As an avid walker for exercise and leisure, I couldn’t wait to take my newborn on long walks through the neighborhood, to the park, along the water, you name it. Unfortunately, he didn’t want anything to do with the stroller. Even now, at 17-months-old, he still pretty much hates it, but, thankfully, I’ve learned a few tricks to make using the stroller a bit less painful for both of us. I hope you’ll find them useful as well.
Check for physical comfort
Always rule out any possible discomfort first when your baby is upset in the stroller (or car seat or anywhere, really). In the summer, make sure your little one is staying cool enough—some strollers have liners that can be removed for better air flow. They also make really cute foam fans that you can clip on to the stroller so baby has a nice breeze! While we want babies to be all warm and cozy in the winter, they can get too toasty in those BundleMe’s and rain shields. Look out for sweat or a red face, which may indicate that your little one is overheated (i.e. time to strip off a layer or two and make sure he’s hydrated). My pediatrician’s advice always stuck with me: “Dress your baby as you would dress yourself, and then add one layer.” I’ve found this to be generally a good rule of thumb.
An infant will probably be most comfortable in a supportive body pillow, and of course, be sure to check that the seat belt (always use a seat belt!) is snug but not pinching or too tight anywhere.
Check for emotional comfort
Most babies just want to be held—it’s natural and the most comforting. Try to put them down in their crib, play mat or stroller and all hell breaks loose. Unfortunately, sometimes we have to put them down, but there are things we can do to make it a little easier on them. If they take a pacifier or lovey, give that a go. Also, you might want to consider a rear facing stroller so baby can look into your loving eyes and watch you singing and talking to him as you stroll along.
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Timing is key
You’ll get to know your baby and when is (or isn’t) the best time to take him for a ride in the stroller. If my son was starting to get sleepy, I’d plop him in and he would pass out just a couple of minutes into the ride. If he was over tired, though, forget it. He’d have a total melt down and be in inconsolable baby screaming mode until I took him out of the stroller.
Entertainment
There is one essential stroller toy for babies that I can’t recommend enough. It worked for months for my son, and just about every friend of ours has one they love(d) as well: Baby Eisntein Take Along Tunes. I tethered it, and other forms of entertainment that we kept in constant rotation as to avoid boredom, to the stroller with some fun toy links.
Distract with snacks
This doesn’t really apply for infants (though for them the “snack” could just be a pacifier), but for older babies, snacks can buy you a peaceful five to 10 minutes—enough to run in and grab a few items at the grocery store without being judged by every shopper for not being able to calm your screaming baby. Food pouches are great—you can buy pre-made one-and-done packs like Happy Baby, or the kind you fill yourself and reuse again and again. My personal favorite are the BooginHead Squeez’Ems. Once they’re big enough for O’s and solids, a “spill-proof” snack cup is essential, as is a great bottle/snack cup tether for any future baseball pitchers out there. Reminder: Please keep a close eye on snacking youngsters—without your noticing, they may be silently choking or dousing themselves in berry smoothie. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!
Resort to bribery
As they get older, kids learn how to avoid getting into the stroller in the first place. They’ll run or even lock themselves into a number of humorous and extremely frustrating positions. The cartoon above is about car seats, but completely applicable to strollers. My son is totally “The Rod.” If he reaches the fully extended and locked rod position, game over (how is an 18-month-old that strong!). Rather than try to overpower or karate chop him, I often resort to bribery—usually healthy snacks (he’s yet to have any real treats) and, very rarely, a video on my iPhone. Pick your battles, I guess!?
Have a backup plan
My son has always been a big fan of the baby carrier, so I’ve always taken one along as our back up plan. For this purpose, I recommend the Bitybean—it’s only eight ounces and rolls up to the size of a water bottle. You’ll have no problem finding a spot for it in your diaper bag. Now that my little guy prefers walking to any other mode of transportation, my other backup plan is a toddler harness—The BusyBee is simple and rolls up to the size of your fist. It’s another easy one to throw in the diaper bag!
Do you have any tips that worked for you and your little one in the stroller, car seat or other modes of transport? Share below!
Photo credit: Amazon and Parenting
