Travel with kids: Stroller or Backpack, or Both

Just back from trip with sons and 6 mo granddaughter. DIL used a front carrier and a jogging stroller. You need the big wheels of the stroller to deal with rough streets and curbs. The stroller was a problem with stairs in subways. The stroller was used about half the time. The six month old would be a little smaller and easier to carry.

http://www.amazon.com/InStep-Aluminum-Backpack-Stroller-Combination/dp/B000EI21Z0 We used a convertible stroller/backpack when we took our 12 month old granddaughter to Europe for a month a few years ago. We used the stroller when the pavement was relatively smooth and converted it into a backpack when when we went "off road" or the cobblestones got to be too bumpy.

We used a Bjornn for our five month-old who was big for her age. Thought we could find a cheap umbrella stroller over there but could only find very expensive McClarens or Peg Perigo's. I would have loved to have had an umbrella stroller that was light enough to collapse and carry and would have been a place for the kid to nap during dinner, etc. Definitely would take one again.

Have you ever tried a sling or other non-Baby Bjorn type carrier? I loved my sling when my kids were sitting up, but not yet walking. While I didn't travel Europe when my kids were that little, I did take a trip to DisneyWorld with a 8mo and primarily used a sling (because I had two other little ones using the stroller LOL). A lot of museums won't let you bring a stroller in, and possibly not a backpack either. I personally would never bring a large jogging stroller to Europe. And whatever you bring needs to be easily and quickly collapsed for getting on/off public transportation. If you're going to be traveling between all those cities by air, it would be good to have a stroller for the airports.

We didn't take our guys when they were that young, we started going over when our son was almost 2. We always took a cheap umbrella stroller with us. It was light enough to push through the cobblestones, and small enough to fold up and drag around easily. It's good to have in the airport, too, although you do have to take him/her out and fold the stroller up for security. You can gate check it when you're getting on the plane. What's your baby used to and most comfortable in? That's a big factor, too.

We had a backpack when we were on the island of Crete in Greece. That was great as many paths there were not really great for strollers. Otherwise, we travelled mostly in Germany and Holland with our babies and there I had a stroller and a sling. My oldest daughter didn't like being in a sling but with my youngest it was a life saver and it made travel a lot easier. And yes, be prepared that most museums will not allow babies in backpacks.

Much thanks to all for the great advice! Our little one isn't fond of slings so I think we'll take our front pack (it's rated for up to 25 lbs and she's barely 20 lbs) and an umbrella stroller... and yes, James in Germany, Kuna, ID.