Buggy fear

[Aliwah]

My 3 month old son has developed a fear of his buggy. He screams every time he goes in it. If he is tired, he does eventually go to sleep but if not, he just screams - very stressful.

If we get him out, he calms down almost immediately. Then we try again and he cries.

Any suggestions?

Has he fallen out? What do you think the cause is? is it because he doesnt feel 'cosy' enough, iyswim? Maybe put some of his favourite objects in there. Or put him in, but keep contact iwth him...patting stroking, talking etc, then do this a few time to let him know you are still near and decrease the time? Sort of a desensitisation type thing?

Is it a lie flat pram? Have you tried sitting it up a bit?

Is it all times he is put down, or just in his pram?

It might be a phase he grows out of, he is still small enough to go in nearly any sling and be comfortable for you. I am a fan of stretchy wrap slings like the Moby/Kari-me/etc. And then try the buggy again in a few weeks/months when he is able to sit up more and see out.

Yes, posted too soon - was also going to suggest a sling I loved mine, as did the dc's.

Does he have reflux? That might make the problem worse as well.

Try lining it with a jumper that you have just been wearing so it feels and smells safe and familiar. If it does work then work on the principle of getting him out before he gets a chance to get upset for a while so he feels more positive about it.

We can't work out what triggered it, although he has been quite clingy at times lately.

The sling isn't really an option because we don't have a car and I walk everywhere. He is also a very big baby so carrying him, the shopping and the change bag doesn't work unfortunately.

We've tried sitting him up a bit but that only reduced the volume of the crying.

Thanks for all these suggestions. I'll have a go at the desensitizing and the jumper and let you know!

My ds was like this. He hated being restricted and forced to sit IN something, was the same with car seat, bumbo, bouncer chair, anything other than being up in my arms while I walked around showing him things. He was very clingy too. But once he could sit up and understand things a bit more he became much easier. He is 2.8 now and actually asks to go into the buggy rather than walk!

Thanks for all your help. A combination of favourite toy, extra clothes and a blanket with a satin edge seems to have solved the problem