11 Month Old- Non Walker- OUTSIDE?

[Unregistered]

WWYD- 11 month old- non walker- comes everyday without shoes. Its still chilly here so I feel bad for her bringing her out on walks in the AM but the rest of my kids need to get out. I cover her with a blanket while in the stroller but I still feel like something on her feet would be helpful. I have asked but no shoes from mom.

Also, should I put her out on the deck with my other kids in the afternoon? Obviously I am out there and would be watching like a hawk but should I just let her crawl around on the deck even without shoes- or do I try to (HA) keep her in a stroller or pnp until she is a better walker? We have a 25 foot x 25 foot deck and the kids love it so I cant go without using it.

[Cat Herder]

I keep extra pairs of thick socks and footed pajamas for outside time with non-ambulatory infants. I simply have them big enough to cover their street clothing and put their coats over them.

You may want to consider creating an outdoor infant playground as well as a toddler one if you plan to continue to keep infants in the future, though.

The most basic would be to lay down a section of indoor/outdoor carpeting directly on the ground and place a baby gate around it. You can secure the gate with tent stakes and toss in some ball pit balls (or other easily cleaned toys). They love them and it is easy to set up or take down.

I, personally, have also used a hard plastic kiddie pool with the ball pit balls (no water of course ) in lei of the babygate as an enclosure. At one time they were a fraction of the cost of the circular gates and the since the sides were much higher, they were pretty comparable in safety.

The problem now, with the kiddie pools, is that they are making them too shallow to keep the infant safely inside when your back is turned caring for a rowdy toddler. It only takes a couple seconds.

Good luck in whatever you decide!!

[cheerfuldom]

I would just turn kiddo loose (unless the deck is not safe for her). I would also remind mom again that shoes are a necessity. If they still don't show up, I would get some extra socks for emergency and keep reminding mom that she needs shoes.

[daysofelijah]

I have a non-crawling/non-walking 13 month old. She scoots around on her bum. I told mom to bring extra old pants to wear over the top of what she's wearing. So I put the extra pants on over her clothes and she always wears Robeez. She completely tore through the bottom on them from scooting around my driveway. So now I just put them on backwards until she tears through that side! I hope she walks soon!

[Abigail]

Are shoes the only thing this child needs to be safe outside or do you really want a safe zone for infants?

I would remind the mom and give her a choice......bring shoes to KEEP at your place or reimburse you for a pair you have (even though you will go out and buy a pair of your choice for this child).

[DancingQueen]

insist on shoes or robeez.
Period.

I can't afford to keep all these extra supplies for all of these kids and I don't have the storage to keep storing it all.
Parents need to provide the basic necessities that help you to care for their children. Period!
I beleive that there is no doubt that footware ESPECIALLY now that spring is here is one of those!

[Unregistered]

insist on shoes or robeez.
Period.

I can't afford to keep all these extra supplies for all of these kids and I don't have the storage to keep storing it all.
Parents need to provide the basic necessities that help you to care for their children. Period!
I beleive that there is no doubt that footware ESPECIALLY now that spring is here is one of those!

I AGREE!!! I think the more you provide for parents the more they take advantage and don't bother bringing b/c they know you will have it covered.