Baby Loves to Walk

Yep, it is one of those things that they want to walk but are too young to be let loose out in public. You will need to teacher her to "hold my hand." Or, explain she will need to ride in a stroller.

If she throws a fit, you will just have to leave. I know it is frustrating, but this is just part of it.
Our daughter was 6months when she first learned to walk unassisted and it did take a while for her to understand, if she did not follow the hold my hand or sit in her stroller, we would leave.

My solution was always wear them out and then when they are tired put them in the stroller with a snack and go to Starbucks or wherever you like to go. Take her to a park or to the play area in a mall and let her walk and run until she is tired. Then, she'll sit in the stroller with a sippy cup and a toy while you head for your own break!

she may throw a fit because she wants to walk, but you just have to tell her no or give her a consequence. yes, she's a bit young, but if it's too inconvenient or inappropriate, you have to be the parent & tell her no. it may get her hurt or something.

my daughter just turned 5, & there are certain times like in the grocery store where she will ride in the cart cause its more convenient. we give her a few chances to be responsible, but if she starts touching things to much, etc. she's in the cart.

it's just something you & her have to learn, & get used to.

Good luck!

i agree with laurie - and it seems the younger they start, the harder it is, because they don't understand verbally as much. mine started walking at 9 months, and we had to learn hand holding really fast. basically i taught him if he wouldn't behave while holding my hand, i would carry him or he would be in the stroller. yet another thing, where you have to create rules and stick to them. for her safety, and your sanity!

it sounds like you've already gotten some excellent advice on here!

i say stick with hand holding. if she refuses to hold your hand then pick her up. you can say clearly "if you hold my hand you can walk, but if you don't i have to pick you up." if she's old enough to walk, then she's probably old enough to understand this. :)

so many moms hate harnesses because they don't want their babies to look like leashed dogs. but just as leashes for dogs (who are beloved, not some despised order of being) actually allow more freedom for them and their humans, baby harnesses allow baby to explore in a manner that is safe for her and pleasant for those around, and best of all, allow you to keep your hair on your head.
khairete
S.

A harness helps for safety.