8 month old hates the shops

[sharvs]

My 8 month old hates the shops. I dont know what to do anymore. He is ok for about 10 minutes, after that he throws the biggest tantrum & screams his head off until I pick him up. It is really embarrassing, and stressful. I dread going to the shops.

My DF has just left for 8 months away, so I have to go to do groceries & also sometimes it is nice just to window shop. I have no family up here so no-one I can leave DS with when I go out.

I've tried adjusting the pram, dummy, feeding him, toys, biscuits - everything I can think of but nothing works. I was hoping it was just a stage but it has been going on for 2-3 months now. I'm sick of the looks people give me. I hear people muttering "why doesnt she feed her baby?" and "i think she should take him home for a sleep". I know there is nothing wrong with him.

Has anyone else experienced the same thing? I am at my witts end...

Sharon

[Mrs AJC]

Sorry to hear about your little man. DS is fine till he wants to go, this could be in 10mins or 2hrs, but one things for sure he just screams and screams till we are home once he's had enough (just like his daddy!!) Don't know what to tell you except do your grocery shop online at either www.colesonline.com.au (http://www.colesonline.com.au) or wollies www.homeshop.com.au (http://www.homeshop.com.au) - it only cost $7.95 for a 4hr delivery window or $9.95 for a 2hr delivery window. Even if you just get most of your shopping done this way if you need to pop out for a few items you know you won't have to be out for too long. And maybe you can window shop a bit longer.
Mum said I used to be the same - it was the crowds, and when I could walk I used to bolt because it was all too much with all the people, lights, noise.

[FiveInTheBed]

Have you tried getting him involved in what you are buying...it takes a lot longer, and you gotta watch he doesn't eat everything!!... but i find the shopping experience to be less dramatic when I point out pictures on packets and hand them to DS to investigate before throwing it in the trolley. DS loves things like packet rice and pasta or anything reallt that he can shake and get a noise out of!!!

Good luck!!

[drewid]

Hi :)

You have my sympathy - Andrew was much the same when he was younger. When he was very little, I had him in the carry pouch and he slept - bliss! But as soon as he was more wakeful, and in the pram, he hated it. I used to make my trips very fast....we'd start out with no dummy, then when he acted up i gave him the dummy...when that lost its appeal i'd give him a snack (breadstick or something)...so on and so on. More often than not, I'd end up carrying him, and pushing an empty stroller.

Most of the time I go shopping, I'm with someone, so I haven't bothered with the stroller in a LONG time. I just carry him. Sometimes I pop him in the trolley seat and he'll be ok with that for awhile, as long as he is entertained...but invariably I end up carrying him.

Which I dont' mind, I quite like carrying him. But it is a nuisance when you want to be able to look at clothes or try things on. But then, thats why i always end up with someone - its just easier!

So...I feel your pain. It must be especially hard without anyone to help out, I know I'd have gone crazy if I didn't have the help.

Whereabouts in Brissie do you live? If you're nearby, maybe we could meet up, go out together with solidarity?

Is your partner in the army? My Dad was in the army for all of my childhood/teenage years....I am in awe of my mother for what she had to put up with, especially with 3 kids. Hats off to you Sharvs...it can be tough life. Do you have any other mum friends that could help out by looking after your little one for a few hours now and then?

Starting to ramble on a bit now...!