[flushthetoilet]

Harness.

[nlman]

We use a hold on handle, the rules are you must hold on to the handle or hop back in the pram, works well

http://greaterthanonekids.com/hold-on-handles

They are sold at Toys R Us and Baby Bunting

We used one of these when DD was younger - they are great! She was quite happy holding "ladybird"

[beabea]

Harness or something (pram, handle, hand, whatever) to hold onto, depending on how you think he will cooperate.

DD is very easy going and will walk holding hands with some insistence. It's amazing! She will even follow along at a safe distance if circumstances are ok for a little more freedom.

DS I could be as strict as I liked with the rule but there was absolutely no way I could use anything that relied on his obedience. If something caught his imagination he totally forgot himself. It was like everything else ceased to exist. He was one of those who could get himself lost and not even notice my absence so long as something was there to hold his attention. So it was either a harness or a stroller (or shopping trolley, etc) for him if I really couldn't let him stray (and I didn't want to/couldn't struggle physically with the hand-holding).

So it depends what sort of personality you're dealing with.

[Lokum]

So it depends what sort of personality you're dealing with.

So glad you've said this!! It's not that I'm slack, or I don't understand making non-negotiable rules.

"Hold the pram or get strapped back in" relies on the child's ability to self-regulate. Some kids develop this much earlier than others. My guy tries to be good, but the world is an exciting place!!

[tiggy2]

We switched from a pram to a trike with parent handle when both kids were 2 ish. They are safely stuck in there and feel like big kids. Might be worth a thought?
The one we have coverts to a trike with no handle as they get older. We got it second hand on eBay for not much, just check you get one that steers easily.

[Ianthe]

I can be a big softie but one thing that was non negotiable with my kids was that they stayed in the stroller. It is just too dangerous and difficult for them not to be in it. There were some awful trips out (sorry onlookers) but they did get used to the idea pretty quickly.

Somewhere like the zoo I would let them walk but once they started running off or not listening they would be back in the pram.

[Alpha_Chook]

I give Eamon a choice, he either sits in the pram or he walks nicely next to me. Once he starts running around he gets 2 warnings then on the third he gets outs in the pram. He has the tantrums and all but I'd rather that than a lost child in the shop or a run over child in the carpark (or street). It'd a fight getting him in the pram, I need to lock the wheels and forcibly restrain him and listen to the squealing. He gets over it soon enough though

[QueenOfTheDesert]

How old is he?
We have a hold hands/pram or straight into the pram rule.
DS1 learnt very quickly to hold hands and not run off because we are quite strict about it.
DS2 is getting very good at holding hands. The running off we are working on! (he is definitely 'a runner'!). He is 18 months but is already learning.
Any wandering off, running off, disobedience or defiance when walking =straight in the pram for our boys.

ETA I would definitely take the pram to the zoo. It's a big day out. The pram will come in handy for tired legs, episodes of misbehavior, and carrying bags. Have a great time!

This post has been edited by QueenOfTheDesert: 12/09/2012, 02:16 PM