Parking lots...toddlers...tips for keeping them safe?

Ugh, DD ran away from me yesterday AGAIN in a parking lot, wriggled right out of my hand and just RAN. I'm 9m pregnant and couldn't keep up with her. I can't stop playing it over in my head and wonder what "could have been". She is normally a mild-mannered kid that at 2.5 can still be reasoned with to make good decisions and is afraid of getting in trouble which makes this all VERY confusing. She'll stop at home if I tell her not to open a closet door but when it comes to something life-or-death things like this she ignores me completely.

In shopping centers I put her in a cart right away when I can (I hate when the cart corrals are empty!) but other times, when I'm holding her hand she finds way to "escape", or sometimes there is a split second I need to let go once we're at the car to get my keys out when I haven't thought to plan ahead.

Anyone have any tips or tricks for parking lots? How do I get her not to escape or to listen when I say STOP? I'm desperate!

Re: Parking lots...toddlers...tips for keeping them safe?

That was DS at the same age when I was pregnent with DD. Everywhere we went he was in the stroller strapped in. I could not keep up with him & honestly it made life so much easier.

Parking lots...toddlers...tips for keeping them safe?

Ugh. DD just started this. She thinks it's hilarious. My friend has taught her DD to keep her hand on the car at all times, and it works for her. I'm trying to teach DD, but it's not sinking in so far.

Parking lots...toddlers...tips for keeping them safe?

I try to have my keys in my hand and ready before I get to the car, but not always foolproof. Like JenMarie mentioned, I also do hand on the car and she is pretty good with it. If you have an escape artist like that you may have to consider either a backpack leash or stroller

Re: Parking lots...toddlers...tips for keeping them safe?

Parking lots...toddlers...tips for keeping them safe?

She was/is always last out first in. And when she's out I corral her into the area of the open door with my body blocking her. I give her something to hold or distract her if I need to. We have either her towel (lovie) or a stuff animal she helps 'put in her seat to stay safe' after I unstrap and get her out.

I stopped carrying a purse in hand and had it securely over my shoulder and I still never buy or carry more than I can hold in one hand easily and not heavy or awkward so my full attention is on AJ.

On top of all that.. at that age, we just didn't go out during busy times or at busy stores I'd park WAAAAY far away so I had a good hold on her.

I only have one though.. if I was you, I'd probably get the harness leash because I'd be that freaked. good luck

Message edited 4/24/2013 2:49:53 PM.

Re: Parking lots...toddlers...tips for keeping them safe?

I try to park as close as possible to the door. Then I carry her until I can put her in a cart. At almost 31wls pregnant this isn't a great option. When we finish shopping. I push her to the car in the cart. As soon as we get to the car I take her out & put her in the car but not the car seat. I disable my power doors & lock her in. She likes to jump around back seat while I put stuff in trunk. Then I put her in her seat. I would get a leash if she was a runner.

Re: Parking lots...toddlers...tips for keeping them safe?

I have a 2.5 year old and a 1 year old. Since I can't always keep my hands in my 2.5 year old, I tell him to hold on to my pants or jacket. The rule is if he walks on concrete, he holds my hand or coat. It was hard in the beginning and took lots of yelling, but with consistency, he was trained.

Re: Parking lots...toddlers...tips for keeping them safe?

Message edited 4/24/2013 7:30:50 PM.