STM with FTM problems

[Mamabear04]

I have 2 children DD is 3y and DS is 8m. DS just started crawling and pulling himself up a couple of weeks ago. Since then I really struggle to get him to sit still and he gets upset if he sits in his buggy or high chair for long. We were in lockdown when DD was this age so I never had to contend with going out as we had to stay at home all the time so she had all the hours in the day to practise her new skills(obviously it was lockdown!)

Basically I really want to meet my uncle but it would involve getting a bus into the city centre and then probably having to go somewhere for a coffee. I really doubt DS will sit in a highchair for long and I would feel bad asking my uncle to meet us for what could be a disaster (he doesn't have kids so don't think he would understand fully). We live on opposite sides of the city and I'm not a confident driver so I don't think I could visit him and then bless him if I invite him round he'll stay for hours as he's single/retired. I only have 1 day a week without nursery runs and DD where its just me and DS but I just don't know how to do it. Any advice?

Do what everyone else does - distract him! He can practice standing on your knees, sit for a bit, bounce him a bit, give him a toy… all the usual things people do when out with wriggly babies.

Go somewheremore family friendly where you can still have have coffee?

I've been to a couple of cafes that had a downstairs bit, so I'd usually head down there where it was quieter and let baby have a wriggle. Some cafes have specific kids areas (my favourite one by the beach does - just some cushions and a head made, but it's brilliant!) Or meet up at a playground, or even soft play (that last one is a bit of a last resort....). Taking a young child.to a cafe where they will nab to sit still and be quiet and not play with the lovely shiny spoons that make such a great noise when you smash them on the table.... nah. It's just more hassle than its worth most of the time!

Meet him at a playground and let your little ones run/crawl around, then when baby is napping have a coffee. These ages are tricky, if he doesn't understand that's unfortunate but that's not your fault.