So - how much stuff do your let your lo touch

papagena

when out and about?  I'm big on touching = learning, especially in younger babies, so I admit, I'm not adverse to DS touching things that he won't hurt/break/or otherwise diminish the quality of while we're out and about.  I'm also not a huge germaphobe (for better or worse). 

For example - we were at Menards, and I let him try out some of the 'touch me' Halloween items, as well as a huge stuffed toy and let him (supervised) grab at some sturdy wood trim that I knew there was no way he could break it.  It also bought me some time to make some decisions with DH, so it was rather helpful.  I guess I'm too used to a non-walker who I can just wear and be fine with.  That's not quite the case anymore, and I haven't transitioned to being good about bringing in toys (which, frankly) would not be nearly as interesting as being on the ground walking around and getting into stuff. 

What do you allow when you're at stores?  A strict, no touching policy?  You can mess with it a bit under supervision?  Ooops - lets add that damaged item to the shopping cart?  

SapphyrEyes

The only place I let DS really go hog wild is the fabric store.  He can't hurt fabric or yarn.  So, we will walk through aisles just to touch the different fabric and he LOVES it.  Other places no.  When we're at the grocery store if he's sitting in the cart I will hand him things to toss into the basket that won't break or aren't too heavy.  And if he's in the Ergo I hand him things to put on the belt because he loves to help if he can.

luvlieK

Honestly I don't stop him unless we are somewhere medical, dangerous, or its breakable.

babyluv617

luvlieK:

Honestly I don't stop him unless we are somewhere medical, dangerous, or its breakable.

This. But, normally, he just runs laps. 

luvlieK

babyluv617:

luvlieK:

Honestly I don't stop him unless we are somewhere medical, dangerous, or its breakable.

This. But, normally, he just runs laps.?

lol?

smurfetteinred

I let N run around and touch things when I know he can't break them. Dh flips out about this attitude. We went to Target the other day and he was taking things off the shelves but he would hold them up to me to know what they were and I'd tell them and then say 'put it back' and he would. I don't see the harm in it and while he was 'running' around, he never got in anyone's way. If someone was coming down the aisle he moved to the side so they could get by. Had I put him in the cart he would have been crying and whining which I'm sure would have been far more annoying to people. If he was just running rampant, tearing things off the shelves then I would probably put a nix on it!

papagena

babyluv617:

luvlieK:

Honestly I don't stop him unless we are somewhere medical, dangerous, or its breakable.

This. But, normally, he just runs laps. 

LOL - too cute. 

Dobie_Mama

luvlieK:

Honestly I don't stop him unless we are somewhere medical, dangerous, or its breakable.

Ditto.  I'm one of those people who has to touch everything in a store so, I figure DD can too!
 

melsie

i usually limit DD's touching to safer stores or areas of stores. we do go to Sam's club and she has to hold my hand the entire time but she can walk the whole store and touch pretty much anything she likes (she also loves to help open the freezer cabinets to get things out that we need) but i don't let her near the heated displays or anything dangerous.

if we are somewhere like Michael's or a craft area i usually put her in the cart while i get my shopping done, then i go back thru some safer area (the self touch Halloween decorations or baskets isle) and let her play a little. but i stay out of the wood working, paint and small jewelry isles.  If she sees some beads or something iffy i will hold it for her and ask her to touch it gently or just point it out and ask her questions about it (sparkly? what color? etc.)

GladToBeMrs.SRS

I'm pretty no-touch.  I generally avoid taking the kids to places that won't be appropriate for their age.  Joanie can handle most situations.  Josh, not so much.  He's very much at the two-year-old-boy stage. 

My goal while shopping is to select and buy the items I need (obviously), but also to create as little hassle and inconvenience as possible for my fellow shoppers and shop owners/workers.  My kids would be "in trouble" if they mess up merchandise.  

My opinion is that they will have plenty of time to explore the "off-limits" goodies when they're just a little older.  There's no need to put them in a potentially frustrating (for them and ME) situation at this point in their lives.  

suzymarie

If the store isn't busy, and I am not in a hurry, and it isn't breakable, I let DS touch stuff. 

6 months ago that worked great but now he is getting a bit more destructive with things, so it is a little more difficult.