Introduction
Going on a big trip with small children is often seen a hassle because you need to pack loads of stuff. But on top of that, you need to find a way to carry the child! And deciding what way to do it can make even the most seasoned traveller feel overwhelmed. In this post I will explore if you can skip the stroller altogether and what are your best alternatives, so stay with me!
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | Stroller | Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Bulky but can carry extras | Compact, fits in carry-on |
| Comfort for Baby | High for extended use | Good for short trips |
| Terrain Suitability | Best on flat surfaces | Versatile, good for varied terrains |
| Airport Convenience | Can hold extra items; may need to check-in | Hands-free, ideal for quick movement |
Do you need a travel stroller?
If you are going to travel by plane or, maybe even more so, by train it is a good idea to invest in a light, foldable stroller. On the plane you are able to take your stroller along right until boarding the plane no matter what size, but a benefit of a foldable stroller that fits in the overhead luggage compartment is that you can take it with you on board meaning you don't have to wait for it after landing.
When it comes to train travel, there are many old school trains, at least in Europe, where you need to go through a narrow entrance and up few steps so having a portable stroller is a huge plus. Many trains don't have much luggage storage space so being able to fold your stroller before you board the train is a big plus.
Can you travel with a baby without a stroller?
Absolutely! It is in fact our preference - so far all our big adventures were done without a stroller. We mainly used one to visit grandparents as they wouldn't be able to take little ones for a walk with a carrier.
As long as your kid accepts the carrier as a mode of transport you are good to go!
Why should you consider taking a carrier instead of a stroller for travelling?
For us taking a carrier for holiday has the same benefit as taking a backpack instead of a suitcase - it frees up your hands and makes you more mobile.
Magda
Travel strollers tend to have small wheels and therefore are really annoying on uneven terrain, even in the cities, not to mention off-road. Regular strollers are bulky and uncomfortable to travel with. Both options create unnecessary friction and force you to look for lifts at the metro stations etc.
Taking a backpack carrier or an infant carrier (or both, depending on your trip) is a great alternative that makes you more flexible - no more searches for an elevator or looking if the low floor tram is coming. The carrier is perfect for your child to be able to see everything and be able to dose off for a nap whenever they need to, even in a restaurant or on a trail, which is great!
For you it is great too, as you can walk anywhere, with your hands free to take pictures, look at a map on your phone, or pay for snacks!
Advantages and disadvantages of an infant carrier
Infant carrier is a very minimalistic, lightweight way to travel with your little one. Many models give you a possibility to carry your child in many different ways - facing in- or outwards, or even on your hip or on your back!
When using an infant carrier you know you can fit anywhere and there is not much to think about.
The downside is that your child might get uncomfortable and annoyed more sooner than in a stroller, but that depends a lot on the child and what they are used to. Possibly the biggest disadvantage is that when you carry the child on the front a lot, it starts to be uncomfortable and you really feel the child's weight - especially if your child is on the heavy side.
Advantages and disadvantages of a backpack carrier
Backpack carriers are great for hiking - I would argue they are the only reasonable way to do so. Regardless whether or not the train is buggy-friendly. Pushing a stoller on a trail is simply not fun. The infant carrier is equally uncomfortable for hiking.
Childen are usually happy being so high up where they can see everything, but it is not suitable for little ones who are still not so good at sitting up - but a great way to carry kids one year old and above. Hanna did enjoy it on all our trips - in China, as well as for hiking.
The downside is that it is quite bulky, so when moving around it is really an extra peace of luggage, and travelling around the city sometimes gets quite annoying.
Backpack carrier or infant carrier or... both?
To choose the right solution for your trip you have to think what you are planning to do.
For a hiking trip a backpack carrier is a must, while for backpacking-wandering-aroung-kind-of-trip you can go for an infant carrier, or take both with you for additional flexibility (depending also on the model of the infant carrier).
What age can you travel without a stroller or a carrier?
This differs from child to child and it is ultimately up to you when you decide to ditch the gear altogether. We are currently trying to "unstroll" our older daughter and she is turned 3 few months ago, and I have just attempted a first visit at grandparents without taking a stroller and we did try few hikes without a carrier backpack (but that required taking her on dad's shoulders after 20-30minutes of a walk). I know other kids who were able to ditch stroller much sooner and some that used it longer. The transition is usually gradual.
When making a decision if a trip can be made without a stroller, there are some common factors to consider:
- How long is a child able to walk?
- Are able to use any alternative mode of transport (scooter, bike, take a bus to shorten the walking distance etc.)?
- Is the child still taking naps?
- Are able to carry the child if they are too tired to walk?
- Are you taking more than one child on a trip?
- Are you by yourself or are there more people that can carry the child?
- Is there some motivating factor that can keep the child eager to walk? (usually children are more motivated in a group or when there are some intermediate goals like a treasure hunt on a trail)
- Do the downsides of taking a stroller/carrier outweigh the benefits?
- Does a child tend to cling on to you when in unfamiliar environment?
Answering those questions can give you a feeling whether or not it is a good idea to take a stroller or a carrier with you. Gradually, you will be able to do more and more with your child on your foot, but it can take a while to make them get into a habit of walking all the time.
For a reference: our daughter is 3.5 years old and during our last big trip (3 years old) we still often carried her in the backpack or on the shoulders.
Lately on shorter trips she is expected to be walking and carried (maybe) if tired.
For our next trip we plan not to take a backpack for her - we will see how it goes!
Conclusion
Travelling without a stroller is totally doable and from our experience much more enjoyable! It gives you the same feeling as travelling without a suitcase, it makes feel like you can go anywhere easily and nothing holds you back. So don't be afraid to ditch the stroller on your big adventure - this action alone will make your trip feel way easier!
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