What To Do With Crawler During Outside Play?

[Kimberli]

Trying to transition my one 11 month old to the one nap a day program, but running into a challenge.

He used to take his morning nap while all the big kids had outdoor play, but now, he is awake during that time. He can't walk yet - is a crawler and a climber and into everything - so what do I do with him while he is outside? The patio is too rough (and right now too hot) for him to crawl on, he wants to get into the sandbox or eat grass. I tried bringing out a big quilt and giving him toys - that lasts for one minute! And he will not sit still in my lap.

I am in California - no pack and plays, swings, bouncers or play pens allowed. He weighs 26 pounds and I cannot hold him for the entire time.

Suggestions? I know you guys are a creative bunch! Thanks.

[DaisyMamma]

I have the same problem.
It drives me crazy. He doesn't want to be in a baby swing, or a pnp, or high chair. I won't let him crawl all over. He is miserable the whole time, but I cannot hold him the whole time either.
I find the sand box helpful sometimes as he hasn't crawled out of it yet.
Other then that, I'm looking forward to reading the other answers.....

[Unregistered]

I was in the same situation last year although our weather was cooler. I put the child in splash pants and put a pair of my socks on his hands. It worked great. The child was happy to crawl freely outside and he stayed relatively dry. The socks prevented him from putting most things in his mouth.

[SilverSabre25]

Socks on the hands in warmer weather and a snowsuit as soon as it's cold enough, even if it's not snowy. Keeps them warm and well-padded.

let him crawl and explore, just stay near him to remind him not to put things in his mouth "No mouth," as you intercept and brush his hand away will eventually teach him. And if things do get in there before you get there, well, it's a great chance to start teaching them to spit out yucky things. A funny and exaggerated, "BLECH!" with your tongue hanging out makes them laugh and mimic you, thus allowing you to remove the object. I usually say, "BLech! Icky, no mouth!" and it works. My now 16.5 month old has been minding this well since about 14 months.

[Cat Herder]

The big resin play pools with ball pit balls works well for me.

I just hang the pool back up on the fence so it does not fill with water during the rain.

The balls get bagged in a mesh laundry bag, dunked in bleach water, hung dry and tossed back into a rubber made bin. Simple.

I live in fire ant country.

[EchoMom]

I let all crawlers crawl outside. I warn parents that babiest that crawl WILL come home with dirty pants so send them in play clothes. I wash their hands and feet off if they got too dirty. I watch them and have them spit things out, take things out of their mouth they shouldn't have. However I do not worry a ton about grass & leaves, they kind of figure it out on their own that those things aren't tasty.

I think it's extremely important for babies to crawl around in nature and feel all the textures.

On my rough patio I put down foam interlocking mats. But they don't really stay on it anyway, they always end up in the grass or trying to eat mulch. Just be resilient, it's worth it for them to have that super important time!

[sharlan]

Trying to transition my one 11 month old to the one nap a day program, but running into a challenge.

He used to take his morning nap while all the big kids had outdoor play, but now, he is awake during that time. He can't walk yet - is a crawler and a climber and into everything - so what do I do with him while he is outside? The patio is too rough (and right now too hot) for him to crawl on, he wants to get into the sandbox or eat grass. I tried bringing out a big quilt and giving him toys - that lasts for one minute! And he will not sit still in my lap.

I am in California - no pack and plays, swings, bouncers or play pens allowed. He weighs 26 pounds and I cannot hold him for the entire time.

Suggestions? I know you guys are a creative bunch! Thanks.

Swings ARE LEGAL in CA. Do you have somewhere that you could put a toddler swing?

What about a superyard? You could place it on your patio ontop of a heavy blanket.

[sharlan]

The big resin play pools with ball pit balls works well for me.

I just hang the pool back up on the fence so it does not fill with water during the rain.

The balls get bagged in a mesh laundry bag, dunked in bleach water, hung dry and tossed back into a rubber made bin. Simple.

I live in fire ant country.

Good idea.

[crazydaycarelady]

Can you use exersaucers? I bought one at as garasge sale and keep it outside.

[mom2many]

Mine just crawl around on the grass. I have a 9 mth old that loves to be outside. We have raised flower beds and I just make sure no little leaves or twigs are on the grass for her to stick in her mouth.

[mom2many]

Can you use exersaucers? I bought one at as garasge sale and keep it outside.

Nope not in CA!

[youretooloud]

I just let them crawl outside. It never occurred to me to keep an 11 month old off the ground. I do cover their knees though.

[Meyou]

I use a superyard or two with a quilt underneath or trail the crawler and try to keep them out of the worst of the muck.

[Unregistered]

I'm in California as well. I know that bouncers and exersaucers are not allowed but pak n plays, play pens and swings are all most certaintly still allowed (for now anyway). I would do like PPs said and let the little one explore the grass etc with you watching close and use a pak n play for those times when you can't. I also love the plastic pool and balls idea!

[Kimberli]

I'm in California as well. I know that bouncers and exersaucers are not allowed but pak n plays, play pens and swings are all most certaintly still allowed (for now anyway). I would do like PPs said and let the little one explore the grass etc with you watching close and use a pak n play for those times when you can't. I also love the plastic pool and balls idea!

Sorry, I beg to differ. In the State of California, we are not allowed to use play pens or superyards or pack and plays unless the child 'is sleeping' in them. The are considered a 'Violation of a Child's Personal Rights' as it restricts their bodies. My licensing analyst is so strict, in fact, that she will not even allow me to gate off my kitchen because it could potentially hinder the way to an exit in the event of an emergency (the back slider) even though there are two additional exits in my downstairs area. (not kidding!)

Right now, I am putting him down and letting him crawl in the grass, but the problem is just that he gets filthy - heads for my planter boxes and attempts to 'eat' everything. I certainly know how to direct him not to put things in his mouth, but we are talking about a very strong willed, curious baby who is as big as a tank. Shadowing and relocating him to the extent that he needs is going to break my back - literally! This kiddo is a tank!

I LOVE the balls in the pool idea though! I just retired my pool since water days ended this month for me, so I will re-vamp it and get some balls and recycle it!

Thanks for some great ideas!