3yo DS only wants to be carried - other transport suggestions?

[LuckyFlash]

Does anyone have any suggestions for the best mode of transport for a nearly 3 year old? He only wants to be carried but it’s just not possible most of the time I’m getting really fed up with it (as is my back!).

he refuses to walk most of the time - he’s occasionally happy to walk for 10 minutes or so but not much more than that. If I push it he just screams and sits down…

he doesn’t want to go in the pushchair. He will as a last resort but it takes a long time of moaning/tantruming or bribery. I also feel like he’s getting a bit old for a pushchair and people have commented to me that he shouldn’t be using it any more (not sure if this is true as I do see other kids his age in them but I guess it’s made me self conscious). It’s also a hassle as it’s so bulky - would love to be able to go out without it.

he has no interest in the scooter or balance bike we got him whatsoever.

I’ve looked into a trike that I push but most seem to be up to 3 years or suggested that at 3 years they should be on the bike part only so this feels like a waste of money.

any other suggestions?!

Is he hyper mobile? Do you think it's painful to walk? My 3yo is hyper mobile so d was late to meet lots of gross motor skills. Walking is hard for her. We use a trike with a handle as that's 'more fun' she enjoys it in there. I have a 1 yo old too and my 3yo also quite likes the buggy board

I'd ignore other comments about what he should be doing from other people it's about what's best for him and you. Also ignore age suggestion on a trike. He has other options like scooter and balsncd bike so he isn't being denied the chance to play on those types of toys but getting from a to b a trike with handle you push might really help. Look for one second hand

DD used the pushchair until almost 4 - she still hates walking now although we don’t use it anymore. She’s not very confident physically and all aspects of gross motor skills have bern slow (but she’s very far ahead verbally and fine motor). She’s only just about able to run and she’s nearly 4.5. Plus side is she’s never bolted as she can’t 😂

Stop carrying, I refused that. Then give option of only pushchair or walking. Be consistent. The pushchair will eventually go.

I used to back carry mine in a sling till they were about 3.5 sometimes.

Ds is 5 next week and still uses the push trike! I think he might be hypermobile though. He's very skinny so probably under any weight limits.

If you don't drive a pushchair is fine for as long as they fit in it safely. It's very easy for someone who drives to comment when their child is only walking from the parking lot to the destination.

If it's for trips to the park etc where you can take a bike you can get a push bar attachment for a normal bike with stabilisers so you can push it.

Check out any physical reasons too, hyper mobility as already been mentioned, my DD hated walking it wasn't until she was mid Primary she was diagnosed with Severs Disease - basically the muscles and ligaments in legs and feet grow out of sync so it hurts to walk or do high impact exercise, it stops being an issue once they are fully grown.

Once you have ruled out any medical issues you need to go through the stand off of walk or pushchair and refusing to carry.

Presumably you've ruled out a toddler sling to carry him on your back?