[JamesMama]

My son is a climber. He climbs onto everything. His newest trick is he climbs on the recliner and messes with the counter, so I moved the recliner closer to the couch, far away from the counter so he can't reach...he nearly fell on his head trying to reach the counter.

I've moved most of what he climbs on and made things as safe as possible (gotta have furniture though!) I brought his little slide deal in the house and when he's climbing I say "Chairs aren't for climbing, lets go climb your slide instead." and that will last for all of 5 minutes, then he's right back to trying to reach the counter, trying to climb up the back of the sofa, trying to climb onto the kitchen table. It makes me very nervous, I'm terrified he's going to fall and break something (himself, not the furniture) or something.

Any tips on how to break the climber?

I live in a single wide trailer so the house is pretty much as baby-proofed as it's going to get. *sigh*

ETA- What I've done so far, the kitchen chairs are held together by bungee cords so he can't climb onto them anymore, now he just tries to climb up the back of them...don't think he can though. The recliner is moved closer to the couch so he can't reach the counter, he still tries though and nearly falls every time...there isn't really anything on the counter he can reach but the recliner rocks so I'm scared he'll hurt himself.

 

[bugginsmom]

I also have a wonderful climbing ds. The only advice I can give you is to offer lots of opportunity for climbing in safe places/ways. Climbing is his natural way of exploring his environment and developing his new physical skills and balance. Daily trips to the park will help, if that is possible. Also, when my ds was at his most active stage with climbing we built obstacle courses with couch cushions and pillows, etc. to help him climb and exercise his body in a safe way since it was the middle of winter here and outdoor time was limited.

 

[UUMom]

I have a 13 mo old nephew whom I watch several times a week who is a climber. I let him when I can--yk, when I think it's safe. I just stand behind him and make sure he doesn't fall.

When my 4 were of the toddler climbing age, I did the same. It's a short lived time. You do have to be there, or set up pillows on the floor, or steady things against other things, but I've been able to make the climbing safe. No glass on top, no chairs near hot stoves etc.

 

[slightly crunchy]

How old is he? Sounds like some where between one and two years?

I don't think you can expect him not to climb. I have gone through this stage with 2 kids, and it's tiring, but I just have to shadow him all of the time, and be there if he takes a misstep. Also go outside, if possible, when he is in a climbing mood. It won't last forever.

 

[amaliaday]

Okay, so this ISN'T helpful but we encourage DD to finish with a "ta-da!" and arm raise when she gets to the top.(it's just so cute! and lets me know she really has her balance) I'm hoping at some point the DR table will become less appealing. We help her down after her climb and "ta-da!" but I think she is just exploring. I am just sure to be present and I really don't think she is going to hurt herself.

Hugs!

 

[captain crunchy]

Quote:

The only advice I can give you is to offer lots of opportunity for climbing in safe places/ways. Climbing is his natural way of exploring his environment and developing his new physical skills and balance.

I second that. Our daughter climbs everything. We have taken measures to prevent disaster, bolting bookshelves to the wall and such -- but we encourage the climbing. Like the pp said, it is an important developmental stage. Sure, she has taken a few spills, but she hasn't hurt herself at all.

 

[momto l&a]

IMO he is a boy, that what boys do.

Heck my girls are climbers, as long as they wont hurt themselves or break something I let them.

 

[DevaMajka]

Don't know if you could do this, but ds uses a step stool behind the couch, to climb up over the back of it. I ask him to only do it if dp or I are sitting there, and he pretty much does. He does it a few times, and he's worn out. lol
Also, do you have a step stool he can climb on to see the counter? Or could you sit him up there while you cook, or do dishes, or whatever? Maybe he wants a good view of the counter, more than he wants to climb.
We have a little step stool, and a 3 step stool. He likes to have the little one out all the time, to look up a little higher. Sometimes he asks us to get the other one out, so he can stand up really high. That one I like to be very close, though.

Just some thoughts.

 

[BellinghamCrunchie]

Our DD is a climber, too. She is especially fascinated with the kitchen counter; I think its because she sees us using the counter alot and wants to imitate us.

She also does not like to be changed. Its nearly impossible to change her lying down anymore because she kicks and wiggles. So I started changing her by standing her up on the counter, which works really well.

From her point of view, she now has regular "counter time," like the rest of the family does. It has helped A LOT both with being able to change her regularly and cutting down on the climbing because it allows her to meet her "counter needs"