anybody else not able to leave the house with LO?

[scottishmommy]

My sweet 12 month old dd is very, very active and curious. It's to the point now where I really can't take her anywhere that isn't thoroughly baby proofed. We've set up our house so absolutely nothing is in reaching distance of our dd except her toys. Whenever I go to someone else's home, even people with children her age, my husband or I spend the entire time chasing her around. Nobody's home seems to be baby proofed enough for her! She'll destroy anything that is breakable, or tearable or destructable. She has an unbelievable amount of energy. She quite literally never stops running , which is fine when we're home, but dangerous when we're not. I hate to be a recluse, but I think I might have to start declining invitations to other people's houses or invite them here instead. Is it rude to tell people that our daughter is too active for their home?

[odinsmama]

Other people's houses are the most difficult place to be. My husband and I do the same thing if we go anywhere with ds, 16 months old. It is really frustrating and neither of us end up having complete conversations. Sometimes ds is even more active when he's tired and if he's tired he more upset when we redirect him. If that's the case, he will do okay in our carrier for a little while.
It's not rude to explain that your daughter just wants to investigate everything within reach and that it is a lot of work for you to keep all the things, and your dh, safe.

Can you get together with people outdoors? That is what works for us, and then I can talk while we all walk around a park together. You're still chasing your child, of course, but at least nothing will get broken and she'll be able to get out some of that energy.

[mommariffic]

I second the outdoors - the weather is cold now but even getting outside for an hour can make a difference for an active kid! Big wide open spaces = perfect for a young toddler who wants to run run run run run run run. And if they fall well, grass is relatively soft

[scottishmommy]

Well it's bitter here right now (I live in Chicago) BUT dd does have snowsuit. Is it ok to let her play in the snow? She always takes her mittens/hats off. I don't want her to get frostbite. Am I just being overprotective? Thanks for your replies!

[naturechicplus1]

your dd sounds a lot like my ds was at that age. he's 21 months now and still full of it, but has learned a lot and gained different interests. she's going to learn so much by investigating everything and in my opinion, the best thing to do is let her investigate and be there to redirect her when necessary as it sounds like you are. i wouldn't squelch her curiosity or limit her by keeping her away from everything, but you do have to pick your battles and take her to reasonable places where she can explore safely (for herself and the things she might touch).
you might want to start the touching with one finger game now, even though she might not get it right away, it's a good thing to start practicing and talking about. show her how to touch certain things with just one finger, talk about how neat it is, etc. make it fun and they will follow (hopefully)

[tbone_kneegrabber]

We go out in the cold. Just keep an eye on fingers and lips (and of course ask) if they get cold, bring them in.

also look for places that she can be wild at, gym classes, playgroups, children's museums, indoor playspaces etc.

when ds was 1ish he would happily nap in the ergo, so if I wanted to go to a no-kid friend's house, I would walk over around nap time and let ds fall asleep in the ergo and nap while we were there, but now he's too old for that, so we go to people's houses that have kids, or no-kid friends come to our house or meet in public mostly.