Hello Mommies -- Gaby is 16 months old and is starting to get into everything. Last night she got up on top of one of our barstools, then she used the arm of our leather chair to walk on like a tight-rope or balance beam. I removed her from both situations immediately and tried to get her into some of her favorite toys but nothing was dissauding her. Any suggestions? Do I REALLY have to remove furniture?
PS - yes her bedroom is totally babyproofed - we have everything anchored to the walls!
my son ws the same way. he climbed evrything and scared the pants off me. I rearranged things so he couldn't do that...if the chair and stools together become a balance beam put it on the otherside of the livingroom. it won't last forever. you can move things back in a few weeks when the phase is over but in the mean time you wont go crazy worrying.
Keep her safe, but don't make a huge deal about it. They LOVE to see mommy or daddy get all excited about something they do! :) Mine is the same way. I just say "No" and take him over to something else. If he goes back, I will do it again. He finally gets bored after 3 or 4 times (!), and stops. Then does it again within the hour! :)
It gets better. They will scare their mommies a million more times!
Hi, D.:
Sound like your baby is an action oriented learner.
How can you incorporate a jungle gym in your home?
If this is the way she is going to be, work with it.
Good luck. D.
I'm in the don't move it camp... my home would be empty. my daughter climbs up and into her high chair- she even buckles herself in. is she not supposed to have a place to sit if i remove it? we have booster too but she can climb up and into that too. my older daughter used to climb the banister. my sister had one of those little tykes slide things and my niece fell backwards off of it. danger lurks everywhere. do you your best and hope the skills come in handy one day!
Seems like there are basically two camps of thought on this issue!
O. says let 'em climb! It develops balance, coordination, large motor skills, etc. Keep the environment as safe as possible and keep a close eye out for safety.
The other camp removes stuff, moves furniture, etc. It will never end. They will find more & different ways and places to climb! Don't be surprised evenwith a jungle gym installed in your family room, if she continues to prefer the furniture! LOL
YOU need to decide which camp you're in!
Do you have toys that she can play with that will get her moving and practicing her new skills? Maybe a small slide you can keep indoors, bean bag chairs she can jump into, tunnels to climb through, music to dance to. These might draw her attention away from the furniture. If you don't want to remove the furniture, continue to keep a close eye on her and redirect her.
