13mth old hates pram - help! any tips? i'm stuck at home!!

my 13mth old son sits in our pram for about 5 mins max, before he starts screaming (not crying, SCREAMING) and squirming. i then feel compelled to pick him up and carry him (as i'm typically out in public, and i cannot handle the stares and comments).

this has resulted in many house-bound days for me, as i know if i try to go for a walk, i will get 5mins from the house and have to carry him the rest of the way (and he weighs 12kg, so its not easy!). also, instead of a leisurely stroll to the shops, i drive there instead and do a quick dash in and out. its turning me into a BLOB!! :(

he's always been like this in his pram..... and his car seat, and high chair - basically anything that straps him down. he's very stubborn and determined, and so when he doesnt want to do something, he lets me know about it! (ie that SCREAMING i mentioned!)

i've tried different toys (work for about 30sec), and interesting things to look at (park, shops, etc - nope doesnt work), but the one thing that does seem to work is food - but he is a terribly fussy eater, so "good" foods dont work (ie, fruit, etc), only arrowroot biscuits, crackers, etc. and because he's a terrible eater, i feel guilty filling him on these crackers/biscuits, as he then wont eat dinner/lunch later on. (and of course, all that sugar is not good anyway).

i dont suppose there are any tips really, maybe i'm just venting, but has anyone found a miracle cure for cranky babies in prams??

otherwise, i guess i hang out until he can walk, then he might be happier walking next to me, rather than being stuck in a pram.

sigh

ohhh you poor thing. I do empathise....my DD#2 is 16 months, and whilst she will sit in the pram for a while, mummy enjoys the shops and im afraid 1 hr max is the most i can be out.
If i have to buy a present for someone, or need to concentrate (as most women do when they shop ;)) i buy DD#2 a chupachop. I know, i know, its not the most nutrious thing, but it does keep her happy for 20-30 mins.
Ive also just purchased a 'cleanshopper' - a material seat cover for shopping trolleys. I find she can look around more in a shopping trolley, and i can talk/sing to her too.
Good luck !!

Oh Leanne, your poor thing. That must make life so difficult for you.

I don't have that problem but here are some things I can think of that might help:

Sling - the one I have, called a pocket sling, can be used even when they are over 1. You can wear him on your front, back or hip. At 12kgs it would still be heavy I imagine, but if you're carrying him anyway the sling would be much easier.

Trolley - as mbear said, maybe he would sit in the trolley - it's a bit higher than a pram and he would be able to see more. You can use one in a shopping centre even if you are not going to the supermarket.

Babysitters - can anyone watch him while you go shopping (or out for coffee LOL) so that you can get a break? It might just be that you need to get out without him for now and hopefully once he's walking it will improve.

I hope you find something that works. I know how hard it can be to be stuck at home.

thanks for the tips!

i put him in the trolley at the supermarket - but its the same as the pram, i get about 5mins out of him before he screams his head off. hence why i have shopped at Colesonline for quite some time!

as for babysitting, its hard as i have no family nearby, and my friends are not that close by either, and are busy with their own babies. plus - its a daily thing.... think about how often you use your pram!

argh!! luckily, he's so cute. :)

PS i have a "Hippy Chick", a wedge that sits on your hip so you can carry them. but he's just so heavy.... and not good for a 'relaxing' walk! plus i'm pregnant again and i think the Hippy Chick is not good for pregnant women....

i havent got those pocket slings though....