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Parenting

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Original poster

Best ways to get out and about with a newborn and a toddler?

11 replies

nickname4789 · 03/10/2023 20:54

Hi mumsnet! I’m due to have a baby in the next couple weeks and I’m still absolutely clueless how I’m going to get out and about with a 2 year old and a newborn! My 2 year old can walk fine, but when we’re out he won’t stay with me, he runs off and when he’s on his reins he just screams the place down. Always in his own bubble, no awareness that we’re shopping etc just wants to do his own thing. I have a double pram prepared but I really dont want to have to strap him in a buggy every time we go out! Any suggestions?

OP posts:

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VivaVivaa · 03/10/2023 21:03

Baby in sling so you are hands free and can supervise him walking

Insist on hand holding or reins. No other options. Start now.

Stick to toddler friendly places only where he can’t escape. We live between toddler groups, the park and soft play currently.

Do shopping on days 2 yo is in childcare (if applicable), delegate it or go with another adult

We’ve also had a lot of success with the buggy board. It’s how I safely get DS1 around without the resistance of being strapped into a buggy.

Marblessolveeverything · 03/10/2023 21:05

I'd also buy a teathered back pack with his favourite character and a few bits that are special to him.

Just as a backup.

SunshineAndFizz · 03/10/2023 21:07

Baby in sling and reins for toddler.

Or pram for baby with a buggy board for toddler to sit/stand on.

Or baby in sling and toddler in one of those trike things - you still strap them in but it's a bit more fun for them.

Or just put them both in the double buggy - snacks or toys to keep toddler happy. You're the parent, you're in charge.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

2 year olds Behaviour & development Families General parenting

NuffSaidSam · 03/10/2023 21:14

Just put him in the buggy! There'll be plenty of time for walking. Just make life easy for yourself.

Original poster

nickname4789 · 03/10/2023 21:14

Thank you all for your replies!
@VivaVivaa i will definitely try that. I’m definitely persistent when we’re out and try to be as firm as possible with hand holding etc but he just throws himself to the floor and refuses to walk! I’m going to stick to toddler friendly places though and I guess I’ll have to do shopping and arrends when I have DH available!
@Marblessolveeverything he has a blanket he takes absolutely everywhere which seems to help, he’s seems to have took an interest into iggle piggle a lot more now so I’ll buy a teddy and see if maybe it helps? I guess having his own little backpack will be like going on an adventure!
@SunshineAndFizz I’m definitely looking at the buggy boards/ slings. Also I was planning on getting him a trike for Xmas so this should help! I don’t think you can go wrong with snacks and toys!

OP posts:

bakewellbride · 03/10/2023 21:18

My son went on the buggy board until he turned 5! He is fit and active and I have no guilt, just do what works for you. Good luck.

OverTheCountryClub · 03/10/2023 21:21

I've done this twice- had 3 dc each 2 years apart. Just strap the toddler in the buggy. Make it the routine. The last thing you will want on zero sleep, hormones surging, with post-natal bleeding and leaking boobs, is to be buggering about with a toddler on reins or trying to keep them still on a buggy board or chasing after them on a scooter. Double buggy, both bundled up and strapped in. Snacks and drinks loaded ready to hand out if needed. Job done. Incorporate a stop off somewhere the toddler can have a run round safely without getting into a pickle (like the park) and in a couple or so months when you're feeling human again and the baby is (hopefully) sleeper better, you can start trialling some more independent walks for the 2yo. I wouldn't have been without the double buggy with mine.

Toddler101 · 03/10/2023 22:14

My toddler was 2.5y when baby arrived 5m ago and our mode of transport generally depends on our outing! Mostly though what has worked wonders for us is baby in bassinet and toddler on buggy board, or second option baby in sling toddler on scooter (nursery runs or park trips). Alternative is toddler just walks (mine isn't a runner and never used reins).

I save shopping trips for when DH is around to help then the third option comes into play - baby in bassinet, toddler on DHs shoulders (or being playfully chased around by whichever parent isn't pushing the bassinet).

It's all a bit trial and error but you'll find what works for you. Good luck!

Toddler101 · 03/10/2023 22:15

We didn't get a double buggy and I really don't feel like we've needed one at all.

Teaandbiscuits16 · 03/10/2023 22:21

Another advocate of the sling here! 2 year age gap with my 2 and god, the sling and then the carrier when youngest got a bit bigger got used SO much!
We also have a buggy board that my 4 year old still uses when his little sis is in the pushchair for longer walks. He started using that at 2.

Babyboomtastic · 04/10/2023 00:03

I had an under 2 year age gap.

slings
more slings (toddler can go on your back and baby in pram as well as baby in carrier in Turkey walking).
why on earth would you go shopping with small ones except for a few top ups that didn't take too long. If it's food= get it delivered. If it's not food= that's what Amazon or other internet shops are for. So the only thing you really need to go shopping for are that extra pint of milk or clothes/shoes. Mine are 4&6 more and I'd rather pluck my own eyeballs out than regularly do a full grocery shop with them, and Amazon delivers at least 3 times a week.

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