Standing in trolley

[Wordsareimportant]

after a debate with another parent this week, it got me thinking. AIBU to put my child ‘in’ the trolley?

I have a nearly 1 year old and a 2.5 year old. There is only one supermarket close to us that has trolleys with two seats.

If we have to go anywhere else I will put my youngest child in the seat and my 2 year old will walk. However, there are times when putting her in the trolley behind my other child is just 1000x easier than dragging her around the shop.

Discussion with another parent made me wonder if I really am ‘disgusting and spreading germs’ for letting her sit in there.

For context:

• on the odd occasion this happens, she always sits, doesn’t stand.
• I can’t ‘just go shopping without them’
• Yes, she can walk. but she’s 2.5 years old. She likes to touch everything, ‘explore’ the shop and just be an average 2 year old.

so, AIBU? Or am I just an average parent trying to food shop with toddlers?

I never did but more from a safety perspective. It’s really not safe having a child sit in there (and stand as they always do). I used to get an online shop, and if I needed to top up I’d either go in the evening and leave kids at home, or on my lunch break / way home. If I did have to take them, I’d only need a few bits so no trolley needed.

Have worked in supermarkets for 15 years & seen so many accidents involving kids in trolleys. There's a warning symbol on the handle of all our trolleys now as so many people have tried to sue the company for not preventing it. You can't say anything to parents as they know better.

The floor of a supermarket is solid & when a child falls from a trolley they end up head first. The most serious accident involved a toddler ending up in an air ambulance - they survived but were left with permanent disability & lifelong problems.

Dislocated shoulders & many hand injuries have also happened.

You wouldn't let your kid play on a playground with a rock hard supermarket floor so why does all common sense go out the window when you are shopping.

I don't see an issue with this. I always see children in the trolly and it's never occurred to me it's not OK. I have always put mine in there and not one person has ever given a second look , they always smile and chat to my child. If you have to put child in , do so. Also pushing a trolley you never know what crap is on the handles or where people's hands have been prior to shopping . I'd be less worried about a small child in a trolley or remove shoes if they are dirty

This is what I do or a crate of pop cans. He sits there contently.

Lol at the people who are outraged cause of hygiene. Do they not realise the trollies live outside 🙄

It's a supermarket not a hike through the alps.

If anyone thinks trollies are clean prior to a toddler going in one - they are insane.

You do realise trollies are not clean aside from that?

@Sunshineandpool

so?

Well I wouldn't do it because a supermarket trolley isn't designed to have children in it anywhere other than the seat and I have witnessed first-hand the rather gruesome (bloody) results. But if that sort of injury risk doesn't bother you, crack on.

I think it depends if it's a deep trolley, or a smaller one. A smaller one then yes, huge chance of tipping, falling out. A deep trolley, I think a small child will have a hard time tipping it. I personally couldn't tip one (especially with food in). If they've got time to get up and climb out, then that's due to the parents not paying attention.

Nope, the one I witnessed was a deep one. They are easier to tip than you think. Parent was holding it with one hand.

i don't think you'd have any problem tipping it. They have no weight at the base to balance any kind of weight leaning over the top like a small child might in order to reach something.

The injuries I saw weren't caused by tipping. They were caused by the child standing up suddenly, causing the trolley to move a little, and the small child falling over the side with the side ensuring they land head first.

🥱 your child is more likely to get hurt in a car accident on the way to the supermarket wont stop you driving there though

Which is why you presumably use a safe car seat designed for children and strap them in. And why you should be using the seat part of the trolley that is designed for children and strapping them in.

The near-trolley accidents I saw were the deep ones. Toddler standing up and leaning over.

I have toddler twins. Yes they stand in the trolley when we go to the nearest big shop. The nearest one with twin trollies is significantly further. I do my best to order online - I promise, dragging three kids round the supermarket is not a fun afternoon out for me - but sometimes needs must.

Oh my goodness I had no idea that trolley injuries were so common.

Thanks for the thread OP. I certainly won't be sticking my little lady in the trolley again.