How to get active toddler to sit in shopping cart?

Question

I have an active toddler who always wants to run around and explore new places. How to get him to sit in the shopping cart or stroller while I go grocery shopping?

Answer 1

Two words: Distraction and Interaction! I had the exact same problem with my son. I brought toys, food, drinks...nothing did the trick. Finally I started to let him "help" me. When I take something down off the shelf I give it to him to inspect whileI describe it and tell him what it's for. When he's done, I get him to put in behind him in the cart like a game(I'm usually on to the next thing anyway). With produce, I let him put the apples etc. in the plastic bag that I hold. Now this does make the trip longer, but not as long as it feels when they're screaming at you!! Good luck!

Answer 2

You must be talking about me and my two kids!! Sorry I had to give this problem up to God. It basically came down to this: I try not to bring my kids. I avoid taking them anywhere when they are tired or obviously mischievious-moods! If I do have to take them, I bring hubby or older sister along so that they can sit in the big part of one cart and play with toys or have a snack (food shopping) and I have free hands to push the other cart.

I has happened many times that they fall out crying or misbehaving. Really all you can do is grab your kids and GO, forget shopping. You'll have to do it later.
So to answer your question:

Shop at night when he is asleep and someone can watch them.

Bring another person to help

Don't let him go nuts - if so, leave! I know it sucks and you have to get shopping done, but our kids and teaching them right from wrong comes first.

Or this works best: we shop on Friday night and we go WAY later around 10 pm and let my son run through the aisles with us... this way he can run up and down the aisles b/c there's not alot of people in the store. He "helps" me shop by putting fruits in a bag and grabbing boxes and tossing them into the basket. The only rule I have is at the glass aisles, he MUST walk and we "tiptoe" thru those aisles!!!

OMG, I've been there and I'm still there, that's why I had so much to say!!!

Answer 3

you must have already let him run around like a monkey in the stores and now he is used to it, that was mistake #1. Now you have to reverse that, you shove him in a cart, put the belt on nice and tight and DO NOT let him out, no matter what he says, screams or cries! After a few times he'll learn. I do that and he is just used to it, he still asks me if he can come out and the answer is always "No." My Dad on the other hand lets him run wild and he tells me "Oh you can't take him to the store he wants to grab everything" and I have told him time and time again - Don't let him out of the cart, your life will be easier.

Oh another thing, my son sometimes won't get in the cart from the car and so I shut the door on him and say ok then we stay in the car and he changes his mind right away. Sometimes if the place is really boring I give him a lollipop or pick up something interesting from the store to look at while I shop.

Another thing, don't let him walk to where the carts are, don't take him out of the carseat til you have the cart right there by his door and make a quick and immediate transfer so he doesn't have the chance to protest or have expectations that he will be walking around.

Answer 4

i have self belief like i'd have written this question myself. Our daughter became an angel till about 18 months previous, and he or she receives more desirable self reliant and problematic the older she receives. She is two a million/2 now, and anytime she throws a in fantastic condition, we commonly ignore about her. If she is doing some thing naughty when we informed her to renounce, she in the present day is going into holiday for 2 minutes. We thoroughly ignore about her for 2 min, then ask her why she is in holiday. she will continuously let us know why, and then I tell her no longer to do it back. Then I supply her a hug and tell her i appreciate her and he or she receives down and play. that typically seems after the concern, a minimum of till the subsequent time LOL. the most tricky feeling became the concept i could not reason with a toddler! only plan on no longer taking her everywhere till easily needed, till this section is over. we do not have any kin round both to assist us get a damage, yet once later on (each 2-3 weeks) we get a chum to go back over for some hours to get a damage.

Answer 5

When I had this problem with my 3 yr old granddaughter I just would first move the cart out of the way, then I explained to her that we would not be shopping until she sit down. Then we just stood there until she sit down. The first time we were there about 15 minutes. She finally realized I wasn't kidding and she sat down. The next time we waited about 5 min. Now we never have a problem.The secret is to be consistent. Good luck!

Answer 6

You have to be ready to do a few things, and remember that you are the parent, therefore in charge. First place him in the cart, and strap him in. Second when he wants to get out, a firm "NO!", is said. When he carries on, and creates a scene, take him out of the store immediately, and tell him if he can't act in a proper manner, he will not be taken in. If necessary abandon the shopping trip, and keep on him about what he did. This may take a couple of times, and will inconvenience you, but when he starts behaving, it will be well worth it.

Answer 7

I had the same problem(s) - two girls - only 14-months apart. Well I got ingenious and bought some "bungee cords". Get a package with ALL sizes. When you go to the grocery store, put that little "wiggle worm" in and "hook-him" in. It works something like the "safety seat" in the car. Those bungee cords are still coming in handy to this day, although my girls are now old enough to push the buggy and pay for the groceries! LOL Good Luck and Merry Christmas.

Answer 8

Play games with him while you are pushing the cart. Not board games and stuff. Just poke his belly and stuff. That will be fun. Or go down every isle. He will be exploring new places and sitting in the carrige.

Answer 9

pring a coloring activity book with you and some crayons that should do the trick or you might want to try getting your child a leapster game system to play with while in the cart

Answer 10

Bring something for you child to do. Or you can turn the trip into a safari or something like that. Tell him a story while you walk through the store, something about whats going on around him, but more imaginative. You may look stupid to those around you, but if it entertains your child, its worth it!