14 month old hates the pram

[Sunshine1996]

Posting just to vent after extremely stressful shopping trip. Quickly popped to the shops with MIL and DD. DD is still not walking so we are restricted to the pram and she is starting to get to heavy to hold for the time while we are in the shop. DD has started to really dislike her pram. She is fine when being put in but within 5 minutes has a meltdown. No tears, just pure anger. Kicking and screaming. Today we had the whole shop staring at us. I tried to talk calmly to her and gently rock the pram. MIL then told me to ignore her which made me feel so guilty. Just needed advice on what to do in this situation? Do I ignore or do I pick her up for a cuddle? We took her to the park afterwards to go on the swings which she loved but as soon as she got back in the pram it started again. Just feel like such an awful mum when everyone stares 😞

I have a 14 month old too and while he's fine in the pram, I just wanted to say I wouldn't ignore him if he was angry or upset. They're so little still at this age with limited communication skills but she is clearly trying to tell you something is wrong!
I try and put myself in my son's shoes and imagine how I would feel if I were him - you're her mum and the person she relies on to help and understand her, not ignore her when she's clearly upset.

Could you try distracting her with a game/something to play with or a snack/drink while she's in the pram? I constantly chat to my son, point things out to him, give him some shopping to hold - involve him in it all. Even just holding my car keys entertains him.

How about some interesting toys/safe household items that she's only allowed to have when she's in the pram? You can get these tether things that close with poppers so you can attach things to the pram so she can't drop or throw them out. Alternatively, how about swapping to a smart trike instead? You could get a secondhand one if you're not sure how she'd take to it, but in my experience they're a big hit. Trickier to manoeuvre but possibly worth it for the happy toddler!

A toddler sling or carrier might be another option, at least for shortish trips – a lot easier on your back and arms than carrying her.

My DD hated the pram from birth. I remember running around Sainsburys like I was on Supermarket sweep trying to get everything before she kicked off.

Options:

Pram - toys, snack, world facing?
Sling

If its any consolation, we gave up and would carry her about when she got tired of walking and now the novelty of walking is over she is quite happy to sit in the pram. It should improve!