Toddler won't stay in pushchair and refuses to walk :(

[Onlyrainbows]

Normally not an issue, but given the car is either on its way out (and will have to wait for a new one or for it to get repaired) how can I take my 2yo to nursery? It's a 2mi walk, so I can just carry him on my shoulders. Public transportation is potentially an option, but I'd still have to carry him around and he's getting to heavy for me.

What happens if you strap him in and just go for it, he’ll calm down eventually and accept it surely?

Could you invest in a toddler carrier and back carry him? Proper carriers will distribute weight better and they’re easier than carrying in arms. When you say he won’t stay on the pushchair what does he do? If he’s unbuckling himself could you put something on the buckle to stop him?

You have my sympathy, my ds was like this. I used to just resort to good old fashioned bribery to get him in. Have as many toys as possible attached to the pushchair, strap him in and as pp said, just go.

I agree just Sysop him in tightly so he can't wiggle out. I had three under 4 and can't drive so they learnt they either walked or went in buggy, no other option.

I did for one of them end up getting a harness to keep them in buggy once they learnt how to escape

We've tried that before a couple of times and he'll just drag his feet and either hurt his feet or damage his shoes. He doesn't calm down and it's quite distressful to see.

My 20 month old has started refusing the pushchair, but she’s too heavy to carry and I just have to do the school run.

She just has to go in. Sometimes she will scream the entire way but there really is no choice, wrangling her along side a busy road with everything else would be dangerous.

I had a toddler like that OP. He would scream bloody murder and definitely they can get out if they really want to.

To be honest i can't remember how we dealt with it. I just remember awful journeys to the childminder.

I think this is one reason he had a dummy for so long, it really did act as a pacifier. So I agree, bribery of some sort?

I know it’s distressing for you but it’s not for them. Take his shoes off and strap him in tightly-he won’t keep dragging his feet. I’m not above bribery either but you have things to do.

Breakfast in the buggy? My 2yo also dislikes his but can often be persuaded in with food if it's time for a snack.

I wouldn't carry him, he's only going to get bigger and stronger. You'll wreck your back.
Give him a choice each time. "Do you want to walk nicely or go in the buggy?"
Every time he plays up, strap him in the buggy. This is easier to do if you lay it as flat as possible before dumping him in it. If he's dragging his feet, tip the buggy so you're pushing it on the back wheels.
You'll have to be consistent, but he'll get the idea!

@Onlyrainbows

We've tried that before a couple of times and he'll just drag his feet and either hurt his feet or damage his shoes. He doesn't calm down and it's quite distressful to see.

take his shoes off ;)

Would he go on one of those little bikes that has a push handle?

Just out him in the buggy and let him scream.

Mine got in the buggy, but tried to escape ALL THE TIME. We had to front and back strap him into EVERYTHING, buggy, car seat, highchair etc.

Is it comfy? Can you make it more comfortable? I agree with the others that I would just strap him in and go for it, you can't be held to ransom by a toddler.

I'd also keep some favourites books or snacks handy that he's only allowed in the buggy, also talk to him constantly, play I spy type games etc.

Oh yeah a smart trike could work? We had to cut short a few days out because of the way he is.

My DC1 was like this. I had a lovely comfy toddler carrier.

I figured he'd scream whatever I did so I may as well do whatever worked best for me. So wrestled him into the carrier.

He always did calm down. Eventually. And obviously that stage passed!

Do whatever is easiest for you if you'll get the same outcome anyway. It'll pass.

A trike or scooter?

A back carrier like Boba 4G?

Public transport would not involve that much carrying.

Can you find out what it is he doesn't like about the buggy - maybe it's uncomfortable? Try out friends' buggies? A rear facing one? A cosy seat liner? A different kind of safety harness (or no safety harness?)

We got a toddler bike which had a handle on the back to push it. Very important if you do this to get one with pedals that can be disengaged so they don’t get clacked feet which is dangerous.

He always carried a giant cuddly Bing and a pillow, so maybe "bribing" him with those is the answer.

buggyboard?

Would this sort of thing help?

He's just starting to talk so I doubt he can vocalise what he has against that buggy.

Put him in the buggy. Take his shoes off and tip the buggy up so he can’t drag his feet. Snacks and toys.

Get stern with him.

I had one like this. It’s grim. But you just have to grit your teeth. Power walk.

Also get reins and strap him in with those so he can’t get out.