Toddler moms - how often do you use your stroller?

BoxTer

N will not tolerate being in the stroller for very long so I've pretty much stopped using it. We live somewhere where we have to drive everywhere so the only places I was really using it was at the mall or visiting a theme park or the aquarium. She's getting a lot better at holding my hand when we're out somewhere, but when I'm trying to do some shopping or another errand that is not an outing for her, it would be a lot easier if she would stay in the stroller (or shopping cart) without squirming to get out. If I let go of her hand, she is off running in another direction - if she would stay by my side, I wouldn't mind at all not using the stroller. It's so hard to try to hold a toddler, pay for something and then walk through the mall pushing the stroller and trying to keep her near me! I see older kids happily chilling in their strollers but I'm wondering if they were like N when they were younger and wanted nothing to do with their strollers. Should I be encouraging her to be patient while in the stroller, or should I just keep trying to teach her to stay with me so she can walk? Will she want to go back to using the stroller at some point? I try to keep her busy while in the stroller or shopping cart by bringing small toys, snacks, etc. but it doesn't work for too long.

kittylove

We have this problem with Riley only he isn't good about holding hands. My solution was a baby leash/backpack leash. I hate the darn thing and love it too. I hate the looks I get but I love that he is getting better about staying close.

TakYelgif

Not very often but DS just started tolerating the stroller again.  Just keep to what is easiest and safest in time she will learn that the stroller is expected on some outings.

case in point DS pretty much hated the cart seat at the store once he learned to walk, but I continued to put him in the cart because it was safer and easier than letting him walk through the store.  After a few weeks of this he learned that he HAD to ride in the cart and stopped pitching a fit about it.

crystalgirl

DS still tolerates the stroller just fine, as long as he hasn't been in it or the carseat all day.  He does fine in carts, too.  I really hope it lasts!!!

OTOH, he is terrible about holding hands except around our neighborhood.  As soon as we're anywhere new, we have to carry him (or use the stroller, if that's an option) because he won't hold our hands.

Since she is generally good about holding hands and not the stroller, I suppose I would work on improving that.  The only other idea I have is to get one of those car-shaped strollers...Maybe she would think that was fun.

ETA: To clarify, I meant I would work on improving her hand holding since she's already showing a preference for that.

TheSkimmy

I just went to the Children's Place without a stroller. About 5 minutes into it we went back to the car to get the stroller. I really think if they have no clue they can get out---- they won't want or need to. He's fine in the stroller because he doesn't know any different. Just like a high chair.

CMM05

Connor has gone in stages. Probably about 5-6 months ago, he hated the stroller and would climb out of it (yes....even when he was strapped in!). Now....he is liking it again and he is sitting well in carts (Thank God!). But, he also is very interested in the stroller again b/c of Noah. We pretty much put Noah in the stroller with his infant seat all the time, and the second I pull the stroller out for Noah, Connor wants in.

Connor is, however, fairly good about holding my hand and/or staying close by. But, again, he just got better at this in the past few months. A year ago I would have never been able to let him walk by my side in a store!

 

keg

We still use our strollers a ton, but I'm also in a little different situation in that there is no way I could go anywhere with two NOT in a stroller or cart at this age.  I generally don't let them out, and I think there might be some peer pressure between the two that keeps them content in the stroller (although we've had a hair pulling incident in the side-by-side stroller recently).  I have gotten them little backpack/leash things and while they LOVE wearing the backpacks around the house (as in ask to wear them and get upset if I take them off), I haven't tried it out and about yet.   

dundasgirl

I use mine everytime I go for a walk which is almost everyday.  I also use mine to go into Ikea, or the mall, the park, etc.  I try to use it alot so Reed won't start to refuse it...I do have to bribe him with his soother though.

beebe929

She loves the stroller as long as it is in CONSTANT motion... so walks are fine... stops at the mall to check things out... not so much...

 

BoxTer

Thanks everyone! I think I have been too much of a pushover in letting her out when she gets fussy in an effort to keep the peace. I also worry that she's going to squirm so much that she'll fall out, even though she's strapped in! I need to be more firm with the "stay in the stroller/cart."

Kim&Jim

Quite a bit.  They aren't the best walkers yet and it's easier to get things done when they are contained in there!  I just make sure I have books, snacks, etc. to keep them entertained.

I have a friend with twins and she uses the backpacks (her kids turned 2 in January).  They seem to work well.  She also has them "help"push my stroller.  That way it's new and exciting for them and they are literally right at my feet in the mall so they are safe.  You may see if you give him a choice to push the stroller or ride what happens.  It may be a disaster, but it may work!!  Plus then you'd have the stroller if he gets tired.

I'm of the camp though that they usually don't get out even if they fuss.  If they think there's not an option, they usually settle down once they figure out they can't get their way.

 

manda429

you guys are scaring me.  Sometimes my only break is when I put Jake in the stroller and we go for a walk. I hope he doesn't develop an aversion to it!

AvaLikeLava

We only use it when we're out and about in busy places like the museum. But I only bring it if I know we'll be there awhile. If it's a short trip, I bring the backpack leash and have him walk around. He prefers it too, since he can see better.

I'm still happy we have a stroller, but with this next baby, I'm in no rush to get a double stroller.

skoorbnibor

I dont use my big stroller anymore, but our silver cross pop is light and easy to move around. We take it to stores without carts and the zoo and so on. He can get in and out by himself and for now, he asks if he can get out... we'll see how long that lasts!

MrsJeffsWife2B

Jasper lasts all of 5 minutes in his stroller before he starts writhing/screaming to get out.. so I basically don't go anywhere without someone else with me, one person to run around after Jasper and the other to drive the abandoned stroller! I really need to get one of those backpack leash things.

futrkingsley

My son has always hated the carseat/stroller/etc.  We got a new stroller just recently though because he outgrew his old one but doesn't have the stamina for long walks (even our closest park is over a mile away).  I let him walk if he gets fussy in the stroller but if he doesn't stay with me (I don't always make him hold my hand) then back in it he goes.

He's really good about staying close by me though.  If he wanders off, he usually asks me to go with him first and if I can see him (like he's looking at fabric on the next stand over), I let him wander over and come back.  And he likes to sit in odd places or play peek a boo in the racks when shopping (he stands below and hides under the clothes) and as long as I can reach him that's fine with me.