Two years ago, I went to the sea beach with my husband 8 months after my son was born. That was a horrible experience for both of us, as Max (my newborn son) hated to sit in a stroller. Under the hot sun, on the beach… you know how it feels.
If your baby hates the stroller, it seems an endless frustration. Don’t worry; I’m here to talk about what I learned the hard way and advise parents on how to deal with this difficult situation.
Because I’m a stay-at-home mom to two young children, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to entertain a child who hates riding in a stroller.
There are several reasons why a baby or toddler can detest their stroller, including physical discomfort, mental boredom, unable to run and play, etc.
Here is my best suggestion if you can cope with a baby who hates strollers.
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5 Reasons Why Does Baby Hate Stroller
01. Physical Comfort
One of the biggest reasons infants and toddlers hate strollers is that they are physically uncomfortable in them.
They are in an uncomfortable, cramped, and confined environment. Many strollers have too tight straps, and the seats are made of hard plastic, making them uncomfortable for sitting or sleeping in.
Children of all ages might dislike being boxed in by the stroller’s canopy and find it disturbing that they can’t see what’s happening around them.
Baby’s delicate skin might get irritated from spending too much time in a stroller. Redness, rashes, and chafing can result from pressure areas caused by an improperly built stroller.
An infant who is just learning to sit up may also feel uneasy in a semi-reclined position.
How to resolve physical Discomfort
Buy a stroller that suits your baby. There are various types of strollers and you have to find one that your baby loves.
02.Lack of Mobility
Children of stroller age generally dislike them because of the restrictions they have on the child’s mobility.
It may be necessary to rely on a stroller for mobility when a baby is too small to walk or crawl. But if they can’t see what’s happening around them, they could get fussy and refuse to sit in the stroller.
Babies who can walk or crawl sometimes find the stroller annoying. They may resent being confined to the stroller because they feel they are being prevented from freely exploring their surroundings.
To compensate for this lack of mobility, parents can try to give their babies and toddlers opportunities to move and explore.
How to resolve this Lack of Mobility issue?
They can be kept occupied in the stroller with toys or activities or stop so babies can explore the surroundings.
In addition, parents might think about getting strollers that provide more mobility, such as jogging strollers or strollers with seats that can be adjusted to provide a better vantage point.
03. Separation Anxiety
We all know babies want to stay close to their parents. When you put them in a stroller, they can feel abandoned, resulting in anxiety.
A child with separation anxiety may have trouble settling into a stroller. Babies that experience distress or anxiety when separated from their primary caretaker suffer from separation anxiety. This can be unsettling for a child in a stroller, even if a parent is nearby.
How to Resolve Separation Anxiety
By keeping their baby close to them in a stroller, parents can give them a sense of security. The best way to face them towards to so that they can see you.
Moreover, you can gradually increase stroller time so that your baby understands there is nothing to worry about.
04. Boredom
One of the biggest reasons infants and toddlers dislike strollers is that they become bored sitting in them.
For infants and toddlers who have never spent much time in a stroller before, that time can feel like an eternity. Young children not used to riding in a stroller may get restless and even destructive if they have to spend too much time there.
Strollers can also prevent children from playing and interacting with others. If they aren’t kept busy and entertained, they could get cranky and refuse to ride in the stroller.
How to Prevent Your Baby from Being Bored?
Make sure your youngster has plenty of things to do and play with in the stroller if you plan on using one. Mirrors, toys, and tactile and sensory materials may be included here. Don’t walk for a long time. Take breaks after a while.
05. Negative Associations
Sometimes babies can have negative feelings about strollers. For instance, an infant may have been forced into using a stroller against their will.
Babies may also feel limited and restrained, which can annoy them and make them feel claustrophobic. Toddlers find it difficult to explore their surroundings since it might be difficult to maneuver strollers.
Moreover, if a child has a negative stroller experience, such as a jolt or loud noise, they may develop a fear of or hatred for strollers. This negative association may cause them to eventually be reluctant to ride in the stroller.
How to Resolve Negative Experiences
To change children’s negative associations with strollers, parents might work to create positive ones. Using the stroller for enjoyable activities like a trip to the park or a stop at a favorite store may be one way to achieve this. Parents can talk to the child or give them a favorite toy or blanket while the child is in the stroller to try and reassure and calm them.
Tips for dealing with a stroller-hating baby or toddler
Choose a stroller that meets your child’s requirements.
Children are very choosy. Try out a few different strollers before settling on one that works well for your child. I will highly suggest looking after different models and picking one that suits your baby’s requirements.
Don’t worry; you don’t need to buy lots of strollers. Here you can find out How many strollers you need.
Distract your Baby in the Stroller
If your baby is ready to sit in a stroller, they might not like it at first. Therefore, you should keep them busy while they are in the stroller. Bring along their preferred toys and keep them occupied and amused.
To keep your child’s interest, you might also try singing songs, playing games, or having a discussion. DON’T Stop Talking.
Include the stroller in your daily routine.
We adults also need some time to adapt to something, right? So do babies. So, instead of pushing your babies to sit on the stroller, try to develop a habit for them.
Try incorporating the stroller into your daily routine if your youngster objects to being in it.
Include it frequently in your adventures, such as walks around the neighborhood or trips to the park. Your youngster may become accustomed to using the stroller as it becomes a regular and familiar part of their day as time goes on.
Assure them You are there.
Babies and toddlers who feel uneasy may object to riding in a stroller. Speak to your child, sing calming tunes, or give them a favorite blanket or toy to reassure and comfort them.
While your child is in the stroller, you might also try holding their hand or putting a calming touch on their back.
Know when to Take a Break
If your baby starts to cry or grow fussy, stop and take a rest. This can assist stop the problem from getting worse and give your youngster some time to collect themselves before you continue your journey.
To help your child develop more accustomed to the stroller over time, keep in mind that it’s acceptable to move slowly and according to their pace.
Involve the Baby in Stroller-related Activities
Another tip for dealing with a stroller-hating baby or toddler is to involve your child in stroller-related activities. Allow your kid some input when selecting a blanket or toy for the stroller.
Encourage your child to help push the stroller or climb in and out of it. The idea is to help them think it is their own property, just like toys.
What I did for my son is made the stroller his station. He kept his toys and other belongings there. It helped me a lot. Try this technique.
Use Baby Wearing
Have you explored babywearing as an alternative to pushing a stroller if your child refuses to sit in one?
You may provide your child the comfort and security of being near to you that a stroller can’t by utilizing a baby carrier or wrap. Babywearing is a popular alternative to using a stroller since many young children prefer the closeness and affection of being carried.
Additional Strategies for Specific Situations
What if you are traveling a long way with your baby in a stroller? You MUST take some precautions here. You don’t want to be in a difficult situation in the middle of your tour. I have been there and therefore made a list of tips:
Long Walks or Outings
If you’re going on a long stroll or spending the day out with your infant, it’s a good idea to pack additional supplies ahead of time.
Pack some snacks, toys, and the child’s favorite stuffed animal, as well as a blanket or pillow, to make the stroller more comfortable. Split your trip into smaller segments, with intervals in between so your infant can rest and play.
Public Transportation
It’s not easy to travel with a kid on public transport. You must be prepared for all types of situations. If you can, try to schedule your trip for a time when traffic is less heavy. Pick a stroller that folds up easily.
Traveling by Airplane
This is a tough one. Traveling by airplane with a baby seems difficult, and I have faced it. But you can tackle this situation easily by preparing beforehand. Before your flight, contact your airline to determine if they allow strollers or baby carriers.
I have another blog on how to protect a stroller when flying. You will find a list of airline policies about a stroller in that blog.
If you have two babies, don’t forget to check out my list of 7 best double strollers for airport travel.
Always have Plan B if your Baby Hates Stroller.
Sometimes, babies refuse to sit in a stroller, it doesn’t matter how hard you try. In this case, you should not push too hard. I will suggest you look for some alternatives and then try a stroller again.
There are other ways to move around town if you’re having problems getting your young child to sit in a stroller.
We’ve already talked about how a baby carrier or wrap might serve as an alternative to a stroller. These allow you to feel close to your child and provide them comfort and stability. A baby backpack carrier is another alternative, and it’s a convenient one for trips outside.
A wagon or tricycle with a parent handle can be useful if you need something mobile. You may steer or push from behind while your child sits securely in one of these. Your toddler may also like cruising about on a scooter or balance bike.
When making a decision, keep your child’s safety at the top of the list. Always use caution and select equipment suitable for the age of your baby.
More Resources:
11 Effective Ways On How To Keep Baby Cool In Stroller
Can You Use a Jogging Stroller On The Beach
How To Keep Baby Warm In Stroller?
My name is Olivia Brown, and I’m a New York-based blogger and stay-at-home parent. Former business executive enjoying retirement and time with kids Lily and Max. On my blog, I review things for kids and offer my honest thoughts and insights to other parents who may be having the same or similar experiences.
