It's there for a reason!

[mamapotter]

My husband and I were in Walmart last night grabbing some groceries when we came up behind a couple strolling along with their baby in the buggy.  She was absolutely gorgeous, about 7-9 months old, I'd say, with lovely caramel skin and a pretty pink bow in her curly hair. 

I wanted to snatch her right out of that buggy and cover her with kisses...but not because she was so cute....

BECAUSE SHE WAS STANDING IN THE BUGGY!!! 

Not the main part of the buggy, either, but the seat part.  You know, the one with the harness, that's THERE FOR A REASON! 

The worst part was that her parents were at the front of the buggy, pulling it behind them, with their backs to her.  THEIR BACKS TO HER!!

She was standing in the seat, with both hands on the handle, trying her best to stay upright as the buggy rolled.  She was wobbling back and forth and looking delighted at her new acrobatics. I swear if this kid was abled to walk by herself I would have been really surprised, she was so young. 

I understand, some kids are escape artists and wiggle out of the harness.  My own have done it.  That's why I was always there to put them right back in.  You never turn your back on a toddler in a buggy, NEVER!! A harness is only second to a parent's watchful eye.  But this child's harness was not even buckled, it was never put around her to begin with. 

Seriously, how dumb can you be?  There's even a little diagram on the buggy that shows a little stick-baby falling out of the cart, showing you that it is indeed possible. 

So I reached for her in case I startled her and said "S'cuse me! Your baby!"

The dad turned around, looked shocked, and grabbed her, mumbling "Oh! Thanks,"

For the rest of the time we saw them he carried her on his hip, thank God. 

 

[NannyB.]

Jul. 31, 2009 at 9:05 AM

I think people just don't realize how quickly a child can get hurt, especially if it's their first.  I also think that you handled the situation very well, and that they probably will be a lot more cautious in the future. 

[SThompson21]

Jul. 31, 2009 at 9:17 AM

i agree with the pp. my son was a little over 1 year old. we were at walmart with my friend and i was picking out easter candy for his basket while my friend was watching him. he had been standing in the basket part of the buggy and the next thing i know-i turn around to him falling out of the buggy and hitting the concrete floor. he did not get hurt thank goodness. that was the scariest thing. i learned my lesson that day-kids should not stand up in the buggy and friends arent very helpful watching him in walmart (im his mother so its my job anyway.) it was a scary day!

[oldermomof5]

Jul. 31, 2009 at 9:23 AM

Another tip don't let older kids stand on the sides of the carts they will flip.Baby and all. It happened to me right after telling the older child not to do this. I had a good enough hold on the cart and kept it from tipping but still.

[mamapotter]

Jul. 31, 2009 at 9:38 AM

Thanks for the comments ladies, I feel better.  I know stuff happens.  My youngest almost turned a full cart over on her as well.  She also climbed out our livingroom window and was a master escape artist.  I just got frustrated because this was obvious lack of safety.  They didn't just turn away, they were pulling the buggy behind them and shopping. 

(Original Poster)