When can you start taking them out in public

So this morning when I went to the gym I was able to park right by the door so I decided to just take them in and let them walk instead of putting them in the stroller. Going in went pretty smoothly but then when it was time to leave my daughter saw some other kids getting a snack and she didn't want to leave. I was holding her hand and she dropped to the ground so it looked like I was swinging her by her arm. One of the ladies working there was like "oh my". I had to pull her through the gate and out the door of the childcare area. Once we were out of there she ran ahead a little bit but it was still a little too crazy. My son is fine about walking and holding my hand but my daughter hates that and will do the thing of dropping to the ground. I am just wondering when the time will come when I can take them out and they can walk in someplace like civilized little people instead of out of control cavemen.

 

Mine are starting to do that now, but if it's somewhere I know they are going to try to get away (like the grocery store), I put the harness on them just in case. That way if they do get away, they aren't going far, and I don't have to try to drag one twin while I chase the other one! :lol:

 

yep, harnesses! But I will say that probably practice makes perfect... I keep meaning to even just practice at home with having them go with me to the mailbox... but until then its the stroller, or the harnesses. They love their animal backpack harnesses and I usually make sure that they are still holding my hand even though I also have a hold of the "tail" leash... that way they are learning that they need to hold on and not just roam free...

good luck!

 

My girls are 16.5 months old and I trade on and off with taking a stroller and not taking one. We went to the beach today, and I did not take a stroller, we walked. It was fine, but I have one girl who has a hard time holding my hand, so I tend to carry her. On the way back, the sand was too hot, so I had to carry them both (broken shoulder and all...)which was crappy for me, but fine once we got to the shaded sidewalk.

If I park close enough to the shopping cart returns, then I just load one in the cart and carry one. The stroller I tend to use if we have to take a car is a single umbrella stroller that I got at babies r us for $30 (and sometimes they give them away for free if you order a certain amount of products). I don't use harnesses.

I am with my girls during the week for three of the 5 business days. The "chores" we have to do, I incorporate into their time, so I want it to be fun and an adventure for them. It may take me more time than doing it before I had kids, but it is always a new experience for them and that is really my first focus, second is complelting the chore/task.

 

My twins are 18 months old and my estimation on when I'm going to be able to do this is NEVER!!!! :wacko: All kidding aside, I cannot imagine taking them without their stroller....I'm thinking at least another year, maybe more.

shannon

 

:lol:

I was reading the topic and thinking the same thing. :laughing:

Mine were in a stroller for the most part up until they were about 3.5 YO. They rode nicely and there was no reason to rock the boat.

 

i started doing short errands without the stroller at probably around 20 months or so. now, i tend to play it by ear based on my energy/calmness level, their mood, and where we're going. i have implemented a new walk or stroller only rule (in other words, i won't carry them anymore). they're just getting too big to carry both of them at the same time & of course, if i pick one up, the other one wants up too so ardon:.

 

Mine are over 2 yrs old and I havent ventured out alone with them without the pram and I dont want to as they both go in opposite directions and go everywhere!

Once I took them to daycare in the car and totally forgot to leave the pram there. When I went to collect them (minus the car), I found I had to walk home with them. Not fun. It´s a 20 minute walk for an adult so you can imagine what it was like! DS was a nightmare and wanted to be carried the whole time. DD held my hand and was good but it wasnt a pleasant experience. After 30 mins, I had to call DH in the end to help me home (I almost made it but couldnt carry DS anymore with one arm!).

I recommend you buy the little Toddler rucksacks with reins on. Mine love theirs:

http://www.amazon.com/Littlelife-Animal-Toddler-Daypack-Turtle/dp/B000PBVT1S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1282240743&sr=8-2

I havent tried them out and about yet (havent had the opportunity to this summer!) but I know they love wearing them!

 

Yeah, I'm still waiting for the day I can take them out (alone) with no stroller. <_< When they melt down, Jack kicks and Nate gets boneless and "noodly". I have nightmares about them doing it at the same time! :laughing:

Those are super cute!! I love how they can actually hold stuff in there, unlike a lot of the other toddler backpack/harnesses. :good: