LO is now on the loose..now what?!

[tattlebaby]

Ok guys, so PLEASE break it down to me…how on earth is mommy suppose to cook, clean, and run around the house chasing baby/toddler, keeping them away from harm???!!!!? I feel pretty bad, but my husband and I have had our LO, now 16 months in a pretty big play yard in our living room during the most part of the day, and we have managed to keep her in there while I tackle other things sometimes, like cooking. DH usually gets in there with her and plays with her so she doesn't get bored.Of course she gets the opportunity to walk outside of the play yard but with one of us holding her hand(s). And we take her out side for daily walks, car rides, and to the park as well..etc. We're nervous wrecks though when it comes to her, and so scared too of the possibility of our two cats causing any harm to her. Although they've been great so far, can't complain. Anyway, today I noticed she's pretty much DONE with the play yard. She's now much stronger and can almost push and tilt the play yard with her body weight. I knew this day would come, but now I'm like, ok…NOW WHAT?! My main concern is when I'm cooking in the kitchen, I mean I'll still be able to see her but I'm so scared that she'll fall, bump her head on furniture or whatever the case may be. I notice everyone else lets their babies walk around the house like nothing, even at a very early age! Please guys..I need words of encouragement as this is the hardest thing I've ever had to do with my baby..leave her on the loose. Just as an FYI, she is walking, but occasionally still tumbles and falls or trips. I know we have to let go in order to let her gross motor skills develop, but I'm freaking out! How on earth does everyone else do it????!!!

 

[staralfur]

I admit that I have trouble relating as I've always been pretty relaxed with my LO roaming the house. Honestly, as long as you've done some basic baby proofing like keeping sharp and poisonous items out of reach, things are going to be just fine. My LO took many tumbles during her early toddling days and to me it's just part of learning and growing up.

I think you'll find that once you let her do her thing for a while you'll get to see first-hand that there's not a lot of trouble she can get into if you use common sense!

 

[minties]

I'm not sure quite what to say. Is a play yard like a small cage of some sort?! Let your toddler roam, it's not healthy to shut them up so much, for their mental or physical health.

 

[LovemyBubx]

Would a extendable stair gate work somehow across the room so she has a bit more freedom but still in a contained area, obviously depends on size of your room xx