Tips on Parking Lot Safety with 2 Toddlers.

I only have one child, but sometimes I need to fish for my keys or load up something....so I've taught my son to stand there and he has to keep one hand on the car (standing right next to me). It's more like a game, but I remind him we do it to keep him safe - parking lots can be dangerous places. Perhaps this would work for you, as well.

I also like the thought of allowing the older child to climb in the car while you're strapping the other child in. My son also likes to climb in on his own, so I can see this as another great possibility.

Wow, our kids are almost the same ages!! I have taught my 2 1/2 year old, she must have her hand on the car where I can see her. She thinks its a fun game because she moves her hand on the car thinking she is getting way with something :) Also, have you tried letting your 2 year old in the car first to get into her carseat? I have also done this and my daughter thinks its great trying to buckle herself while I buckle my other child. The other thing I have done, is I let my daughter into the back of our SUV to play while I hook up the other child, then she climbs over the seat when I'm ready to buckle her. Good luck with it, I know how scary it can be to have a child running around in the parking lot!!

Lisa,
I have 5 boys and I always have the older child get in the car first and have them climb into the carseat by themselves first. They can be a bit pokey so it always gave me time to buckle the younger child in, then you can deal with buckling in the older child.

If they are in the car you can keep them in sight while dealing with the baby. Also it teaches them to do for themselves a little bit, if they are quick about getting into the seat you can have them try to buckle themselves in.

I have 3 kids age 9, 6, and 4---but when they were younger I would put them all in the car and then buckle them in or I would have them "hold" the car still for mommy while she buckled the others kids in, I would keep an eye on them and if they let go I would be silly and say oh no the car is getting away they would grab right ahold of it, I have also taught all my nieces and nephews this they range from ages 15 down to 1!!

When I pick up kids from preschool (my 4 year old and a friends 4 year old) I also have to strap my 21 month old in before (or as) the others are getting in the car. I tell them that whoever keeps their hand on the car until their turn gets a quarter. Usually they forget about the quarter...LOL...but when they remember I give it to them!

~L.

My kids, ages 2, 3, and now 6, along w/a new baby, have 2 things we do. (We vary it to keep it exciting ;) ) One thing we do is have "tire inspections". Which ever side I am loading someone in on all the kids gather around a tire w/in sight and must have a hand on it at all times--I tell them to look for holes in the tire. (that keeps them busy for a while) The other thing we do is they line up on the bumper holding hands. They will lean up against it until it is their turn. However, now they are all getting big enough to climb in on their own. My oldest daughter and my middle daughter can buckle themselves. My son can't seem to master the seat belt yet, so while the girls buckle up, I buckle him in. HTH!

Help your 2 1/2 year old into the car and then strap in the 16 mos old. Then strap in the 2 1/2 year old.

My kids are older 3, 5,6 and 13(he can handle it on is own though :-))
I have always had them all get in the car then worry about strapping them in. That way I know they are safe. I'd rather them crawl around inside the car and honk the horn or push buttons then be out of the car waiting their turn and possibly getting ran over. Now that they are older they get right in the car seats and work on strapping themselves in while they wait for me to get to them.

I have 3 boys 5,4 and 2. I always put the two oldest in and shut the door. Then I go around and put my 2 yo in and buckle him. When I go back to the drivers side I open the back door and check the older kids buckles.

It's hard having more than 1 little one in these kind of situations. You'll find something that'll work for you.

I put all 3 of the kids (5, 3, 9mos) in the car then buckle them in according to age. My 5yro usually buckles herself. While I am buckling the baby my 3yro climbes into her seat and "puts her straps on" Then I buckle her in. We have been doing this for the past 9 months or so!

Another great tool for those with children would be the new mom-invented Parking Pal magnets which were designed to help keep kids safe and out of harms way when tending to other tasks in parking lots (loading/unloading other children or items). I have a 3 year-old and a 1-year-old...so I do know first hand how difficult it can be to keep the older child safe while tending to the baby when we're out shopping. These magnets are a great help! http://www.busymomboutique.com/Parking-Pals_c_26.html