How do you expect DC to behave.....

Mominator

....in places like the mall and grocery store. And how old are they?

I had my kids at the mall and market today and while DS (19mths) was either in his stroller or the cart, I always let DD (3 y/o) walk. Sometimes she gets a little ahead of me, but she always stays in my sight. I am more than happy to give her a little rope and let her do her thing as long as she behaves and listens to me. At her age, I just couldn't see restricting her to a cart or a stroller, she would probably behave worse.

summerbrideDC

mostly what you said.  If the place is very crowded, he is in his stroller or the cart, but for the most part, I let him roam as long as he's within at least eye range (sometimes arm, depending on where we are). 

but he knows that if he goes off or behaves poorly, he's back in the cart.  

 

 

Ciarrai

Basically what you said.  I have some trouble since the girls are so close in age.  If one is walking, the other wants to be and that's harder.  I like the stores that have the carts that are cars and such b/c then both girls can sit in them.  At the mall or things like that, I bring the sit-n-stand and just DD#2 sits in it (when I can make her).  Then at the zoo or kid-friendly places, both seem to walk more often than not.  Like you said, trying to restrict her/them is much worse than just letting her roam a little bit.

Andrewsgal

As long as it is not super crowded and she is behaving I allow DD to walk with me. If she starts getting into something or not listening she knows she goes right back in the cart. 99% of the time all I have to do is warn her once and she is on her best behavior.

oparcm

I only have one so it is so easy for me. Dd has walked with me since she was 1.  We only use the stroller at Disney.  She stays with me and she prefers to hold my hand.  If not she walks along side of me.  She's not one to run ahead or anything.  If she gets tired, I'll pick her up for a bit and then she walks again.  To me the stroller is a pain.  Sometimes if a store has the carriages that look like a race car, she'll ask to go in that but otherwise she's walking.  I figure it is good exercise and again, I only have one.

LittleMamaB

I don't dare let Miles walk unless he's holding my hand at this point (he's 28 months). He is just way too crazy and would dart off. Jonas, on the other hand (who is only 14 months), would do fine because he never wanders too far from me. He prefers to stay close.

Dimplz

If it's for more than one or two things, DS is in the cart. He has a hard time controlling his body so if he's not touching tons of stuff on the shelf, he's rolling around on the floor. Having him in the cart is the only way I get any shopping done!

momphd

I agree-- when my 2 are in their stroller, it's (literally) hell on wheels b/c they screw with each other the WHOLE time.  My 3 y/o is suuuuuper slow and a major dawdler, though.  I try to grocery shop at off hours at stores with little carts for him to push-- that helps him stay with me.

We have not done the mall w/o the stroller.  Gulp. 

PearlieGirl'sMom

I agree with what you said. We were at a craft show the other day, and DD walked and did a great job!

Kapalua

DS walks most of the time...unless he starts screaming, running, or tearing stuff apart!  He does tend to be a grabby mcgraberson-so I have to be careful in stores or else I get to the checkout with a bunch of stuff I didn't intend to buy!