My 2 year old wants to be carried everywhere

[mamamoon89]

I don't mind holding her most of the time, but I'm worried she's not getting enough exercise. When we're out, she might walk a couple of feet and then ask to be carried. If I tell her to keep walking, she stands in front of me and hangs on to me until I pick her up. Any tips for getting her to walk?
Does your toddler like to walk or do they prefer to be carried?

[bonamarq]

My dd would want to be carried and claim to be too tired (and does still at age 6) but when we get where were going ie a park - she's got boundless energy

She probably feels safe and secure when being carried - that and more "in the thick of things - up where the grown ups are"

getting from point a to b for lo's can be both a drag and difficult b/c they don't know how long they must go on

2 is pretty young still - so try and meet her need as best you can - and when she needs to walk try walk until we get to X and then I'll carry you some more - that always helps my dd....

as for exercise - try and to spend enough time at the park and she'll be fine

[lifeguard]

Ds loves to walk most of the time. At times when he wants to be picked up & I'm not able to or don't want to for some reason I usually just give him a when I will & then he's usually ok with that. I don't delay it for long but I will say, I can't carry you now but when we get to X I will.

[nolonger]

Woven wraps, mei tais, and SSC's are all comfortable carriers for toddlers. You'll probably find a back carry easier at this age.

My 2 1/2 year old is still fine with being worn from point A to point B and it is SO MUCH easier than chasing after a runner or being patient with a dawdler. He gets plenty of exercise at the park, in the back yard, and around the house. He also loves to dance.

[caenach]

DD will be 2 in a few days and we are definitely in the middle of a "mama hold you" phase. I think she's just in a space where she's feeling the need for some additional connection to DH and I.

Does your DD run/play when you get to a destination where you're no longer into linear travel--like does she run/play in the park, at a baseball field, near a park fountain, in the woods, stuff like that? My DD is not that interested in walking in a straight line at a mama-directed pace--but once she's free to go where she likes, she's all over the place. So I try to make sure she gets some time everyday in a space like that, or just in the backyard. As much free rein as I can give her (stay off the roads, stay within general eyesight).

Will your DD walk if you go "for a walk" at her speed/her direction? DD likes to determine the speed and direction of our "walks" sometimes and when she's allowed to lead, she does enjoy walking on her own.

If you're worried about exercise, can you find some ways to help her get exercise while still feeling close/connected to you? Like maybe some Mama-led jumping/stretching/touch-your-toes/dancing sort of thing in a park or backyard? Would she be into some kind of toddler gym activity?

The rest of the time, I just wear her in the Ergo, wrap, or ring sling. Or push her in the stroller, if she'll allow it.