How do i get my baby to like his pram?

[Belle with the bump]

My bub is 4 months old and HATES his pram. We started off with a 3 wheeler where he couldnt see us and screamed after 5 minutes in it. So a few people have told us to get one where he can face us. We went out and bought one but he still screams after 5 minutes. I have put toys hanging all around the pram to keep it interesting for him but he just hates it. I have started to wheel him around at home in it, but doesnt seem to make a differece. I dont go out much as I end up having to pick him up and push the pram at the same time.
Can anyone help me?

[~Trish~]

Unfortunately I can't be of much help. My first DS absolutely hated his pram too! I did exactly what you did and tried a pram where he could face me and it made no difference. He got better as he got older, but while he hated it we used to wear him in a Baby Bjorn (I made my DH wear him!). I know how frustrating and disappointing it is. Have you tried making him upright so he can see what's going on around him?

Part of the reason my DS hated the pram was because he was in discomfort from a dislocated shoulder (birth injury) that wasn't picked up until he was 10 weeks old. Unfortunately even after his shoulder was fixed he still had a bad association with the pram and still hated it! By the time he was about 12 months old he would go in it, but he would never sleep in it. It may just take time for your DS to get used to it, maybe when he is more aware and interested in the world around him.

Hopefully someone will come along with a magic solution for you, I would love to know what it is!

[Arimeh]

I'm going through the same thing and DS is 13 months old!!! Still hates his pram and wants to get out of it straight away. We've switched to a stroller (which won't really help you) and he will stay in that for about 20 minutes before wanting to get out. Last time we all went grocery shopping, I was lugging around the stroller, DH had hold of DS and pushing a loaded trolley. and we were all pretty damn cranky!!!!! Needless to say, I have been going grocery shopping by myself lately and leaving the boys at home!!! So no real advice here unfortunately, just letting you know that I've been going through it for 13 months!!!!!! Sympathy is coming from this corner for you lovey!!

[mrscricket]

Belle - my DS hated his pram - i had to carry him everywhere in the Baby Bjorn, until i raised the back up a bit so he could see out. Now he is happy to go in it and have a look around. Not sure if you have tried this or still have him laying flat, so just a suggestion. Good luck with it all

[Belle with the bump]

Yeah Em I have tried with the seat upright, it does not make a difference.
We took him today, screamed his head off, got really red in the face and got louder and louder, everyone was looking at me.. Ended up having to carry him.
I feel really sad cause I cant go anywhere as I have to carry him but he is already 8kgs and getting to heavy for me to carry, and lets face it I dont wanna be carrying him around the shops when he is 1 years old! I cant even go for a walk with him in the park, he gets cranky really fast, and its not the sort of crying you can ignore. I dont know what else to do cause we are having sleeping problems with him as well. He also has reflux, which he is medicated for. Im just finding it really tough at the moment.

[Arimeh]

Belle - they are never easy!!! Would be easier if they all came with an instruction manual!!! I'm just hoping the next one will be a bit easier to deal with. (and by the way, I'm one of those mothers that carry around a 13 month old!!! I'm happy he is only 10.5kgs at the moment though!!!)

[mrscricket]

Belle - you poor thing! My DS has reflux as well - he is on Losec and we are just gradually trying to wean him off it now as he seems to have improved a fair bit. I did wonder if it was reflux because he sounds like my son. We took our DS to the chiropractor for a few sessions, maybe something like that may help. It is only a suggestion because i know some people dont agree with chiropractors etc, although for us the medication and chiro seemed to help, as well as raising his pram and his cot. As I said, i also spent a lot of time with DS in the baby carrier as he prefered being upright but he was a bit smaller than your son. He is only just getting to 8kg now and understand that it would be impossible to carry him around for long amounts of time.

My heart goes out to you because i felt the same way - like i couldnt go out in public in case he had a screaming fit! I had all these visions of going for long walks and sitting in cafes drinking coffee.. has only happened recently!