How do I take 2.5 yo on bus?

[Busbusbusbus]

This is probably a stupid question but I’ve never taken DS who’s 2 and a half year old on a bus.
Bus stop is a few minutes walk away on a main road. Bus journey probably 15 minutes, likely to be busy. Final destination is middle of a busy shopping mall. All I need to do is collect a package so not too much faffing.
He’s fairly sensible and holds my hand along the road but when he’s tired he doesn’t listen and there’s a chance he’s try and escape. Do I bring his stroller or do I get him to walk? I know he’d rather walk but not sure if he’s too young to be trusted. Any advice?

Reigns. You need reigns on him if he's going to walk. Try to pick a time that he won't be tired too

Damn, never tried those, guessing it’s too late to get him used to them now? Worth a try though, thanks!

Do you have one of those little backpacks with reins? That's what I'd use, if you're worried he could try to run. Definitely don't bother with the stroller, it's just a hassle if you have to fold it to make room for wheelchairs etc.

I would have let mine walk and had a sling folded up in my bag in case they got tired. Also second the suggestion of reins if you're not sure he can be trusted, particularly for going home when you'll have the parcel to carry as well.

Put him in his stroller. He won't like it but this is where white lies and bribery come in. He'll be excited about the bus so tell him he's only allowed in his stroller. When he wants to get out you bribe him with ice cream or small toy. Safety first.

Take the stroller if only so that when faced with a choice between parcel or tired child, you only have to carry a maximum of one .

Also backpack reins make them feel all big as they carry their own drunk but you can grab them quickly when necessary.

2.5 isn't too young to get used to reigns and like a pp said, you could try the <a class="break-all" href="https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cartoon-Baby-Toddler-Kids-Dinosaur-Safety-Harness-Strap-Bag-Backpack-with-Reins/323072104498?ulref=rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?ff3=2&pub=5575376664&toolid=10001&campid=5338268676&customid=cd5a4940-a815-4651-b692-9b6abe3d98e4&lgeo=1&item=323072104498&srcrot=710-53481-19255-0&rvrid=1898765636783&rvrts=8b24b4e71690a88b4e512886ffcce7ee&mwBanner=1&rdt=1&ulnoapp=true&pageci=4dae4fdb-2bce-4ac6-aaa7-3055e2efc61a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpack ones

Drink! Definitely not drunk

If you are only going to collect something and it'll fit in a bag, let him walk. Buggy are a pain to faff with on a bus. Dd is 22 months and can manage little trips like that to the shops without buggy now, it will be a big adventure!

Definitely don't make them carry a drunk. I really can't see how that will help

Just hold his hand

You don't need reins. Just hold his hand like normal. If the package might be bulky then a stroller can be useful, but bear in mind that if it's a huge one it might not fit (especially if there is another buggy or a wheelchair user there), so best to take a small and/or foldable one.

We catch the bus here twice a day with 4 under 7, I promise you'll be fine, it's the thought that's more stressful than the reality! The bus will hopefully be quite exciting for him too

Just hold his hand and walk. I catch the bus regularly with my three dc.

I completely get the rationale behind having him walk (back pack reins are good) but faced with a tired, tantrumming 2 year old and having to heft them around with bags I would have a stroller every time. Bribery to sit in it is fine, also useful if buses mean you have to stand still and wait because they have somewhere to sit and eat a sandwich/biscuit and have a drink. Also worth considering if they’re still prone to napping that you have a lot more flexibility for somewhere for them to drop off.

Folding a buggy isn’t that much hassle to be honest but I would be prepared to get off and get another bus if dc is sleeping or something. It’s never been an issue that’s cropped up for me in all honesty (I don’t drive so buses and trains are our primary ways of getting about).

Can you carry him (and the parcel) if needed? I abandoned the buggy for short trips with DS from 18months as even an umbrella fold buggy is a pain if there are others on the bus. We did have a back pack with reins as the road we needed to go on was busy and I could carry him for short distances (getting on and off the bus in a hurry for example and down the stairs as he loved sitting upstairs)

How big is the parcel? Will it fit in a backpack or a shoulder bag? My only concern would be whether or not you'll be able to grab him easily on the way back. I would walk a few minutes along a main road with my toddler, but I wouldn't do it if I didn't feel I could grab hold of him if needed without dropping a parcel. I'd always rather go on a bus without the bother of folding up a buggy if you can.

I could not carry a parcel and manage my 2yo on a bus. He's strong in will and body and can wiggle out of just about any grip! We use a backpack with reins for this type of mission. He has some activities and a snack in the backpack so thinks it's all grand having it on.

Just hold his hand and walk. the OP stated he slips her hand and runs off.

I would take the stroller. Just be prepared to fold it with one hand just in case there isn't a space.

*JiltedJohnsJulie

Just hold his hand and walk. the OP stated he slips her hand and runs off.*
He needs more practice then

If there's a chance he could escape then reins definitely. I'd go with the stroller option and have him wearing the reins as well, for on the bus (I'm assuming you'll need to collapse the buggy) but that won't work with the backpack type. Safety first!

It depends on the size and weight of the package and if can you shove it in a backpack and still be able to pick up and carry your toddler (if needed) really.
If you can then you should be fine. I too would recommend one of those backpacks with a reign attached or one of those wrist ones. Prepare that this trip will take 3 times as long as it would if you were on your own. Plan carefully if you have to rely on strict bus timetables. For example if the bus is once an hour and the last bus is at 5pm aim to catch the 4pm because then you have an emergency back up if you miss the bus.
If he has never been on a bus before this may be sooo exciting for him and a big adventure - make it that way! Stay calm, have fun and have a treat in Costa while you are there.
Or - borrow one of those really basic umbrella style buggies (the type that Argos sell for 20 quid) that fold down really easy and you can hang over your arm.

He needs more practice then well yes, but not possibly by a busy road when the OP is carrying a package and is anxious about the trip.

I'd walk. I wouldn't take the buggy, for me it just became another thing to think about.
Mine never had rains, we live by a busy road so have drummed into them from tiny they must hold hands by the road, no ifs or buts. I used to take the buggy and if they wouldn't walk sensibly they were back in the buggy. Repeat until it sinks in!

FFS REINS not rains