Recently another mum was asking me for some suggestions on her one year old throwing a tantrum in the shopping centre when he was placed in his pram so here I have a few suggestions for specific pram/stroller type tantrums that always seem to occur in the shopping centre where

people have no problem giving you a rude stare or an un-asked for suggestion. So here goes I hope some of them work for you:

1. If you live close to the shopping centre, don't take your car and walk instead. We live 5 minutes from the shopping centre and so I let my son walk the whole way (I started this as soon as he could walk) and by the time we get to the shopping centre he has tired himself out so much that he doesn't mind being placed in the stroller when we get to the shops. It gives him a chance to have a rest and he knows he can always walk the way back home. But he never does!! Don't forget to take some water along for your little one because with all that walking they're bound to get thirsty.

2. Switch from a pram to a stroller. My son got to the stage where he hated the pram but would welcome the stroller with open arms. If you rely on the pram for the storage basket underneath, find a stroller which has a bit of space underneath and a carry basket on the back, and don't forget to pack the good 'ol recycleable green bags which are stong enough to handle what would normally go in your trolley.

3. Try a trolley. My son prefers the trolley anyday to anything else. It gives him a different viewpoint, he can see me and what I'm doing, he is up taller so he can interact at face-level and he can get involved with my shopping and what I pick up off the shelf.

4. Always pack snacks. Sadly food always works but it doesn't mean the snacks have to be junk food - they can be healthy and convenient. Try baby muesli bars, rice crackers, baby rice crackers, small packets of sultanas, sandwiches, milk arrowroots, etc. If you're worried about hygiene invest in a trolley cover and bring a few baby wipes along with you. (I worked at my old highschool after having my son and I had to figure out ways to keep him entertained while I gave one hour talks to high school students - snacks always worked!!)

5. Involve your child with the shopping - explain what you're doing and talk about the items you're putting in the trolley. Even let them have a feel of the item - they may even want to hold onto it and that will keep them entertained - so long as it isn't breakable! Older children can help by collecting items for you. Give the child a flashcard with a picture of what you want them to find, for example bananas. They will feel responsible and grown-up and are more likely to behave themselves. Just remember not to criticise them for their choices (say they pick a green banana or a bruised tomato), simply change over the item while they're not looking or just put up with it - the positives are it deterred a tantrum and that's the most important thing. And worth a bruised tomato or a green banana anyday - well that's just my opinion anyway!!

6. If you are shopping at a homewares store such as Target that have kids toys, go to the toy section and pick out something your child can play with while in the stroller or trolley. When they get sick of it and start to complain simply go back to the toy section and replace it with another. It keeps them entertained and prevents tantrums easily. Don't worry about what other people think as older kids are always in the toy section destroying everything in sight and nobody needs to know you're not buying the item. Just make sure you don't get sucked into buying everything they play with!!

7. For older children or children who are capable of understanding a reward system, offer them a reward for good behaviour while out shopping. It could be a trip to the park, a star on their rewards chart, or even an icecream. It doesn't have to be expensive and it doesn't always have to be food, so long as your child is recognised for their good behaviour, they're more likely to behave well in the future.

8. Lastly our kids are probably complaining because they want a chance to stretch their legs and explore new places. I got around in a wheelchair for the entirity of my pregnancy and I can't say how much I hated sitting down after that - all I wanted to do was move move move!!

Well I hope some of the above suggestions work for you and your family!! Good luck on managing those tantrums!!