Help me to get my 17mo DD to like her stroller again!!!!

[Shanti]

So we all know 99% of babies/toddlers don't really enjoy sitting in their prams for very long right?! I don't blame them, it's restrictive and especially as toddlers, they want to walk/run/move around and don't want to be strapped in!

My 17mo DD has always gone in her stroller when out and about and been happy to sit in it for a while until she lets me know she's had enough...... whether this be 5,10,20mins..... anyway, the last few weeks DD WILL NOT let me put her in the stroller. AT ALL......
We get the stroller out of the boot, go to put her in it and she cracks it big time, arches her back, throws her head back, screams murder, you name it (she's very strong minded!! LOL).....

Yes, we've tried food bribes "if you sit in your pram I can give you a biscuit" and we've tried "look dolly is in the pram do you want to sit in the pram too?" and pointed at other kids in their prams and said "wow look at that big girl in her pram" but to no avail......

It makes shopping really hard for me because DD also doesn't really enjoy being in her Ergo much anymore as it's confining, she wants to be either on my hip or walking.......and of course she's 11kg now so gets very heavy on my hip!!

Yes, we also use the shopping trolleys too, so when we get to the shops I grab a trolley and put her in one and use that instead of the pram and that worked fine at one stage but then she didn't want to sit in the infant seat strapped in, so we then let her sit in it without the seatbelt, then she started standing up on that so it was the safest option was to put her in the main compartment of the trolley (which I know you aren't meant to, but who friggen cares!!!! LOL) and she LOVED that for a while and NOW she won't even sit or stand in the trolley for very long......she wants out! Even with numerous biscuits and food offered to her

What else can I try?!?!? Any suggestions you could offer that I haven't already tried to get her back into her pram? I'd be happy if she only sat in it for 10mins even!!! Enough for me to zip around to the post office, and grab a few quick groceries...... at this stage I can't even do that without having to hold her on my hip the whole time it's so tiring. Although I must say, carrying her around is doing WONDERS for my weight, it's just dropping off!!!!!!
It's getting to the point now that I think I'll have to go shopping on my own at night when DH gets home from work and I don't really want to do that because I enjoy shopping with DD (when she sits in the pram or trolley) and by night time I'm too tired.

TIA

[Jennifer13]

Sorry hun, I'm probably not going to be much comfort here. My DD wouldn't stay in her stroller from a little bit younger than your DD's age. We gave up. I used the trolley and the HAB for grocery shopping, but the rest of the time I found it was harder to try to manage her and an empty stroller than just to get her used to holding my hand. It took a while, but she learnt. My problem was that when I'd turn my back she'd have gotten out of the stroller harness quick as a flash and be climbing out and running away!

It wasn't always easy managing a walking toddler at the shops, but it seemed less stressful.

[black_rose]

My 15mo is heading in the same direction, she stands up in the trolley seat even when clipped in so for now she stands in the trolley compartment, she is fine with dd1 in their too but when it's just her she tries climbing out. I think I will just have to let her walk. Have you thought about one of those harnesses you strap on to them with a lead? I always thought they were awful but with no 3 on the way I am thinking of ways to contain dd2

[Beautitude]

DS is the same. If i need to do a quick run to the shops and i want him in the pram i have to go first thing in the morning when he is in the best mood and give him something to eat. I find trolleys to be better so iv turned into one of those mums who walk around with an empty trolley just so my toddler can sit in it. I do let ds walk more now and just make sure i leave extra time as it is a slow process. Usually he is pretty good walking but today he did the carpark bolt while i had my hands full so i think he is going to have to learn to walk with harness as it was very scary.

[Arcadia]

If dd decides she doesn't want to go in the pram I explain to dd why she needs to go in (safety, too heavy, need to be quick) and then say I am going to count to three and then put you in (so she knows it's coming). By the time I get to three dd has usually calmed down and goes straight in. I know how impossible it is to put a stiff-as-a-board toddler in a pram, so fingers crossed she understands you need her to do this.

Otherwise, what about a trike thing you push along? It would save you carrying her. Our local toy library hires them out.

[Frangipani]

We had a similar issue with DS1 about then as well. At the same time we were also expecting another baby, so trying to get organised with strollers so we could have one in each car - we decided to get a little umbrella stroller to keep in DH's for if he took DS1 out- and we found that DS1 didn't seem to have a problem in that one- it is low to the ground so he can get in and out easily (though we do strap him in still, i think he felt a little more in control being down at his level).

As for the old stroller, we ended up selling it not long after and upgrading to a different one to hold both our boys and we've not had many issues with the new one (he did use it a few times on his own, but we mainly used the umbrella stroller before DS2 arrived)- though i think it helps now that DS1 realises DS2 is also in the stroller. So in our case here I think he found the new stroller a little more comfy. But i know this may not be your issue- just thought i'd share.

But i do recommend maybe trying an umbrella stroller- if you haven't tried or use one already (mum picked hers for $30, ours we paid about $100, cause we wanted it to lay down a little).

[Shanti]

Yeah I thought perhaps we should buy a new pram/stroller but the one we have is comfy enough and she's never had a problem with it up until a few weeks ago?! it also has a nice warm lambskin insert in it so it's super comfy and warm.
I think she is just trying to 'fiercely' try to prove her independence Her stroller reclines down and also sits upright too depending on how tired she is etc.

Yes we bought one of those monkey backpacks with the tail as a lead a couple of months ago and she loves it and calls it "nan-nee" hehe so cute but if he's on her she's happy but if i take the lead and walk with her she stops and cracks it and wants it taken off her! She will wear him but not with me holding it.......

I might try the "1, 2 3" count as I get her in the pram, but honestly I cannot see that working!!!! I will give it a go next time, thanks.

And one of those push along bike things won't work, not when i have a few things to get and have a trolley to push around too?

hoping it's a phase.....

[rufalina]

Have you tried using the ergo in a hip carry or as a backpack? That might be an option???

[Jakabella]

Sorry but Bella is 19 months old and she will only stay in hers for a short while too! We have those little kids trolleys in Coles and if I am only getting a few things DD pushes that around for me and i guid it while I put the few things in the lil trolley - that might work?

We walk down the street now - its just easier! She will walk the full hr that it takes to town and back ( toddler pace!) so thats what we do! When I get to the local super market that doesnt have those toddle trolleys she just has to sit in the trolly for 5 - we usually sing or count.

For my big groccery shop - DD stays at home with Grandma and I do it - faster and less stress for both of us!

Hope you find something that works!!

Kate

[Shanti]

Sorry but Bella is 19 months old and she will only stay in hers for a short while too!

Yeah but DD won't even TOUCH her pram!!! She won't go in it AT ALL!!!!

I think I might start using the Ergo on my back.... see if she'll do that..... thanks Rufalina.... it's just hard when you're on your own to put it on I worry I'll drop her!

I went grocery shopping last night after DH got home so that was easy LOL

And walking IS out of the question because she takes off!!! haha little monkey she is

[rufalina]

I usually try if from the bed, I get the ergo on and sit down, and get DS to climb on, and then I strap him in and away we go... I guess if you are out you could try using a bench seat at the shops or the front seat in the car???

[Jakabella]

Bugger! Bella is good at holding my hand but some times she takes off but I can usually hold the hood of her coat and keep her in contact that way LOL! We just walked around the block just now - she adores it!

Hmmm not much else I can suggest! But I will keep thinking!

We have our pram / stoller but we also have a little fold up pusher - and Bella stays in that better - have you tried just a normal pusher? Not pram??

[Shanti]

- have you tried just a normal pusher? Not pram??

What do you mean? Do you mean a stroller? We have a steelcraft lightweight stroller instead of a bulky pram if thats what you mean lol

I guess I was hoping also to hear from anyone who's cheeky toddler did this for a while then outgrew the stage and went back to loving (well, not loving LOL) liking their pram again for short bursts?!?!

[Arcadia]

My dd used to hate the pram, so it's possible she might like it again.

Dd uses her stroller around the house as a toy...she puts Teddy in and other toys and pushes them around and makes them go nigh-nigh (pulling the hood down saying "shhhhh"...too cute!). She also has a toy stroller that Teddy goes in (she mimics everything I do, so Teddy has a nappy and clothes etc...and she has a bag on the handle).

I am just thinking...what if you modelled behaviour using a favourite toy...So she can see that pram equals going out and fun. Or could you get her to push a toy stroller around?? Less likely to run off then I would think.

Just thinking out loud (or on the page) so I hope you find a solution soon.

[Shanti]

I am just thinking...what if you modelled behaviour using a favourite toy...So she can see that pram equals going out and fun. Or could you get her to push a toy stroller around?? Less likely to run off then I would think.

Just thinking out loud (or on the page) so I hope you find a solution soon.

You've made some great suggestions Arcadia thank you!! BUT yep we've tried that...... !!! DD has a toy stroller that she LOVES pushing around with her dolls and teddies in it...... does it all the time!! I could bring the stroller with me out to the shops (her toy one) but I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be long before she was distracted by something else and took off the opposite direction!!! LOL I just think she is much safer in a stroller, ergo or trolley She's just a little houdini..... my little explorer who won't sit still!!!!

[meow]

so it was the safest option was to put her in the main compartment of the trolley (which I know you aren't meant to, but who friggen cares!!!! LOL)

I'm sorry but *sigh* We've all been there!

My son is a bit of a nightmare at the shops these days too. I rarely go unless I HAVE to and I make it quick. I do all supermarket shopping at night.

[*TripleJ*]

damn i was hoping someone had a resolution lol im getting a double pram for #2 but DS doesnt like the pram probably coz we hardly use it if it a toy usually works at the moment though

[~Kim~]

Ergh I hate the 'stick thing' they do. Both my two have done this on and off. Now DD asks to go in the stroller and let DS walk lol.
One thing Jenn taught me when DD was little and refusing the car seat was to get her to help. Worked well with her in the stroller too. Let her climb in herself and put the straps on. Even DS is OK if I let him put the belt on himself.
Neither of mine did the sit in the trolley seat thing. I am 'that' mother, who sings through the grocery shopping (yes out loud) - I will dance if its required too , I have bubbles in my bag too....if not to keep my kids amused then to distract other patrons from my kids lol.
Hang in there babe.