carrying heavy toddler

[howiloveanicecupoftea]

DS is 2 and I still have to carry him in order to go and change his nappy and up to bed etc. He can walk but when do they just take themselves off to do these things rather than the back breaking carrying we have to do?

Mine were about 18 months. It required encouragement and usually when they weren't tired.

Well you are choosing to carry him put him down he will walk just jolly him along

Can you not hold his hand and walk him to where you want to go? I encourage that with DS who is 18 months. I still have to carry him if he is refusing to go or having a tantrum. I allow him to go up the stairs carefully with me behind (ready to help if necessary) but I carry him down (doesn't seem safe to let him try that yet). Also if he's upset and needs a cuddle I might carry him a while. So still needs carrying at some points but largely walks (or runs sigh).

Basically I'm trying to say you can encourage walking as much as poss but I don't think you will eliminate the carrying entirely any time soon

I stopped picking up unless hurt or upset at around 18 months because of a bad back, does require some persuasion and you have to be consistent.

I have a bad back but I still occasionally carry 3 year old Dd.

I encourage her to stand on a chair or something higher first. Means I don't have to bend to pick her up and it makes a big difference

I cut down on carrying by 16 months. None bar emergency by 18 months. She climbs the stairs by herself and has a little step for getting up on our bed etc. I was heavily pregnant so pretty motivated though. Agree with others that you have to be consistent

I had twins so couldn't carry after 17 months - make them walk!

It's your choice not theirs