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My ds is about 22 mo. and it is very difficult to take him shopping. He's not particularly fond of car rides but we find other ways to occupy him. I take snacks w/ me when we go shopping but I was thinking of bringing a small toy w/. I just don't want to be bending over and picking it up every 5 seconds when he throws it out. He tends to want to get out of the cart (even when strapped in). I sometimes put him in the back of the cart, but he will beat on the groceries or if he's really antsy will try to climb over the edge. Help! I was thinking of buying or making something that would keep the toy attached to the cart like a lankyard or something, but I don't know.
Answer:
In BabiesRUs, they have little toys that will attach to a stroller. I have a dashboard. I also have a book that straps to her stroller, and because it's a wide velcro strap, you could use it on a cart, too. It has a cow whose cheeks light up when you press its nose as it moos, and it has a squeaker in the back.
The other thing I do is get the stroller toys that have rings on them. I connect the rings together to make it longer, so she plays with it, then when she wants to let it go, she can, and it won't fall to the floor - she can get it later when she wants to. There's also a plastic toy that's longer and velcros on that has a nose to push to make music.
One of her favorites? Getting her a balloon. I tie it to her stroller, and she just strolls along, clutching it tightly in her hand. Last night was heartbreaking, though. We were in a store and she went crazy over red and green balloons they had around a display, so we asked if we could have one. On our way out of the mall, I guess the tie came undone. She sat there pointing to the huge, very high, vaulted ceiling, saying balloon. Yep. A green balloon was all the way up there. Poor thing. Thankfully, I had a backup white one in the car from a restaurant the week before.
Answer:
I recall dd having problems about that age also. I pretty much only shopped with her if she could be strapped in. My trips weren't that long then, but she outgrew it. I think it was partly a power struggle and she realized the she wasn't going to win. I also tried to find something special we could do where we were going, like to see the fish at walmart or get a cookie at publix. This was and still is a great motivation for good behavior.
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I was in target with my sister and my nephew was throwing a fit, BIG TIME! He's almost 2 and my sister was so embarrassed. I helped her out by taking the cart and being the lady with the screaming toddler to give her a break for a while. One guy was staring, I Almost gave him a piece of my mind. It really was very funny. I think the best thing to do is to just smile and go about your day, waiting for the days to pass and for the toddler to grow out of it. If you give them too much attention, it sometimes makes them even worse. Little buggers, there so good at being kids some times
Answer:
Originally Posted by ApollosMom
One guy was staring, I Almost gave him a piece of my mind. It really was very funny.
I HATE it when people just start staring. I always think that the parent(s) probably already feel embarassed/stressed. I've never understood those who stare or give dirty looks!
Answer:
I like the balloon idea. Another thing that works for a few minutes is letting my help me push the cart, she loves it