Pushchair temper tantrums

[SwalisWantsaPeacefulChristmas]

DD is 19mo and is having temper tantrums. Nothing unusual there but I simply do not know how to deal with the tantrums she has when I'm trying to strap her into her pushchair (or sometimes the car seat or highchair if she is in a really bad mood). These are serious tantrums, not just a bit of screaming. I'm worried that she is going to hurt herself or me. She is wanting to walk more and more which is fine but she doesn't understand that she needs to walk where we need to go or that sometimes she walks too slowly for her to walk to the childminder if I'm going to get to work on time. I'm also really worried about what she is like being strapped into the pushchair by the childminder.

I simply don't know what to do. We're also trying to decide if it is worth buying a Phil and Teds in the sale as we are expecting DC2 in April. There is no point if she won't sit in it but I can't imagine that she is going to be up to walking everywhere that we want to go.

I didn't want to see you go unanswered but to let you know I have been there - only recently in fact.

My DD is now 22 months old and we still have problems with her in the pushchair.

She is now much better but I still have to force her into the seat regularly. She won't be hurt by this I'm sure you are taking care when you are having to do this.

(I think it's my perception of what others think that bothers me the most.)

Remember YOU are the adult, it is up to YOU what happens on a trip out not her. I'm quite stern on the walking or buggy front and if DD is silly I will put here back in the buggy.

You will need a double as she will be still very young when your LO arrives. DD certainly cannot walk everywhere although would give it a good try.

HTH

Thank-you. It's really helpful to hear someone say that their DD would happily try to walk everywhere even though she couldn't manage it. It's also good to hear someone say that it is the perception of what other people think that is the most difficult thing to deal with. I do really wish that DD would stop kicking my bump and slapping my face though!

All 3 of mine did this - in fact, the youngest DC is currently making the most of the fact that he is 20 months old and very cute by throwing the most almighty tantrums whenever he is faced with his pushchair or car seat. I'm afraid I resort to the knee-in-his-groin technique to hold him steady while I strap in in, and dare anyone to say anything to me! As Peachy said - you'll not harm them by doing this (within reason, obviously!!). You're the boss after all. Good luck

My friend had this problem and I lent her my ring sling which worked really well for her off the scale huge 3yo DS.

It's probably not something to start doing in pregnancy, though, but another option to try if (God forbid) it's still an issue later on.

I'm afraid I resorted to bribery at this stage with ds! He would have raisins or sometimes chocolate buttons for sitting in with and it just distracted him enough not to make a fuss.

Also I let him play with the straps for a good five minutes on getting in and out of the car seat as he loved doing that and it seemed to help.

With ds it was a fairly short lived phase and TBH I was more comfortable with a bit of bribery with treats than with the knee in the tummy approach - it's just what you're comfortble with, both will work!!!

Both my DDs went through this stage and it's hell, especially when you are pregnant (been there!). Doesn't usually last too long though. At times I went with the trick of effectively using your knee to help force them in (gently - sounds worse then it is). Sometimes I will bribe DD2 with a packet of raisins if she gets in (I know... not great, but it does usually work), or tell her to go and choose a toy to take with her. I'm due in April too, but DD2 is now 22 months and pretty much through this stage as I can now generally persuade her into the buggy if necessary (even though she still hates it and would always rather walk).