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Toddlers: Stroller vs. walking
Results so far:
| Stroller | 43% | 158 votes | Total: 367 votes | |
| Walking | 57% | 209 votes |
Stroller
by Alicia Sloley
Created on: April 13, 2009 Last Updated: April 15, 2009
Having been a mother of three children, I found in my experience it was far safer and less tiring when the children were toddlers to go out in their strollers.
This day and age with busy streets and roads I think it is a lot safer for a child to go out in a stroller. When you get to your destination providing it is safe the child can then get out and walk.
For instance, when going to the supermarket, it would be a terrible idea to allow the child to walk and also will make it very difficult to do your shopping trying to avoid the child from pullings thing down and also bumping into things or being hurt by trolleys or other shoppers walking into them.
Also can you imagine how stressful it would be going to most busy areas such as airports, bus stations and train stations with a toddler walking.
There is a time and place for Toddlers to walk such as at home in the park and safe areas. But in general this is not the case with most parents busy lives and most areas are just not safe for toddlers.
The child can be quite happy in the stroller and is still getting the added advantage of having fresh air. There are so many lovely toys and books which can be attached to the stroller to help amuse the child.
When the child is in the stroller, as parents we can still play and talk to the child, avoiding the child from becoming bored or upset with the parents knowledge of knowing the child is safe.
Some people may think that the child will not get enough exercise. But there is plenty of time in a day for the child to run around and at the same time tire themselves out in a safe environment.
Years ago a child was not encouraged to walk outside too quick without strollers and it did the child no harm at all. Most children would go out in strollers well into their 4th year.
I think it is a priority to keep our children safe and if this means taking the children out in strollers so be it.
I am sure we have all at some stage heard stories of parents turning their heads for one minute and the child running off. The pure stress and anxiety that causes the parent. Also a child running into the road with near misses or in some cases the child being knocked over or sometimes killed.
It really is not worth taking that chance as it can happen to the most caring parent in the world. It just takes a split second to take your eyes off them and they are gone.
So for a matter of a few years of going out in a stroller you can have many safe and happy years together because, let's face it, they are not small for long.
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Walking
by Rebecca K.
Created on: June 27, 2009
Once your baby learns to walk, it is an accomplishment they are very proud of. A toddler especially revels in his/her mobility and allowing them ample time to walk and exercise is key to their muscle development- not to mention it tires them out so they'll take a nap. Strollers are very handy for young babies who don't walk yet, but should be used very sparingly with toddlers.
There is a time and a place to use a stroller for your toddler. For instance, if you are going to a fair or carnival and it is going to be a long day on foot. In this case, you should allow your child to walk as much as they want but also allow them time to rest or nap in the stroller. Strollers are handy to bring along because they have baskets to carry your stuff and provide shade on sunny days. If you are fearful of loosing your child in a big crowd, simply get one of those child harnesses for him/her. They allow your child to walk with some freedom and you to dig in your purse to pay for lunch without worry your child will wander off
I do fear some parents over-use the stroller. If you're going on a short walk or just down to the neighbors, leave the wheels at home. Some parents plop their kid in the seat and strap them in simply because they're tired of chasing them everywhere. I must say I can understand their frustration. My son is very active and likes to venture away from me in our yard, but I do not feel compelled to confine him to a baby stroller.
Imagine how frustrated you would feel if you always got plunked into a chair? Toddlers spend a great deal of time being confined either behind safety gates or in pens in the house or in a highchair. Now take them outdoors where everything is new and exciting- then disappoint them by constantly strapping them down. If your child doesn't have a chance to walk on his own, how will he ever learn what "No" means or to step over an object or many other things we take for granted?
Walking is better for toddlers because it allows them to touch and feel their environments. They can go and pick you a buttercup, they learn to walk up and down hills and on different types of footing. What toddler doesn't like to play in the mud now and then? Besides all the fun exploring, walking builds muscles and confidence in your child. Sure strollers are have their place for toddlers, but it should be an increasingly smaller place in their lives. Just because something is convenient doesn't mean that it is best.
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