Need suggestions for getting DD1.5 back into the stroller in Disney.

[Minnie824]

DD is 18 mos (19mos at time of trip) and normally a very easy child...eats everything, sleeps great, normally really happy. She is of course getting into little stubborn streaks lately though, one of which being, if she's walking around, she wants to continue walking, not be held or get into a stroller. We avoid this by leaving her in the stroller when we go out to do things, and she can sit for hours just fine in the stroller...just once she's out, thats it. So, obviously in Disney, she's going to be in and out of her stroller constantly, and I can already foresee that we'll have some battles to get her back in. Any suggestions on how to make this easier? Or little tricks you've done? We'll have a double stroller and her 4yo sister will get back in the stroller, but not sure that will really help her.

 

[Now Mom of 3]

Hi! We had the same problem on our last trip to Disneyland. My youngest was 19 months at the time. We had a few special snacks (fruit snacks, a few m&ms, whatever works) and small toys along that he only got while seated in his stroller. Those helped quite a bit, though I do recall having to fight him into his stroller on a few occasions. We did not try this but maybe having a package of stickers along might help. I do remember being very surprised at how much less problems we had with the stroller issue than I had expected. I assume it was always having so much going on around him to watch that made the difference. Now our youngest will be 2.5 on our first WDW trip and I wonder what stroller issues we will have on this trip. Good luck, and have a great trip!

 

[staci]

we found that we had less problems with this than anticipated when we were there. i think there was just so much to see, he was content to go along for the ride and see what was next. if he did start to fuss, we would just talk about what we were going to see "Do you think mickey will be up here? lets see if we can find him? do you want to go ride in a boat? lets find a snack?" he was so distracted by his surroundings that he was much better than a trip to the mall!

 

[missymagic]

I used to make it into a game to see who could get back in the stroller faster and first one got to choose the snack first (even thought they were the same) or they got to pick between this ride or this ride. Or say they can see better because they are higher in the stroller, or they wont loose their ....if they stay in the stroller. Got to be creative.

 

[pjupton]

Just let her walk?

That's what we did. We'd park the stroller and not go back to it until we were ready to leave the area. It was pretty interesting to see our not-quite-two year olds insisting on walking while 8-10 year old kids were getting pushed all over the park.

Of course, that means we did things at a not-quite-two year old's pace. We talked to all the ducks and looked at all the water instead of running from attraction to attraction without stopping to look around. We figured this trip was about them, not us, and for the most part let them do what they wanted.

Of course, there were times when we needed them to ride, like waiting at rope drop or exiting the park. They each had a beanie baby that stayed in the stroller and they only got to hold it while they were riding.

 

[Lulu's Mom]

We just got back from DW with our 16 month who loves to run around as well. It was easier for us to get her back into the stroller by letting her have enough time to run around. We would let her walk and play and then it was easier to get her back into the stroller. I would also suggets stickers. Our DD loves them and they keep her entertained for such a long time.

 

[urglewurgle]

in my experience it's not too hard to get them to sit... there is so much to look at after all... plus... they only have little legs that get tired very easily.... if all else fails... bribe them

 

[Brygida]

DD is 18 mos (19mos at time of trip) and normally a very easy child...eats everything, sleeps great, normally really happy. She is of course getting into little stubborn streaks lately though, one of which being, if she's walking around, she wants to continue walking, not be held or get into a stroller. We avoid this by leaving her in the stroller when we go out to do things, and she can sit for hours just fine in the stroller...just once she's out, thats it. So, obviously in Disney, she's going to be in and out of her stroller constantly, and I can already foresee that we'll have some battles to get her back in. Any suggestions on how to make this easier? Or little tricks you've done? We'll have a double stroller and her 4yo sister will get back in the stroller, but not sure that will really help her.

There really is nothing you can do. Now (developmentally) is there stubborn-no-time.

First, I would make sure you are being totally clear with your directions to her. Always say "Now it is time to get in the stroller" instead of "Do you want to get back in the stroller".

Second, take her gently, but firmly, and put her back in.

My DS was 17 mo last trip. And yes there were a few, temporary, tantrums about getting back in the stroller, but we did it anyway. Once he was in and we started strolling again, he was fine (because he loves to stroll too!)

When you get a fight, always check if they need a bottle, diaper change, food, water, etc. It is very easy for the time to get away from you at WDW and not realize that Oh Yeah! It's been a while.

 

[shaylahc]

I agree with letting her walk. When you travel with small children generally you have to travel slower. If one of mine wanted to walk I'd let them! We did Disney in Sept with a 1 y.o., 4 y.o., 6 y.o. and 8 y.o. and we didn't use a stroller! The older ones walked and the baby rode in a backpack. No one complained about being too tired They get so excited about being at WDW and seeing everything they will find stamina they never knew they had

My 3rd DD is very athletic, and when she was 18 mos old she could walk over a mile and a half and never even break a sweat!

I would say if she wants to walk, let her! Have the stroller handy for when she tires. Like a PP said, you may not even have any problems getting her to ride in it. Little ones sometimes act very differently at WDW!

 

[Barb D]

Try picking her up and tickling her or smothering her with kisses as you put her in her stroller.

 

[Meezers]

I don't have any children but my advice....

Leash until her little legs get tired...I know that I would be glad to see an adult sized stroller sometimes!

Yes....I think child leashes are a good thing...you care about your children therefore you keep track of them....