Modern moms know the benefits of the stroller. It's like an extra set of hands with which to carry our kids. It can also be a safety tool, preventing little ones from slipping away into traffic or running off in the mall.

But why do babies and toddlers often hate their strollers? Can anything be done to change their minds? And, if not, what are some alternatives?

"There are many reasons why babies and toddlers may dislike and resist being in their stroller," says Dr. Alison Steier, clinical director of Harris Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training Institute in Phoenix, Ariz. "Two of the major culprits in 'stroller protest' are discomfort in the stroller and resistance to being contained and physically limited."

If there is actually a physical reason for dislike of the stroller, it should be ruled out before anything else.

"The first thing I would recommend is checking out the stroller itself and then the baby in the stroller to try to discover if the child may be physically uncomfortable," Dr. Steier says. "Is there any part of the stroller that may feel scratchy or lumpy or pinchy? Check the seat position. Can it be adjusted to an angle that is preferable to the child?"

It's possible, too, that the child may be upset about the seeming physical separation from the parent, if they ride in a face-forward position. "Talking to the child as you push him or her and periodically peeking around the stroller to 'check in' may help," Dr. Steier says. "Some strollers also have reversible handles that allow the child to sit facing the parent."

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