Tuesday, October 4, 2011

What Is Easier: Carrying Toddler in Arms or Using a Stroller?

I've been to the doctor twice in the last week (don't ask). The first time I took my son into the office in his stroller and kept him there for the entire appointment - which didn't last all that long. The second appointment I just carried him into the office with his diaper bag slung over my shoulder.

Guess which was easier?

The second appointment was much easier. Carrying him was easier than strapping him into his stroller and rolling him around. During the appointment I let him walk around and explore a little. He was also content to sit on my lap. The doctor had a few toddler toys, so he had something to keep him occupied.

When I had him in the stroller he fussed and got fidgety. I had to keep feeding him Cheerios so he wouldn't throw a temper tantrum. Looking back, I should have taken him out of his stroller to give him a little more freedom.

He's now at the age where he can't sit still for long periods of time. He's a walking toddler now, he needs to move.

The only downside to carrying him is that he's getting heavy. I once carried him in and out of the Home Depot to buy one item and my arm was falling off by the time I got to the car. I was too lazy to grab a shopping cart.

Like everything else when taking care of a toddler, it's a lot of trial and error. Sometimes the the best answer isn't the one we think of first. Sometimes the right thing seems downright counterintuitive.

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