Does your 17 month old play with toys?

[Tee2072]

My son, who is just 17 months today, doesn't sit and play. Ever since he became steady on his feet, about 3 weeks ago, all he does all day is wander our flat. Usually he's holding a toy, sometimes one that makes noise when he presses it, but it is very rare for him to sit and play with his blocks or what have you.

I am not concerned, just find it rather odd!

If he's just getting mobile then it sounds normal - why would he want to sit still and play when there's a whole new world out there to be explored?! It won't last - enjoy the fact that you don't need to spend out on toys for a month or two.

Thanks Scroobious!

Hi,

Alf is exactly the same at 19 months. It's all about the environment for him. Toys are, according to him,an evil distraction sent by us to stop him getting to plugs/doors/draws/stairs/glass or whatever totally toddler UNfriendly situation he wants to get himself in. And like your baby, it all kicked in when he found his own two feet!!!

To be honest, I have just accepted him for who he is now. I STUPIDLY tried to get him to sit and do some messy play today - all that happened was he got cross and angry. Set him loose in the soft play area a few minuites later and he was happy as larry, testing every possibly escape route to its limit :)

I did used to panic that he wasnt learning whilst he is exploring, but then silly me twigged, of course he is learning. Its just that his way of learning costs me alot less then my friends babies way of learning!!!!

My only advice is get yourself a comfy pair of shoes - if he is as like Alf as he dsounds, you are going to be doing ALOT of running around after him!!!!

Hi Toddler

Thanks for the response.

He mostly just runs around the house at the moment and occasionally at the park. At the house I just let him do his thing!

I have lost a few pounds though!