Toddler hates sitting still

[RunningAroundAgain]

I know toddlers are always really active but DD (18mths) from the day she was born absolutely hates anything that requires sitting still- the car, the pram, the highchair, even lying down for 2 minutes to change nappy.
This makes driving really hard, so we don't go out much anymore, walks are a nightmare, even sitting in highchair to eat her food (never mind going to a cafe/restaurant- have given up on that).
Christmas dinner was me sitting around with the in-laws, shovelling some turkey into my mouth, and then took her into other room to not disturb every else's meal). Even when she's sick, she wouldn't want to sit on couch even for a few minutes. Other than that she's a lovely very happy kid - once she's moving or snacking but that's just not always possible. Just wondering if anyone has any tips. I know i could go down the route of handing her my phone with cartoons on it, but for every drive, walk, meal just seems really excessive

I don't have any advice but I also have a non stop toddler. He's older though at 2.5
Ive bought him things he has to look at to try and get him to focus and just sit. Sticker books seem to be doing the trick at the minute, I cannot get him to look at a puzzle though. He will sometimes let me read a story but very rarely unless it's bedtime

Although it's annoying, remember that it's a temporary problem. She'll soon grow out of her toddler years and you might find yourself wishing them back.

Maybe she'll grow up to be really sporty or have a very active job? Try not to think of this as a problem. It's just part of who she is.

Sound like an average toddler but I feel for you. This is why pull up nappies were invented. Take her out the buggy and let her walk.

Children learn through moving, some more than others! She's only really young still and has only discovered walking/getting around independently so she's making the most of it. My 3 year old will now sit still for some things - painting, any crafts involving glue, and those books you paint with water(ideal for car journeys). She still only lasted 5 mins of sitting for Christmas lunch though so we just let her get down and play while we ate.

Thanks motherofmonsters I might try the sticker books when she's slightly older. Oh I know hotcuppatea I just sometimes get such cabin fever and get lonely, and have to weigh up if it's worth the upset and hysterics of going somewhere. But I'm sure it'll pass. Thanks selfsettling true about the pull ups, forgot they existed. I would take her out of buggy when we get to parks etc. She's just so tiny at the moment to be walking anywhere far and would probably want to be carried, but yes when she's a bit older, I'd say she'll much prefer that

It’s quite normal, make sure she has the chance to have a good around outside each day. It doesn’t always stop with the toddler years, my ds7 is still the same!

Why did you need to remove her from the room during Christmas lunch? Could she just not be allowed to wander around the room whilst you ate? I would think most adults and particularly grandparents wouldn’t be disturbed by a little child’s presence.
If she’s screeching to get her own way, are you inadvertently rewarding it by giving the attention for unwanted behaviour?
It’s normal but you don’t want to encourage it. She can walk slowly to the park and be offered choice of pushchair or walking rather than carrying.

Alternatively get a bicycle seat or trailer and consider a rucksack carrier.

Mine only started watching TV at 18 months - he would never sit for a minute before that and wouldn't even look at it - I know they're not meant to watch it but sometimes you need 5 minutes peace!

Since 18 months there's been an increase in his ability to sit and do activities for a couple of minutes - he now loves drawing and stickers but his favourite game is still running round the dining table at top speed!

It doesn’t always stop with the toddler years, my ds7 is still the same!

I was also going to say this! 😩 Sometimes I manage to embrace it as Just Who He Is, sometimes I still find it very difficult not to look at other more placid children and wish I had that, at least for a little while, on the days when my nerves are frazzled. Sympathies OP.

Oh - to also add, DC2 who is 21 months is a totally different kettle of fish. She’s strong and physical and energetic, but she also has a ‘relax’ mode and always has done. Just mentioning that because I think it’s easy to believe/hear that something in your parenting is causing this but mine were just totally different in this regard from even before they were born. It’s not you.

At 18 months you can try a scooter or balance bike quite easily for walks.

You could do lots of large scale messy play - get a roll of lining paper, tape it to the kitchen floor and let her go crazy with paints on it

Could you go out on public transport? Bring either a sling or one of those ultra cheap flimsy easy fold buggies mothercare used to do. Attach a shoulder strap to it (you can probably get something in a camping store). Or you could spend more on one of those travel ones perhaps. When you're on the bus fold it up and have her on your lap. She'll be able to look out of the window and point things out. Then when you get where you want to go she can walk. When she gets tired, the buggy might be more acceptable to her. That would get you out and about a bit.

I do know what you mean about a different level of activity from most toddlers. Both of mine have been OK with being restrained as long as something is happening - so movement or meal times. But a couple of my friends have had the total dynamo, refuses to be strapped in or made to be still for any reason. There is a difference.

I think closer to two for a bike or scooter, even a balance bike.