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Stroller Struggles

Tips for Alleviating Stress When Out and About

By Shannon McKelden

But, some days, even that didn't work. Sometimes it took bribery with a treat or a half-hour stop at the mall's indoor playground. Dr. Steltenkamp believes in positive reinforcement to get your desired result. "If you are heading into the mall, offer to make your first stop the cookie shop," she says. "Be certain to carry through with this promise if your toddler has settled down in the stroller."

Other tips include "desensitizing" the child by providing them with brief opportunities to be in the stroller, starting with a small increment of time and gradually over days or weeks building up to 10 or 15 minutes, if the child is occupied and content. It may also help to pay attention to your child's moods and see if scheduling trips requiring the stroller around calmer times works better.

"None of these strategies is likely to be effective immediately," Dr. Steier says. "Patience and persistence are the keys. Most children do learn to tolerate time in their strollers."

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