happy to use it, we had an element of control over both speed and destination, and he could coast on it, if he chose to. (doesn't help you with napping though).

Best,
F. B.

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J.W.

answers from Detroit on

For that age/size you may need to try a specialty area. It is rare to find one that will work for that age. Maybe one for a child with disabilities? They would have to have one for that age/size range. I am not sure how lightweight it will be though.

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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

We used our double stroller as long as we could. I loved having the back part once kiddo got big enough to sit in the front. I could do to Walmart and put my groceries in the seat section and then put the sacks back in then walk home.

We'd take the stroller to the fair and other places like that where enormous amounts of walking was done. Now we hold his hand constantly. Even when he's having a temper tantrum and wants to let go. There is no option with this guy. He's 7 and still rides in the cart at Walmart because I do not chase him. The staff at Walmart had to chase him just one time across the parking lot and into traffic because he got away and that was it for me. He is "contained" for sure. Spanking your kid in the middle of Walmart for running off is sure to get you on some web sight for bad parenting for sure. He's actually lucky he doesn't have to wear a harness for toddlers out in public too.

I "get" the benefit of the stroller. Containing a rambunctious kiddo or letting them ride during a long day, that's a good idea.

People with perfect kids or are perfect parents who'd never allow a child to misbehave in public or get cranky from a day of sightseeing, well, they have no idea what it's like for normal people.

Find a heavy duty large fold up stroller for her. She'll use it and have tons of room for all sorts of shopping bags and stuff that can get picked up during the day out.

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