Getting out for a walk question

[Neera]

We didn't have this opportunity up until now. DD is 3.5 and we had nowhere to walk where we lived earlier. We lived on a busy street with a narrow sidewalk that was not v. long either. So, I'd drive her to a park or a store or to the library. If it was raining or in winters if it was wet we never got out and we had crazy, crazy tantrums because of unburned energy.

Do you go out everyday irrespective of the weather with the exception of course of extreme weather condition? Need tips.

[crunchy_mommy]

I'm very sensitive to cold, humidity, etc. so we only go for walks when I'm feeling up to it (and the other days we go to the library or something). Even if we don't go for a walk or play outside, we do make sure to get out of the house every day... I'm trying to compile a list of local indoor activities so we have options in the dead of winter (I'm just not into walking on icy streets in below-freezing weather, and we don't have sidewalks around here!) Anyway -- enjoy your new walking routine, it sure is great to get out huh?

[carmel23]

We get out everyday, except if it is pouring, pouring rain, and even then we usually go out. I put my kid in rainpants, and a jacket. If it is cold but dry (we're in the pacific NW) I put my toddler in a fleece bunting.

It may seem like overkill, but it is *cold* in the shade (big huge trees) and then if my lo crawls or kneels, and gets a little wet, he doesn't feel it through his clothes.

I think if you have a goal, like even just around the block, and do that every day-- it is really important for little ones.

Plan for A LOT of time to cover a little bit of space. A young toddler could spend 10 minutes walking 1/2 a block. And that is okay, never rush the child on these types of walks.

If you want to get to a destination, use a carrier or stroller, until you get to where the little one can get out and walk.

[Thing1Thing2]

I'm not really an outdoors person, but for my DS I try to get out every day, even if it's just to sit on the porch under the awning and talk about the trees and bugs, etc...

[honeybunmom]

My husband is at home with our 18 mos old and he does aim to get him outside every day other than going to pick up our older daughter.

When I was at home on maternity leave for 6 mos, we did go outside everyday. I find that the more mobile they become, the more vital it is to get out and get fresh air and a chance to move and be fully in their bodies.

ETA: And when the baby went through his peak fussiness period, nothing stopped the fussies better than throwing on a carrier and running outside. Sometimes all it took was a walk around the block, sometimes a bit further.

Only heavy rain and extreme cold keep us inside. We have woolies (shirt and pants for my pre-schooler and body suits, made by me recycled cashmere romper and wool one piece for going over clothes for the little guy), rain pants for dd, rain gear for ds. At my daughter's pre-school they go out every day regardless of weather unless it is totally inclimate, so, we are already indoctrinated for what appropriate clothing we need to achieve this for both kids at home.

[AKislandgirl]

Getting outside is essential to our day! Even if its just the back yard DD needs it and really, so do I. We live on an island in the middle of the north pacific. It's often rainy and cold so we just buy (or score hand me down!) really good outdoor gear. We also have a rain fly for our jog stroller so if she's cranky and won't fall asleep I push her in that and she can fall asleep. Layers are great, wool is amazing, fleece and quality rain gear. Good boots are a must! Sometimes we just walk up and down our road (a dead end dirt road) and stomp in puddles for half and hour. She loves that! She's happy in any weather even when it's raining sideways!

[lifeguard]

I aim to get out every day but quite frankly some days I'm better at sticking to my principles than other days! It's not even just the weather but how I'm feeling or how much sleep we've had or how many potty accidents ds has had, etc.

[Ruthie's momma]

Yes, we get out everyday. It doesn't ever rain much here in Colorado. But, it can get quite cold during the winter months. And, of course, it does snow. At those times, I just bundle DD up in layers and we head out.

[confustication]

We go outside whenever the weather is decent. When it is below zero or over 100, we tend to stay in. Rain and snow don't bother us, but hail and lightning are problematic.

I find that getting the kids out early in the day (often a walk before breakfast) and again just before or after dinner is key to helping to establish healthy sleep patterns (of course, I was up for a little boy play party last night at 2am, so what do I know?) We also try to get some really good gross motor experience in there, climbing/running/kicking/throwing- it all really helps my 2yo regulate himself better.

[gbailey]

We go out everyday for a walk at least once a day. Sometimes to actually get something at the supermarket or sometimes just to browse the supermarket. The library is one of our favorite places.

When it is raining, we take the stroller and the rain cover. In the winter our walks are shorter because I just can't take the cold and she's bundled up well.

[physmom]

Normally we get out at least once a day, many times twice. We don't have a car so whenever we run errands we're walking. Also, if the weather is good DD gets to walk for awhile before my runs (then she gets in the jogging stroller after she's tired and I take off).

We just bought DD rainboots and a rainjacket but despite our usual constant rain it hasn't rained at all since they arrived! But once it does rain again we'll definitely take her out to enjoy it. Obviously, we stay in when it's lightning, though...

[Neera]

Thanks. I don't like to go out in the cold myself and we never did because of the situation but I used to see other kids going out in the cold and thought we were missing something. I guess it's going to be a combo of me getting some excercise along with her and learning to get out more in the cold; hopefully, it'll help me not be so sensitive to the cold. There is of course one problem that dd gets wheezing and will have to check with her specialist.

[Theoretica]

Reading this makes me realize I need to make a habit of taking my toddler for a walk much more often. Thanks for the nudge!

[sapphire_chan]

I read a quote once that I've tried to use (with mixed success ) "There's no such thing as bad weather, only inadequate clothing."

So we have rain coats, boots, umbrellas, winter gear, sun hats, water bottles, sandals, etc etc.

DD doesn't always want to cooperate and make use of any of it, but at least instead of saying "no, it's raining" I can tell her to get dressed so we can go outside.

I'm so glad that there were decent sidewalks on the busy street we lived on before, but it is sooo much nicer to actually have running around space.